There are, in fact, many islands to visit in Malaysia, and I have come up with a compilation of some of the best islands around the country. This list is suitable for anyone who loves islands and beaches.
The islands of Malaysia cater to all kinds of tourists and visitors, namely for a family holiday, backpacking, romantic getaway, travelling with kids, diving and snorkelling, or simply relaxing.
No matter what kind of visitor you are, these islands are broken down with basic information and no particular order.
The islands are also located around Malaysia, including Sabah Borneo. Seriously, when was the last time you had a decent tropical island escape?
I hope with this list, you will make some interesting choices in planning your island holiday here in Malaysia.
Islands to Visit in Malaysia
1. Rawa Island or Pulau Rawa
This unique island is located just off the town of Mersing en route to Tioman Island and is a private island with only two accommodations.
One of them is called Rawa Safaris Resort which is the popular choice, while the other is known as Alang's Rawa, a backpacker style lodging here.
When you talk about White Sand Beaches, it is all here at Pulau Rawa. Fantastic for couples, families, and backpackers.
It can get crowded during the local holiday seasons and is part of the monsoon season. Best visited during April - September.
2. Sipadan Island or Pulau Sipadan
Malaysia's top diving destination and located on the east side of Sabah Borneo, Sipadan Islands, is one of the must-dive places for most scuba divers and rated one of the most beautiful dive spots globally.
Until a few years ago, the government has stopped any form of accommodation on the main island due to environmental reasons.
Nowadays, divers stay at nearby Mabul or Kapalai Island while 120 daily dive permits are issued out to divers for diving at Sipadan Islands. This is clearly not where you would bring your family, but if everyone dives, why not.
Accommodations range from budget lodge-style right to 5-Star Resorts at Mabul Island and Kapalai Island. A marine police station is the only structure that is on Sipadan Island. Check for the rainy season.
3. Langkawi Island or Pulau Langkawi
Peninsular Malaysia's the largest island with the best infrastructure, and most importantly, Langkawi is a duty-free island.
It is a trendy place for travellers as they have direct flights landing in Langkawi Island from several airlines around the region. The island offers tourism from Eco to Culture and Heritage apart from the general beach life.
The Langkawi Cable Car is one of the attractions you should not miss while here. Accommodations range from luxurious resorts like the Four Seasons and Datai Resort to budget style hotels and motels found throughout the island.
One unique place to look out for is Malibest Resort with the Treehouse Chalets. The peak period here is Nov to Feb and June to Aug for the Arab Season.
Sapi Island in Sabah
4. Sapi Island or Pulau Sapi
This small island part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is only 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu town in Sabah Borneo, and boats are going and coming from the mainland every other hour.
A trendy place for day-trippers as there are no lodgings here. Most packages include lunch, snorkelling, and just relaxing on the beach.
Not as busy as sister island Manukan but does get crowded on weekends. Sapi Island has some of the best waters and beaches here. A local attraction is the huge monitor lizards that look like Komodo Dragons.
5. Perhentian Island or Pulau Perhentian
One of the most sought islands for all kinds of beach and island travellers. From the local's rights to the backpackers, Perhentian has always been a popular destination to visit.
Many budget style to moderate resorts are available on both - Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil islands. Activities include diving, snorkelling and just relaxing.
No roads or vehicles, so moving around via foot of boat here. Chances of spotting turtles while snorkelling is high, while there are many pretty scuba diving spots here.
Some of the family-run budget resorts in Perhentian are the best to stay at. It can get crowded during the peak seasons and is part of the monsoon season. Best visited during April - September.
6. Mantanani Island or Pulau Mantanani
This small island part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is only 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu town in Sabah Borneo, and boats are going and coming from the mainland every other hour.
A trendy place for day-trippers as there are no lodgings here. Most packages include lunch, snorkelling, and just relaxing on the beach.
Not as busy as sister island Manukan but does get crowded on weekends. Sapi Island has some of the best waters and beaches here. A local attraction is the huge monitor lizards that look like Komodo Dragons.
5. Perhentian Island or Pulau Perhentian
One of the most sought islands for all kinds of beach and island travellers. From the local's rights to the backpackers, Perhentian has always been a popular destination to visit.
Many budget style to moderate resorts are available on both - Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil islands. Activities include diving, snorkelling and just relaxing.
No roads or vehicles, so moving around via foot of boat here. Chances of spotting turtles while snorkelling is high, while there are many pretty scuba diving spots here.
Some of the family-run budget resorts in Perhentian are the best to stay at. It can get crowded during the peak seasons and is part of the monsoon season. Best visited during April - September.
6. Mantanani Island or Pulau Mantanani
This is one of the most beautiful islands on the west side of Sabah Borneo. Generally, a diverse paradise as there are only two or three resorts here that cater specially to this sport. You would not expect a family-style resort and activities here.
Getting to Mantanani Island is also not as easy as I thought. You would need to book your trip via the travel agent that arranges these special trips. A paradise in its own way and a must for the true island lover.
Turtle Island Beach
7. Turtle Island or Pulau Selingan
Turtle Island is one of the most unique islands dedicated to conservation for Turtles; this place is located about an hour from Sandakan in Sabah Borneo.
This is also one of the highly recommended islands to visit in Malaysia if you are passionate about turtle conservation.
Only one resort is available on Turtle Island, while overnight trips offer curious guests a chance to see turtles laying eggs on the beaches around the island here.
A Turtle hatchery is also available on this island, while there is a conservation centre with marine park rangers who look after this.
Excellent for kids, family, those interested in marine life and conservation. There is no monsoon but check for rainy weather before planning.
8. Redang Island or Pulau Redang
The only island on the east coast of Malaysia with an airstrip makes this place a popular destination for many locals. Many 3 to 5-star resorts are found at Redang Island as the waters and beaches here are beautiful.
One of the resorts, Laguna Redang Resort, seems to stand out from the rest, as it is prominently seen when you arrive here.
The Berjaya Resort Redang is located in a cove away from the main stretch, providing a perfect and quiet escape from the crowds. This is one of the premium resorts on Redang Island.
There is the Redang Marine Park nearby for the snorkelers, which is a popular place to visit. A Small conservation centre is also set up here, and one can have a barbecue on the beaches on this island.
The island can get crowded during the local holiday seasons and is part of the monsoon season. Best visited during April - September.
9. Rebak Island or Pulau Rebak
Rebak Island is an island off an island; Rebak Island is a private island and is about 10 minutes from Langkawi Island.
There is only one 5-star resort called the Rebak Island Resort, managed by the TAJ Group from India.
Those seeking privacy and some quiet time would be pleased to know Rebak Island is one of those places. A marina sits at the main jetty of the island while the island is rich in nature.
10. Lang Tengah Island or Pulau Lang Tengah
Located between Redang Island and Perhentian Island, this beautiful island caters to three resorts and some lovely diving spots. Lang Tengah is suitable for those wanting a lesser crowded beach escape.
One of the resorts at Lang Tengah is called Redang Lang Resort and caters to more locals with a lodge style accommodation and not your resort type.
The resort can get crowded during the local holiday seasons and is part of the monsoon season. Best visited during April - September.
Manukan Island Sabah
11. Manukan Island or Pulau Manukan
This is the most popular of the five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Kota Kinabalu Sabah Borneo.
Manukan Island is located only 15 minutes from the main town of Kota Kinabalu, or KK as most people call it, and is the easiest island to visit.
There is also only one resort on Manukan Island available to those who want to stay over, but the prices are slightly higher. Gets crowded on weekends and local holidays as many day-trippers head here.
The beach is quite nice, and you can do some decent snorkelling here. One of the highlights is the Sea Walk here, while scuba diving is available on the island. The island tends to get crowded on weekends and public holidays.
Conclusion
The islands listed above have all been personally visited by me over the years, as I make it a point to actually be there to understand, see and then write about them.
If you are looking for something a little more private, check out my article on private island resorts in Malaysia, as I have also created a list of those secluded places.
And for the beach lover, I have done a realistic article on the best beaches in Malaysia, where I have also visited all of the beaches mentioned.
Malaysia Asia is a travel information site and blog dedicated to travel around Malaysia and Southeast Asia. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter.
Not included in this list are numerous other islands around the country as these are only a few of the popular islands to visit in Malaysia. I would love to hear your feedback below.
If you are looking for something a little more private, check out my article on private island resorts in Malaysia, as I have also created a list of those secluded places.
And for the beach lover, I have done a realistic article on the best beaches in Malaysia, where I have also visited all of the beaches mentioned.
Malaysia Asia is a travel information site and blog dedicated to travel around Malaysia and Southeast Asia. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter.
Not included in this list are numerous other islands around the country as these are only a few of the popular islands to visit in Malaysia. I would love to hear your feedback below.