Top Malaysian Beaches
10 Best Beaches in Malaysia

What are the Top Malaysian Beaches?

In the course of writing this Malaysia Traveller website I have been fortunate to visit 84 beautiful beaches and islands in Malaysia and I have written about most of them. Since I have seen more beaches than most people I am sometimes asked which ones are my favourites or for a ranking of the best beaches in Malaysia. 

It's difficult to decide and opinions differ but here are my personal Top Ten.

Best Beach in Malaysia

#1. In first place, Best Beach in Malaysia goes to Cenang Beach in Langkawi.

Why?

  • Fine, white sand.
  • Calm, clean and refreshing sea water.
  • Gorgeous setting with hills and tropical islands.
  • Range of accommodation from luxury to back-packer.
  • Restaurants, shops, bars, spas etc.
  • Lots of things to do nearby. Popular but not crowded.
  • Easy access, once you get to Langkawi.
Teluk Dalam Kecil

#2. In second place, Teluk Dalam Kecil, on Redang Island.

  • Idyllic tropical island atmosphere.
  • Soft, clean sand.
  • Luxury resort hotel.
  • Turtles often seen here.
  • Diving boat trips for nearby coral gardens.
Perhentian Besar

#3. Runner up, Perhentian Besar.

  • Turquoise, crystal clear water.
  • Snorkelling from the beach.
  • Plenty of coral and abundant marine life.
  • A few resorts. 
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

#4. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah

  • Easy to access from Kota Kinabalu.
  • Five tropical islands to choose from or island-hop them all.
  • Water sports activities available. 
  • Can get busy.
Teluk Nipah, Pangkor

#5. Teluk Nipah, Pangkor

  • Laid back island.
  • Less touristy, more popular with locals.
  • Range of accommodation.
  • Beach front restaurants.
  • Likely to see hornbills.
  • Other beaches on the island to explore.
Rawa Island, Johor

#6. Pulau Rawa, Johor

  • Powdery white sand.
  • Calm, safe swimming.
  • Snorkelling from the beach.
  • PADI dive centre.
  • Peacocks, fruit bats and barn owls.
Kapas Island

#7. Kapas Island, Terengganu

  • Tropical hideaway.
  • Soft, white sand.
  • Swimming, diving, squid-jigging.
  • Basic accommodation and dining.
Simpang Mengayau Beach, Sabah

#8. Simpang Mengayau Beach, Sabah

  • Magnificent white sand beach.
  • Remote and empty.
  • Best sunsets in Borneo.
Penarik Beach, Terengganu

#9. Penarik Beach, Terengganu

  • Best beach on the East Coast.
  • Malay kampung atmosphere.
  • Restaurants along the beach.
Pantai Cahaya Negeri, Port Dickson

#10. Pantai Cahaya Negeri, Port Dickson

  • Best beach in Port Dickson.
  • Closest beach resort to KL.
  • Plenty of accommodation, restaurants and things to do in PD.

Other Top Malaysian Beaches

Other top contenders include:

There are still more I need to visit!

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AUTHOR BIO

cartoon of author with an orangutan

David (the one on the left) is the writer behind Malaysia Traveller, sharing firsthand travel advice from over five decades of living and travelling across Asia and the Middle East. Based in Malaysia since 2009 and now in Kuching, he has published 700+ pages, personally visited every place he covers, and uses only his own photos. Readers can learn more on his About Me page. He also shares updates on Facebook and YouTube. He loves uncovering overlooked places even many Malaysians have never visited.