Beach Guide: Malaysia

Malaysia is a country of contrasts; while the western peninsula is filled with sprawling modern cities, its eastern regions are some of the least explored places on earth. With so much diversity in one country, it should come as no surprise that Malaysia’s beaches are hugely varied, offering everything from luxury sea-side resorts to untouched beach wildernesses.

If you’re interested in an up-market resort holiday, look no further than the island of Pulau Langkawi. Langkawi can be reached from Georgetown by boat or plane. There are also regular flights to and from Kuala Lumpur. Langkawi is a tropical tax-haven, and some luxurious hotels are to be found on the secluded beaches around the island. The main town can feel a little busy and commercial, but with duty-free alcohol available everywhere, it’s good for a party. Pulau Tioman, on the east coast, boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the country – you might even recognise it as the setting of the 1958 movie South Pacific. Tourism has lead to rapidly accelerating development on the island, so don’t be surprised when you stumble across elaborate, lavish hotels along the beautiful beach-front. Tioman is now accessible by plane, so expect even heavier development within the next few years.

Secluded Beach Getaways in Malaysia

If you ever feel the need to escape the pressures of urban life, then Malaysia is home to some of the most secluded and tranquil beaches in Asia, if not the world. The Perhentian Islands, on the east coast, contain blissfully relaxed beaches – even their name, “Perhentian”, means “stopping-point”. Drop everything and concentrate on unwinding on the tranquil Besar island, or hop on a boat and enjoy the lively backpacker bars on Pulau Kechil. Unlike Langkawi or Tioman, alcohol is heavily taxed on these islands, which has perhaps saved them from becoming overcrowded party destinations.

For the adventurous traveler, Malaysian Borneo is a good place to explore remote and untouched beaches. Even the captial city of the Sabah region – Kota Kinabalu – is only fifteen minutes from Pulau Mamutik, a desert island inhabited only by diving instructors. For beginners and experts alike, the beaches of Mamutik are a great place to explore Borneo’s marine wildlife. Serious divers should head south to Sipadan, which is a strong contender for the best dive-site in the world. Expect to see wild sea-turtles drifting serenely past schools of barracuda, against a backdrop of startling beautiful coral.