2026 guide
Over 800 islands, from party-friendly Langkawi to car-free Perhentian, Redang and Tioman. Jetty, boat, slippers on, phone off.
Last updated 31 October 2026 ยท 14 places ยท 11 states
โก Quick answer ยท Last updated 31 October 2026
The best islands in Malaysia in 2026 are Langkawi Island (Pulau Langkawi, Langkawi), Kedah, followed by Perhentian Islands (Kuala Besut), Tioman Island (Tioman) and Redang Island (Redang).
๐ก Pro tip: Most east-coast islands close or slow right down from about November to March. Book boats and chalets early for school holidays.
Pulau Langkawi, Langkawi, Kedah
Malaysia's duty-free holiday island, with a UNESCO geopark, mangroves, waterfalls, beaches and a famous cable car. It works for honeymooners, families and eagle-feeding fans alike.
Don't miss: Cable car and Sky Bridge at Mount Mat Cincang, then island hopping
Pulau Perhentian, Kuala Besut, Terengganu
Two small, car-free islands with snorkelling right off the beach, turtles and cheap chalets. Kecil is the backpacker side, Besar is the quieter family side.
Don't miss: Snorkel with turtles at Turtle Point and Shark Point
Pulau Tioman, Tioman, Pahang
Lush rainforest island with beaches, jungle trails and easy diving from Tekek and Genting. Duty-free status and nice villages make it ideal for weekend or week-long breaks.
Don't miss: Sunset beach at Juara and trek to Asah waterfall
Pulau Redang, Redang, Terengganu
Marine park island with some of the clearest water in peninsular Malaysia, strong on snorkelling and diving. Resort-based, quieter, and generally pricier than the Perhentians.
Don't miss: Snorkelling at Marine Park Centre and Pasir Panjang
Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Five islands a short boat ride from KK, great for snorkelling, short hikes and beach time. Manukan and Sapi are the most popular, so go early.
Don't miss: Snorkelling at Sapi and Mamutik
Pulau Mabul, Semporna, Sabah
Tiny Bajau-style island near Sipadan, with stilted resorts, macro-rich house reefs and friendly village life. Divers love it for critters and as the Sipadan base.
Don't miss: Snorkelling or diving with turtles around the jetty
Pulau Pangkor, Pangkor, Perak
A small fishing island off Lumut with a Dutch fort ruin, Teluk Nipah beach and fresh seafood. Easy ferry access makes it popular for weekend trips.
Don't miss: Teluk Nipah beach and Coral Beach for snorkelling
Pulau Labuan, Labuan, Labuan
A duty-free island off Sabah with WWII memorials, a marine park and dive wrecks. It is a gentle stop for history buffs and divers.
Don't miss: Labuan War Cemetery and Chimney, then a wreck dive
Pulau Kapas, Marang, Terengganu
A small, calm island with white sand, clear water and easy snorkelling. Closer to the mainland than Redang, so it suits quick weekend escapes.
Don't miss: Snorkelling at the coral gardens
Pulau Aman, Batu Kawan, Penang
A tiny kampung island just ten minutes by boat from Batu Kawan, where about 250 villagers still live off fishing and life moves at slipper speed. No resorts, no crowds, just a short jungle walk across the island, kuih-making aunties and a bowl of mee udang by the water. The state is now eyeing it as a heritage fishing village, so go while it still feels like old Penang.
Don't miss: Mee udang (prawn noodles) at a kampung stall, then the 30-40 minute trail across the island
โ ๏ธ Not yet re-verified for 2026. Check fees, hours and that it is open before you go.
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Pulau Langkawi, Langkawi, Kedah
Malaysia's duty-free holiday island, with a UNESCO geopark, mangroves, waterfalls, beaches and a famous cable car. It works for honeymooners, families and eagle-feeding fans alike.
Don't miss: Cable car and Sky Bridge at Mount Mat Cincang, then island hopping
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Pulau Perhentian, Kuala Besut, Terengganu
Two small, car-free islands with snorkelling right off the beach, turtles and cheap chalets. Kecil is the backpacker side, Besar is the quieter family side.
Don't miss: Snorkel with turtles at Turtle Point and Shark Point
Pulau Redang, Redang, Terengganu
Marine park island with some of the clearest water in peninsular Malaysia, strong on snorkelling and diving. Resort-based, quieter, and generally pricier than the Perhentians.
Don't miss: Snorkelling at Marine Park Centre and Pasir Panjang
Pulau Kapas, Marang, Terengganu
A small, calm island with white sand, clear water and easy snorkelling. Closer to the mainland than Redang, so it suits quick weekend escapes.
Don't miss: Snorkelling at the coral gardens
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Pulau Tioman, Tioman, Pahang
Lush rainforest island with beaches, jungle trails and easy diving from Tekek and Genting. Duty-free status and nice villages make it ideal for weekend or week-long breaks.
Don't miss: Sunset beach at Juara and trek to Asah waterfall
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Five islands a short boat ride from KK, great for snorkelling, short hikes and beach time. Manukan and Sapi are the most popular, so go early.
Don't miss: Snorkelling at Sapi and Mamutik
Pulau Mabul, Semporna, Sabah
Tiny Bajau-style island near Sipadan, with stilted resorts, macro-rich house reefs and friendly village life. Divers love it for critters and as the Sipadan base.
Don't miss: Snorkelling or diving with turtles around the jetty
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Pulau Pangkor, Pangkor, Perak
A small fishing island off Lumut with a Dutch fort ruin, Teluk Nipah beach and fresh seafood. Easy ferry access makes it popular for weekend trips.
Don't miss: Teluk Nipah beach and Coral Beach for snorkelling
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Pulau Labuan, Labuan, Labuan
A duty-free island off Sabah with WWII memorials, a marine park and dive wrecks. It is a gentle stop for history buffs and divers.
Don't miss: Labuan War Cemetery and Chimney, then a wreck dive
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.
Pulau Aman, Batu Kawan, Penang
A tiny kampung island just ten minutes by boat from Batu Kawan, where about 250 villagers still live off fishing and life moves at slipper speed. No resorts, no crowds, just a short jungle walk across the island, kuih-making aunties and a bowl of mee udang by the water. The state is now eyeing it as a heritage fishing village, so go while it still feels like old Penang.
Don't miss: Mee udang (prawn noodles) at a kampung stall, then the 30-40 minute trail across the island
โ ๏ธ Not yet re-verified for 2026. Check fees, hours and that it is open before you go.
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Pulau Suri, Kepulauan Tumpat, Tumpat, Kelantan
Kelantan's answer to an island trip is this little river-delta island in the Tumpat estuary, where village boats turn into floating food stalls on weekend mornings. Hop on a boat from Kuala Besar, eat kuih and nasi straight off the sampan, then wander the quiet kampung. Very local, very Kelantan, and completely different from the usual beach islands.
Don't miss: Breakfast bought straight from the boats at the floating market
โ ๏ธ Not yet re-verified for 2026. Check fees, hours and that it is open before you go.
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Pulau Sibu, Mersing, Johor
A quiet island in Johor's marine park with white-sand beaches and resort villages. Less crowded than Tioman and good for snorkelling.
Don't miss: Snorkelling in clear water around the island's calm bays
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Pulau Satang, Santubong, Sarawak
Turtle nesting islands off Sarawak's coast, protected and rarely visited. Best for people who want a quiet, nature-first trip.
Don't miss: Turtle nesting season visits (with permits)
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Pulau Besar, Melaka, Melaka
A small island off Melaka with quiet beaches and a few chalets, known locally for its shrines and legends. A calmer escape than Melaka city.
Don't miss: Quiet beaches and local legends
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The best islands in Malaysia in 2026 are Langkawi Island (Pulau Langkawi, Langkawi), followed by Perhentian Islands (Kuala Besut), Tioman Island (Tioman) and Redang Island (Redang).
Langkawi Island, Pangkor Island, Labuan Island and Pulau Besar (Melaka)
Tioman Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Pangkor Island, Labuan Island and Pulau Suri Floating Market
Langkawi Island (Pulau Langkawi, Langkawi)
Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian, Kuala Besut), Redang Island (Pulau Redang, Redang) and Pulau Kapas (Pulau Kapas, Marang)
Tioman Island (Pulau Tioman, Tioman)
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Kota Kinabalu) and Mabul Island (Pulau Mabul, Semporna)
Most east-coast islands close or slow right down from about November to March. Book boats and chalets early for school holidays.