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What makes Malaysia a great beach destination?
- No matter what kind of beach you want to visit or what sort of activities you’re hoping to enjoy, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in Malaysia.
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How do Malaysia’s beaches compare to others in Asia?
- This Southeast Asian nation is home to some of the best beaches in all of Asia and can appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
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What types of beach experiences does Malaysia offer?
- Some of Malaysia’s beaches are ideally suited for lazy sunbathing sessions, while others are best enjoyed by active people with adventurous spirits.
Best Time to Visit Beaches in Malaysia
- March to October – Dry season with sunny skies, calm waters, and perfect for swimming.
- June to August – Peak season with warm temperatures and lively beach vibes.
- November to February – Monsoon season on the east coast, but west coast beaches stay pleasant.
- April & May – Great for snorkeling, diving, and exploring marine life.
- Late March – Ideal for enjoying mild weather before peak season begins.
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1. Perhentian Kecil Island Beach
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and relax on pristine sandy shores.
Located in Peninsular Malaysia, Perhentian Kecil Island Beach features the sort of white sands and turquoise waters that wouldn't look out of place on a paradisiacal private island. It's a gorgeous, postcard-style beach with a lot of good local amenities and some super conditions for sunbathing, swimming, and more. Snorkeling is excellent here, with sea turtles, fish, and lots of other marine life just waiting to be discovered, and there are lots of nice shady spots to cool off on the sunniest days. Some good eateries can be found nearby as well, so you can spend a full day on this Malaysian beach without any worries.
2. Layang-Layang Island Beach
Dive in deep waters and explore stunning marine biodiversity.
Looking to do some snorkeling in Malaysia? If so, Layang-Layang Island Beach might be just the right place for you. This beach can be found in Labuan on the eastern side of the country. The beach here is simply stunning and looks more like the sort of destination you'd expect to see in the Caribbean Sea than South East Asia. You'll have to hop on a short flight to visit this island but it's one of the most pristine, untouched parts of Malaysia and a must-visit spot for people who really want to head off the beaten path, rather than simply visiting all the typical touristic hotspots.
3. Juara Beach
Surf gentle waves and enjoy a peaceful beach retreat.
With tall palm trees, soft golden sands, mind-blowing sunset views, and gorgeous beachfront huts and resorts to stay in, Juara Beach is one of the very best beaches in Malaysia. It's located just a short distance off the coast of Johor on the island of Tioman. It's easily accessible by boat and the views here are good enough to take your breath away, so be sure to pack a camera and take some magical photos to share with the folks back home.
4. Coral Beach
Swim in crystal-clear waters and admire colorful coral formations.
Coral Beach is located on Pangkor Island, which can be reached quite easily using public transport. The boat ride to get here from the mainland of Malaysia only takes half an hour, so it's very accessible for anyone in need of a beautiful island beach to forget their worries and have the time of their lives. This beach is generally ranked as one of the best and prettiest in all of Malaysia, with its silky, sugary sands and blue-green waters providing a lovely setting for romantic evening strolls and family fun.
5. Mabul Island Beach
Dive with unique marine life and explore vibrant underwater ecosystems.
Down on the southeastern shores of Malaysia, on the island of Sipadan, sits Mabul Island Beach. Hugely popular with both locals and tourists, this beach is generally regarded as the number one diving spot in the country. The waters here are just right for adventurous people who want to head out beneath the waves in search of exciting marine life. Scores of colorful, tropical fish can be seen beneath the waves and the beach is a nice place to simply lie back and sunbathe as well. Getting here is a little tricky as you'll need to fly over to Tawau and then make your way to the coast and take a boat over to the island, but it definitely deserves a visit if you're willing to make the journey.
Plan Your Trip
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