Print this article if you're a tour operator, accommodation provider or touristAn Introduction
Malaysia’s islands are idyllic and pristine places. As a tourist, when you explore the waters of Malaysia, a feeling of serenity and calm will wash over you!
You can clearly differentiate the Malaysian Islands on the basis of the coast on which they are located. There are islands on the East Coast and on the West Coast of Malaysia. There is an almost innumerable amount of small and big islands on the Malaysian shores as this South East Asian country houses many of them! Yet, there are some popular islands and beaches in Malaysia worthy of mention.
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The beaches of Malaysia vary significantly from place to place. There are stretches of powdery sandy beach on the eastern coast as well as the black sandy beaches of Pantai Pasir Hitam. Then there is the contrasting beach of Pantai Batu Kerikil known for its smooth pebbles.
Paradise Islands
To add to these, there are hundreds of tropical islands. Some are legendary, such as the beautiful islands of Langkawi and Pulau Tioman. Other exotic locales are the Terengganu Islands and Beaches of Sabah. Beaches in Malaysia are abundant and varied. The spectrum of colors presented on shore is also different. It has rich golden sands and bright green clear waters. This results in beaches that reveal a sense of calm and peace on a tourist’s heart! There are traditional villages and Kelongs all along the Malaysian coast (Kelongs are offshore wooden houses built over the water on stilts, giving a different meaning to the words “beach view”!). There are facilities for snorkeling and scuba diving at these places as well.
West Coast Gems
Among the West Coast Malaysian Islands, the best and most wonderful are Pangkor, Langkawi and Penang. The islands are suitable to visit all year round (with the exception of the wet season that lasts from November to February). Visiting Pangkor Island, however, is possible all year round. While visiting Pangkor, you may still encounter showers at some times of the day.
Pulau Penang is among the most visited islands in Malaysia for its serene beauty and the fact that it is now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Program. Its size is moderate; it is neither too big nor too small. Tourists may visit the island via road using the Penang Bridge or by ferry ride taken to Penang from Butterworth. The island is also connected from Butterworth through railways.
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Langkawi Islands are located towards the North of Penang and tourists may take a boat ride to the most popular of them. The beaches at Langkawi are beautiful with their crystal blue water and there is no better place to be than this in Malaysia. The island is also the site for the most spectacular diving spot called Pulau Payar. This marine park is worth a visit for every tourist. Langkawi Island has its own international airport serving regular flights, and also has modern ferry connections. It is connected to Thailand, Penang and places in Perlis and Kedah. There are also many other beautiful beaches in West Malaysia namely Pantai Kok and Pantai Cenang, Penang beach, Port Dickson, Pangkor Island, Desaru and Cherating.
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Looking across the gorgeous and replenishing Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa (pictured) - MalaysiaExplorer.net's recommened top-pick resort |
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East Coast Recommendations
The East coast of Malaysia has beautiful islands called Redang, Perhentian and Tioman. Terengganu is the central transportation hub to all of them and is in itself a beautiful place. Perhentian is known for its white sandy beaches and blue waters, typical of Malaysia’s all true tropical paradise islands. Pulau Perhentian is the perfect destination for tourists who wish to do some water sports like snorkeling, scuba-diving and sailing. Deep-sea fishing is also a favorite tourist pastime there. Bus and boat take about 1.5 hours to reach there from Kuala Terengganu in North East Malaysia.
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Redang Island near Kuala Terengganu is still untouched and is a perfect place for exploring all kinds of diverse sea life. It has fishing villages, is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Tioman is another favored tourist destination for several reasons. It is perfect for those who love to dive and those who wish to explore the flora and fauna of unspoiled jungles with waterfalls. This dragon shaped mountainous island is the largest volcanic group of islands off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia and can be reached either by a ferry service from Mersing or via the airport situated on the island.
In a nutshell, Malaysian islands offer exotic locales for all kinds of tourists like families, honeymooners and adventurers.
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