Island hopping: Explore the best islands to visit in Malaysia

The Perhentian Islands, nestled in the Terengganu region, boast some of the country’s most pristine beaches. Comprising two islands, this breathtaking paradise is a treasure trove of natural wonders and an ideal spot for those who appreciate the great outdoors and seek adventure.

For backpackers looking for a budget-friendly getaway, this island is a perfect choice. It offers not only exquisite beaches but also affordable accommodations. Besides its world-class diving opportunities that allow explorers to experience the vibrant marine life and vivid corals, the island also features a lush tropical jungle just waiting to be discovered.

What to do when you’re there: Take part in scuba diving and snorkeling, visit the Turtle Beach Conservation Centre, explore the Perhentian Islands Marine Park, and enjoy some of the country’s freshest seafood.

Where to stay when you’re at the Perhentian Islands: For an inclusive experience during your stay in the Perhentian Islands, consider the Bubbles Dive Resort. This resort allows guests to participate in turtle and reef conservation projects that can last up to one or four weeks. Activities such as releasing baby turtles, coral planting, and data collection are included.

The Resort offers 18 accommodation units suitable for families and solo travellers, along with a fully equipped Dive Centre. It also features its own Private Bay and House Reef. After a day of swimming, guests can enjoy three daily home-cooked meals at Peisee’s Kitchen.

How to get there: The only way to access these islands is by boat from Kuala Besut, which is accessible from either Kuala Terengganu or the Kota Bharu Airport. Both of these airports are directly connected with Kuala Lumpur.

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Located in the South China Sea, off the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Tioman Island is a tropical paradise that beautifully blends pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and lush green wilderness. Its enchanting setting is perfect for tranquil nature walks and mesmerising sundown experiences. The island’s sparkling azure waters are a calling for beach enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, offering refreshing swims and thrilling scuba diving opportunities. For those who enjoy surfing, the waves at Juara Beach are a treat.

Tioman Island’s fame is twofold. It was allegedly one of the locations where the 1958 movie South Pacific, was shot in and in the 1970s, Time magazine hailed it as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. While it has now become a popular destination on the tourist map and may have lost a bit of its earlier mysterious charm, it continues to be celebrated for its untouched natural surroundings and wildlife that initially put it on the map.

The island is also a shopper’s paradise due to its duty-free status and is regarded as one of Malaysia’s top spots for luxury accommodations and world-class resorts.

What to do when you’re there: Explore the unique features of Nipah Beach, enjoy a refreshing swim, obtain a diving certification in Tioman, and experience kayaking in the island’s immaculate waters.

Where to stay when you’re at Tioman Island: A stay at Japamala Resort is highly recommended. Nestled on the stunning Tioman Island, Japamala Resort by Samadhi Retreats is surrounded by a verdant rainforest. It offers an outdoor pool, two dining options, and sophisticated accommodations with a terrace. The resort’s interiors are adorned with classic wooden designs and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Each tastefully decorated unit comes with a seating area, flat-screen TV, and an attached bathroom. Japamala Resort by Samadhi Retreats is a mere 20-minute boat ride from Tioman Airport.

How to get there: Buses run from various locations in Malaysia to Mersing, from where it’s a two-hour boat ride to the island’s first jetty. Tioman also has a small airport, with flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

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Composed of nine individual islands, the Redang archipelago forms a marine park located 45 kilometres off the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia’s Terengganu state. Redang Island sets itself apart as a high-end destination, primarily offering resort-style accommodations, unlike its northern neighbours, the Perhentian Islands, known for attracting backpackers.

Redang Island’s biggest attractions include snorkeling and diving, thanks to its well-preserved coral reefs and crystal clear waters. The island’s interior is largely inaccessible, with only a single road connecting the airport to the coast.

The island gained popularity after serving as the filming location for the Hong Kong movie Summer Holiday in 2000, starring Sammi Cheng and Richie Jen. The film’s success led to a significant increase in tourism.

What to do when you’re there: Enjoy a game of beach volleyball, have fun falling off a banana boat, and try your hand at stand-up paddling.

Where to stay when you’re at Redang Island: The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort offers world-class service off the coast of Terengganu. The luxury resort features large rooms with balconies, a swimming pool, and four dining options. Rooms at The Taaras Beach Resort are modernly decorated and include air conditioning, a fan, a tea/coffee maker, and a mini-bar. The resort also hosts a fully equipped gym and a spa offering relaxing body treatments and massages.

For dining, the Asean All Day Dining serves local and international cuisine, while MareNero specialises in Italian, Sri Lankan, and North Indian dishes. The Cove offers light beach snacks, cocktails, premium wines, and refreshments with a large chill-out deck on the resort’s private beachfront.

The resort is a 28-minute drive from Sultan Mahmud Airport, followed by a one and a half hour ferry ride from Shahbandar Jetty.

How to get there: If you prefer not to fly directly, you can fly to Kuala Terengganu, drive to the port of Merang, and then take a ferry.

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Manukan Island, one of the five islands that form part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park in Kota Kinabalu, is the park’s most developed island. It’s particularly popular among tourists due to its extensive facilities, including hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and diving centers. The northern part of the island features a rocky coast, while the southern and eastern beaches are perfect for swimming.

Manukan Island gained international attention when the globally renowned South Korean boy band BTS visited in 2015 to shoot their Summer Package vlog. There, visitors can engage in a range of exciting activities, such as snorkeling, deep-sea diving, parasailing, jet boating, underwater walks, and sea biking. The island is also home to large rainforests and offers a hiking experience that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding islands.

What to do when you’re there: Experience parasailing, try an underwater walk, and enjoy delicious meals at the island’s various restaurants.

Where to stay when you’re at Manukan Island: The Manukan Island Resort, located on the island, offers a luxurious stay just 15 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu by boat. There, guests can enjoy the beauty of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park against the backdrop of the South China Sea. The resort also offers several recreational activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing, with equipment available for rent.

How to get there: To reach Manukan Island, you need to take a drive or a flight to Kota Kinabalu and then get a speedboat from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, which is within walking distance from the city centre of Kota Kinabalu.

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Rawa Island offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience life on a private island owned by the Sultanate of Johor’s family. Located 16 kilometres off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, Rawa is a hidden gem among the country’s islands. Its stunning white beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters have earned it the nickname ‘Malaysia’s Maldives’. This sublime refuge is perfect for nature-lovers, couples seeking a romantic getaway, or anyone looking to escape the monotonous routine of everyday life. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from kayaking around the island to snorkeling under the waves. Nature treks through the island’s interior and nights spent on the beach under the stars add to the island’s charm.

Rawa Island’s exclusivity makes it an attractive destination for tourists seeking a more private vacation. While the west coast offers a picturesque beach setting, the rest of the island features dramatic rocky cliffs that drop directly into the sea, adding to its secluded allure.

What to do when you’re there: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Rawa Island, play on the pristine white sandy beach, or enjoy the Rawa slide built at the seaside.

Where to stay when you’re at Rawa Island: Visitors at Rawa Island can choose between two accommodation options, the Rawa Island Resort and Alang’s Rawa.

Rawa Island Resort features a restaurant, bar, and family rooms, with each room offering a private bathroom and a sea view. Guests can enjoy a variety of breakfast options and partake in activities such as billiards, table tennis, and darts. The surrounding area is also popular for hiking.

Alang’s Rawa, a smaller resort, offers 12 cosy, well-furnished rooms. The private beach, with its soft white sands and clear turquoise waters, is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and leisurely walks. The resort’s eco-friendly and sustainable practices ensure that visitors can enjoy the island’s beauty with minimal environmental impact.

How to get there: Visitors can travel to Mersing from Kuala Lumpur by bus or car, from where regular ferries depart for Rawa Island. It’s important to note that during the low season (November to March), ferry services may be less frequent.

(Image credit: Unsplash/ Gilbert Ng)