With hundreds of islands in the country (Langkawi alone has 99) it’s not hard to find a Malaysian island to suit your travel mood. When most of us think of tropical Malaysian islands; sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and refreshing waters come to mind, but there are also those with a rich heritage and cultural diversity such as Penang which offer a completely different experience. While this list isn’t complete, here are some of the best known islands in Malaysia from the east and west coast of the peninsula to those of the East Malaysian state of Sabah.

EAST COAST, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Many consider the east coast to have the best beaches and islands and most are less commercial than those on the west coast. Kapas and Tenggol are two others on the east coast with resort facilities.

Perhentian Islands
Located 20km off the coastline, there are two islands imaginatively named – Besar (Big) and Kechil (Small). Coral fringed islands with turquoise waters and white sands make an ideal retreat for those seeking isolation and tranquillity. Not only is Kecil smaller, it’s also quieter and less developed although Besar isn’t much grander. There are no roads and the only way in and out is by boat. Diving and chilling out are popular pastimes.
Arriving: Ferries depart from Kuala Besut and take about one hour.
Staying: Perhentian Island Resort (www.perhentianislandresort.net) and Cempaka on Kecil.
Dining: Simple resort restaurants.
Contact: www.perhentian.com.my

Redang Islands
While a little more developed and with its own small airport (Berjaya Air from KL and Singapore), there are similarities between Redang and the Perhentians. Located 45km off the coast, the water qualities are the same and there’s a similar sense of isolation. Diving, especially around two historic wrecks, appeals to many. The waters are protected as a marine park and turtles commonly come onto the beaches to lay their eggs.
Arriving: By air from KL and Singapore on Berjaya Air or by ferry from Merang (not to be confused with Marang).
Staying: Berjaya Redang Spa Resort (www.berjayresorts.com) and Coral Redang Island Resort (www.coralredang.com.my).
Dining: Restaurants attached to resorts.
Contact: www.redangguide.com

Johor Islands
There are a few islands off the Johor coastline including Sibu, Tinggi, Besar, Aur and Dayang. They appeal because of their isolation and laid back lifestyle however accessing the islands during the monsoon can be challenging. There are no large resorts especially any higher than a coconut tree. Diving is popular on most especially around the remote Aur Island. Fishing is also possible on kelong structures erected in the middle of the sea.
Arriving: Mersing, Tanjung Sedili and Tanjung Leman are the main ports for ferries to these islands.
Staying: Nadia’s Inn ((Tinggi), Aseania (Besar), Rimba Resort (Sibu), Diver’s Lodge (Aur) and Dayang Island Resort (Dayang).
Dining: Relax in casual restaurants attached to all small resorts.
Contact: www.tourismjohor.com

Tioman Island, Pahang
In the 1950s, Hollywood discovered Tioman Island when it was selected for the mythical location, Bali Hai in the film “South Pacific”. Tioman is one of the country’s better known islands despite being laid back with only one international resort and one very smart boutique property. The mountainous island is densely forested and fringed by white beaches, with several coastal villages. Tioman’s waters are its biggest draw card but there are many adventures on the land. Tioman’s surrounding waters and adjacent islands are home to scores of species of hard coral and fish. Kampung Tekek serves as Tioman’s main entry point via ferry and air. Apart from Berjaya there’s JapaMala and clusters of simple chalets offering great value-for-money. JapaMala is in a league of its own and with just a handful of chalets located by a remote and peaceful beach, it appeals to those who appreciate intimate accommodation, rustic charm and isolation. Relax in their Samadhi Spa or dine on Indochinese cuisine in Tamarind Terrace Restaurant.
Arriving: Fly on Berjaya Air (www.berjaya-air.com) or take a ferry from Mersing or Tanjong Gemok.
Staying: JapaMala (www.japamalaresorts.com) and Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort (www.berjayaresorts.com).
Dining: Mandi-mandi on the jetty at JapaMala or any number of Malay seafood restaurants in beachside villages.
Contact: www.tioman.com.my

WEST COAST, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
The main islands along the west coast are, starting from the south – Pangkor, Penang and Langkawi.

Pangkor Island, Pahang
There are two main islands – Pangkor and Pangkor Laut with the latter being the domain of the exclusive Pangkor Laut Resort. Pasir Bogak Beach on Pangkor’s west coast, where most chalets are clustered, has clean sands and safe swimming. Teluk Belanga and Pantai Puteri Dewi are in the north and Pangkor Island Beach Resort is situated along the latter. Cyclists can hire and circumnavigate Pangkor in a day. The forested hills are home to hornbills and monkeys. On the east coast Malay fishing villages of Teluk Cempedak and Teluk Kecil, feature traditional stilted houses and boat builders construct wooden prahus at Sungai Pinang Kecil. More beaches, including Emerald Bay, are located on neighbouring Pangkor Laut. The international resort here includes the award-winning spa village.
Arriving: Ferries operate from Lumut and there are several flights a week from KL’s Subang Airport on Berjaya Air (www.berjaya-air.com).
Staying: Pangkor Laut Resort (www.pangkorlautresort.com) or Pangkor Island Beach Resort (www.pangkorislandbeachresort.com).
Dining: Enjoy affordable seafood restaurants in Pangkor town.
Contact: www.pangkor.com.my

Penang
While there are beaches along Penang’s Batu Ferringhi, the historical and cultural aspects of Georgetown make this former spice island so unique. The narrow streets and heritage landmarks in the historic centre are now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To many, Penang’s urban heritage is as important as the beach resorts. Malaysians love the island for its hawker food, considered some of the country’s best.
Arriving: Fly Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Silk Air, Jetstar and Tiger from KL or Singapore. Scheduled buses also travel the route from KL or it’s a four-hour car journey from KL.
Staying: Eastern and Oriental (www.e-o-hotel.com) or, the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang (www.shangri-la.com) and Lone Pine (www.lonepinehotel.com) at the beaches of Batu Ferringhi.
Dining: Penang is considered one of the world’s great food cities – eat in hawker stalls and you can’t go wrong.
Contact: www.tourismpenang.gov.my

Langkawi, Kedah
While best known as a holiday island of sea, sand and surf, Langkawi is also one with interesting cultural aspects and varied ecosystems. Combine this with some of Malaysia’s best resorts, eclectic restaurants, duty-free shopping, and only a one-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur and it’s easy to see why the island’s popular. Visitors are left undisturbed to relax on the beaches and Langkawi is also kid-friendly. Nature lovers can enjoy jungle trekking, exploring mangroves, visiting waterfalls and island hopping. For active adventurers, there’s sailing, go-karting, rainforest canopy trekking and parasailing. Indulge on fine wines, eat in a smorgasbord of local and international restaurants and, be pampered in a score of spas.
Arriving: AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines fly from KL.
Staying: Bon Ton (www.bontonresort.com), Frangipani (www.frangipanilangkawi.com), Westin (www.starwoodhotels.com) and Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com).
Dining: Nam Restaurant (in Bon Ton), hawkers stalls in Kauh and L’Osteria at Pantai Tengah.
Contact: www.tourismlangkawi.com

EAST MALAYSIA, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
East Malaysia is less endowed with islands than the peninsula. Those in Sabah are quite well known with Sipadan considered one of the world’s best dive sites.

Pulau Lankayan, Sabah
If movie directors were looking for a remote island movie set, Lankayan Island, 90-minute’s speedboat ride from Sandakan would make the ideal location. A mere speck in the Sulu Sea surrounded by aquamarine waters, Lankayan has one resort with just 23 wooden chalets. The underwater world, with 14 dive sites, is the place to see corals, rays, eels, turtles, schools of fish and even the occasional whale shark. Lankayan is perfect for divers and those who want to lose contact with the world for a few days.
Arriving: 90 minute’s speedboat ride from Sandakan.
Staying: Stay in comfortable chalets at Lankayan Island resort (www.lankayan-island.com).
Dining: one island, one resort, one restaurant!
Contact: www.sabahtourism.com

Tungu Abdul Rahman Park, Sabah
Five small but beautiful islands are located just 20-minute’s boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. They have been a national park since 1974 so island development is limited. Many tourists and locals swim here in preference to the beaches along the coastline. Sapi Island is one of the most popular for day trippers while those who want to stay overnight choose Gaya or Manukan Islands. Gaya also has some good walking trails through a variety of vegetation types. While some dive around the islands, the visibility is not normally good.
Arriving: Boats depart from Kota Kinabalu.
Staying: Gayana Resort on Gaya Island (www.gayana-eco-resort.com) or Manukan Island Resort on Manukan (www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my).
Dining: Alu Alu Seafood Restaurant at Gayana and P’rahu Restaurant on Manukan
Contact: www.sabahtourism.com

Sipadan Island, Sabah
Divers around the world have Sipadan on their ‘must see before they die’ list. So popular is it that divers have to now queue to be allocated a dive and those who allocate a visit of just a few days may miss out. Located in the Celebes Sea 30km off Semporna, Sipadan’s surrounding waters are home to turtles, eels, sharks, barracuda and a kaleidoscope of corals. Being an oceanic island, it has steep walls rising 600m from the seafloor and caves and swim throughs are just part of the aquatic action. Accommodation is now limited to neighbouring Mabul and Kapalai. Dives including muck and night dives will also happen around Mabul.
Arriving: Travel on a package and operators will arrange transfers from Tawau Airport.
Staying: Stay in Sipadan Island Resort (www.sipadan-resort.com).
Dining: Dine in the resort restaurant.
Contact: www.sabahtourism.com

Turtle Island National Park, Sabah
This island group in the Sulu Sea is famous for its turtle hatchery and programmes to release turtle hatchlings back to the sea. Sabah Parks manage the park’s three small islands located one hour’s boat journey north of Sandakan. Overnight visitor numbers are limited to about 30 and as dusk arrives the turtles start landing to lay their eggs. This is a great family destination as turtles land on most nights of the year.
Arriving: Boat transfers take about one hour.
Staying: Comfortable but basic accommodation is available on the island.
Dining: Cafeteria in the Visitor’s Centre
Contact: www.wildlife-expeditions.com