Who doesn’t love some fun in the sun? Malaysia is blessed with truly picturesque islands that are known the world over. Thinking of going island hopping soon? Bookmark or save this article for 9 Malaysian islands and the best times to visit them!
Here Are The Best Times to Visit These 9 Malaysian Islands!
- Pulau Rawa, Johor
If you want to feel like royalty on vacation, Pulau Rawa is one of the places to go if you are in Johor. The reason is that this island is a private island owned by the Johor Sultan. Pulau Rawa is located about 16km from Mersing jetty. If you take a boat, the journey is about 20-25 minutes.
On this island there are only two resorts namely Rawa Island Resort and Alang’s Rawa. These two resorts are located next to each other. Roughly, prepare RM1000 per person to relax in Rawa for 2 days. This cost may be lower if you stay in a budget hut (at Alang’s) or higher (if you eat a lot or you take a more expensive package at Rawa Island Resort).
Best times: Mar – Sep
- Pulau Pangkor, Perak
Pangkor Island has the beauty of quiet beaches and soft sands. This island is very suitable to be chosen as your holiday destination with family and friends because there are many interesting activities that can be done together. Going on an island vacation doesn’t have to be just a walk on the beach. Among other activities that can be done on Pangkor Island are kayaking, diving, boating, fishing and more. If you’re on vacation on the island, don’t miss the opportunity to see the sunset on the beach. There are also many Pangkor holiday packages that you can find to make your holiday easier.
Best times: Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul
- Pulau Besar, Malacca
Pulau Besar or better known as the sacred island is one of the most mysterious islands in Malaysia. There are many myths and legends that are often related by local residents whose stories are passed down from generation to generation through conversation whose authenticity cannot be ascertained.
There are two ways to get to Pulau Besar which is by using the ferry service or by using the speedboat service. If you come with a small group it is better to take the ferry because the fare is cheaper.
Among the activities that can be done here is a picnic with your family by the sea. In addition, you can camp with friends or family. On this island there are also many interesting places that can be visited. If you don’t have time to visit all the places you can spend the night on the island. There are chalets there too.
Best times: Apr – Jun
- Pulau Langkawi, Kedah
A familiar holiday destination in Malaysia, Langkawi offers a variety of interesting activities for tourists to do. If you have never vacationed in Langkawi in your life, people say, you are not qualified to be called a Malaysian citizen even if you have a MyKad in your wallet!
If taking a ferry, you can take a ferry from Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah to Langkawi. The ferry from Kuala Perlis only takes 55 minutes while from Kuala Kedah it takes 1.5 hours.
Langkawi Island is also famous as a Duty Free Island. Various goods here are tax-free and cheaper than the mainland. Among the items that are always bought are tableware sets, chocolates, batik cloth/stickers, sea cucumber oil and cigarettes.
Best times: Nov – Apr
- Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu
Perhentian Island is a very popular holiday destination not only in Malaysia but also famous among foreign tourists. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world and has earned the title of island paradise and tropical paradise. Most areas on the island are still preserved and covered in natural tropical forests. The surrounding seas have been gazetted as a Marine Park.
Perhentian Island is famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches and clear sea water. The surrounding sea is rich with coral reefs and various types of colorful fish. In the island area, the forest has not yet been polluted by large-scale development. These factors make Pulau Perhentian a dream vacation location for anyone, be it a family, group or individual. Tourists can visit the island as a package holiday or plan their own budget holiday.
Kuala Besut Jetty is the main location for ferry transportation to Perhentian Island. It’s the closest jetty where the journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the destination.
If you want to go for a walk to see the beautiful scenery, there are several interesting places on Perhentian Island that can be visited. Almost all of these places are coastal areas. There is no need to explain more about the clear sea water, the fine and white sand of the beach. It’s suitable for snorkeling and swimming.
Best times: Apr – Jun
- Pulau Mabul, Sabah
The mere mention of Mabul Island will bring to mind the view of coconut trees and beautiful water villages. Located only about 15 minutes by speedboat from the famous Sipadan Island, Mabul has earned its own recognition as one of the best muck-diving (a term used to describe limited visibility in the shallows with usually sandy dive sites) in the world.
Mabul is a small oval-shaped island formed by a sandy beach and a large 200-hectare reef perched on the northwest corner. The reef is located on the edge of the continental shelf and the seabed surrounds the coral reef up to 25 – 30m deep.
If you have never sea kayaked before, then now is the time to do it. So explore Mabul in a transparent Molokini kayak, beautiful sandy beaches, beach picnic spots and secret hideaways that can’t be reached on foot.
Best times: May – Oct
- Pulau Tioman, Pahang
Every year, Pulau Tioman becomes a holiday destination that’s frequently visited by tourists from both domestic and foreign countries. This island in Pahang is one of the best islands in the world that can definitely provide a lifetime experience to its visitors. Usually tourists will buy a tour package to go to Tioman Island.
The clear sea water of Pulau Tioman is one of the reasons why many people want to vacation here in addition to the clean and fun beach for hanging out. If you want to take pictures here, it’s the best because you can have a backdrop of the sunset that turns the sky orange. In addition, the accommodation here also makes your holiday experience to Pulau Tioman even better.
Snorkeling is one of the activities most awaited by tourists on this island. You will use goggles to see the fish in the sea prepared by your instructor. Usually if you come with a tour package, everything is already available. It’s crazy fun to be able to swim with the colorful fish in the sea. If you run into Nemo later, send greetings!
Best times: May – Sep
- Pulau Sibu, Johor
Pulau Sibu was recognized as a marine park in 1993. The island, which is 12km from the mainland, is rarely the talk of tourists, but the beauty of the sea and its beaches cannot be denied. Sibu Island has 4 parts known as Sibu Besar Island, Sibu Tengah Island, Sibu Kukus Island and Sibu Hujung Island.
This island is not only famous as a tourist destination but also famous among anglers. There’s even a small village with around 200 people living there.
For those of you who have a diving license from PADI, don’t miss the opportunity to dive here to witness the beauty of the coral reef and its marine life. The entire seabed is filled with various coral reefs! If you don’t have a diving license you still have the opportunity to enjoy a similar experience by going snorkeling.
In addition, you can canoe, play windsurfing, explore the forest, explore the mangrove area, play beach volleyball and card games by the beach. The journey from the jetty takes about 30 minutes by boat to reach Sibu Island.
Best times: Feb – Mar
- Pulau Kapas, Terengganu
Pulau Kapas is a relaxing tropical hideaway just a few kilometers from mainland Terengganu through Marang jetty by speed boat. This island isn’t only a destination for Malaysian tourists, even foreign tourists also come to enjoy this unique island vacation.
All beaches and accommodations are located on the west side of the island facing the mainland. You can take a short trip into the jungle across the low hills of Kapas island to the east coast to see the sunrise.
Every visitor who has ever dived here is awed with the thousands of fish and coral reefs that greet them on the seabed. Among the species of marine life that you will meet are eels, giant clams, squid, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and many more.
If you go to Pulau Kapas you must go to Bukit Singa because it’s a landmark for this island. It’s known as Bukit Singa because from the side of this hill it looks like a lion’s head.
The journey from the jetty takes around 20 to 30 minutes for you to arrive at Pulau Kapas.
Best times: Apr – Oct
Make sure to check out the best times to visit these 9 Malaysian islands!
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Written by Kartini Kannan
