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These are the best-hidden islands and beaches in Malaysia
Malaysia has over 800 remote islands, and a significant number of them are still unexplored. With many relatively unknown islands for tourists, there is a high possibility you can find empty palm-tree-fringed beaches. With white sand and turquoise waters, these are the top 5 best-hidden islands and beaches in Malaysia you can´t miss.
Pangkor
If you want to take a quick side trip close to Kuala Lumpur and escape the hectic life then we highly recommend you to go to Pangkor Island. It´s located less than 200 kilometers northwest of the capital city. The small island is still under the radar for many and visitors feel like they have the place totally for themselves. The island is known for having hundreds of hornbills and empty beaches. Once you are on the island there are possibilities to rent a scooter. Renting a scooter is relatively cheap and the most convenient transportation if you want to see and get around the island.
How to get to Pangkor Island
Catch a bus from Kuala Lumpur to the ferry port at Lumut. The ferry ride is about 35 minutes until you reach the coastline of Pangkor. You can catch the ferry every day from 7 am to 8.30 pm.
Lang Tengah
Lang Tengah is a very small and quiet island located between Perhentian and Redang northeast of Malaysia. People mainly visit Lang Tengah to snorkel and to enjoy the secluded and tropical vibes. There are a handful of resorts on the island and the only way to get around is by boat. There are no roads except for a few jungle paths and this makes the island a peaceful getaway from the hectic life on the mainland. The island is also known as the Maldives of Malaysia due to its secluded white beaches and rich marine life.
How to get to Lang Tengah
The best and quickest way is to take the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. Once you are in Kuala Terengganu, take the bus or taxi to Merang which is about a 45minute drive. There are daily ferries leaving from the harbor to Lang Tengah and it only takes 30 minutes to reach the destination.
Redang Island
Ok, so Redang might be the black sheep on this list. This island is a well-known tourist attraction for good reasons. The big island consists of many beautiful beaches and there are plenty of different activities to keep you busy. But the big reason why you should visit Redang is that you can go island hopping, which allows you to explore hidden gems of natural beauty. Pulau Lima, Pulau Ling or Pulau Paku Kecil are a few of the nearby islands to Redang worth visiting.
How to get to Redang Island
Take the domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu with for example AirAsia. Take the bus or taxi from Kuala Terengganu to Merang. From there take the ferry and you will reach Redang island within 30 minutes.
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Rawa
The small coral island Rawa is located off the east coast of Johor. This tiny island is a true paradise with clean blue waters and soft white sand beaches. This piece of paradise is often overlooked by tourists and therefore it´s still fairly unknown to the crowds. Rawa is known for being the best-kept secret of the Malaysian archipelago. There are only 2 resorts on the island and the holiday environment is highly enchanting.
Ho to get to Rawa
Take the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing. Rawa is a roundabout 1-hour ferry ride from Mersing Jetty and the ferry departs every 1 to 2 hours between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm.
Kapas Island
Are you a sucker for luxury resorts? Well, heads up, Terengganu´s Kapas island is not the place for you. This island is all about the simple way of living life. There´s no wifi on the island, Kapas is all about reflection and solitude. With just a handful of guesthouses and hostels along the coastlines, the island is the perfect laid-back hideaway. Spend at least 2 nights here to make sure you get the most out of your stay.
How to get to Kapas island
Take the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. Once you are in Kuala Terengganu, take the bus or taxi to Marang. At Marang boats are departing daily to The Kapas island from 7 am to 5 pm. The boat ride is just 15 minutes as the island is located only 5km away from the coastline.
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