Most of my travels were either for work, scuba diving, or to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Here is a list of Malaysia’s best beaches;

Kapalai Island Beach

1. Kapalai Island Beach

It is beautiful, romantic, and impressive, but the island is actually an amazing sandbank, one of the most fascinating islands in Sabah Borneo. Seeing it in photos does not do it justice; you have to be there in person to appreciate it.

The unique Kapalai Island stands above this huge sandbank. It is about 1 hour by boat from Semporna on the east coast of Sabah and a 10-minute boat ride from the well-known Mabul Island.

This beach at Kapalai is special because the resort is a stand-alone unit with no one else around it. Your ultimate private island is known for romantic escapes and unique honeymoon settings and is simply awesome for a private wedding! I kid you not—look at the photo above and imagine.

Kapalai Island’s artificial beach deck above the main beach

Usually, when the tide is down, the sandbank becomes a lovely beach. Otherwise, they have an elevated artificial beach deck with special white sand where you can chill out, suntan or whatever floats your boat here.

It is recommended for romantic couples and divers. Also, to avoid peak times, it can get pretty crowded with mainland Chinese tourists. You need to book well in advance to secure a room here (I hear it’s 3 to 6 months in advance).

The only way to get here is to book through the Kapalai Resort or tour companies. There are no ‘come-and-see’ boat trips available here.

Sand Rating: 7/10

Sipadan Island Beach

2. Sipadan Island Beach

The mother of all diving sites in Malaysia, Sipadan Island is renowned and recognized as one of the Top three Dive Spots in the World. It also has a pretty amazing beach. However, not everyone can pay a visit here. One needs to pay a premium price just to come here and dive at Sipadan Island.

There are no resorts or lodges here as it is a highly protected island with one army base. For divers, this is your mecca, and I kid you not. The underwater life is rich and colourful, with corals and fish. I have dived here more than eight times in three years.

Beach at Sipadan Island

During the many times I have visited Sipadan Island, I have seen people paying about RM500 to RM1000 just to come here, snorkel, and hang out on the beach. The white sand is untouched, and the snorkelling is simply out of this world. If you have the extra money, this is one beach you should visit.

All trips are half-day; everyone must register and leave the island before 5.00 pm. There are no ‘I-want-to-see’ Sipadan boat services available. All visits must be through a licensed tour operator. The journey from Semporna to here takes about 45 minutes to an hour one way.

Sand Rating: 6/10

Perhentian Kecil Beach

3. Perhentian Kecil Island Beach

Malaysia’s backpacker paradise, Perhentian Kecil, has been lively since the ’70s. Compared to Perhentian Besar, the smaller island showcases a better beach with finer sand. On average, you will see more Caucasians in bikinis and speedos getting their sun tan while the locals are busy doing water sports activities.

The main beach here is known as Long Beach Perhentian Island or Pantai Pasir Panjang and is very popular. It can get crowded during peak season (March to September). If you ask me, it’s not really recommended for kids, but locals somehow love bringing them here—all for the sake of being here.

One of the well-known resorts to check out is the Bubu Resort Perhentian Island.

Tanjung Tukas Beach on Perhentian Besar, a remote part of the island here

Many resorts and restaurants close during the monsoon season due to heavy rains and strong winds. So, it is recommended that you avoid coming here from mid-October to late February.

The optimum time to visit Perhentian is when the season starts at the end of February, or better, during the first week of March. However, I have been here during the monsoon season. Prices are really cheap, but you have to take a risk for the boat service and weather, too.

A couple of jetties from the coast of Terengganu offer boat trips to Perhentian, which are from Kuala Besut and Tok Bali. You need to do your homework carefully before coming here, too. There are no flights here, only boats. It can be visited ad-hawk or recommended through booking a tour company or resort.

Sand Rating: 8/10

Lang Tengah Beach

5. Lang Tengah Island Beach

One of Malaysia’s less visited islands and beaches, Lang Tengah Island, boasts just four resorts: Summer Bay Resort, Lang Sari Resort, D’Coconut Lagoon, and Seri Pacifica Resort. The fifth, Blue Coral Resort, has closed down.

All of them are 2 to 4 stars but don’t get your hopes too high for excellent service. According to Trip Advisor reviews, many of these resorts do not meet international standards. However, the island seems to attract more locals and divers.

There are only two main beaches here – Pantai Pasir Air (Water Sand Beach) and Pantai Mat Hassan (Mat Hassan Beach).

Pasir Air Beach near Redang Lang Resort

Pulau Lang Tengah also follows Malaysia’s monsoon season, during which some resorts close from November to the end of February. Overall, the island works fine for those wanting a less crowded beach atmosphere. Activities like scuba diving and snorkelling are significant here.

Besides that, you should know the island only has these few resorts, no roads or shops. Once you book a resort, that’s where you will stay. Read my Lang Tengah Resort review. Lang Tengah is also halfway between Perhentian and Redang Island. There are no flights, only boat services from the mainland, but you must book your resort first.

Sand Rating: 6/10

Pantai Pasir Panjang or Long Beach Redang

6. Redang Island Beach

One of the most popular islands in Malaysia, next to Perhentian, Pulau Redang, seems to attract more locals, Singaporeans, Taiwanese, and mainland Chinese tourists as the facilities here cater well to them.

Redang Island was featured in a viral Taiwanese movie many years ago, which prompted a sudden surge in crowds until today. With its beautiful turquoise waters and white sand beaches, Redang is a highly recommended island with decent infrastructure.

Nine smaller islands around the main island comprise the protected marine park, which is filled with life and fantastic for snorkelers and divers. One of the more secluded accommodations here is the Berjaya Pulau Redang Resort, which is hidden away from the other places.

Pulau Redang Beach from one end

Getting to Pulau Redang is also convenient as they have a small airport with flights a few times a week via a small propeller plane from Subang SkyPark Terminal under Berjaya Air. (Update 2019 Berjaya Air only does charter flights)

Otherwise, boat services depart from around the coast of Terengganu. Three main beaches are here, and they are all connected via walking. The most popular is Pasir Panjang or Long Beach, where most of the action is, in other words, the shops, restaurants, cafes, and so on. For a decent resort here, check out Redang Island Resort.

There are many ways to get here, including self-drive, fly, or take a tour. Redang observes the monsoon off-peak season from November to February. It is also one of the less expensive places for a honeymoon or romantic escape.

Sand Rating: 7/10

Another stand-alone resort with one of the best beaches in Malaysia, Mataking island is the furthest from Semporna in east coast Sabah where a boat trip takes about 1 hour one way. This island has also been called the Maldives of Malaysia; you will know why after coming here. As there is no other resort on the island, you sometimes have the entire beach to yourself.

Otherwise, just walk around the island to find your own secluded spot. The Reef Resort only has about 30 to 40 units, so there are minimal visitors. They offer diving, snorkelling, and some non-motorized water sports here, which is a thumbs-up for environmental protection.

One of the unique things for divers is that they have an underwater post office where you can actually post a letter or postcard! This is very cool if you ask me because I managed to dive and do that. You can also read my Mataking Island Resort review.

Mataking Kecil – You can walk there when the tide is low

This is the perfect getaway for the romantics as the Reef Resort has a spa, private bungalows, an outdoor Jacuzzi by the sea and all the romantic walks by the beach you want.

Special arrangements can be made for honeymooners, weddings, or private parties. It is highly recommended for those who want a ‘Maldives’ experience but are in Malaysia. The only way to get here is by booking a tour package from the resort. There are no day trips or visits here.

Sand Rating: 8/10

Sapi Island Beach

8. Sapi Island Beach, Sabah

Part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Parks or TAR Parks, Sapi Island is just next to the well-known Manukan Island, which is a super popular tourist destination.

However, fewer visitors seem to head to Sapi Island, making it another lovely island with a stunning beach. However, during the peak season, expect to see loads of PRC tourists here.

It can get crowded on weekends and school holidays, but I recommend you come here first thing in the morning and be out just after lunch. On a clear day, you can see Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, and Kota Kinabalu city in the distance.

Sapi Island view looking at KK city

The Sapi Island beach is perfect for sunbathing, beach picnics, or snorkelling. It is also recommended for families as your kids can play freely around here. There is an outdoor restaurant with a kitchen in the jungle, where giant monitor lizards (3-5 feet long) attract tourists. Do not touch them.Convenient shops and washroom amenities are available here for basic items. New scuba divers can also be seen doing their training here, so if you want to take that dive lesson, this is one of the nicer places.

There are many speed boat services from Jesselton Pier in Kota Kinabalu town for those wanting to go by themselves. However, many people take the daily package here, including transfers and lunch. Alternatively, you can stay at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges on Mataking Island, just next door.

Sand Rating: 5/10

Pantai Cenang Beach near Casa del Mar, Langkawi

While development has picked up over the last few years, Langkawi has always been a popular destination for island and beach lovers. Not only is the island duty-free, but there are also some pretty nice beaches here.

Some are secluded, and some are in other parts of the island, but the main Pantai Cenang Beach is hands down the most popular beach in Langkawi. The main areas of Pantai Cenang can get overcrowded at times; therefore, if you seek privacy, walk further up to where Casa del Mar Resort is located.

The beach here is much better, quieter, and nicer. You won’t get pure white sand but an average sandy beach with a less powdery white feel.

Langkawi’s Pantai Cenang from the air, one of the most popular beaches on the island

While hordes of locals and foreigners come here for the island lifestyle, Pantai Cenang is constantly busy, especially during the local school or public holidays and tries to avoid the super peak season from December to January. Check out the prices for Casa Del Mar in Langkawi.

Pantai Cenang is easily accessed as it runs along Jalan Pantai Cenang, the main road along the beach. Rows of shops, restaurants, and resorts also divide the main road from the beach.

The bad thing is that motorized sports like jet skiing, banana boats, and parasailing are allowed here, which makes them quite dangerous for toddlers. Langkawi Island is accessible by ferry from Penang and Kuala Perlis, and you can also drive there.

They also have an international airport with many daily flights from several countries. If duty-free booze, chocolates, and shopping are in your itinerary, then this is your place!

Sand Rating: 5/10

Mantanani Island Beach

 

10. Mantanani Island Beach, Sabah

One of the less visited islands in Sabah and more of a local day trip from Kota Kinabalu (KK) city, Mantanani Island is located about 2.5 hours from KK and the main beach here called Mantanani Paradise Beach or The Point, which stretches for 2500 meters long.

It is here that all daytrippers come to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. About three other resorts are located around the island. Powdery white sand awaits the beachgoer here, but there are no accommodations on the main beach. Activities here include snorkelling, diving, and chilling out by the beach. For facilities, there are small service huts for the day trip guests.

The boat trip from the Kuala Abai jetty on the mainland takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. It is not recommended for toddlers, but this place serves as a quick island and beach trip from Kota Kinabalu for those on a short stay.

On a side note, Mantanani Island was once very popular for sighting sea cows or Dugongs in shallow waters, but they have not been spotted in the last couple of years. Diving at Mantanani Island is also highly recommended, as the visibility can go up to 40 meters. However, there are fewer big fish to see and more macro life.

On my last trip here in 2023, I stayed at JSK Mantanani Island Resort, one of the island’s latest properties.

Sand Rating 8/10

Sadly, Manukan Island Beach in Sabah did not make my list here, but I’m showing it anyway.

Conclusion

For those OTA writers who love to scrape content and rewrite it, please have the decency to credit the person or site from which you got your information. Overall, I have to say that all the beaches have their pros and cons, and I have tried to narrow them down as much as I can.

I assure you that there will be readers out there who may disagree about the best beaches in Malaysia. Again, I remind you that I made this list based on my own experiences visiting all these beaches around Malaysia.

While some of you may have been to the beaches mentioned here, and some may even have been to others not listed here, please feel free to give me your comments and feedback.

I am always open to seeing what readers think about a lovely beach. What are your criteria, and so on? Therefore, please do leave your comment below or even help share this on your Twitter, Pinterest, or Facebook.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article on the best beaches in Malaysia. Again, do you know of other beaches that should be listed here? Let me know.