Beach Areas of Malaysia

The duty free island of Langkawi is the largest island in a cluster of 99 islands, each renowned for their legends. Situated in the region of Kedah, Langkawi is an enchanting holiday destination and provides holiday-goers a variety of activities for relaxation and recreation. One can choose from water sports around crystal clear waters, jungle treks through rich tropical forests, quiet strolls through fishing villages, rounds of golf on international standard courses or feed the eagles. There are several small islands around Langkawi but the more prominent ones are: Dayang Bunting, Beras Basah, Tuba, Singa Besar and Langgun.

Penang -- approximately 112 kilometres south of Langkawi and often called the Pearl of the Orient, boasts fine beaches and interesting sights which has made it one of the more popular destinations in the region.

It was first discovered by Captain Francis Light in 1786 and at the time was filled with lush vegetation, especially the betel nut palm (pokok pinang). The state’s capital, Georgetown, is dotted with historical buildings and cultural landmarks such as the Penang Museum and Art Gallery, Fort Cornwallis and several religious houses.

Located about 90 km southwest of Ipoh in Perak. Majority of the village folk are fishermen and the real attraction here is its enchanting beaches.

Pangkor Laut – a private owned island which is open to the public. Among its finest beaches is Emerald Bay, reputed to be one of the finest on Malaysia’s west coast.

Voted one of the top 10 most beautiful islands in the world, Tioman is located just off the coast of Pahang. Predominantly a fishing island, it offers some fantastic locations for snorkelling and scuba diving, with caves to explore and lucrative fishing sites.

Off the coast of Terengganu is Redang Island which offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for enthusiasts. The waters around these islands are rich with marine life. Redang also offers its visitors jungle trekking, boating and canoeing.

Long sweeping sandy beaches stretch for mile upon mile and they are usually deserted. On these beaches at certain times of the year leatherback turtles lay their eggs and it is possible not only to see this but to see the hatchlings return to the water. If you are looking for the place to truly chill out and like the thought of relaxing in a place where tourism is not the main industry then this is the place for you.

This is the place to hone your bargaining skills and the unusually busy street becomes more lively at night with the sprouting up of stalls offering a diverse range of products from ethnic goods, clothing and cosmetics to 'designer watches'! The bright lights from the shop fronts and stalls combine with the blaring music to lend the area a festive carnival air.

Lies further down the coast from Kuala Terengganu, it is an idyllic retreat unspoilt by tourism where the beaches are lined with shady palms nad the rhythm of life pulses to a slower beat.

Sabah could be considered a different world, offering nature at its very basest. Many visit the Kota Kinabalu National Park and walk up the slopes of Mount Kinabalu. Take time to visit the Sepilok Orang Utan sanctuary or catch a glimpse of the world's largest flower - the Raffleasia. Divers will enjoy the double thrill of diving off Sipadan Island to see the corals and at night watch the turtles nest on the islands white beaches.