The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Malaysia. So if you are in Malaysia, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Johor
Rawa Island Beach, Johor
Address – Rawa Island Resort, Johor, Malaysia
Google Maps Link – 2°31’06.4″N 103°58’32.6″E
Rawa Island is located in South Malaysia, and it is part of the state of Johor. The clear water and pristine sand give you one of the most beautiful sceneries. This beach is never crowded and you can always have time for yourself to relax. The water is calm and not too deep, safe for kids and good for swimming; there is a slide to do into the water. A restaurant at the beach serves tasty food for reasonable prices.
The Best Beaches in Kedah
Tanjung Rhu Beach, Langkawi
Address – Tanjung Rhu Beach, Langkawi, Malaysia
Google Maps Link – 6°27’20.7″N 99°49’22.2″E
Tanjung Rhu Beach is located in Langkawi, in the state of Kedah, in Malaysia’s West Coast. This soft sand beach is secluded and almost always empty, with a calm atmosphere and the music is never too loud. Nearby, you can find some shops and restaurants, and some other cafes and bars on the beach. Avoid staying at the beach after 7pm; the tide level can get up to waist level.
Tengah Beach, Kedah
Address – Pantai Tengah, 16, Jalan Pantai Chenang, Kampung Lubok Buaya, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Google maps link – 6°16’59.8″N 99°43’44.6″E
Tengah Beach is located on the southwestern coast of Langkawi Island, an island part of the Kedah region of Malaysia. With its soft white sand lined by palm trees, Tengah Beach is all about sunset views and fun activities for everyone to enjoy. The water is calm but gets deep very quickly, great for a relaxing bath but not safe for children. You can rent jet skis and boat rides, and go parasailing Keep in mind that most visitors tend to arrive in the afternoon, so it can feel busy around this time. There are many restaurants and a few cafes, stores and accommodation around the city.
Kok Langkawi Beach, Kedah
Address – Pantai Kok Langkawi, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Google maps link – 6°21’50.5″N 99°40’13.5″E
Kok Langkawi Beach is located on the western coast of Langkawi Island, an island part of the Kedah region of Peninsular Malaysia. This secluded beach offers soft sand and blue waters surrounded by verdant hills, giving off dramatic yet stunning views. A small stream flows into the sea, making the water cooler than usual, but still safe for swimming. Kok Langkawi Beach is always quiet and never gets crowded or busy, making it the perfect getaway to disconnect from a busy city life. There are a few restaurants and a hotel to the right end of the beach.
Cenang Beach, Kedah
Address – Pantai Cenang, 07000, Kedah, Malaysia
Google maps link – 6°17’45.2″N 99°43’20.8″E
Cenang Beach is located on the southwestern coast of Langkawi Island, an island part of the Kedah region of Peninsular Malaysia. This long stretch of soft white sand is lined with palm trees, and with views of nearby islands, the scenery is breathtaking and unforgettable. The water is clear and calm, safe for everyone to swim; you can also rent a jet ski or practice paragliding. Cenang Beach is known for its fire shows, which you can admire every night, right at the beach. There are many restaurants, stores and accommodation nearby. It is a popular beach, and can get busy during weekends, especially at night.
The Best Beaches in Malacca
Kleban Beach, Melaka
Address – Pantai Klebang, Melaka, Malaysia
Google Maps Link – 2°12’58.3″N 102°11’33.3″E
Kleban Beach is located in the state of Melaka, on Malaysia’s West Coast. This sandy beach is the perfect place to relax, being lonely and isolated. There are food stalls along the road near the beach, with prices that can be a bit high. You can enjoy horse riding along the shore. Having a picnic while admiring the sunset on Kleban Beach is an unforgettable experience.
The Best Beaches in Pahang
Juara Beach, Pahang
Address – Pantai Kampung Juara, Tioman Island, Pahang, Malaysia
Google maps link – 2°47’13.0″N 104°12’13.1″E
Juara Beach is located on the eastern coast of Tioman Island, a small island off the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Long and secluded, this lovely beach offers soft sand backdropped by verdant hills, and stunning sunrise views. The water is calm and clear, safe for swimming and great for a relaxing bath. You can find a few restaurants and accommodation along the beach. Since it is not a touristy spot, Juara Beach rarely gets busy, offering a quiet atmosphere perfect to relax and disconnect.
The Best Beaches in Penang
Keracut Beach, Penang
Address – Pantai Keracut, Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia
Google maps link – 5°27’02.1″N 100°10’57.2″E
Keracut Beach is located on the northwestern coast of Penang Island, a small island off the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Hidden and isolated, this sandy beach is surrounded by a tropical forest, where you can spot different bird species and monkeys. The beach itself is a turtle nesting spot, and you can visit the Turtle Preserve Center at the left end of the beach. To reach Keracut Beach, you can get a boat ride, or take the 40-minute hike through the forest for the full experience. The water is not suitable for swimming, given its strong undercurrents; however, the lake at the right end of the beach is calm and safe. There are no restaurants at the beach; make sure to bring everything you might need.
The Best Beaches in Perak
Coral Beach, Perak
Address – Coral Beach, 32300, Perak, Malaysia
Google maps link – 4°14’28.9″N 100°32’31.9″E
Coral Beach is located on the western coast of Pangkor Island, a small island part of the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. With soft sand surrounded by a lush forest, this quiet beach offers stunning coastal views, especially during sunset. The water is calm and safe for swimming, clear enough to see different fish species. You can also rent a kayak and reach nearby islands. There are a few restaurants, a cafe and accommodation in the area. It rarely gets busy, the atmosphere is usually quiet and great for sunbathing and relaxing.
Teluk Nipah Beach, Perak
Address – Pantai Teluk Nipah, 32300, Perak, Malaysia
Google maps link – 4°13’47.8″N 100°32’41.4″E
Teluk Nipah Beach is located on the western of Pangkor Island, a small island part of the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This beach stands just south of Coral Beach, with a more active atmosphere, great to hang out with friends or spend a fun family day. The sand is soft and comfortable to walk and sunbathe, and the water is clear and calm, safe for everyone to swim. You can also rent a jet ski or a banana boat ride. There are many restaurants and hotels in the area. It is more popular than Coral Beach, and can be crowded during the weekends.
The Best Beaches in Sabah
Mabul Island Beach, Malaysia
Address – Pulau Mabul, Sabah, Malaysia
Google Maps Link – 4°14’52.7″N 118°37’52.4″E
Mabul Island is located in East Malaysia, specifically in Sabah, in the island of Borneo. The island is so small that you can explore all of it in just a day. The underwater life is breathtaking, making this island one of the best spots in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling. Its sandy beaches are lined with tall coconut palm trees, making the atmosphere almost paradisiacal. There are some small restaurants and barbecue stands owned by locals, serving good food for reasonable prices.
Sidapan Beach, Sidapan Island
Address – Pulau Sipadan, Malaysia
Google maps link – 4°06’58.6″N 118°37’46.7″E
Sidapan Beach is located in Sipadan Island, a small island off the eastern coast of the Sabah Region of East Malaysia. With pristine white sand and palm trees, this remote island is the perfect paradisiacal getaway. Being such a small island, you can walk along the sand and around the entire island in just over an hour. The water is crystal clear and calm, with many different species of fish and sea turtles, perfect for snorkeling and diving. It is usually empty and quiet, great to relax and disconnect.
Tanjung Aru Beach, Sabah
Address – Tanjung Aru Beach, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Google maps link – 5°56’51.5″N 116°02’43.8″E
Tanjung Aru Beach is located on the western coast of the Sabah Region of East Malaysia. This narrow strip of soft sand offers some of the most beautiful sunset views in Malaysia, a calm atmosphere, and a clean space favorite among families. The water is calm and shallow, safe for everyone to swim; besides, the scenery is a top photography spot. You can find some restaurants and a hotel nearby, as well as food stalls along the beach. The beach is not usually crowded, but it can get busy during the weekends, especially around the evening when visitors arrive to watch the sunset.
Manukan Beach, Manukan Island
Address – Pulau Manukan, Malaysia
Google maps link – 5°58’28.6″N 116°00’09.5″E
Manukan Beach is located on the southern coast of Manukan Island, a small island off the western coast of Sabah, Malaysia. This island is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the secluded Manukan Beach offers stunning views with nearby islands breaking the horizon. With clear and calm water, Manukan Beach offers a great snorkeling and diving experience not far from the shore. There are a few resorts with restaurants and great facilities right at the beach. Besides, weekend afternoons, it rarely gets busy.
The Best Beaches in Selangor
Batu Ferringhi Beach, Batu
Address – Pantai Batu Feringghi, 11050, Malaysia
Google maps link – 5°28’20.8″N 100°14’42.1″E
Batu Ferringhi Beach is located on the northern coast of Penang Island, an island off the West Coast region of Malaysia. This extensive beach offers soft golden sand and stunning sunset views, with activities for everyone to enjoy making it a top spot to hang out with friends or family. Even though the water is not suitable for swimming, you can rent jet skis and banana boat rides. Besides, you can get a horseback ride along the beach. There are many restaurants, cafes, bars, stores and accommodation along the beach and nearby. It can be busy during weekends, especially during the evening when visitors arrive to admire the sunset.
The Best Beaches in Terengganu
Redang Beach Near Taaras Resort, Terengganu
Address – Redang Beach Near Taaras Resort, Terengganu, Malaysia
Google Maps Link – 5°47’08.2″N 103°00’51.5″E
Redang Beach is located in Redang Island, part of the state of Terengganu, on the East Coast of Malaysia. The island is all about clear waters and soft, white sand, with colorful fish and reefs not too far from the coasts. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two favorite activities on the island, followed by kayaking. Avoid fishing, it is prohibited to protect the coral reefs.
Long Beach, Terengganu
Address – Pantai Pasir Panjang, Terengganu, Malaysia
Google maps link – 5°55’08.0″N 102°43’19.1″E
Long Beach is located on the eastern coast of Perhentian Kecil, an island off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. Just like the name states, this beach is a long stretch of white sand surrounded by verdant hills, and offers views of the nearby Perhentian Besar. The water is crystal clear and calm, perfect to go swimming and snorkeling; however, during monsoon season (October-March), the rip currents tend to be strong and not safe for swimming. There are many restaurants, bars and cafes along the beach, as well as accommodation and diving centers. It rarely gets busy here, and even during high season you can find a quiet, empty spot.
Turtle Beach, Terengganu
Address – Turtle Beach, Kuala Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
Google maps link – 5°54’38.4″N 102°45’07.7″E
Turtle Beach is located on the northern coast of Perhentian Besar, an island off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. This small, pristine beach is backdropped by a deep forest, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. The water is bright blue, calm and crystal clear, home to different fish species and sea turtles; snorkeling and diving in Turtle Beach is a must. You can only reach this beach by boat; keep in mind that staying past 3 PM is prohibited, when turtles start arriving to nest at the beach. There are no shops or places to eat nearby; make sure to bring your own food and everything you might need. It never gets busy or crowded here, and the atmosphere is always quiet and serene.
Kapas Beach, Terengganu
Address – Kapas Turtle Valley, South China Sea, Pulau Kapas, Terengganu, Malaysia
Google maps link – 5°12’47.3″N 103°15’51.1″E
Kapas Beach is located along the southern and western coast of Kapas Island, an island off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. This lovely beach, with soft white sand backdropped by verdant hills, is the perfect getaway to relax in a quiet atmosphere. The water is calm and clear, home to many fish species that you can spot even without a snorkel. You can rent kayaks and get a boat ride to Gemia Island, located just north of Kapas Island. There is a resort at the beach, with a restaurant offering fresh food, drinks and dessert. It rarely gets crowded, but it can be busy during weekends.