[This is a sponsored article with Tourism Malaysia.]
When the going gets tough, you might be yearning for that perfect island getaway. A sanctuary to swap city chaos for sandy shores, indulge in island vibes, and capture envy-inducing moments for your social feeds.
And with over 800 islands in Malaysia to explore, how do you pick where to go?
Tourism Malaysia is encouraging us all to get out there with its campaign “Now is the time, cuti-cuti Malaysia”.
So, we’ve done the research to see what scenic and indulgent islands we have, along with some well-loved gems thrown in too.
SABAH
1. Lankayan Island
Said by various travel sources to be a tiny jewel-like island in the Sulu Sea, Lankayan is a 1.5-hour boat ride north of Sandakan.The island has been declared a Marine Protected Area, which are regions designated to conserve their marine resources, ecosystem, or cultural heritage. This means that visitors can enjoy Lankayan’s vast eco-tourism offerings.
Things to do:
- Snorkel or dive to take in the beauty of corals and wrecks
- Spot large harmless whale sharks
- Witness hawksbill sea turtles hatching on the beach
- Explore Gomantong Caves in Sandakan town
How to get there: Arrive at the Sandakan Airport and get transferred to the jetty. Then, take a boat to reach the island in 90 minutes.
Best time to visit: March to May (for whale shark sightings); June to September (for turtle watching)
2. Layang Layang Island
Layang-Layang is an island 300km off the coast of Sabah providing visitors with absolute isolation amidst the South China Sea.
The island has gained recognition as a reputable destination for scuba divers for its steep walls down to 2,000km, excellent visibility, and regular sightings of ocean creatures and pristine reefs.
Things to do:
- Dive to spot hammerhead sharks and stingrays
- Snorkel and swim amongst turtles and dolphins
- Birdwatch by the beach
- Take a boat trip to the Bird Island Sanctuary
How to get there: Upon reaching Kota Kinabalu Airport, take a chartered flight to reach the island in two hours.
Best time to visit: April to May (for hammerhead shark sightings)
3. Mantanani Islands
The Mantanani Islands are a group of three isolated islands shaped like a knife.
As the islands have never been commercialised, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems that have been well-preserved throughout the ages.
Things to do:
- Scuba dive to discover shipwrecks from WWII
- Snorkel in clear waters to view corals and blue starfish
- Spot the Mantanani scops owl
- Visit the fishing village
- Enjoy the breeze on the picturesque beach
How to get there: Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and travel by bus or taxi to Kota Belud. Then, take an hour-long speedboat from the Kuala Abai Jetty to the island.
Best time to visit: February to April; June to October
4. Selingan Island
Fondly known as Selingan Turtle Island, the ecotourism destination is a haven for Green Turtle and Hawksbill Turtle species to lay their eggs safely.
Located 40km north of Sandakan’s coasts in the Sulu Sea, the island is a designated national park and turtle conservation area.
Things to do:
- Experience the conservation process of one of the oldest turtle hatcheries in the world
- Indulge in scuba diving, snorkelling, and swimming
- Spend time at the beaches
- Stay at the Selingan Island Chalet
How to get there: Take a flight to Sandakan, then board the 60-minute boat ride to the island from Sabah Park Jetty.
Best time to visit: July to October (for turtle breeding season)
5. Mabul Island
Mabul Island has been a fishing village since the 1970s. After the 1990s, it gained popularity with scuba divers due to its colourful marine wildlife. It’s also one of the neighbouring islands to Sipadan, a well-known scuba diving spot.
Things to do:
- Snorkel or dive in the clear oceans
- Conquer whitewater rapids on a kayak
- Visit the Bajau Laut Village to meet Sea Gypsies
How to get there: Travel from Tawau to Semporna, then take a boat ride to reach the island in 45 minutes.
Best time to visit: May to October
6. Mataking Island
Located in the Celebes Sea, Mataking offers a chance to escape on a pristine private island off the shore of Sabah’s eastern coast.
Mataking offers easy access to more than 30 dive sites with protected coral reefs and islands such as Pandanan, Timba-timba, Kalapuan, Bohayan, Baturua, Mantabuan, and the eight islands of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
Things to do:
- Dive to visit an underwater post office
- Host a wedding underwater or on the beach chapel
- Pamper yourself at Jamu Spa
- Witness turtles hatching
- Explore the island on a transparent kayak
How to get there: Fly to Tawau, then take a taxi to Semporna. Upon reaching Semporna, take a speedboat to the island in 45 minutes.
Best time to visit: February to November
7. Bohey Dulang Island
Legend has it that Princess Salamia of Bum Bum Island concealed herself in Bohey Dulang to escape an arranged marriage. Transformed into a fairy by spirits, she vanished.
Geologically, the island’s volcanic origins are evident. It’s located in Semporna, Sabah, and is ranked the second largest island in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park archipelago.
Things to do:
- Learn about clams at the Giant Clam and Marine Invertebrate Hatchery
- Visit the Bajau Laut Village
- Hike up the mountain to capture breathtaking panoramic views
How to get there: Take a 30-minute boat ride from Semporna mainland to reach the island.
Best time to visit: February to April
8. Pulau Tiga Island
Proudly referred to by locals as ‘Survivor Island’, Pulau Tiga was used as a filming location in 1996 for the popular US reality series, Survivor.
Situated roughly 18km away from the west coast of Sabah, Pulau Tiga was designated as a forest reserve in 1933 for its interesting flora and fauna and rich marine life.
Things to do:
- Snorkel and dive in the ocean
- Hike the mud volcanoes and jungles
- Get a therapeutic soak in the mud pools
How to get there: Fly to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Take a taxi to Kuala Penyu, then travel by boat to reach the island within 40 minutes.
Best time to visit: December to March
TERENGGANU
9. Kapas Island
Located in the Marang District of Terengganu, Kapas Island (AKA Cotton Island in English) gets its name from its white sandy beaches, making it a relaxing spot for beach lovers.
The island also has a tropical jungle, clear seawater, and coral reefs in the surrounding waters.
Things to do:
- Snorkel and dive in clear waters
- Explore beautiful flora in the tropical jungle
- Camp on the beach and spot turtles
How to get there: Take a flight to Kuala Terengganu, then board a bus or taxi to the Marang Jetty. From there, take a 15-minute boat ride to Kapas Island.
Best time to visit: March to October
10. Tenggol Island
Located in the South China Sea, Tenggol Island boasts crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and abundant marine life.
Tenggol Island’s reefs and wildlife are protected as a Marine Park, meaning that the attractions are kept in pristine condition for the most part.
Things to do:
- Snorkel or dive in the ocean
- Try paddle boarding or kayaking
- Spot small shrimps, ghost ornate pipefish, and whale sharks
- Soak in panoramic views of the island from the hilltop
How to get there: Fly to Kuala Terengganu then take a taxi to the Kuala Dungun Jetty. From there, take the 50-minute boat ride to the island.
Best time to visit: August to October (to spot whale sharks)
11. Redang Island
Probably a familiar name to beachgoers, Redang Island (or Pulau Redang) is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Loved for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, it is one of nine islands which form a Marine Park offering snorkelling and diving packages for tourists.
Things to do:
- Snorkel or dive to explore pristine coral reefs
- Relax on the white sandy beach
- Take a nature walk
How to get there: Head to Taman Tamadun Islam or Merang Jetty, and take a direct ferry to the island.
Best time to visit: March to October
12. Lang Tengah Island
Lang Tengah Island is an ideal spot for those looking for a quiet tropical island getaway with clear and calm turquoise waters. It also offers a variety of marine and land creatures to discover.
Most of the accommodations on the island are resort-based. Fun fact, the 2011 Hong Kong-Chinese film, Love You You was filmed at the Summer Bay Lang Tengah Island Resort.
Things to do:
- Learn to snorkel or dive in calm waters
- Try seaside rock climbing or paddleboarding
- Stargaze at the night sky
- Jungle trek in the woods
How to get there: Take a 40-minute speedboat ride from Merang Jetty to Lang Tengah Island.
Best time to visit: March to October
13. Perhentian Island
Perhentian, or “stopover” in Malay, refers to the island’s traditional role as a waypoint for traders between Bangkok and Malaysia. The islands were deemed a Marine Park in 1994, prohibiting all fishing activities within two miles of the shore.
Today, it’s a popular spot for backpackers, with affordable accommodations and attractions to explore.
Things to do:
- Learn to snorkel or dive in calm and clear waters
- Spot whale sharks, octopuses, and turtles
- Jungle trek under a canopy of large trees
How to get there: Arrive at either the Kuala Terengganu or the Kota Bharu Airport, then take a boat from Kuala Besut to reach the island.
Best time to visit: March to October
PAHANG
14. Tioman Island
Tioman Island is a duty-free destination located off the east coast of Pahang.
The island along with eight other nearby ones form the Tioman Island Marine Park, where divers and snorkelers can spot diverse marine life, from fish and turtles to rays, colourful corals, and whale sharks.
Things to do:
- Snorkel or dive
- Spot colourful marine life
- Visit a turtle farm
- Swim under waterfalls
- Hike and spot the Rafflesia flower
- Mountain climb 610 metres up Via Ferrata
How to get there: Head to either the Mersing Jetty or Teluk Gading Jetty, then take a 90-minute ferry to the island.
Best time to visit: March to October
KEDAH
15. Payar Island
Payar Island is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts keen on exploring Langkawi’s undersea world.
Being a Marine Park, Payar Island permits only 100 visitors per week to preserve its biodiversity. Hence, the Pulau Payar Marine Park encourages visitors to make bookings in advance to secure their slots.
Things to do:
- Snorkelling and scuba diving
- Discover marine life and coral reefs
- Indulge in fresh seafood
How to get there: Head to Langkawi’s Kuah Jetty, and take a 45-minute speedboat ride to the island.
Best time to visit: June to February (closed for tourists between March to May each year for preservation activities)
PENANG
16. Penang Island
A well-loved tourist destination for locals and foreigners, Penang Island needs no introduction for its great street food, beaches, and heritage sites.
Things to do:
- Indulge in street food
- Explore the island’s street art or the Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
- Visit heritage buildings like the Kek Lok Si Temple and Peranakan Mansion
- Chill at Batu Ferringhi Beach
How to get there: Take a flight to Penang International Airport, then hop on a taxi to the island in 20 minutes. Otherwise, go on a road trip to the island by car and cross two of the longest bridges in Malaysia.
Best time to visit: All year round
PERAK
17. Pangkor Island
A fishing island located in Perak, Pangkor Island offers fine beaches and a mix of low-budget to five-star accommodations. Teluk Nipah, Coral Bay, and Pasir Bogak are some of the island’s most alluring beaches.
In 2020, Pangkor Island was deemed a duty-free destination.
Things to do:
- Stroll on the beaches
- Snorkel at the Pasir Bogak Beach
- Visit the Floating Mosque
- Savour fresh seafood
How to get there: Drive or take a direct bus to Lumut, Perak, then board a ferry to the island.
Best time to visit: All year round
JOHOR
18. Sibu Island
Ideal for those looking to unwind, Johor’s Sibu Island sits on the South China Sea and offers a quiet setting.
The island consists of three private beaches and seven separate smaller islands where you can dive, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach.
Things to do:
- Take snorkelling trips to uninhabited islands
- Rejuvenate at Rimba Resort’s Bamboo Bliss Spa
- Watch the sunset on the beach
- Jungle trek to explore large mangroves
How to get there: Arrive at Johor Bahru and drive 90 minutes to the island.
Best time to visit: February to March; June to August
19. Tengah Island
Tengah Island sits off the coast of Mersing, Johor, and can be seen as a small patch of land studded in the South China Sea.
The interior of the island is covered in tropical forests, with its circumference adorned with eight sandy beaches framing the clear waters and rocky outcrops. Tengah Island operates as a privately owned resort for luxurious getaways.
Things to do:
- Watch turtles lay eggs
- Dive to explore exotic marine life
- Participate in island yoga
- Stay At Bata Batu Private Island Resort
How to get there: Travel to Mersing, Johor then take a speedboat to reach Tengah Island in 20-30 minutes.
Best time to visit: March to October
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With the beauty of these islands within such close reach, we can’t blame you if you’re already searching for flight tickets and accommodation after reading this article.
As a friendly reminder though, when we’re exploring the stunning wonders listed above, it’s best to uphold our duty to preserve their natural beauty.
Whether we’re venturing deep into the oceans or relaxing on sandy beaches, practising responsible tourism can ensure that future generations can also revel in the joys of these landscapes.
Featured Image Credit: Lankayan Island Dive Resort / The One Tenggol Island Resort Malaysia / Matanani Islands
