Malaysia islands - snorkelling in tropical waters

Tropical gems along the east coast

Malaysia islands and paradise beaches

Pulau Perhentian - Pulau Lang Tengah - Gem Island - Pulau Tioman

The tropical Malaysia islands along the east coast are some of the most beautiful spots in south-east Asia. It’s the quintessential image of waving palm trees, sparkling white beaches and a crystal clear blue see. Cliché yes, but true nonetheless.

A Malaysia trip wouldn’t be complete without a couple of days on one of the islands. You can go diving, snorkelling or go hiking in the tropical jungle. Most travellers plan an island stay at the end of their trip so they can spend a few days recharging their batteries before boarding the flight back home. All the islands have beautiful beaches and spectacular surroundings, so it’s difficult to say which one’s best. The choice will depend mainly on your route, so we’ll be happy to help you pick the island that’s right for you. We’ve visited the islands several times and below we’ve given a brief description of each island, in geographical order from north south.

The islands along the east coast can only be visited from March – mid October. The rest of the year, the Malaysia islands can’t be visited due to the monsoon.

Perhentian Island Escape

Duration:	4 days / 3 nights
Price:	from $299 per person - based on 2 people sharing

The Perhentians in the north-easterly tip of Malaysia are the most popular islands in Malaysia. The islands have a wonderful relaxed, low-key atmosphere. Your resort on the largest of the two islands has a coral reef right outside your door. You’ll be staying in a private, cosy bungalow, right on the broad, white beach where you can play beach volleyball and soak up the sun. The Perhentian island’s interior is made up of dense jungle where you can go hiking. In the evening you can enjoy a fresh fish barbecue at one of the many restaurants. Click here for the Perhentian Island module.

Malaysia snorkelling - Lang Tengah palm tree

No Worries on Lang Tengah

Duration:	4 days / 3 nights
Price:	from $449 per person - based on 2 people sharing

For years Lang Tengah was the ‘best-kept secret’ of the east coast, but more recently more and more travellers have been let in on the secret, resulting in a small selection of accommodation with private restaurants. You’ll be staying in a small-scale, luxury resort with diving school, private beach and a wonderful pool. Lang Tengah is a place to get away from it all with beautiful deserted beaches and a pristine rainforest. This is as close as you can get to a deserted island. Click here for the Malaysia snorkelling module.

Island-hopping Perhentian and Lang Tengah

Duration:	6 days / 5 nights
Price:	from $749 per person - based on 2 people sharing

This Malaysia beaches module combines Perhentian Island with Pulau Lang Tengah, in our opinion the best combination and the added bonus of visiting two tropical gems with minimum travel time. You’ll begin your stay on the more lively Perhentian and end your stay on the idyllic, quiet Lang Tengah for a true castaway experience. Depending on your travel route you could also visit the islands in reverse order. Our Island-hopping module is a perfect tropical ending to your Malaysia trip. Click here for the Island-hopping Perhentian and Lang Tengah module.

Gem Island Malaysia - A private paradise

Daydreaming in Private Paradise

Duration:	4 days / 3 nights
Price:	from $339 per person - based on 2 people sharing

Our favourite east coast island in Malaysia is the aptly named Gem Island, truly a hidden gem and therefore a lot quieter than the other islands like the Perhentians and Tioman. Gem Island is just off the coast so it’s quick and easy to reach. Unlike Lang Tengah which is quite isolated, you can paddle across from Gem Island to neighbouring Kapas. Gem Island is one island with just one resort so you’ll be guaranteed a real island getaway experience even though it’s just 15 minutes by speedboat from the mainland. You’ll be staying in your private paradise in a tastefully decorated room overlooking the nearby island. The next day step into a canoe, dive underwater to spot clownfish and sea turtles or lie back in the soft sand of your own little stretch of beach and simply enjoy the sun and surroundings. Click here for the Daydreaming in Private Paradise module.

Tioman Turtle Island

Duration:	4 days / 3 nights
Price:	from $369 per person - based on 2 people sharing

If you’re travelling to the south-east of Malaysia, Pulau Tioman is a good island addition to your trip. Tioman is a lush, green island with several beaches that you can reach by water-taxi. Despite it’s popularity with tourists and locals alike, it’s retained its tropical island charm. It’s a bit out on a limb but there are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Tioman offers plenty to do, from diving and snorkelling trips to jungle treks and small fishing villages. From July – September turtles come ashore to lay their eggs here so with a bit of luck you might get to see the gentle turtles burying their precious eggs in the sand. On Tioman Island your luxury, charming resort has a private beach. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a couple of days of sun and sand halfway in your Malaysia trip. Click here for the Tioman Island module.