Malaysia is a beautiful Southeast Asian country which is home to plenty of tiny islands on its east and west coast which can give a standalone competition to its rival country for its stunning destinations. The beaches in Malaysia offers a more secluded atmosphere, unspoiled, and a wonderful experience.
With crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, surrounded by swishing tropical rainforests, and a rejuvenating atmosphere. You cannot ask for more when you are on a getaway to break the shackles of a busy city life. Below listed our top picks which would give you the best experience of beach-Malaysian adventure during your Malaysia tour. The Malaysian beaches come with an array of beautiful Malaysia beach resorts which are blessed with modern facilities to give you a complete family experience.
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Best beaches on the eastern coast of Malaysia
1. Perhentian Islands
Small islands make it a huge hit for budget travelers. With unspoiled features that are dying to be explored, you would wide a wide variety of beach huts or shacks set on the shores to track and purchase your favorite items like souvenirs, gifts, and much more. A popular destination for snorkeling and diving activities. You can even get a scuba diving certificate here in the Perhentians.
Highlights:
- Scuba diving certificate in Perhentians.
- Jungle trek
- Snorkeling
- Sea kayaking
Best time to visit: March-November, Morning (Open 24 hours)
Location: Besut District, Terengganu, Malaysia.
2.Redang
You can call it as one of the most expensive areas off the eastern coast, but Redang offers a true paradise like features. With a negligent residing population, you can set to discover new explorations on this island on your own. Indulge in some snorkeling or check out the beautiful sea turtles at the turtle sanctuary. The sea turtles lay their eggs on the Turtle beach which is situated towards the north of the island. Local airlines offer easy and affordable flights from Kuala Lumpur. You would be surely be left wanting for more from this stunning destination.
Highlights:
- Negligent residing population
- Scuba diving
- Indulge in some snorkeling
- Beautiful sea turtles at the turtle sanctuary.
Best time to visit: April-June, Morning. (open 24 hours)
Location: Besut District, Terengganunu, Malaysia.
3. Tioman Island
A perfect spot for snorkeling and diving activities, Tioman comes in the protected marine park islands of Malaysia. With an abundance of coral reefs off the northern coast of this island which is also home to colorful tropical fishes that visit the shore often. Don’t be surprised if you see tourists from Singapore greet you here as Singapore is very close to Tioman islands. With several budget-friendly hotels, easily accessible and affordable flights from Kuala Lumpur, the Tioman islands has gained tourism prominence since the end of the 20th century.
Highlights:
- Budget-friendly beachfront hotels
- Hiking at Monkey Bay
- Marine Park Information Centre for educational tours,
- Surfing and Diving Certificates.
Best time to visit: May-September, Morning. (open 24 hours)
Location: Rompin District, Pahang, Malaysia.
4. Batu Hitam Beach
Well known for its bed of pitch-black stones over the white sandy shore, Pantai Batu Hitam is a healing destination to let go of all the artificial mental debris you have been carrying with you. It is believed that the black rocks were a result of an ancient volcanic eruption carrying the rock formations to the shore. Its calm and clean environment gives all of its visitors serene experiences with the unhindered sea breeze all over. Do not forget to catch the wondrous skyline during the sunrise or sunset.
Highlights:
- Unique Volcanic Rocks
- White glittery sands.
- Batik Workshops
- Hawker Center
- sports activities.
Best time to visit: Early morning, Late evening. (Open 24 hours)
Location: Kuantan district, Pahang, Malaysia.
5. Pantai Cahaya Bulan
Currently designated as Moonlight Beach and previously famed as the beach of passionate love arising out of a British soldier’s love, this seashore resonates peace with its pristine water and luminous sands. Covered by tall and gracious palm trees, this place is deemed perfect for an ideal day out, basking in the sun and watching turtles. It also serves tourists with local stalls and outlets to quench their cultural and souvenir lover thirst.
Highlights:
- Colorful kites for flying.
- Artifacts and handicrafts.
- Not suitable for swimming
Best time to visit: Evening. (Open 24 hours)
Location: Kota Bharu, Malaysia.
6. Pantai Teluk Bidara
Locally famed as Bidarara Bay Beach, it serves you with beautiful sea creatures floating in crystal clear Green waters. The coral rocks, hills, and lighthouse on the seaside along with the dining resorts providing tasty seafood will fill both your eyes and stomach together!
Highlights:
- Crystal green waters
- Quiet Ambiance for relaxation.
- Local food stalls to amuse your taste buds.
- Cave expedition during low tides.
Best time to visit: Weekdays (open 24 hours)
Location: Teluk BIda beach Recreational park, Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia.
Are Malaysian beaches safe to visit?
Being home to the world’s most famous beaches and islands, Malaysia’s beaches are safest if you are traveling alone, with friends, or with family. A guided and well-researched adventure before traveling to these beaches will always be secure and worth your while if you avoid jellyfish and stingrays. It is always suggested to take caution and be prepared everywhere to resort to.
[Also Read : Delicious Malaysian food]
Best beaches on the western coast of Malaysia
1. Langkawi
Malaysia duty-free version of Dubai, Langkawi is a popular tourist destination and one of the vivacious islands on the western coast. The beaches may not be as beautiful or stunning as the ones on the eastern coast, the wide variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops make it a tourist hot-spot. With availability all through the year, the monsoon cannot play spoiler for its beaches which make it an ideal visit spot all through the year.
You can indulge in some hiking activities up to the Seven Wells waterfalls located towards the north of the island or hop onto the cable car and ride to the top of the highest mountain on Langkawi. You would be in awe checking out the stunning views of the nearby islands and the ocean from the top. Langkawi has many luxurious hotels to meet the growing demands of its guests and visitors with the Four Seasons and the Datai forming the cream of the lot. A perfect destination to pamper you and your entire family.
Highlights:
- Hiking activities up to the Seven Wells Waterfalls
- Cable car rides to the top of the highest mountain in Langkawi.
- Water sports at Pantai Cenang beach.
- Evergreen trees at Tanjung Rhu Beach
Best time to visit: Nov-April, 8 AM-5 PM, (Open 24 hours)
Location: Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.
2. Borneo
Sandwiched in between Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Borneo has gained significant prominence in the last decade or so. A hot-spot for all the diving lovers. The west coast of Borneo is home to the Golden Beach and the Turtle Beach that are housed in the Similajau National Park. Both beaches serve as a perfect atmosphere for turtle inhabitation. The park houses a wide variety of tropical wildlife, steaming jungles, waterfalls, and several species of animals. For a more adventurous experience and invigorating jungle trek, head to the natural parks of Sarawak where you can indulge in some bird watching or just relax and chill out at the beautiful beaches.
Highlights:
- Invigorating Jungle Trek
- Natural Parks of Sarawak for birdwatching.
- Waterfalls
- Golden and Turtle Beach
Best time to visit: months of March and October
Location: Tuaran, Sabah, Malaysia
3. Pangkor Island
You can definitely not count it as one of the beautiful beaches of Malaysia, but the easy accessibility from Kuala Lumpur offers a perfect weekend getaway. With an array of large hotel chains lined up on the island, you would find more tourists at the Pangkor Beach Resort. For a more luxurious experience, head to the private island resort of Pangkor Laut. Blessed with stunning landscapes, over-water bungalows, world-class amenities, along with door-to-door transportation facilities, you can’t ask for a more luxurious experience at a beach. A perfect spot for refreshing your body and soul.
Highlights:
- stunning landscapes
- over-water bungalows
- world-class amenities
- door-to-door transportation facilities
Best time to visit: Jan-Feb, Weekdays. (Open 24 hours)
Location: Manjung District, Perak, Malaysia.
4. Sipadan
Set on the eastern coast of Borneo, Sipadan offers world-class diving facilities and probably the best in the entire Malaysia peninsular. Since the island comes in the environmental reserve area, the number of visitors is limited per day. Diving is a popular activity here in Sipadan. There is plenty to explore here as you can check out the hammerhead, whale sharks, barracuda, hawksbill turtles and manta rays. You will have to indulge in some diving to get the best experience of this beautiful island. Although snorkeling and sunbathing activities are present, diving goes on top of the list of things to do in Sipadan.
Avoid visiting the beaches during the monsoon season as it can be your trip spoiler. The month between November and March is a total spoiler for your vacation. The best time to visit these stunning destinations is in the month of April to September where you are greeted by a pleasant weather and breathtaking landscape features. With many destinations easily accessible, you need not be surprised in how you would get dazzled by the beauty of these gorgeous beaches in Malaysia.
Highlights:
- Scuba diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing activities.
- Birdwatching
- Cruises and liveaboards.
The best time to visit: April-September
Location: East Coast, Sabah, Malaysia.
5. Batu Ferringhi
One of the most famous attractions of Penang, this beach flaunts its long sandy beach surrounded by tropical flora. The amazing nightlife, luxury restaurants, resorts, water sports, and many more make it a place with everything for everybody. If you are seeking some adventure and solitude at the same time, explore the Jungle Trek and spice garden.
Highlights
- Pasar malam, the Night market
- Fruit Farm for your tropical and sub-tropical
- Camping opportunities to observe scenic sunrise and sunsets.
- Windsurfing and Parasailing.
- One of the largest Toy museums in the world.
Best time to visit: Evening during December- January. (Open 24 hours)
Location: Central George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
6. Bagan Lalang
Situated 25 km from the famous Kuala Lumpur, this coastal beach provides its tourists with smooth sands, clear water, and multiple cuisines at the sidelining of restaurants and cafes. You can also explore the waters with riverboats on rent, try deep fishing, establish camps, and enjoy barbeque to enjoy the delightful sight of the golden sunlight falling upon the sea.
Highlights:
- Seafood meals
- Camping & picnic opportunities
- Chalets are available at reasonable prices.
- Hawker stalls.
Best time to visit: Evening after 4 PM. (Open daily)
Location: Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Conclusion
To all those beach lovers, it’s high time for your quest for the best beaches in Malaysia to get real! Pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats to get yourself ready for these pretty and pristine Malaysian beaches. Explore these coral and rocky beaches from the eastern to the western coasts to enjoy them live and not just through Pinterest-like pictures. Go and click them yourself! But before you make plans, learn how to apply for a Malaysia family visa or tourist visa to have the time of your life exploring the different beaches in the country.