Scenic Getaway: 10 Beautiful beaches in Malaysia you need to visit

Angela Goh 19 Aug 2016

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Emerald Bay (Pantai Teluk Belanga), Pangkor Laut Island
The gorgeous Emerald Bay is located on a small privately-owned island off the west coast of Malaysia. Time and again, it is frequently listed in the world’s top ten beaches, and it’s no surprise why. With its perfect crescent shape, tranquil emerald-green waters and soft creamy-coloured sand, not to mention the lush tropical trees hugging the coastline, Emerald Bay is no doubt an ideal paradise away from home. The beach is exclusively available to the the guests of Pangkor Laut Resort - meaning it remains a quiet area completely free of pesky hawkers.
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Sipadan Island
The tiny Sipadan Island is Malaysia’s sole oceanic island. Rising about 600 metres from the sea floor, this beautiful sanctuary offers one of the world’s best diving spots as it remains the home of thousands of marine species, from hammerhead sharks to barracudas to bumphead parrotfish, and even to some very rare and endangered species. A mere half a kilometre in length and 200 metres width-wise, it only takes 25 minutes to circle the island. The beaches here are beautiful and the waters are crystal clear.
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Bukit Keluang Beach, Terengganu
This is one place on Malaysia’s east coast that offers you the best of both worlds: land and sea. With its beautiful sea caves and rocky hills along the coast melding with the waterfront landscape, you will find this beach a real photographer’s paradise indeed. A wooden walkway extends along the the cliff edge, and an intriguing 141 metre tall hill stands by the water, giving you a grand view out towards the South China Sea.
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Cherating Beach, Pahang
Once a quiet little fishing village, Cherating has since been transformed into a bustling leisure spot for tourists looking for the resort life. Cherating has remained popular for years, and is considered one of the best go-to beaches along Malaysia’s east coast, perhaps due to its close proximity to the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. With plenty of bars and good food, luxurious resorts and budget accommodation, it’s not hard to kick back and relax at this perfect holiday destination.
5/10
Pantai Tengah Beach, Langkawi
There may not be too much to do at easy-breezy Pantai Tengah, the longest stretch of beach in Langkawi, but there are a number of resorts here that are family-friendly and include a full range of facilities. If you’re not much for shopping or sightseeing anyway, this is the ideal place to kick back and relax by the beach. There’s plenty of gastronomic options here too, as well as the option to island-hop or go on a mangrove-eagle feeding tour.
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Dasar Sabak Beach, Kota Bharu
Are you a history buff? You’ll be interested to know that this is the beach where Japanese soldiers first landed on Malaysian soil back during World War II. Today, it is a serene and picturesque landscape that boasts swaying palm trees, golden sand, and peaceful ocean waves, making it a great place to seek a little solitude. Fishing boats frequent the waters here, and the local kids love flying their kites along the coast.
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Teluk Bahang Beach, Penang
One of the nicer beaches in Penang, Teluk Bahang Beach is also known as the Bay of Embers and is located about 5 kilometres from Batu Feringghi, yet another busy beach that is popular for water sports and other touristy activities. Unlike Batu Feringghi, Teluk Bahang Beach is slightly quieter on most days, and it offers more greenery than other beaches in Penang. You might want to avoid getting yourself wet, though - jellyfish are said to frequent the waters of this beach!
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Tindakon Dazang Beach, Kudat
Located in the town of Kudat in Sabah, Tindakon Dazang Beach brings you back to nature, with unique moss-covered rocks strewn across the coast creating a mystical effect in the early hours of dawn. The rocky beach allows for some spectacular long-exposure shots for those of you aspiring to capture some great sunrise pictures.
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Sibuan Island, Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Sibuan Island is actually more of a sand cay, and its distinctive shape has given it the colloquial name “Battleship Island”. Part of a collection of islands that make up the Tun Sakaran Marine Park (also known as the Semporna Islands Park), Sibuan is one of the smallest islands in the whole bay. This doesn’t stop it from being an incredibly popular spot for swimmers and snorkelers. The clear and undisturbed waters make it the perfect place for sea life to thrive. While there are no resorts or hotel accommodation on Sibuan, a small village of sea gypsies have set up a community here, living off the land.
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Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
Pantai Cenang remains the busiest beach town on Langkawi, with a whole slew of restaurants, cafes and shops sitting along the coast catering to the tourist crowd. As a popular holiday destination, expect a packed beach full of visiting families and foreigners from all over the world making full use of the white sands and clear waters. If a bustling beach is not quite what you had in mind, try visiting Pantai Cenang during off-peak seasons for a quieter vibe.

Emerald Bay (Pantai Teluk Belanga), Pangkor Laut Island

These coastal gems will leave you dreaming of golden sand, tranquil waves and refreshing coconuts.

Malaysia is home to some of the most spectacular sights in the world, from stunningly lush tropical rainforests to imposing limestone hills, grand skyscrapers to distinctly traditional architecture. But did you know the country boasts some spectacular beaches as well? Many seaside locations in Malaysia offer the calm tranquility of the scenic resort life. With swaying palm trees, refreshing ocean breezes, fine golden sand and a myriad of accommodation options from historic Penang to gorgeous Langkawi to unique Terengganu, it is very easy to find a beachy spot in Malaysia that fits within the holidaymaker’s idea of the “ultimate sanctuary”.

We invite you to head up to the gallery above to have a look at some of the most beautiful beaches that this Southeast Asian country has to offer. You’re bound to come across a few that you’ve never heard of before!

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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