With over 800 islands spread throughout the peninsula and Borneo, Malaysian islands are filled with world-class diving sites and untouched beaches for the perfect getaway. On opposite ends of some islands having almost a million residents in a metropolitan area to wooden shack living, let us explore which Malaysian islands to go to for duty-free drinks right down to discovering where to learn how to dive and snorkel. Here we have a mix of the more popular islands to the lesser known islands that are off the beaten track.

1. Langkawi

One of the better-known islands in Malaysia, Langkawi is located right near the Thailand border and is also a duty free island offering stunning coastlines with mountains and mangroves. If you’re interested in seeing what the island has to offer, the best way to take in the beautiful sights is with their cable car stretching over 2,200 meter long and going up to 2,320 feet above sea level. Pantai Cenang is where the action and parties happen, bring a towel and sunbathe during the day and grab a drink at one of the many beachside bars whilst admiring the beautiful sunset. Langkawi known for their luxury top-notch resorts and nothing gets more glam and stylish than the accommodation on this beautiful island in Malaysia. Experience the 360 view --> HERE. (Credit & source: 360cities.net)

2. Sipadan Island

This small island off the coast of Sabah is one of the top rated diving areas in the world with location right in the center of the planet’s most bio-diverse marine habitat. The island is most unique for their deep wall dive of up to 40m with clear visibility of its marine life of up to 30m! It is home to over 3,000 various species of fish, hundreds of coral, large amounts of rays and sharks and considerable amount of green and hawksbill turtles. You will be required to join a tour to visit this island with a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna then an hour boat ride to the island. With breathtaking scenery, the island has gained protection status in the year 2002, limiting the amount of tourists gaining permits to visit this beautiful island in Malaysia. After gaining their protection status, the government has since then ordered all resorts off the island and setting a limit of 120 divers per day.

3. Perhentian Island

Perhentian Islands are located in Northeast Malaysia off the coast of Terengganu state. Divided into two islands, Perhentian Besar (Perhentian Big) and Kecil (Small) which both attract beach lovers with their pristine white beaches and beautiful coral for snorkelers and divers. The only difference between the two islands are that Kecil is more known for their backpacker lodges whilst Besar is more known for their more luxurious resorts. Their waters are so clean that you are able to snorkel right off the beach with beautiful views and variety of aquatic life. Another experience that we definitely recommend are the fishermen also act as tour guides and will take you out on their boats for a day trip to swim with the fishes and turtles! Be sure to make yourself comfy on the one of the beach cushions set up on the sand at the many beach bars in the evening as there are fire artists performing!

4. Redang Island

Redang Island Marine Park consists of nine islands near the Terengganu state. With Redang Island being it’s biggest measuring about 7km long, the highest peak of the island is Bukit Besar at 1,178 above sea level. Much like Langkawi, this archipelago has one of Malaysia’s best resorts with upscale tourists who don’t mind splurging for their exquisite shorelines and diving scenes. What was once a lesser-known island in Malaysia has turned into one of the most beautiful islands in the country with its crystal clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches. If you’re a big fan of Hong Kong movies, Summer Holiday was filmed on the island at the Laguna Resort and a replica of the tea house is used as the resort’s gift shop. Click --> HERE to check out the beach view in 360 panorama mode! (Credit & source: 360cities.net)

5. Kapas Island

This secluded and not as well known spot off the coast of Terengganu offers magnificent tropical landscape views without the influx of tourists. Kapas translating to cotton is in reference to the island’s white beaches. Offering immaculate sandy beaches and coral reefs in its surrounding waters, the island is promoted as a snorkeling and diving paradise. The Island is a definite must go for those that want nothing more than to lounge at the beach all day getaways. Also, take note that this beautiful island in Malaysia does not offer luxurious resorts; think more guesthouses – the simple room and bed simplicity.

6. Mabul Island

Mabul Island is a small fishing village off the southeastern coast of Sabah. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular due to its proximity to Sipadan Island. Surrounded by pristine white beaches, the island is located on the tip of a large 2km majestic reef. It is arguably one of the best destinations for exotic marine life in the world with flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopuses and squids with many types of gobies and frogfish to be found as well. The island itself has several homestay and lodges for tourists to stay at with a few resorts. However, the most popular one that everyone has seen at some point in pictures is the famous accommodation that was once an oil platform over the water.

7. Tioman Island

Once a more private and secluded island, Tioman island offers everything you would expect from a tropical getaway: palm trees overhanging from white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The fame of this island was raised from being named one of the world’s most beautiful islands in the 70’s by Time magazine. Even though the island is part of Pahang state, the island is accessed from Johor state in Mersing town. Although attracting lots of tourists because of the beauty the island offers, it still retains its natural environment and wildlife. You will probably even see giant monitor lizards roaming around the villages if you’re lucky! Click HERE now to have a 360 viewing experience. (Credit & source: 360cities.net)

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