5 Romantic Islands To Visit In Malaysia

Malaysia has an expansive belt of coastline with white sands, coral reefs, crystal waters and lots of wildlife, encompassing both the peninsula and Borneo. There are plenty of popular public beaches to choose from, but equally there are many which are a little bit more obscure. Do the legwork though, and you’ll be rewarded with an experience like no other. Here are 5 of the best secret islands and beaches in Malaysia.

# A luxurious beach getaway on Tenggol Island

Tenggol is the southernmost island in Terengganu State’s archipelago chain, stretching over the South China Sea. Unlike its neighbours, the Perhentian Islands, this place hardly sees any visitors besides a handful of locals. Expect ideal snorkelling conditions, daily whale shark tours and jungle trails. Culture Trip recommends Tenggol Island Beach Resort for a luxurious beach getaway. To get here, take a five-hour bus from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Dungan followed by a 50-minute ferry to Tenggol Island. It’s worth the long trip.

# Spend the night on a hit movie set on Redang Island

Twenty years ago, Rendang was among the most well-kept secrets in Malaysia – but when it featured in hit Hong Kong movie Summer Holiday (2000), the tourists quickly followed. Redang Island shares the chain with both the Perhentians and Tenggol, but what sets this small archipelago apart is its world-class resorts. Rather than catering to a younger crowd of travellers, this place attracts more well-healed tourists looking to lounge on their pristine sandy beaches. Head to Pasir Panjang beach on the eastern coast and take advantage of the perfect snorkelling conditions.

# Disconnect from the world on Kapas

Terengganu’s Kapas Island is practically uninhabited compared to its neighbours. Only a handful of guesthouses and hostels line the empty coastlines, catering to budget-conscious crowds. Forget luxury resorts, mass development and WiFi: Kapas is all about reflection and solitude. Expect vast coastlines, colourful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. Culture Trip recommends at least two nights here to get the most out of one of Malaysia’s most mysterious islands.

# Gem Island

The vibrant coral reefs of Gem Island (Pulau Gemia) are bursting with marine life, while palm trees line the soft, sandy beaches just a stone’s throw from deep, lush jungle. While this might sound like many other islands in Malaysia, it lacks one crucial element: tourists. Apart from the handful of guests at the island’s resort and spa, you won’t see another soul. Ask locals in Kuala Lumpur and most won’t know Gem, making it one of the lesser-known islands in Malaysia.

# Romantic getaways on Rawa Island

Dazzling white-sand beaches, celebrity-favoured resorts and beachfront villas sum up Rawa Island. This tiny coral island off Johor State has just two resorts – making it particularly attractive to those looking for extreme privacy – so it’s no surprise that this piece of paradise comes with a high price tag and limited rooms that often sell out months in advance. Rawa is perfect for honeymooners or couples on a romantic getaway.