Malaysia is made up of both West and East Malaysia. Both of these are surrounded by the sea and have a long coastal line.
Therefore, Malaysia has many beautiful beaches that rival those in Thailand and the Maldives.
If you’re looking for a beach holiday in Malaysia, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
There are many places in Malaysia, including coastal towns and islands which accommodate tourists.
Here are some of the best beaches in Malaysia.
Pantai Cenang, Langkawi Island
Langkawi is an island off the coast of Kedah. It is a very popular tourist destination and many people flock here all year round.
The main attraction in Langkawi is its beautiful and pristine beaches.
One of best beaches on Langkawi is Pantai Cenang or Cenang beach.
This long stretch is home to many resorts and hotels, as well as shops and restaurants.
Book a hotel at Pantai Cenang and you’ll be able to walk to the beach easily for sunbathing, picnics and more.
Getting there: There are several ways to reach Langkawi. Firstly, there are direct flights here from Subang airport in KL. Secondly, there are regular ferry boats from Penang, Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis and Satun in Thailand.
Long Beach, Perhentian Island
Pulau Perhentian off the coast of Terengganu has some of the most pristine beaches in Malaysia.
Two islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil make up the Perhentian islands.
Visitors usually book a room in one of the hotels on the island for a couple of days.
There are plenty of activities to do like snorkelling, island hopping, boating and more.
The most vibrant beach on the island is Long Beach, where most of the restaurants and shops are located.
You can walk out of your room straight onto fine, white sand and crystal clear waters.
Getting there: There are regular speedboats from the Kuala Besut jetty to Perhentian hourly from 9am to 4pm daily. To get to the Kuala Besut jetty, you can drive or take a bus from Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively you can fly to Kota Bharu and take a taxi to the jetty.
Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island
Penang island is a bustling metropolis.
However, about half an hour’s drive from its capital Georgetown is Batu Ferringhi beach.
This long stretch of beach on the North of Penang island is home to many resorts and smaller hotels, including backpacker inns.
Its laidback vibe is in stark contrast to the busier parts of Penang Island towards the South.
You can go around on foot and enjoy water sports like parasailing and horseback riding here.
Getting there: You can drive to Penang island from wherever you are, or take a flight directly to the Bayan Lepas airport on Penang island. From there, it’s a 30 minute drive to Batu Ferringhi, which you can reach with a taxi or ride sharing app.
Find Paradise at Malaysian Beaches
Malaysian beaches are truly underrated.
There are actually so many more beaches that you can explore, including Mersing, Bachok, Pangkor island and Tioman island.
All of these beaches have lodging on or near the beach which are family-friendly and affordable.
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