Where are the best beaches in Malaysia? 

Seeking out the best Malyasia beaches? You have excellent taste. We’ve just got back from visiting some of the best beaches in Malaysia, and we’re itching to share our discoveries with you.

What are the best beaches in Malaysia and what makes the country's sandy shores so very spectacular? Perhaps it's the way they manage to be arrestingly beautiful and relaxing, yet somehow most remain free from sun-craving crowds of tourists. Plus, you know, it doesn't hurt that they’re in Malaysia – a country famed for its groundbreaking, culture-combining cuisine, booming cities, and utterly unique wildlife. 

Whether you’re looking for a two-week beach sprawl or a quick dip in the sea in between jungle excursions, you’ll find your paradise in Malaysia. Here are some we think you’ll love.

Best Malaysia Beaches:

Pantai Cenang, Langkawi Island

One of the only inhabited islands in a large archipelago, Langkawi Island sits roughly twenty kilometers off Malaysia’s west coast at the point where it borders Thailand. On a clear day, you can actually see both countries in the distance from the island’s beaches. 

Langkawi is less developed than some of its nearby Thai counterparts, and the many beaches that ring the small isle are pristine and peaceful. You’ll find some stunning resorts across the island, hemmed in by lush jungle and rugged hills rolling right up to the shoreline.

The most famous beach on the island is Pantai Cenang, though you may prefer to venture out and find your own secluded stretch of sand. The nearby Kilim Karst Geoforest Park makes for a superb day’s exploration, with caves, mangroves swamps, and a floating fishery.

Coral Beach, Perhentian Islands

Credit: Gaddafi Rusli

Between April and September, the Perhentian Islands off Malayia’s north-east coast are a prime spot for snorkeling and diving. Head out to explore the coral reefs offshore, and you can expect to swim alongside hawksbill turtles, sting rays, manta rays and even reef sharks.

The two islands that comprise the Perhentians are Besar (big), and Kecil (small). The heavily-forest Besar is the pricier choice, popular with honeymooners and loved-up couples, while Kecil is a favorite of backpackers. Head to Coral Beach if you’re looking to sit on the sands and contemplate the vivid sunset, or visit Long Beach for a party atmosphere. 

Teluk Dalam Besar, Redang Island

One of the best beaches in Malaysia for lovers of peaceful solitude is Teluk Dalam Besar. Located in a a sheltered bay, you’ll have the immaculate sands all to yourself. Pulau Redang, one of the largest islands on Mayalsia’s east coast, has crystal clear waters and is peppered with excellent four-star hotels, each with their own spotless stretch of beach. 

This island is another great spot for diving, and is perfect for travelers who simply want to bask in tropical climes, listening to lapping waves. There are few roads, adding to the sense of tranquility, and visitors can while away the hours snorkeling, trekking through the jungle, or taking boats out on the sea. 

Tanjon Jara Resort, Kuala Terennganu

Not bad, eh?

The capital of Malaysia’s Terennganu District, Kuala Terennganu is a rapidly growing city, sprung up from what was a small fishing town. There are some pretty sights, particularly the city’s mosques, but that’s not what we’ve come for: we want beaches.

The Tanjong Jara Resort, just outside the city, is everything you picture when you hear the phrase "tropical paradise". If waking up in a gigantic white bed and opening the curtains to reveal an immaculate, vacant strip of golden sand before a turquoise sea sounds like a good time, you’ll adore it here. Everything is high-end: the service, the architecture, the pools, even the towering palms that sway in the breeze. 

Juara, Tioman Island

Tioman is less about fine dining and relaxation, and more about adventure. The island has a rugged feel to it, a boisterous energy in which not everything is built for the whims of tourists. Alcohol is cheap, monkeys and lizards abound, and cats come and go as they please.

There are plenty of beaches to be found – interspersed with stretches of thick jungle – and our favorite is Juara, on the island’s east side. The coral here still retains a lot of color, and the beach is quiet no matter which season you visit. 

Pangkor Laut Resort, Pangkor Laut Island

Covering 298 acres of the island, Pangkor Laut Resort is a tangible slice of Shangri La. The renowned spa consists of hilltop villas, infinite pools, fountains, manicured gardens, seafront restaurants on stilts above the water, and endless elegant lounges to recline in and ponder how very lucky you are.

The beach is about as wondrous as you’d expect from an establishment that was once a favorite of Pavarotti, and the island is teeming with exotic birdlife. There’s a huge spa village too, should you feel like taking your relaxation up a notch. If you visit this resort, trust us, you are in for a treat.

If you'd like to decide which are the best beaches in Malaysia for yourself, there are worse places to start than our Northern Malaysia's Inlands and Islands itinerary. Or, chat to one of our regional experts and design your own trip from scratch! Take that first step towards adventure: give us a call.