Come experience the enchantment of Malaysia's idyllic islands and golden beaches.
Malaysia, a land of friendly people and a nation blessed with natural wonders, welcome you. Bordered by Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south, Malaysia also stretches across the northern tier of Borneo to form the states of Sabah and Sarawak.
With 4,800km of coastline, Malaysia boasts some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in Asia. With the Straits of Malacca on the west, the South China Sea to the east and the Amdaman Sea to the northwest, an amazing number of these natural treasures lay nestled in tranquil bays and coves.
Beneath the aquamarine waters lies a fascinating world of corals and marine life waiting to be discovered.
Come and be mesmerised by these fabulous holiday retreats.....
Langkawi
Langkawi Island is located just off the coast of North Western Malaysia, about 30 km from Kuala Perlis and 51 km from Kuala Kedah and close to Thailand. The archipelago of Langkawi contains 99 islands during high tide whereas during low tide, the number of islands can be as many as 104. Sanctuary of some of the most ancient rainforests in the world, they are teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Langkawi Island itself is the largest among the archipelago, measuring about 478.5 sq km, is the only one with any real settlement. It fringed by lovely beaches scattered along its coast. The island is still very much a rural landscape with villages and paddy fields.
Langkawi's idyllic beaches are perfect settings for a fun-filled vacation. Tanjung Rhu Beach, 22 km north of Kuah is fringed by casurinas from which the beach gets its name. A perfect place for a picnic, this wide sandy beach offers unmatched pristine tranquility. The sunset here at dusk, in a blaze of orange and red is truly a spectacular sight.
On the western coastline of Langkawi, lie the beaches of Datai, Kok, Burau Bay and Tengah. Enjoy a round of 18-hole course at Datai Bay and tee off against Langkawi's scenic backdrop. Those who wish to spend their day at Burau Bay can enjoy horseback riding while visitors to Tengah Beach can hire a boat and go island hopping.
Kok Beach is the location of Telaga Harbour Park, a marine-cum-resort with ample facilities.
Cenang Beach is only 3 km from Langkawi International Airport and is the most developed of the beach areas housing several luxury class hotels and dozens of budget chalets and restaurants. There are plenty of water sports available on this popular beach providing fun and excitement for all.
Penang's Famed Beaches
Penang's northern shoreline is famous for its beautiful beaches. The beaches at Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang offer expensive stretches of glittering sand interspersed with secluded coves. It is along this famous coastline that resorts of international standard have sprouted up, offering a host of water-based recreational facilities.
If you crave for privacy, head for Teluk Duyung or Monkey Beach, Pantai Keracut and Pantai Mas. These beaches are accessible via the trails in the Pantai Keracut and Pantai Mas. These beaches are accessible via the trails in the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve from Teluk Acheh Forest Reserve from Teluk Bahang. The Pasir Panjang Beach at the southwestern tip of the island is a good, clean stretch for swimming and can be reaches after a 25-minute hike over hilly terrain from Betong.
Penang is one of Malaysia's most famous resort destinations. The state consists of Penang Island, and a strip of the mainland known as Seberang Prai. Georgetown, its capital, is a fascinating metropolitan city with historical building and cultural landmarks. Penang's northern shoreline, characterised by expansive stretches of golden sand and glittering waters, is a vacation spot for foreign and local visitors alike.
Batu Ferringhi, situated along the coastal road northwest of Georgetown, is most popular beach in Penang, lined with a string of international-standard hotels and resorts.
Soak in the sun or unwind on the beach and enjoy a host of aquatic thrills from banana boat rides to canoeing and jet-skiing. For a spine-tingling adventure, try parasailing to enjoy the view of the beach from the sky.
As the sun sets, Batu Ferringhi comes alive with a carnival-like atmosphere with an open-air bazaar selling anything from ornate curios to enticing souvenir items. Watch local artisans demonstrate the intricate art of craft-making and batik-painting. Dubbed the Ferringhi Walk, the bazaar offers shoppers a host of attractions.
Tanjung Bungah is another popular beach resort in Penang. The numerous luxury resorts here offer a relaxing seaside vacation. The most charming feature of Tanjung Bungah is its many secluded coves. Nestled within the shelter of overhanging cliff and gigantic rocks.
At the northwestern end of the coastal road lies Teluk Bahang. Its idyllic beach offers a solitary luxury hotel promising a tranquil ambience for those who prefer privacy. Nearby is the Tropical Spice Garden, a living collection of more than 500 varieties of flora from Malaysia and around the world. The eight-acre valley is reputedly the largest showcase of tropical herbs and spices in the region.
Further west from Teluk Bahang are several beaches which lie off the beaten track. Situated in Penang's National Park, these pristine beaches make for excellent excursions to get a glimpse into the vast variety of the island's flora and fauna.
Monkey Beach, a secluded spot in the northwest of the island, is ideal for quiet picnics under shady casuarinas. Adventure-lovers can explore the jungle trail from Monkey Beach to the Muka Head Lighthouse, perched atop a 785-feet-high cliff.
Further away, Kerachut Beach offers an unspoilt environment and picturesque views. In the hinterland, a lake containing distinct layers of freshwater and seawater is an added attraction. Both of these beaches are only accessible by boat or by hiking trails from Teluk Bahang. Enquire with the respective resorts or private boat operators. Avid birdwatchers or outdoor lovers can delight in taking the jungle trail to observe monkeys, squirrels and other small animals along the way.
Jerejak Island, off the island's east coast, makes an interesting escapade. This tiny island resort offers total privacy amidst lush greenery.
To experience the charms of Penang, take a city tour for a glimpse into its nostalgic past. The Esplanade in Georgetown is a delightful seafront for an evening stroll. A distinctive landmark here is the Fort Cornwallis, erected by Captain Francis Light in the early nineteenth century. Hawker-style dining is the norm here and further up along Gurney Drive, a popular haunt for tourists.
Little India and Campbell Street delight with an endless assortment of bric-a-brac, souvenirs and antiques.
Pangkor Island
Across the Manjung Straits opposite Lumut is a bustling fishing village on Pulau Pangkor, the largest of nine islands in a small group of islands. The name Pangkor might have originated from the Thai word Pang Ko meaning 'beautiful island'.
However, others believe it might have been named after Pang Kui, a legendary Chinese adventurer said to have lent his skills in seamanship to bands of pirates this island once sheltered.
Pangkor, with its quaint mix of fishing settlements and resorts, is a fascinating holiday destination. It presents the visitor the rare chance to live near fishermen and observe their lifestyle, or to simply enjoy the fine beaches and resort amenities.
The fishermen live in scattered settlements on the eastern side, facing the town of Lumut and Teluk Batik. Visitors get a chance to see some of them on the 40-minute ferry ride from Lumut as the ferry stops at the main settlements of Sungai Pinang Kecil and Sungai Pinang Besar before landing at Pangkor Town.
Pangkor's two popular beach areas of Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah offer sun and sea enthusiasts activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, wind-surfing and fishing. While Pasir Bogak is quite developed, Teluk Nipah still retains its kampung, or village, atmosphere.
The island has accommodations to suit every budget and visitors can hire vans and motorbikes for island sightseeing. Food is available in most locations around the island and there are some good seafood restaurants in Pangkor Town itself.
Pangkor Beaches
Pasir Bogak
This narrow stretch of white sand is one of the most popular spots for tourists from the mainland and gets crowded during holiday seasons and weekends. There are shallow, crystal clear waters and areas of still unspoilt coral reefs for snorkelling enthusiasts.
Teluk Ketapang
North of Pasir Bogak is Teluk Ketapang, or Turtle Bay, where the turtles make an annual pilgrimage to lay their eggs. The best months for turtle watching are between May and July.
Teluk Nipah
Teluk Nipah further north has a wider beach and is less crowded. It is a beautiful strip of beach, and at a place known as Coral Bay, the water is a beautiful emerald green.
Pantai Puteri Dewi
This beautiful beach paradise was named Pantai Puteri Dewi (Beach of Lovely Princess). Pangkor Island Beach Resort (formerly Pan Pacific Pangkor Island) has a prime location along this stretch of beach and offers elegant rooms and facilities, including a sports complex and a golf course. There are some wildlife to be found here, including monkeys, lizards and hornbills.
Pangkor Laut
On the nearby island of Pulau Pangkor Kecil is the Pangkor Laut Resort, an international standard resort. The beach at Emerald Bay is touted as one of the best Malaysian beaches.
Port Dickson
Port Dickson, fondly known as PD, is the pride of Negeri Sembilan. Port Dickson has an almost continuous coastline stretching up to 18 km. Its sunny beaches, lined by tall palm trees and shady casuarinas, are washed by the gentle waves of the Straits of Malacca. Teluk Kemang and Blue Lagoon beaches are popular tourist destinations.
Teluk Kemang, situated on the 9th mile of the coastal road, is one of the longest stretches of beach in Port Dickson. Splash in the warm waters, or enjoy a myriad of watersports such as canoeing, parasailing, yachting and speedboat rides.
The Blue Lagoon, 11 km south of Port Dickson town, is tucked away from the main road and offers hours of fun in a peaceful setting.
The Port Dickson Fest and the International Port Dickson Ironman Triathlon are two exciting annual events held here.
A string of five-star resorts, hotels and private bungalows fringe the Port Dickson coastline. Alternatively, camp by the beach for a pleasant night under the stars.
Port Dickson holds the distinction of being the first place where competitive sailing was introduced in the country. The Admiral Marina and Leisure Club offer excellent and comprehensive facilities for yachters including moorage, full club services, brokerage and boat repairs. The Royal Port Dickson Yacht Club has extensive facilities for members and is able to accommodate Optimist and Laser crafts.
This charming coastal town has a variety of attractions, from nature-based temptations to historical monuments. Close to Blue Lagoon is Cape Rachado or Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse. Built in the 16th century, this lighthouse was used to guide vessels sailing to Malacca, then a thriving port-of-call in the region. Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline from this vantage point. To the northeast of Port Dickson is Lukut Fort, erected to protect the tin-rich town of Lukut. The museum here offers an insight into the town's history.
Dining out at local restaurants in Port Dickson is filled with delightful choices of delicious fresh seafood, exotic local dishes as well as Western fare.
Pulau Sibu
Pulau Sibu is a pleasant hideaway with its lush tropical vegetation, endless stretches of golden beaches and clear blue waters. The island is also dotted with numerous sea caves carved out of rocks. The constant pounding by the sea during the monsoon season has given the island a beautiful yet rugged appearance.
The surrounding waters contain fascinating coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life. Shipwrecks off its coast can also be found. In the olden days, Chinese junks and pirate vessels often exchanged cannon fire around this island, and the remains of these battles lie scattered all around the seabed.
There are facilities for scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, sailing and angling. Visitors can go for a hike through the jungle leading to unspoilt mangrove swamps or visit the kelong where anchovies are caught. Alternatively, head for the kampung to get a first hand look at how coconuts are smoked to make copra.
Accommodation on the island range from fully furnished chalets to basic A-frame huts. Bathing facilities are available at the community showers. There are also restaurants serving Asian and Western cuisines.
Pulau Besar
Located approximately three nautical miles off Pengkalan Pernu in Umbai, 10km south of Malacca town, is Pulau Besar. Covering an area of 133 hectares, it is the largest of eight islands off the coast of Malacca. Believed to be the location of Malaysia's earliest civilisation, it abounds with legends about mermaids and princesses, as well as sacred graves and shrines.
Its unspoilt beauty makes it a tranquil haven for those in search of fresh air and sandy white beaches. There is an international class hotel and several beach chalets, an 18-hole international golf course, a yacht club and a host of water sport facilities for fishing, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and snorkelling. The island is an equally inviting spot for island hopping, swimming, camping, picnicking and jungle trekking.
Pulau Rawa
Sixteen kilometres off the coast of Mersing is Pulau Rawa. Famed for its white coral sand, tall palm trees and coral reefs with neon-coloured fish and other exotic marine life, Pulau Rawa is truly a paradise island.
The wooden chalets nestled amongst coconut groves complement the island's reputation as a quaint hideaway.
Pulau Aur
Pulau Aur is located 65km east of Mersing, off Johor's east coast.
The island, along with Pulau Dayang, Pulau Lang and Pulau Pinang, are rated among the best diving destinations within the Johor Marine Park Area. The deeper waters around the area ensure good visibility and variety of marine life. Dive trips can be booked at most dive shops on any of the islands.
The rich pelagic action also attracts numerous sport fishermen, hoping to try their luck with the marlins or sailfish outside the marine park island. Many private yachts anchor at the calm waters between Pulau Aur and Pulau Dayang.
Rayner's Rock
Towards the north-eastern tip about 200 metres off Pulau Dayang is Rayner's Rock, a solitary large boulder breaking the surface about 4 metres high.
Diving is good around the eastern portion with a mixture of both hard and soft corals providing shelter for a profusion of marine life. You can expect to encounter schooling yellowtails, rainbow-runners, and trevallies. Closer to the reef, there are usually groupers, damsels, butterfly fish, scorpion fish and lots of shells.
Pinnacles
This submerged reef is located towards the South Pulau Aur and Pulau Pinang. The top of the reef begins at about 12 metres and slopes in excess of 25 metres.
If diving in right conditions with slight currents, a large number of prelagics including jacks, fusiliers, barracudas and black tip sharks can be sighted. Among the hard corals and scattered soft corals are wrasses, puffer fish, damsels, lionfish, snappers and in between rocky crevices, lobsters.
Desaru
Located at the south-eastern corner of Johor, Desaru is the ideal beach destination with over 25km of white sandy beaches fringed by palm trees and casuarinas.
Here, enjoy a myriad of water sports including snorkelling, water-skiing, canoeing, wind-surfing and sailing. Other forms of recreation include learning to fly an ultra-light aircraft; go-karting; jungle trekking; horseback riding, archery and off-road adventures.
The annual sporting extravaganza Desaru International Triathlon attracts participants from throughout the region.
Just a few kilometres away, discover more about the lifestyle of local fishermen at Tanjung Balau Fishermen's Museum.
Some 10km south of Desaru is another excellent stretch of beach known as Teluk Ramunia.
Accommodations include hotels, budget chalets, dormitories and camp sites. Most notable is the luxurious Desaru Golf and Country Club resort, which has a 36-hole international standard golf course.
Tioman Island
Pahang's numerous sandy beaches and idyllic islands in the South China Sea offer endless bliss for sun seekers. The warm and calm waters are ideal for water sports. Most of the state's beaches are situated near Kuantan. Take your pick from a wide range of beach resorts and the delightful beach activities.
About 56 km off the coast of Pahang lies Tioman Island, an alluring holiday paradise in the South China Sea. Acclaimed as one of the best island getaways in the world, Tioman was the location of the Hollywood musical, 'South Pacific' in 1959.
According to legend, this island is the final resting place of a mythical dragon princess. Till today, the island bears a startling resemblance to a sleeping dragon. The warm waters and good visibility make Tioman a paradise for divers. Discover astounding sights such as colorful Gorgonian sea fans, Staghorn corals, nudibranchs and beautifully sculptured sea sponges. Snorkellers can delight in swimming alongside huge Napoleon Wrasse, Golden Striped Trevally, Bumphead Parrotfish and shoals of Fusiliers.
This island is an idyllic spot for leisurely days under the sun. Swim in its emerald waters, enjoy a stroll by the beach or be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. There are several villages scattered around the coastline, the larger ones being Salang, Tekek, Genting, Paya and Juara.
Each village offers a different and unique atmosphere. Tioman's verdant greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants and small animals, including butterflies, monitor lizards, deer and monkeys. Its flora and fauna have been featured in National Geographic's documentaries.
The island's granite formations make for excellent rock-climbing adventures. The more adventurous can attempt to scale the sheer cliff face of the legendary Gunung Nenek Semukut or Dragons Horns. Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort offers a luxurious stay amidst a backdrop of rolling hills and scenic views.
Cherating
The calm blue waters of the South China Sea make Cherating one of the most alluring beach resorts in Malaysia.
Located 47 km north of Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, Cherating is home to the world famous Club Med. A number of water sports such as catamaran sailing and kayaking can be enjoyed here. The excellent wind conditions in Cherating make it the perfect site for windsurfing and kite-flying.
Hire a bicycle and explore the surroundings. Look out for small eateries by the roadside selling delicious and inexpensive local favourites and interesting stalls selling local souvenirs.
Experience the rustic and laid-back atmosphere at the Cherating Village and take home a handicraft or batik souvenir.
Chendor Beach, which is located just a few minutes from Cherating, is a favourite spot for turtle watching. The turtle sanctuary here is where turtles come to lay eggs during the nesting period.
Nearer to Kuantan are the beaches of Teluk Chempedak and Balok. Sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing can be enjoyed when wind and sea conditions are favourable. Beserah, less than ten minutes from Kuantan, is a fishing village where, at certain times of the year, you will be able to see a fascinating sight of water buffaloes transporting the day's catch to the markets.
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