The best islands in Malaysia, and how to choose

Malaysia has hundreds of islands, from busy resort islands to tiny dots of sand with a few chalets. Choosing between them comes down to three things: what kind of trip you want, how you want to get there, and, most importantly, the time of year.

The season comes first

Malaysia’s islands fall into two groups:

• West coast (Strait of Malacca): Langkawi, Penang and Pangkor. Open all year, with calmer, drier weather from roughly November to April.
• East coast (South China Sea): Perhentian, Redang, Tioman, Lang Tengah and Kapas. Clearer water and better snorkelling, but most places close during the northeast monsoon, roughly November to February. The season is roughly March to October.

Sabah’s islands, off Borneo, can be visited most of the year.

The islands at a glance

Which island suits you?

For a first, easy island holiday: Langkawi

Langkawi has an airport, big resorts, car hire, a cable car and lots to see. It’s open all year and easy with kids. The trade-off is that the water isn’t as clear as on the east coast.

For snorkelling and a laid-back vibe: the Perhentians

Shallow reefs right off the beach, turtles and blacktip reef sharks, and no roads. Kecil suits backpackers and divers, while Besar is quieter and better for families.

For white sand and a package deal: Redang

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Most visitors come on packages that include meals and snorkelling trips.

For jungle and diving: Tioman

Big, mountainous and covered in rainforest, with small villages and plenty of dive sites. Good for travellers who want more than just a beach.

For serious divers: Sipadan and Mabul

Sipadan, off Semporna in eastern Sabah, is one of the world’s best-known dive sites, with walls, turtles and big schools of fish. Daily diving permits are limited, so book through a dive operator well ahead. Mabul nearby is famous for muck diving. Check your government’s travel advice for eastern Sabah before you book.

For a quick local escape: Pangkor

A small, unpretentious island off Perak, popular with Malaysian families at weekends. Good seafood and a local feel.

Practical tips

• Bring cash. Many smaller islands have few or no ATMs.
• Pay the marine park fee. Most east coast islands are in marine parks with a conservation fee, often collected at the jetty.
• Protect the reef. Don’t stand on coral, don’t feed fish, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Pack a dry bag. Speedboat rides can be wet.

For boats and transport, see getting around Malaysia.