All work and no play makes Jackie a dull girl, so do remember to take a break from your busy city life and enjoy a relaxed vacation. You don’t even have to travel to the Maldives for beautiful blue waters and white sand – Malaysia has a lot of its own islands that you can go to! If you haven’t planned any travel resolutions this year, why not make one of these beaches a must-visit spot for a romantic and relaxing getaway?
1. Rawa Island
Seeking a more secluded vacation? Rawa Island is a small island 16km off the east coast Peninsula Malaysia, and is best known for its white-sands, turquoise waters and its exclusivity. Owned by the family of the Johor Sultanate, Rawa has only two resorts available, but it’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.
2. Sipadan Island
Located in Sabah, Sipadan is a delight for paradise seekers. The beach is not all that attracts tourists from all over. Surrounding the island is stunning corals with over 3000 species of marine life. Sightings of sharks, barracudas, turtles and manta rays are fairly common too. Sipadan Island is also the perfect place for divers.
3. Tanjung Jara
Explore the untouched shores of the South China Sea while experiencing tranquilly and serenity by the shore at Dungun, Terrenganu’s best kept secret – Tanjung Jara. The secluded beach, with its golden sands and clear turquoise water, is also rich with coastal greens that brings all of nature back to life.
4. Mabul Island
Located about 30-45 minutes from the coastal town of Semporna, the island of Mabul is one of the many islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park in the eastern coast of Sabah. The beaches here are probably going to be some of the best you’ve ever seen as the superbly clear waters and idyllic postcard view will never fail to entice you for a dip.
5. Sapi Island
This island is located off the coast of downtown Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and a 20-minute boat ride from the jetty at Jesselton Point ferry terminal will get you there. If you can’t get enough of jet skis, banana boat rides and paragliding, this island is perfect for you as it offers a hive of beach activities. Although the marine life here is a little lacking, you wouldn’t want to miss lazing down by the beautiful beach as certain parts are quite shady.
6. Teluk Air Tawar
Located to the west of Pulau Tenggol, Teluk Air Tawar is a tropical paradise that boasts powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. Unlike other more commercialized islands nearby like Redang and Lang Tengah, this is a hidden gem that’s best suited for those who seek quiet times, tranquility, privacy and for those who prefer to dive at raw untouched sites.
7. Perhentian Kecil Island
Perhentian Kecil Island is located in Terengganu and is listed as World’s 100 best beaches by CNN. This island is highlighted for its blue waters, which invariably contains turtle and small sharks. With a wide variety of accommodation, this is definitely the perfect place for budget travellers!
8. Layang-layang Island
If you’re looking for a perfect getaway from all the city lights, Layang-layang Island is definitely the place to be! The tiny island located proximately 300km northwest of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This island also listed as the top 10 dive sites in the world due to its outstanding range of marine life.
9. Tanjung Rhu
Tanjung Rhu has one of Langkawi’s best shorelines where visitors can enjoy crystal clear ocean and powder-fine sands. This area is absolutely secluded and therefore, it gives a very peaceful and quiet environment. Imagine yourself sunbathing while listening to the sound of the waves or jump into the crystal clear water for a swim. Isn’t it the ideal vacation?
10. Aur Island
Located off Johor’s east coast, Aur Island is a favorite among divers for its marine life and clear waters. Although the boat ride from Mersing Jetty to the island can take up to 4 and a half hours, it’s definitely worth it for people who seek peace and quiet, and are fans of water activities like scuba diving and snorkeling.
List compiled by Carmen Chong, Emi Goto, Genevieve Nunis, Elfie Jane
