5 Best Islands of Malaysia

Penang is probably the best-known of the islands of Malaysia, with its fragrant food markets, gold-laden temples and candy-coloured George Town – a UNESCO World Heritage site for its colonial architecture. The fact that there’s a curry named after the island is probably your first clue that this is a foodie destination. From Penang laksa served from street food trucks to hot pots, and from banana leaf in Little India to seafood and sticky-sweet Asian desserts – it’s a food-themed bucket list just waiting to be ticked off.

In between sampling the cuisine, venture out to Batu Ferringhi, a long stretch of soft, white sand fringed with hotels, resorts, restaurants and colourful night markets. For something a little quieter, try Pasir Panjang (literally ‘long beach’) for a white-sand stretch boasting fantastic sunsets. Alternatively, for a more remote experience, head to Monkey Beach on the fringes of Penang National Park. The northwest corner of the island is a protected national park with a tropical rainforest and the largest Buddhist temple in the country. While you’re here, take the funicular up Penang Hill for a fabulous view over the city, or explore the sprawling Kek Lok Si temple with its impressively tiered, gold-topped pagoda.

Langkawi is a group of mountainous islands of Malaysia, known for luxury and exclusivity as well as their duty-free status. The islands’ popularity is no surprise given their easy accessibility combined with the postcard-perfect aquamarine ocean, swaying palm trees and silvery beaches. Speaking of dreamy beaches, you’re spoilt for choice here – they’re all sandy. Cenang Beach is a hit with tourists thanks to its great facilities and fabulous warm sea, while Pantai Kok is a small, quiet bay with a secluded feel.

Tanjung Rhu and Sandy Skulls Beach are both recommended for their clear sea and beautiful white sand. If you can peel yourself off your towel and venture inland, you’ll find several wildlife parks, protected mangrove swamps and waterfalls galore, including Telaga Tujuh and Temurun. For the best views, ride the SkyCab cable car into the hills and admire the lush forest below or walk the breathtaking SkyBridge, a sweeping suspension bridge brushing the canopy. For unrivalled scenery, book a boat tour heading to the sister island of Dayang Bunting and the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. You’ll find yourself on a deep lake surrounded by towering, wooded rock formations and joined by a curious (and food-focused!) monkey colony.

Sparkling blue seas and soft silvery sand capture the imagination on these two islands, nicknamed ‘little’ and ‘large’, located on the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula. Besar, the larger of the two, is popular with families, while the smaller island usually attracts backpackers, but what they’re both famous for is their incredible snorkelling and diving.

Whether you’re looking to get PADI-qualified, try out scuba diving for the first time, or simply have a peek around some rocks in knee-deep water, there’s something for everyone – from tiny iridescent fish to coral, sharks and turtles. The atmosphere here is incredibly laid-back and easy-going. In the evening you’ll find candle-lit beach bars with cushions spread across the sand and street performers wandering among visitors.

During the day, jungle treks can take you between aptly named spots such as Rainforest Beach, Coral Bay and Romantic Beach on the smaller island, but the best way to get about is by water taxi. The same is true on the bigger island, where the favourite and most idyllic beaches are Turtle Bay and Teluk Keke, known for their peace and tranquillity.

Pangkor is one of the most easily accessible islands of Malaysia and is a popular weekend beach break, but mostly among locals. For a calm, quiet retreat away from too many tourists, this is undoubtedly one of the best islands of Malaysia. The main source of income on this hilly, wooded island still comes from fishing, so naturally the shellfish and seafood are to die for. It’s also a fabulous place to witness a very authentic working fishing community in action, as well as to explore the ruined Dutch fort, floating mosque and numerous temples.

The most popular beaches are Coral Bay and Teluk Nipah for its glorious sunset, handful of beach restaurants and sandy shore, plus Pasir Bogak for water sports. From the beach at Pasir Bogak, you can glimpse Pangkor Laut — a tiny private island with one hotel and a reputation for being utterly idyllic. The two key sights here are the incredibly tranquil and picture-perfect Emerald Bay, and Royal Bay with its walkways through the water, oceanside restaurants, sea villas, and a swimming pool with an unimaginably perfect view.

In the heart of a protected marine park, Redang is one of the most lavish islands of Malaysia, with a reputation for luxury resorts, pristine coastline and an atmosphere of indulgent relaxation. The excellently preserved coral means keen divers and snorkellers make a beeline for the island, which offers perfect diving conditions to see blacktip reef sharks, parrotfish, cuttlefish, turtles, and even manta rays and whale sharks.

You can take a snorkelling trip by boat and even explore a wreck at the Marine Park Centre, which is located on a small island just off the coast and is an absolute must-see while you’re here. Nature-lovers can also enjoy walks through the jungle to spot monkeys, monitor lizards, fruit bats and squirrels. All the beaches here are fairly popular, including Long Beach and Pantai Pasir Panjang, with their white sands, a bay dotted with islands and a smattering of beach bars and restaurants behind. Taaras is another popular sandy expanse with sunbeds for hire, while the aptly named Sunset Beach and Wisana Village are also dreamy spots to while away an afternoon.