Best Beaches in Malaysia: Top 14… Anyone with an explorer’s soul – and a passion for snorkeling and diving – can hardly resist Malaysia’s reputation.
It is an exotic destination where you can experience magical jungle adventures and dream dives, discover pristine natural landscapes and paradisiacal beaches. The peninsula’s scenery merges with the charm of Borneo’s Malaysia and enchanted islands such as the Langkawi and Redang archipelagos, bathed in sapphire blue waters and framed by lush vistas. All this can be yours with a Costa cruise: here are the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia to start dreaming:
Langkawi Beach
The island of Langkawi baptizes the eponymous archipelago of 99 islands. It is the “Jewel of Kedah”, a state on the – maritime – border with Thailand. The landscape consists of rice plantations, green hills, jungle and magnificent beaches lapped by a turquoise sea and covered with impalpable sand. The most famous town is Pantai Cenang, spacious and well served where you can swim in calm waters and admire some of Malaysia’s most beautiful sunsets. The shoreline is bordered by a palisade of palm trees, providing shade for you to spread out your towel. The beach extends to nearby Pantai Tengah, which is quieter, though there are plenty of facilities for water game lovers.
Pasir Panyang Beach
Pasir Panjang Beach, also known as Long Sand Beach, is one of Penang’s jewels and is dubbed the “Pearl of the Orient”. Located on the southwest coast of the island, it is an ivory sand expanse in a sheltered location, with no intrusive structures to disturb the peace. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowded spaces of Penang and enjoy a relaxing swim and picnic on the beach. Famous for its sunsets, Long Sand Beach is surrounded by fantastic itineraries that meander through the hills overlooking the sea.
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Trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers can hike numerous trails through the tropical jungle. You can walk for hours while enjoying the spectacular views of the Straits of Malacca, the estuary that separates the Malay Peninsula from the island of Sumatra. Anyone spending their vacation in Penang should not miss a visit to George Town, where you can stroll between Buddhist temples and British farmhouses.
Pantai Kok Beach: Best Beaches in Malaysia
Pasir Panjang Beach, also known as Long Sand Beach, is one of Penang’s jewels and is dubbed the “Pearl of the Orient”. Located on the southwest coast of the island, it is an ivory sand expanse in a sheltered location, with no intrusive structures to disturb the peace. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowded spaces of Penang and enjoy a relaxing swim and picnic on the beach. Famous for its sunsets, Long Sand Beach is surrounded by fantastic itineraries that meander through the hills overlooking the sea. Trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers can hike numerous trails through the tropical jungle. You can walk for hours while enjoying the spectacular views of the Straits of Malacca, the estuary that separates the Malay Peninsula from the island of Sumatra. Anyone spending their vacation in Penang should not miss a visit to George Town, where you can stroll between Buddhist temples and British farmhouses.
Pantai Kok Beach
Pantai Kok Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Langkawi, a destination for exclusive tourism thanks to the luxurious resorts that surround it. Its fame is linked to the purity of the sea and sand, as well as the peaceful atmosphere that – despite the tourist wealth – surrounds it. The landscape is lush: the embrace of the jungle creates a sheltered space ruled by nature. Besides tourists, residents also enjoy relaxing moments here, organizing family picnics in the shade of palm trees. To enjoy the magic of the landscape, you can have a seat in one of the local bars overlooking the sea, where you can have a quiet drink. Even more exciting is the view from the suspension bridge of the Langkawi Sky Bridge, which is one of Pantai Kok’s must-see attractions and is the landing pad of a panoramic cable car ride. Once there, you find yourself at the top of the second highest peak in Langkawi: the view is breathtaking. Without going too far, you can also treat yourself to an alternative swim at the foot of the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls: its pools are authentic swimming pools bathed in tropical greenery.
Batu Ferringhi beaches
Easily accessible from George Town, Batu Ferringhi sandy beach is the most touristy beach in Penang. The coastline stretches over two kilometers and is surrounded by numerous bathing opportunities. Batu Ferringhi Beach offers plenty of open space and is a paradise for water sports: jet skis, parasailing, banana boats, motor boats and more. It’s the perfect place to go for a jog along the seafront or, why not, a horseback ride: the ideal time is at sunset, when the view becomes doubly suggestive.
You’ll be spoiled for choice for groceries and shopping nearby. There is another popular beach in the area, Monkey Beach, one of the most beautiful on the island. We are in a national park, in the land of the macaques: these curious animals often peek at the beach in search of food. The sand is white, the water is warm and the tropical landscape is beautiful. You can get there by boat or along a scenic path. So that you don’t miss anything, you can let yourself be pampered at a nice barbecue with meat and fish from the region. Not far away is a must-see attraction: the Tropical Spice Garden, a living biodiversity museum.
Sipadan Beach
The island of Sipadan is actually the top of a volcanic cone that rises from the sea surface. Rising off the coast of Malaysian Borneo, this wonder is characterized by the coral platform and the extraordinary beauty of the seabed. It is of course a very fascinating destination for diving enthusiasts and snorkelers. Sipadan is occasionally closed to protect marine life: when it is not, you can contemplate the volcano’s coral-covered walls, which plunge hundreds of meters into the sea and are home to rich marine life. Sipadan is not the classic island where you just relax and look for a parasol in the shade of palm trees: when you go there by boat, the first thing that catches your eye is the beach: an oasis of almost blinding white lapped by an incredibly blue one and transparent sea. If you’re lucky enough to relax here, you can’t miss a snorkel mask and a swim among colorful fish and other elusive creatures.
Best Beaches in Malaysia: Gaya Beach
Gaya Island is a true paradise for ecotourism. Its beaches are covered with coral sands ranging in hue from gold to pink. The island lies off the coast of Borneo, in an area not yet overwhelmed by mass tourism. The island is part of Tunku Abduk Rahman National Park, which includes the nearby coral formation islands. In addition to relaxation on beautiful beaches, tens of kilometers of hiking trails are available to the lucky tourists who come here: walking through the tropical jungle, you will meet monkeys, reptiles and many other wild animal species. Accessible by ferry from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Gaya Island is home to fabulous eco-resorts overlooking the most beautiful bays. These include Polish Bay and Malohom Bay, the starting point for wonderful diving.
Diving enthusiasts can fully enjoy the beauty of the national park: stingrays, lobsters and turtles swim at its dive sites, and colorful fish swim around the coral reef. An equally memorable experience is hiking up Mount Kinabalu, which dominates in the distance. At 4000 meters, it is the highest in Malaysia and christens the Kinabalu Natural Park. Only the bravest can tackle the climb and conquer an incredible view that touches the Philippines on a clear day: whether it’s beach or mountain climbing, Malaysian Borneo is the backdrop for unforgettable adventures.
Mabul Beach / Best Beaches in Malaysia
Whoever dreams of diving in Borneo has the island of Mabul among the absolute references. A little like Sipadan, the island is not primarily a beach tourism destination, but a dream destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Surrounded by the Celebes Sea, Mabul is not far from Sipadan and shares incredible marine biodiversity with it. Not only can you dive around the reef, but you can also indulge in beach life and take advantage of the charming seafront resorts. This coral island boasts a stunning beach lined with palm trees: the sand is white and fine as powder snow and the sea is virtually indistinguishable from the sky. The boats appear to be floating in emptiness and the shadows of the palm trees spreading across the blue seem like a living poster. From Mabul you can easily reach Sipadan – where overnight stays are prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem – with daily boat trips.
Redang Beach
Redang Island is the main island of a nine-island archipelago located along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is part of a protected marine park. As you can easily guess, it is the ideal destination for a holiday in contact with nature, where you can snorkel in heavenly waters and swim among tropical fish and turtles. One of the most coveted spots for sunbathing is Long Beach, a magnificent cove fringed by jagged cliffs: covered with very fine sand, this sandy crescent offers total relaxation. The pride of Redang, Pasir Panjang, is the right place to admire the Malaysian sea in all its splendor: a delight for diving enthusiasts who can count on different centers to organize their excursions. Since it is a natural park, you need a special permit for diving.
Pangkor Beaches / Best Beaches in Malaysia
Pangkor Island reflects memories of a distant past: the one where Malaysian pirates found refuge here between raids. Today you can breathe a completely different atmosphere, made only of relaxation: in recent years, Pangkor has turned into a large tourist resort that welcomes a record number of tourists and where you can have a dream vacation. The fishing settlements scattered along the east coast, which greet the tourists transported by boats from afar, testify to the old way of life. Among the most famous beaches of Pangkor are Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah. The former is self-described as “the largest swimming pool in the world”: it is certainly a magical place to spend a day at the beach, perhaps choosing areas farther from tourist facilities to enjoy more tranquility.
Those who want to relax from the sun’s rays can take refuge under the coconut palms that crown the beach. Those who love trekking can explore the forest on foot through a fascinating path: however, it is better not to get lost and contact a local guide. Teluk Nipah still retains the atmosphere of the traditional village – kampung – and a natural and authentic look. From here you can see two uninhabited islets: if you wish, you can reach them for snorkeling. A special mention deserves Turtle Bay – also known as Teluk Ketapang – the nursery of the sea turtles, which come here to lay their eggs. Those who love an active holiday can devote themselves to numerous activities: in addition to snorkeling and windsurfing, you can also opt for a golf lesson, taking advantage of the golf courses laid out in the best resorts on the island.
Tioman beaches
According to legend, the island of Tioman is home to the dragon princess who fell in love with the sea and is said to crouch in the waters. Undoubtedly, the charm of this island – one of Malaysia’s most beautiful and part of a protected marine park – is great, as is its ecological value. Even its beaches are legendary: they are tropical paradises covered with light-colored sand whose golden reflections create an indescribable contrast with the opal shades of the sea. In addition to relaxing on the beach, there is a wide range of activities, including diving among fish and gorgonians and climbing on granite rocks: those who want to climb the famous dragon horns, however, must have excellent technique and face some challenges in the jungle.
Not far from the major diving centers is Salang Beach, where tourists can enjoy lively nightlife in the area’s clubs and resorts. More reserved is the vibe of Juara Beach, a bay sheltered by a lush forest and facing the coral reef. These two characteristics are common to Paya Beach, which is also suitable for games and water sports thanks to the numerous services offered by the tourist facilities of the area. Monkey Bay near Salang is perhaps the most beautiful beach in Tioman: a beautiful natural pool where monkeys often roam.
Lang Tengah Beaches / Best Beaches in Malaysia
Along the peninsula’s northeast coast lies Lang Tengah Island, which floats in turquoise waters. We are located in a protected natural park populated with coral and abundant marine life. It is an exceptional environment to try scuba diving using the diving centers on the island. Turtles reproduce on the sparsely populated island, and they often look out of the water while swimming. Among the estates that populate the island are lizards that patrol the quieter areas along the shores. Unlike other more exclusive destinations that are heavily affected by mass tourism, here you have the opportunity to stay at reasonable prices and experience more tranquility. Lang Tengah’s beaches are served by sea resorts concentrated on the southern and eastern parts of the island. Turtle Bay is home to a sanctuary for turtles who choose this secluded nesting site.
Beaches of Sibu
Those who love wild beaches have plenty to do in the Malaysian archipelago of Sibu. Rich tropical vegetation frames golden oases that stretch for miles; the crystal clear sea is swallowed up by craggy caves that provide the backdrop for spectacular dives. Inland, scenic trails wind through the jungle and cross swamps surrounded by mangrove forests. In the quaint village, you can share traditional activities with the locals. You can go windsurfing and snorkeling along the soft beaches.
The archipelago is an enchanted retreat where you can discover another dimension: tourism is still limited, which helps to protect the balance of its ecosystems. The marine park is home to corals and protected species that fill with fascination excursions dedicated to diving. The beaches of Sibu are framed by bathing establishments and steep volcanic rock formations: the landscape is unique, both for lovers of relaxation and for trekking enthusiasts.
Best Beaches in Malaysia: Perhentian Beaches
Which is the most beautiful beach in Perhentian? It’s not easy to answer, but you can’t go wrong here: Located off the east coast of the peninsula, this archipelago is known for being home to some of Malaysia’s most spectacular and wild beaches. You can reach the island by boat floating on the magnificent seabed that makes divers happy with its hidden wonders.
On the route between Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil – the “big” and “small” islands respectively – one encounters semi-deserted bays and bays with strong tourist attraction. All you have to do is choose. Among the most popular are Coral Beach and Long Beach on the smaller island, which are full of diving centers and beachfront restaurants serving good grilled fish. Mira Beach is great for snorkeling, while Turtle Bay charms the soul with its pristine scenery: in this case, there are no turtle habitat protection facilities on the beach.
Cherating Beach
Cherating Beach is “THE” beach for surfers: Since the 1970s it has been a magnet for board enthusiasts from all over the world. It must be said: the best time to ride the waves does not exactly coincide with the tourist season. In fact, it coincides with the monsoon season when many resorts close their doors. And yet it is at this stage of the year that the most important professional competitions take place and there are the best opportunities to surf in Malaysia.
Even if you don’t want to try your hand at surfing, Cherating beach – located in the village of the same name – offers plenty of charm and relaxation. The scenery is classic: pale sand and coconut palms, with clubs and restaurants to satiate the appetite. In addition to tanning, you can also enjoy a range of other activities in the area: one of the most impressive is a night tour along the river of the same name, between mangroves and the magical glow of fireflies. Another idea is to visit the turtle sanctuary, which is within walking distance from the center.
Discover Malaysia with Costa Cruises
Just hearing about a holiday in Malaysia inspires a desire to travel and traverse the world to discover the beauty of the mythical land of Sandokan. You can opt for trekking, diving, but also golf, rafting, rock climbing, caving… whatever your choice, active tourism in Malaysia is a unique privilege. A Costa cruise takes you to the heart of this wild paradise, just a stone’s throw from the most beautiful beaches.
