Malaysia is an amazing country. You have the sense of how complete it is for the modern traveler's point of view. Do you seek culture and a taste for good quality food? The capital, Kuala Lumpur is one of the finest experiences of southeast Asia.
It's where you must begin your holiday trip, and here is why:
All around, Malaysia has secret cultural gems, the caves and temples. They awaken your desire for history and understanding, one reason why you travel. Other secrets no one tells you about are the beautiful Islands. It's the kind of Islands that give you the ultimate carefree holiday experience. Do dreams come true? Yes, once you come to Malaysia.
Our guide will take you out of Kuala Lumpur. Giving you a tour of the top Islands, the country has to offer you is a must for your holiday experience. Because no matter your level of interest in the hustle and bustle, you must also relax. The noise and pace of Kaula Lumpur's city life at some point you become too much. You'll have peace and quiet with a paradise Island.
As hard is it may be to believe, in such heat throughout Malaysia, there are periods of rainfall. Light but sometimes heavy. But it will rain at least once most days, and all year round. Thunderstorms are part of life for the Malaysian people, and you will have to like it or lump it too.
But the good news is the torrential rain often is short lived and the sun with its 90°F warmth returns. The clouds give way and smiles, and laughter seen and heard. Life goes on.
Nature in all its forms is beautiful and seeing a monsoon for the first time in your life is incredible. Incredible, is the anger and rage unleashed upon you. You bow to this power, of course, and run for shelter. Not in fear you understand, but in respect. And in fact, for many to Malaysia, they actually can't wait for the rain because it cools the air, in the suffering heat.
Take note of our guide, telling you when an Island closes for its monsoon season. Some Islands remain open for tourism, whilst others do not.
Malaysia has a hot and humid tropical climate, all year round and there are the as mentioned rains. Our advice is to pack loose fitting and light clothing and waterproof shoes and sandals and a jacket. Also pack an umbrella along with the usual holiday essentials.
Before flying out visit your doctor for recommended inoculations for Malaysia. Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Malaria are rife, your insurance may expect you to inoculate.
Of course, there are many top Islands in Malaysia for a weekend getaway, a wide choice for you. But are you wanting a break from the holiday crowds? May you turn your gaze to Rawa Island. Because it is perfect for a short two-day, weekend ultimate break. The Island will add completeness to your Malaysia holiday.
How do you get to Rawa Island? You can get to this small paradise Island from Kaula Lumpur, or many other destinations. Regardless of where you're coming from you must get to the Mersing Jetty first of all. From Kaula Lumpur the journey east to the jetty can take up to five hours depending on traffic.
Once on board a boat the journey time isn't long, about 40 minutes. Year-round temperatures are more or less the same in Malaysia, don't worry about it not being warm. Try to visit between March and September for the best of everything. A weekend, or two-day stay is amazing but any longer and you may become unsettled and want another Island.
A whole lot quieter than the neighboring Redang and Perhentian Islands. Much smaller too but trust us: it is perfect. Lang Tengah Island is for sun worshippers wanting the tropical peace to soak up the sun. Far less developed than other Islands, you find pristine clear turquoise waters.
The Island is well known and loved for its coral and marine park.
The Island is within the vicinity of the Terengganu Marine Park, and you are most grateful for this. Because of this protection, the coral reef system has since thrived. In excellent condition, the park is home to 100 coral and fish species. You have every opportunity to enjoy lounging on a beach, swimming and snorkeling. Or even scuba diving, offshore.
Even if you have no diving experience you can learn as there are a few diving centers close by with instructors.
A very enjoyable experience because the water is so clear. When snorkeling or scuba diving, what's important is you can see every detail. Another popular activity on the Island is fishing. The locals are most helpful in telling you the best spots are. Rent a boat and enjoy a day of it.
A once in a lifetime experience. Free diving and there are the inland jungle trails to find, and the beaches. Turtle Bay, management of the turtle conservation is around the clock by volunteers.
Turtle Bay has the smallest of the three best beaches found on the Island. The two larger beaches are within walking distance of their respective resorts. The beaches of white sand are litter free and the waters clear, calm and warm. This is paradise, you can believe that.
Tioman is fast becoming the weekend getaway Island from mainland Malaysia. Even from Singapore, for the convenient primary, being an hour or so away by direct flight. The Island is famous for water and leisure activities. Inclusive of snorkeling and diving, of course.
There is a lot of things to see and do which makes the Island so darned popular to Singaporeans:
Although popular, the Island remains far from developed, what Penang and Langkawi are. The charms of the Island haven't been completely blanketed over. Not yet anyway. Little hidden nooks among the many villages, slow and laidback await your discovery.
Unless you are staying in Tekek Village, we tell you to take cash with you before leaving Mersing Jetty. That's because there are no ATMs on the Island other than here. And even that machine runs out of cash, almost daily.
The Island's monsoon begins in early December, lasting as long as March. But the low season can begin as soon as October with limited ferry services. Our best recommended time to visit is anywhere between March and mid-October.
Malaysia's best undisputed scuba diving spots are close to this Island. Seasoned diving enthusiasts swear blind to this Island anyway. Malaysia's best diving is here. We heard it's all because of the Island sitting atop an extinct volcano.
The underwater landscape idyllic for coral, formed only because of this volcanic past.
But getting to this diving wonderland isn't easy. Sure, there is an international airport in Sabah. The city of Kota Kinabalu but then there are connecting flights from there onto Tawau. And still more traveling. When you are booking your hotel or resort be sure to check with them, they can provide private transfer. You must get from the Tawau airport to your final destination.
It'll either be Mabul or Kapalai Island as there is no accommodation on Sipadan itself.
You are traveling to the Islands for the beauty of the marine world so it's all worth it. Malaysia forms part of the "Coral Triangle". In the southeast of Asia, it's the world's largest basin of coral and marine biodiversity. The warm tropical waters are so inviting for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.
To protect these beautiful coral reefs a diving permit must be sought and you can get one of those by booking a tour. Either in advance or from your hotel or one of the diving centers. We urge you to book in advance. A limited number of permits are available daily, restricting visitors to Sipadan Island.
And each person can only dive 3 times per day, spread among the 12 most frequented diving sites you could visit. But 3 chances are enough, especially if you are so lucky to see the turtles feasting on the algae and sponges. Seeing that alone makes the excitement happen for you.
There is no monsoon near the Island, so you are free to drop in anytime throughout the year. But the best times vary for the greatest visibility:
The largest of our choice of top Islands in this guide. It is the one that pulls in the biggest crowds, both domestic and international tourists. Looking down to the sea bottom you see how abundant the corals are and it's easy to appreciate why. The Island is a magnet for those who love snorkeling and scuba diving.
Those are two activities popular on Malaysia's Islands. The colorful sights beneath the waves are beautiful. The tropical warmth, clear waters and soft white sands add to the surrealness of your holiday.
What is ideal for sports activities, including beach volleyball and football. The soft sands on the beaches only enhance your enjoyment. How about you rise early? Enjoy the beautiful sunrise on the horizon as you stroll the length of the beach, much to yourself. The Island has other beaches and they're as idyllic as this one.
All the beaches pretty much offer you swimming and relaxation under the shade of palm trees. In other words, if you've seen one, you've seen them all.
But not always. On Pasir Mak Kepit Beach you have nesting turtles. Both green and hawkbill turtles come to Redang, and other Islands around Malaysia. You see more of them during the annual mating season. Once in your lifetime you will see turtles laying their eggs and the best time for this event is May through to July.
Aside from the underwater adventures your holiday revolves around, there's the trekking excursions. Much of the fun holidaying on Maylasia's Islands is following the well-trodden trails.
You are in search of something new ― because there are few roads to speak of. None of the jungle trails are strenuous, you will manage without worry and have a jolly good time. All around you there is beautiful scenery for you to admire, making your jungle treks a pleasure.
What we only found on upon our second day on the Island were the WW2 shipwrecks of the British Royal Navy:
Both sunk by the Japanese. We didn't get the chance to dive those relics, which would have been an amazing experience. But it may be that you will have better luck?
Begin your trip from the coastal city of Kuala Terengganu. The 90-minute boat ride to Redang Island doesn't feel so bad, you arrive before you know it. There are daily flights to Kuala Terengganu from Kuala Lumpur, making it easy on you. Before stepping foot on the Island, you must pay a small conservation fee.
This fee is to support the conservation efforts of the Terengganu Marine Park.
The low fee makes the Island accessible to native and local tourists, which is sensible. It's what they can afford but international travelers can afford to pay a few dollars more. That's our thoughts anyway. Due to the monsoon, it is best to arrive between the months of March to October. Any other month it very well may be the low season.
We have a separate guide to this Island, with the link below. Of all the Islands featured in our guide, Langkawi is our favorite.
Related Reading: Langkawi Island Will Make your Summer Holiday Feel Amazing
We'll cover Perhentian Besar Island and Perhentian Kecil Island. There are others in the group but they're of little significance to you, in our experience. Both offer the same holiday experience but each suitable to a different traveler.
The hotels and resorts are for families, what your thoughts are. There is a more romantic feel to the Island. For that reason, the facilities on the Island target honeymoon couples. This Island has a better choice of high-quality accommodation with luxury a priority.
Because of the family setting the Island has a quieter, more calming nightlife. Perhentian Besar also has the best of the beaches for walking and relaxation, and the sunsets. The Island also has great hiking into the interior jungles.
The Island is best suited for the backpacker, and young who are more sociable in a group setting. There is more of a nightlife too on this Island making it not so family friendly. The accommodation isn't to the same high standard as what's found on Perhentian Besar.
All the activities on the Island are equal to Perhentian Besar but the beaches aren't as good. That's not only our opinion but that of others we met on our trip there.
In conclusion, the smaller Island is more friendly and livelier. The larger one is quieter and more laidback. Either way, there are regular boats between the two Islands with a 10-minute ride between them. You can have the best of both, if that's what you'd want.
Other than Langkawi, Penang Island is the next best alternative. The Island has things to see and do with activities not only revolving around the sights of coral. Climbing off the boat, onto the pier at Goerge Town puts a grin on your face. That's when your senses inform your brain there is something much more here.
The very first thing that grabs your attention, making you feel playful is the street art. The artwork scrawled on the walls throughout the town, brings out fun for everyone. Each drawing offers you a photo opportunity to capture your playful mood. It's fun for all ages.
Keep exploring the town because you can't help but admire the aging architecture.
Chinese immigrants flocked to Malaysia, leaving a permanent mark on the Island. Since the 16th century, there has been a large Chinese population on the Island. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a showpiece of how wealthy migrant families became. The museum of worldly antiquities, Scottish ironworks and Chinese carvings in the woodwork.
If this history interests you, also look out for the Chew Jetty near the town's waterfront.
If the heat becomes too much for you, jump on the short-lived train ride to the top of Penang Hill. Not only are the views worth seeing of the city below but it's a cooler altitude to be at. There are a few activities once there, such as: a skywalk and zipline, a mosque and a museum. Nature trails and several food courts.
The return journey is pleasant too if you decide to walk the 2km back down.
Most of your stay will be on and around Goerge Town. Being in Penang, the food capital of Malaysia, you are in the right place for the best local dishes. Enjoy great food in Kaula Lumpur's finest restaurants, by all means. But on the Islands, fresh local seafood is the order of the day.
The best beaches by the way, where most tourists head for are:
A few hours after leaving the Aman Jaya Bus Terminal at Ipoh City, you arrive on Pangkor Island. An idyllic setting and mood for the slower, quieter pace of life. After three days in Ipoh, rather than return to Kuala Lumpur, we decided on the bus to Lumut Town.
The ferry was very brief, there's nothing to stop you doing the same thing.
What you get is adequate facilities, fresh delicious seafood cuisine. Lots of rest and respite. This Island is so little known about, the beaches are bare. The beaches are that relaxing, a refreshing alternative to the developed Islands elsewhere.
There are a few beaches worth mentioning:
It's Coral Bay that has the best waters for swimming, in our opinion. The waters are crystal clear and calm, and there are few humans to interrupt your tranquility. There's a small beach on the Island of Giam. If you can find a local to take you there, go without delay. A short boat trip takes you there and the boat owner will come back for you later, for US$10.
The north side of the Pangkor Island has its own beaches, and the remains of an old Dutch fort. You can also exercise your lungs by trekking the jungle trails. And why not? It's your only chance to see the wildlife, before returning to the mainland.
It is rather difficult to decide which one to settle on: will it be Pangkor or Tenggol? Because both are as laidback as each other. Pangkor has the advantage of being closer to the mainland, Tenggol a further 25km distant.
You enjoy seclusion on Pangkor Island anyway, but can you imagine Tenggol? Once uninhabited, it's only in recent years has it opened up to tourism. It's even more secluded than what Pangkor Island is.
Getting to the Island is questionable. Having your Island accommodation booked, we mean, beforehand is vital. When booking, be sure you get the speedboat and not the fishing boat for your mode of transport. Because the fishing boat is a 2-hour trip.
The coastline is beautiful of course, the rough interior jungles magical. There are the expected coral reefs and plentiful fish species, of course. Keeping it interesting for those of you wanting to scuba dive. You can find the fish species known as Nemo in these waters. And shipwrecks.
What is a sight to take home with you are the fishing boats returning home, as the sunset looms heavy on the horizon.
Named after its cotton white sandy beaches, the Island boasts a kept secret. Few foreigners learning of it, not until it's too late for them, to have a chance trip to visit, anyway. The Island is quiet and lonely, missing the bulk of the tourist trade year-round. Only the occupants being a few locals, day tripping and the Islanders themselves.
You can go for long strolls on the gorgeous beaches, swimming in the pristine waters and not a soul to disturb you. Laying in a hammock for hours on end with a favorite book and all you'll hear is the wildlife and waves.
The Perhentian Islands and Tioman Island are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Rendang Island for being exclusive. Kapas Island you are going for seclusion and isolation. The best time of the year to visit is from April to August, outside the monsoon season.
If you are holidaying in Kaula Lumpur, take a late-night bus to arrive in the morning at Kuala Terengganu. Or take a flight if you prefer. Either way, from Kuala Terengganu we recommend you take a private taxi north of the city to Marang Jetty. A 30-minute ferry trip gets you to the Island. And don't get this jetty confused with another one ― Merang Jetty.
Chances are you will be flying into Kaula Lumpur and that's where your holiday begins from. Many tourists arriving would be content with the metropolis, what KL is. All the excitement and drama, the luxury spas and shopping malls is enough. A few, but may relish a weekend getaway and why not sneak off to one of those Islands?
The most perfect diving experience, with the finest coral and fish species on the planet.
We are also suspect some holidaying in Kaula Lumpur, may prefer a weekend escape to Singapore. It's doable, only a 4-hour flight from one departure lounge to the following arrivals. Singapore is an amazing city but scuba diving to a depth of 28 meters to see Nemo, is something much better? Only you can decide.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.