image credit: Nirian/Getty ImagesWhether you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, conservationist or simply a seeker of comfort, an uninterrupted getaway at a luxury island resort is something that everyone craves. Malaysia is undoubtedly one of the best and most affordable options for nature-friendly luxury resorts, especially those located on its many mesmerising islands.
Some of these island and beach resorts in Malaysia have gone the extra mile to provide the utmost luxury without disturbing the ecological balance. Additionally, they offer activities that educate and make you more aware of the environment. After all, what is better than a luxury getaway where you bring home more knowledge?
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While some island resorts in Malaysia are perfect for couples, others are kid-friendly. Confused about which one to pick for a tranquil holiday over the next long weekend? We’ve got you covered.
12 best island resorts in Malaysia for your next luxury vacation
The Danna, Langkawi
Image credit: The Danna
Sitting pretty at the doorstep of some of Langkawi’s major attractions — the SkyBridge, Seven Wells Waterfall, and the Oriental Village, the Danna is a majestic addition to the city’s prime beachfront. Blending colonial architecture with contemporary minimalism, the 125-room luxury property works its whimsical magic, on a canvas of creams, beiges, and other neutral palettes. The vast central courtyard is embellished with landscaped greenery and fish ponds, thus contributing to a feeling of tranquillity. The soaring ceilings add to the ambience while its three-tier pool — the largest infinity pool on the island — keeps you happily cocooned in vacation mode. Relaxing cabanas, slouchy chairs, and beanbags line the sea-facing al-fresco space.
The Danna’s main restaurant, Planter’s, serves excellent Mediterranean, European-inspired, and local cuisine which can be enjoyed both indoors or on the terrace. The rooms come with dark wood interiors and a largely natural colour scheme. There’s also an outdoor hot tub and a children’s pool. Inside, you’ll also find a spa with nine treatment rooms, a fitness room, a games room with billiards, snooker, and board games, as well as a library.
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo
Image credit: The Shangri-La
An embodiment of the brand’s signature aesthetic with its white marble, heavy wooden furniture and contemporary art, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort finds itself rebelliously jutting out into its own peninsula in the Borneo region of Malaysia. The resort is divided into two sections for guests to enjoy: Rooms in the Kinabalu Wing face either the sea or mountains; while those in the Tanjung Wing face only the sea. The facilities at this Shangri-La property extend beyond the regular secluded beach and manorial central block. Think sunrise yoga, kayaking lessons, and the extremely fun, coconut bowling.
Attendees can choose from a variety of gastronomic experiences available within the premise. Shang Palace, the resort’s Chinese eatery, and Peppino’s, the Italian alternative, offer formal dining, while the lively cooking stations of Café TATU are more casual. The most enjoyable, however, is Coco Joe’s: a zany, al fresco restaurant serving grills, huge mains, cocktails, and unhindered sea views.
Image credit: The Marriott
Unparalleled luxury takes a new form with the St. Regis’s Langkawi property. Nestled on the beachside island town of Kuah, the massive architectural marvel impresses with its Middle Eastern-inspired white walls and wooden arches. Inside, the decor of The Mansion feels reminiscent of a cool European city hotel with high ceilings, white lounges, and local art. The main highlight, however, is the Kayu Puti: a wooden beach house built over the ocean, and designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. International antiques, seashells, and throne-like chairs with peacock feathers are found inside, with the structure serving as a prime spot for sunset cocktails.
The resort’s Pantai Grill offers wood-fired cooking on the sand, offering delicacies like steaks and snapper, ceviche, and tacos. Kayu Puti’s innovative Asian-inspired cuisine, especially signature seafood dishes such as the parmesan-crusted grouper are audience favourites. Breakfast at L’Orangerie has everything from croissants and champagne to Chinese dumplings, with Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes on the menu, such as shakshuka.
Image credit: The Four Seasons
Cleverly tucked away within a UNESCO World Geopark — Southeast Asia’s first, Langkawi’s Four Seasons Resort is an enigmatic space sandwiched between lush thickets of landscaped greenery, limestone rock formations, and powder-white sands of their own private beach. Spread amidst 48 acres of land, the luxury property is lined with mangroves, winding rivers, and ancient limestone caves for guests to discover. Be it the beachfront or forest-facing rooms, the resort is an eclectic mix of Moorish-inspired architecture and traditional Malay-style pavilions. The expansive wood-beamed ceilings and revived teak floors with bold accents of blues and teals enliven the space, creating an island-side oasis for luxury lovers.
The sprawling Geo Spa is perhaps the most innovative facility on the property, allowing guests to indulge in a range of treatments, such as the Marine Flora Immersion ritual, which is said to revitalise the lymphatic and immune systems. After concluding a relaxing spa session, one can enjoy tropical cocktails and fusion snacks by the Rhu Bar, a Middle Eastern-inspired lounge and home to the best sunset-viewing spot at the Four Seasons.
Dreaming about a luxury stay surrounded by islands while in a rainforest? Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat is your place to be. Its exotic villas are based around a sustainable and tropical-chic theme, complete with private pools and endless sunrise and sunset views.
You can spend a relaxing session at its spa, which provides healing based on the seven chakras by using “traditions of the Malaysian indigenous tribes,” or indulge in the heritage-filled cooking and dining experiences by savouring delectable Malay dishes.
Taking things to another level is their UNESCO Geopark Experiences, wherein you can go on an informative and interesting tour through the mangrove forests.
Known as Permata Kedah by locals, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands and can be reached in many ways from Singapore. The fastest option to reach the tranquil island is by direct flight, which takes around 1.5 hours. However, other methods such as train, bus or ferry can also take you there.
Batu-Batu Resort – located on Tengah Island – is well known for blending nature conservation with luxury.
Described as “an unspoilt island retreat with an ecological ethos and conviction that tourism can support biodiversity and local communities,” Batu-Batu Resort has 20 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom villas that are designed to showcase traditional Malaysian architecture. These luxurious abodes come with balconies overlooking the tranquil sea or the jungles and are fitted with glass doors so you’ll enjoy infinite views of nature from the comfort of your plush, cosy bed. If you’re bringing children, some rooms come with little enclosures that house bunk beds too.
Apart from relaxing in the lap of nature, you can partake in their conservation activities and contribute to the environment as well. The main restaurant offers a 270-degree view of the natural surroundings and scrumptious seafood options, which are all made fresh with locally sourced ingredients. Their fresh grilled snapper in banana leaf is especially popular and is prepared using authentic Malaysian-style chilli paste. A bakery is also on hand to provide an array of desserts for those with an insatiable sweet tooth.
Johor can be reached by road from Singapore in under two hours if traffic conditions are favourable, so expect to get there in no time at all.
Besides offering mesmerising views of the sea and rainforests to guests staying in its villas, Gaya Island Resort has a special property called the Spa Village. Here, the ethos is “It’s not just a place, it’s a philosophy,” so expect healing therapies that involve authentic local ingredients. Its unique scrubs and practices bring ancient traditions alive while establishing a balance between the body and soul.
Other than the spa, there is an array of experiences to choose from; set out on an intriguing marine expedition or go on nature trails amid the exquisite flora and fauna through mangroves, or spot the red giant flying squirrels. You can also visit their Marine Centre to know more about endangered marine life, turtle rescue, and coral reef restoration.
After an informative day out, you can choose to dine at either Fisherman’s Cove for seafood-themed dishes, or Omakase, a two-storey Japanese restaurant that’s perched on a hillside with a stunning view of Malohom Bay and Mount Kinabalu. Arrange a special private dinner for your special someone by the sea if you’re celebrating a special occasion too.
To reach this haven located at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Kota Kinabalu, you can take a direct flight that’s approximately two hours and 35 minutes.
Image: Courtesy Japamala Resort by Samadhi, Tioman Island
Based on rustic-luxe design philosophy, their villas — or ‘Sarangs’, as called by them — speak of the wilderness, amidst which they are built. As they have been cautious enough to not disrupt the ecological balance by preserving the surrounding trees or rocks, each villa is uniquely different.
Their various ‘chalets’ and ‘Sarangs’ include Treetop Chalets, Seacliff Chalets, Beach Sarang, Luxe Treetop Sarang, Jungle Luxe Sarang, Hillside Sarang, Seaview Sarang and Penghulu’s House, each with its own charm and view.
If you wish to explore the marine wilderness, you can try scuba diving, especially at night for a thrilling adventure. Boat excursions and jungle trekking options are also available. Want to soak in the romance while you’re here? Head to the romantic sunset viewpoint with your special someone for some alone time.
The resort arranges personal transfers between Mersing Jetty, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It takes around two hours from Mersing Jetty via a public ferry and nearly four hours by flight from Kuala Lumpur. However, buses take longer — around eight to nine hours.
Located within the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park is this breathtaking island resort, wherein you can get one of the best marine life experiences. The island gets its name ‘Rawa’ from the informal Malay word for white dove.
You can stay in the spacious rooms categorised as Hillside Deluxe, Beachview/Beachfront Chalet, Waterfront Bungalow and Frangipani Villa, depending on your choice of aesthetics. Each has a gorgeous view of lush jungles, turquoise waters, or silver sand.
Their spa is also not just about a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating plunge. Here, infinite views of the South China Sea and a living tree inside the spa area bring the outdoors within, immersing you in a wave of tranquillity.
To explore the local marine life, choose from one of their many diving options. A scuba diving course is also on hand should you wish to pick up the sport, and you can do so at their PADI Five-Star Scuba Diving Instructor Development Center.
When it comes time to eat and drink, enjoy a lavish spread from the various international and local cuisines and fresh tropical fruit that are offered at their buffet restaurant.
Set around 5km from the west coast of Malaysia on a private island is the Pangkor Laut Resort, along the Malacca Straits.
The stunning property has seven villa and suite categories to choose from — Garden Villa, Hill Villa, Beach Villa, Sea Villa, Spa Villa, Suria and Purnama Suite and Pavarotti Suite.
Named after the famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti, the latter was named after it was rumoured that the artist fell in love with Pangkor Laut. This two-bedroom suite has everything you’ll need for a comfortable and luxurious vacation, and besides majestic rooms and views of the sea and rainforests, also promises a huge open-air bathing space.
With seven different dining options, this island resort takes the gastronomic experience to another level. One of its restaurants, Uncle Lim’s Kitchen, is recommended for Nyonya and Hock Chew Chinese-style home cooking. It is named after the chef who has been associated with the resort since the day it was established. Don’t miss dining at their Royal Bay Beach Club on the terrace either, which offers infinity pool views and exotic Asian dishes to feast upon.
Pangkor Laut can be reached by Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and the resort provides car transfers to their office on Marina Island, Pangkor and a speedboat ride from there to the resort. From Singapore, fly either via Firefly or Malindo Air to the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh, and then hop on a 90-minute private car or taxi transfer to Pangkor Laut Resort’s office at Marina Island Pangkor, followed by a speedboat transfer to Pangkor Laut Resort.
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Gem Island Resort & Spa, Terengganu
Image: Courtesy Gem Island Resort, Terengganu
Whether you are travelling solo, with your family, a special someone, or a group of friends, you can customise your package with the various offers provided by this beautiful island resort. For those who are fond of a perfectly organised trip, the Uniquely Tailored Experience option will help you tailor your stay sightseeing options, and meals according to your preference.
Besides Premiere Villas and Water Villas, Gem Island Resort & Spa’s two-storey Hideaway Suites and Hideaway Villas can prove to be one of the cosiest options, especially since they’re swathed by local fauna.
Their restaurant, which sits along the coastline, offers delectable Asian and Western cuisines and some of the finest wines.
Located at the Pulau Gemia islands in the town of Marang, the resort can be reached from Marang Jetty, which is accessible from Singapore by bus via a 10-hour drive. If you opt for a flight, it takes around 30 minutes from the Kuala Terengganu Airport.
Image: Courtesy Rebak Island Resort & Marina, Langkawi
Nestled amid rich greens on a private island is this resort by Vivanta, where each of its suites exudes rich Malaysian culture and architecture with timber finishing and spacious balconies overlooking the sea or the forests.
Here, the island resort offers various activities and entertainment options, including archery classes, cooking classes, darts, karaoke, water sports, kids’ club, themed dinners and temporary art galleries, making it a beautiful place to tickle the artist or the adventure seeker in you? Additionally, while you unwind, your little ones are taken care of as they provide babysitting services on request.
The island resort in Malaysia also features exotic restaurants and bars serving delicious Asian and continental dishes, with the Strait’s Grill providing some freshly caught seafood for discerning gourmands. With three bars on the site, you can decide whether to try their selected wines or refreshing cocktails.
To get to Langkawi Airport from Singapore, take a direct flight via AirAsia or Scoot. Langkawi Airport is around 8km from the Cenang Port Jetty, which is nearly seven minutes by boat from the resort.
This story first appeared here.
(Main and featured image credit: Nirian/Getty Images)
“Middle Island” is the literal meaning of Pulau Tengah.
The nature beauty and its unique history add to the charm of this island.
With approximately 16km from Mersing, this personally owned island is well-known for its white sandy beach and crystal clear water.
Nestling among the coconut trees, the only resort on the island, Batu-batu resort blends into the island perfectly.
With the serenity and tranquillity offered, Pulau Tengah is definitely an ideal tropical getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city lives.
Why stay in Pulau Tengah?
Pulau Tengah was once a popular refugee camp for Vietnamese. Due to the abundance of unique marine life and coral reefs all around the islands, Pulau Tengah and other small islands was nominated as Marine Park in 1985 after the camp was closed.
Western countries had recognized the beauty of Pulau Tengah. In 1997, a famous Swedish reality television programme, Expedition Robinson, shot its scenes in Pulau Tengah. This makes the island well-known even among international tourists.
Photo credits: batubatu.com.my
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Visitors get to see three different types of turtles living and breeding at the southern shore of Pulau Tengah. Those who visit the island between June and August have higher chances of watching turtles laying their eggs.
The resort on the island is ideal for perfect weekend getaways from Singapore for family vacations. By providing baby and children facilities, the resort aims at lessen the burdens of parents travelling with children. With well-trained and friendly staff, parents can leave their children at the play house and enjoy the life of two.
How to Get to Pulau Tengah
30 minutes boat ride from Mersing jetty will take you to Pulau Tengah. If you book your stay at Batu-batu resort, they will arrange a private speedboat transfer for you.
The resort also has a few scheduled speedboat transfer daily. It takes only 20 minutes to arrive at the island when the weather is good. Besides, you can also charter a boat at higher prices to get to Pulau Tengah.
For road transfers, visitors can either travel by bus or by private car.
There are a few bus companies provide direct coach transfer services from Singapore to Mersing which are One Travel & Tours and WTS Travel Singapore Flyer. The bus schedules and their pick-up point can be checked and booked online.
What to Do in Pulau Tengah
As there are lots of exciting activities offered by the island, you’ll never get bored while staying here. The activities include:
1. Scuba Diving at Pulau Tengah
Photo credits: batubatu.com.my
Dive season on the island falls from 15th March to 15th November. The dive team is currently running many diving programmes for youth at different ages. Experienced dive instructors will teach and guide them at close hand.
Join a snorkel trip to discover the underwater world at Pulau Tengah. It’s an attracting experience to get up close with the reefs and sea creatures. Diving mask and fins can be rent from the resort.
Kindly speak to the staff to plan a visit to the beautiful neighbouring islands. The resort offers 2 boats for island hopping, one is 24 foot boat and the other is 32 foot boat.
4. Jungle trekking at Tengah Island
There are two treks offered to hikers, one is 3km that trek around the island (1 hour journey) and the other one is 1.5km that trek through the interior of island (30 minutes journey).
5. Canoeing at Tengah Island
Ride on a kayak and enjoy paddling against the current. It can be enjoyed alone or with a group of people. The kayak can be rent from the resort.
Time spent with your loved one is always worthy. Beach volleyball enables you to enjoy quality bonding times with them. Besides sharing the fun of game, the families can enhance their relationship among themselves.
Where to Stay in Pulau Tengah
1. Batu-Batu Resort
Batu Batu Resort is the only resort in Pulau Tengah. Set admist the coconut trees and white sandy beach, it is a family-friendly resort suitable for a fantastic family holiday.
The rustic furnishings offer a nature and warm ambience to guests. All the villas are built by local carpenters.
Photo credits: batubatu.com.my
With a spacious pavilion overlooking the sea, the on-site restaurant offers a finest dining experience. It has a menu that change daily during lunch and dinner.
Normally, dishes served would be fresh seafood and delightful local dishes. To cater for little ones, children’s menu is available everyday.
Photo credits: batubatu.com.my
Snorkelling, diving, kayaking, swimming and hiking are the activities offered by resort. Take pleasure at their attap-roofed beach bar. It offers fresh juices as well as cocktails and wines. Otherwise, go to the spa. Their therapists will provide different treatments and massages to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.
Pulau Tengah is not always available. There are a few months that are not suitable to travel. When planning a getaway to Pulau Tengah, avoid the annual monsoon season which falls from October to March especially during December to February.
Monsoon season leads to rough sea, high tides and strong winds. Hence, it is dangerous to go for water sports and even some beach activities.
To ensure your safety, travel in between April and September. Thanks to the calm water and sunny days within these months, you can fill your days with different interesting activities and you get to enjoy the island living to the fullest.
Travel Tips to Pulau Tengah
Need not to buy ferry tickets beforehand as resort will arrange boat transfer for you.
Bring your own bite creams and mosquito repellents even though the resort will provide.
Need not to bring the equipment for water sports as the resort will provide.
Seek for map and advice from staff at front desk beforehand if you wish to go for jungle trekking.
Experience paradise underwater at these top 15 best dives sites In Malaysia.
Malaysia has long been a notable destination for diving, renowned the globe over for clear waters, diverse marine life and competitive dive rates.
Whether you want to try diving yourself or already an experienced diver, we’ve gathered these destinations below, that’ll truly appeal to the underwater adventurer in you.
Here are our top picks according to the overall experience. Discover and target your next diving destination, let’s discover one of the best short trips from Singapore!
15 Best Dive Sites In Malaysia
1. Sipadan Island & Mabul Island
The east of Malaysia, not to be confused in reference to diving in the East Coast of Malaysia, sits the lush island of Borneo, home to the top trio.
Our number one pick of best dive sites in Malaysia is hard to dispute as the trio of islands holds immense beauty above and underwater; we’re sure these islands will get you snorkelling and diving in no time after your arrival.
Accessibility: Fly into Tawau, Sabah or into Kota Kinabalu, Sabah then a land transfer is required to Semporna before a boat into the islands. Boats between the islands are available via resorts and the local dive operators, or if you’re staying in Semporna, day trips are available as well.
Good to know: You can visit these islands all year round, though special permits are required
2. Kapalai Island
Kapalai island isn’t far from Sipadan, with a mere 15km between them. This island isn’t at all big and has one resort operating on it.
A big bonus to Kapalai is that you get to snorkel and shore dive for free, not inclusive of any equipment, making it great if you’ve a party mix of divers and non-divers.
Image Credits: Leisure Tan
Accessibility: Similar route to Sipadan and Mabul above Good to know: The island is technically a sand bar, and walking along the sand is possible during low tide.
3. Layang Layang Island
Layang Layang proudly takes our third spot as the island is known for spotting of hammerhead and whale sharks, as well as its history; it was a former marine base.
What you won’t find here are beaches but the island more than makes up for it with the 12 dive spots around it.
Diving in Layang Layang however does not require permits and currently there is only one dive resort operating on the island.
Accessibility: Access point is via a chartered flight on board small cargo plane into the island from Kota Kinabalu. Do check weight limitations if you’re bringing along your diving gear and other equipment. Good to know: Island is open from March to August; remainder months closed during monsoon season
4. Pom Pom Island
A small gem, measuring less than 3 km in circumference, Pom Pom Island holds its own, largely due to its white sandy beaches and being a hatching ground for Hawksbills and Green turtles, and even one resort on the island doubles up as a turtle sanctuary and conservation centre.
If you’re visiting during turtle hatching season, ask locals how you can lend a hand.
Accessibility: Fly into Tawau and a land transfer to Semporna before taking a boat out to Pom Pom Good to know: Pom Pom North Point is also known as ‘Mini Sipadan’
5. Mataking Island
Also in Sabah, Mataking is known for having the one and only underwater post office in Malaysia.
Image Credits: aeriazlan
It is a base for turtle hatching with an active team running an eco-conservation program.Diving here is possible under the Sipadan diving permit.
Accessibility: Find your way by land transfer from Semporna and hop on a 40 minute boat ride inland Good to know: Mataking has a peacock sanctuary, open for visitors
6. Tenggol Island
Tenggol Island which is situated in the state of Terengganu, the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. One of best diving in Malaysia here is you can see the whale shark if you’re very lucky.
Image Credits: rattachain
This island is popular among more experienced divers as the waters surrounding it are wreck dive spots, and has only one resort on it. Consider the option to book via individual dive operators for best all-inclusive packages.
Diving sites are Tokong Timur, Mini Highway, Tanjung Api & many more.
Image Credits: zahryl
Accessibility: Drive up or fly into Terengannu and head on to Dungun pier, then a ferry or boat across Good to know: If hanging out at the beach, bring coconut oil to deter sand flies
7. Perhentian Island
Still in Terengganu, the two Perhentian islands are Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil.
Accommodation choices are aplenty on both islands, from budget right up to luxury stays with the bulk of budget accommodation located on Perhentian Kecil, which is livelier come nightfall, and is the choice island for backpackers.
These islands are closed during the monsoon on the East Coast from November through to February.
Accessibility: Option to fly into Terrenganu, drive up, or take overnight busses to Kuala Besut jetty for the morning ferries Good to know: Travellers from Singapore can opt to hop on the Transnasional business class overnight bus
8. Redang Island
This island is also under Terrenganu state administration, and almost all accommodation here are resorts. While snorkelling and scuba diving is a must, other than water based activities why not enjoy Redang’s beaches which are perfect to simply relax the day away.
Image Credits: goproprojek, Janice Tan
Accessibility: Fly, drive or bus it into into Kuala Terengganu then travel to Shahbandar jetty or Merang jetty Good to know: Marine fees apply for entry into island
9. Tioman Island
Tioman Island in the state of Pahang is a duty free island, and an abundance of resorts around the island, with a jungle and forestation in the middle or the island.
A small Malay village with shops and eateries is in Kampung Tekek; and to get here is only by water taxis.
Image Credits: Kai Lukoff
Accessibility: Direct flight from Subang airport via SAS airline, drive up, hire taxis and overnight busses Good to know: One ATM machine in Tekek, but does not accept all cards- do bring sufficient cash
10. Lankayan Island
Back to Sabah Borneo, Lankayan is quite the secret among divers, and less visited due to its location in the Sulu sea.
But if you make this trip, you won’t regret it anytime soon especially if you’re lucky to spot some whale sharks!
Image Credits: fotograferen.net
Accessibility: Head to Sandakan Sabah then hop on a speedboat Good to know: March- May for whale sharks sightings
11. Dayang Island
Situated in Johor, this island is practically unknown even to most Malaysians. The island is picking up in popularity in recent years so if you ask us, the best time to go is now!
Dayang Island attracts divers and sport fishermen namely for the Black Marlin which are native around its waters.
Accessibility: From Johor, travel to Mersing jetty and then a boat in Good to know: Open season is from April to September
12. Pemanggil Island
Pemanggil Island is a haven for divers and fishermen, as most fishing competitions are held here and also a spot to catch Black Marlins and mackerels.
Being small, electricity on Pemanggil Island is controlled, and switched on from 1930- 0730 daily.
Accessibility: Get in to Johor then to Mersing jetty and a boat transfer Good to know: Best to visit from March to June
13. Labuan Island
Labuan in Miri Borneo is an island with its own appeal, firstly it’s duty free throughout and offering two notable wrecks from World War II and other wrecks spots as well.
Image Credits: adlertours.files.wordpress.com
Divers with sufficient logged wreck diving experience or are certified would be able to visit some wreck spots here.
Accessibility: Fly in directly from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu Good to know: Great deals on duty free pearls
14. Langkawi Island
Malaysia’s largest duty free island is way up north in the state of Kedah neighbouring Thailand. There’s a lot to do in Langkawi it’s best to spend a few days, up to a week here.
Diving in Langkawi, Malaysia takes place mostly at the Marine Park and three other islands nearby.
Accessibility: Plenty of direct flights into Langkawi Good to know: Year round diving
15. Kapas Island
Belonging to the state of Terengganu, this less visited island is a magnet for wreck dive enthusiasts, as its home to a Japanese World War II ship wreck, and offers a chance to glimpse reef sharks and turtles who favour the waters around here.
Accessibility: Fly, drive or bus it into Terengganu and on to Marang jetty followed by boat transfer Good to know: Open year round but gets a lot of rain during monsoon season
