25 Best Islands to Visit in Malaysia

Malaysia has a range of islands, from Langkawi to Sabah. This guide covers the 25 best islands to visit in Malaysia.

Terengganu Islands

1. Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are islands in Terengganu, with beaches and diving. See our Terengganu travel guide guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach, diving Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Kuala Terengganu or Merang Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

2. Redang Island

Redang Island is an island in Terengganu, with beaches and marine parks. See our Terengganu travel guide guide.

Type: Island, marine park Best for: Beach, marine park Atmosphere: Island, resort Access: By boat from Kuala Terengganu or Merang Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

3. Kapas Island

Kapas Island is an island in Terengganu, with beaches. See our Terengganu travel guide guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Marang Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

4. Lang Tengah Island

Lang Tengah Island is an island in Terengganu, with beaches. See our Terengganu travel guide guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Merang Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

5. Gemia Island

Gemia Island is an island in Terengganu, with beaches. See our Terengganu travel guide guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Kuala Terengganu Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

Kedah Islands

6. Langkawi

Langkawi is an island in Kedah, with beaches, cable car and nature. See our places to visit in Kedah guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach, nature, cable car Atmosphere: Island, resort Access: By air or ferry Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

7. Payar Island

Payar Island is a marine park near Langkawi, popular for snorkelling. See our places to visit in Kedah guide.

Type: Marine park Best for: Snorkelling Atmosphere: Marine park Access: By boat from Langkawi Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

Johor Islands

8. Tioman Island

Note: Tioman Island is in Pahang, not Johor. See our places to visit in Pahang guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach, diving Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Mersing Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

9. Rawa Island

Rawa Island is an island in Johor, with beaches. See our places to visit in Johor guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Mersing Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

10. Sibu Island

Sibu Island is an island in Johor, with beaches. See our places to visit in Johor guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Tanjung Leman Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

11. Aur Island

Aur Island is an island in Johor, with beaches and diving. See our places to visit in Johor guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach, diving Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Mersing Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

Sabah Islands

12. Sipadan

Sipadan is a dive site in Sabah. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

Type: Dive site Best for: Diving Atmosphere: Dive site Access: By boat from Semporna Practical tips: Check diving conditions. Access may require permits.

13. Mabul Island

Mabul Island is an island in Sabah, with beaches and diving. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach, diving Atmosphere: Island, dive resort Access: By boat from Semporna Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

14. Kapalai

Kapalai is a dive resort in Sabah. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

Type: Dive resort Best for: Diving Atmosphere: Dive resort Access: By boat from Semporna Practical tips: Check diving conditions.

15. Mantanani Island

Mantanani Island is an island in Sabah, with beaches. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach, diving Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Kota Belud Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

16. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a marine park near Kota Kinabalu, with beaches. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Type: Marine park Best for: Beach, marine park Atmosphere: Marine park, popular Access: By boat from Kota Kinabalu Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

Other Islands

17. Pangkor Island, Perak

Pangkor Island is an island in Perak, with beaches. See our places to visit in Perak guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By ferry from Lumut Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

18. Tioman Island, Pahang

Tioman Island is an island in Pahang, with beaches and diving. See our places to visit in Pahang guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach, diving Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Mersing Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

19. Redang Island, Terengganu

Redang Island is an island in Terengganu. See our Terengganu travel guide guide.

Type: Island, marine park Best for: Beach, marine park Atmosphere: Island, resort Access: By boat from Kuala Terengganu or Merang Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

20. Perhentian Islands, Terengganu

The Perhentian Islands are islands in Terengganu. See our Terengganu travel guide guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach, diving Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Kuala Terengganu or Merang Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

21. Langkawi, Kedah

Langkawi is an island in Kedah. See our places to visit in Kedah guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach, nature Atmosphere: Island, resort Access: By air or ferry Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

22. Labuan

Labuan is an island off the coast of Sabah, known for duty-free shopping and diving. Check current access with official sources.

Type: Island Best for: Shopping, diving Atmosphere: Island, town Access: By air or ferry Practical tips: Check weather.

23. Pangkor Island, Perak

Pangkor Island is an island in Perak. See our places to visit in Perak guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By ferry from Lumut Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

24. Rawa Island, Johor

Rawa Island is an island in Johor. See our places to visit in Johor guide.

Type: Island Best for: Beach Atmosphere: Island, quiet Access: By boat from Mersing Practical tips: Check weather. Check swimming conditions.

25. Sipadan, Sabah

Sipadan is a dive site in Sabah. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

Type: Dive site Best for: Diving Atmosphere: Dive site Access: By boat from Semporna Practical tips: Check diving conditions. Access may require permits.

Island Types Explained

Island

An island is a landmass surrounded by water, with beaches, nature and accommodation.

Resort

A resort is a accommodation facility, usually on an island or beach. Some resorts are on stilts over water.

Marine Park

A marine park is a protected marine area, with restrictions on fishing and activities. Check current regulations with official sources.

Dive Site

A dive site is a location for scuba diving, with coral reefs and marine life. Access may require permits.

Practical Tips

• Weather: Malaysia is tropical year-round. Rain is possible year-round. Check weather conditions before your trip. See our best time to visit Malaysia guide.
• Swimming: Swimming conditions can change. Check current conditions. Follow safety notices. Do not swim alone.
• Access: Check current access for islands before visiting. Boat services depend on weather and sea conditions.
• Permits: Some marine parks and dive sites may require permits. Check current requirements with official sources.

FAQ

What are the best islands to visit in Malaysia?

The best islands include Langkawi, Perhentian Islands, Redang Island, Tioman Island and Sipadan. See our places to visit in Malaysia guide.

What is the best island for diving in Malaysia?

Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in Malaysia. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

What is the best island for beaches in Malaysia?

Langkawi, Perhentian Islands and Redang Island have some of the best beaches. See our best beaches in Malaysia guide.

Conclusion

Malaysia has a range of islands, from Langkawi to Sabah. For more ideas, see our best beaches in Malaysia, places to visit in Malaysia and Malaysia travel bucket list guides.