Malaysia : Island and Beaches

Despite such abundance and variety, Malaysia's beaches are noticeably different from those in other parts of the world. They are often less differentiated from the shoreline than those of the Caribbean, for example, tending instead to be almost nestled up against the lush forests that this nation is famous for. The color palette is different as well--golden sands and emerald waters imbue Malaysian beaches with an air of succulent sweetness that isn't found in the cool whites and blues of many western strands. The result is that these beaches impart a very different sensation, a sense of languid peace and a distinct feeling that the division between land and sea is less a sharp line than a smooth continuum.

This continuity is noticeable in Malay culture as well. Kelongs, the traditional villages of coastal Malaysia, are built out over the water on stilts, reversing the usual notion of a beach view. Exploring the waters of Malaysia can produce a similar sense that the sea rather than the land is dominant here--cruising among the islands of Langkawi or those off Johor, for example, or scuba diving and snorkeling among the country's many world-class reefs.

Aur Island - The island, along with Pulau Dayang, Pulau Lang and Pulau Pinang, are rated among the best diving destinations within the Johor Marine Park Area. The deeper waters around the area ensure good visibility and variety of marine life. Dive trips can be booked at most dive shops on any of the islands. The rich pelagic action also attracts numerous sport fishermen, hoping to try their luck with the marlins or sailfish outside the marine park island. Many private yachts anchor at the calm waters between Pulau Aur and Pulau Dayang.

Besar Island - Pulau Besar (Besar Island), one of the finest islands on the South China Sea off the coast of Mersing, Johor, Malaysia. The island is located within a marine park with crystal clear water ideal for snorkeling, diving, water sports activities and it is indeed the paradise resort. Pulau Besar (Besar Island) is among a string of beautiful islands on the South China Sea off the East Coast of Johor, Malaysia. The Island is only 13 km(8 miles) form Mersing and a leisurely boat ride to the resort takes about an hour. Besar Island, Johor Malaysia is most famous for it part as one of the location and accommodation for the filming of the Expedition Robinson series. When you visit Besar Island you get to see the locations and exhibits of the Expedition Robinson.

Kapas Island - With soft sandy golden beaches and azure-green clean water, you will definitely have a thought of what you enjoy next. Almost everything can be arranged, jungle-tracking, fishing, canoeing, snorkeling or scuba diving, or maybe you can just simply laze in the sun. If you like, you can also enjoy surfing and kayaking a neat and enjoyable way of exercising! Walking along the beach seems to be a good idea and if you are interested, you can collect a variety of wonderful sea shells of various shapes and sizes, or maybe catch a glimpse of wildlife such as birds and lizards!

Lang Tengah Island or Pulau Lang Tengah off the coast of Terengganu is one of the nation's well-kept secrets. Its arresting beauty can easily captivate you while you are there. Crystal clear sea-water, pristine beaches and untouched tropical jungle. Its arresting beauty lingers forever in your memory. An island you can call your own, private and tranquil. Take a stroll along the whitewashed, sandy beaches or bath in the sun for that coveted golden tan. Explore the wonders of nature, and you'll be surprised of what you'll discover.

Langkawi Island - Langkawi, part of yet situated just off the coast of Kedah, is actually made up of 99 islands. The largest of which is Pulau Langkawi, while some of the others appear to be mere dots in the emerald green ocean when viewed from the air. Langkawi offers natural attractions unsurpassed by any other in the region. Those who love a tropical island holiday and a place far from the maddening crowd will find their haven in Langakawi Island. The outstanding natural landscapes of the Langkawi Islands proclaim them a true tropical paradise. Besides its whites sandy beaches and limestone hills, its lush vegetation filled with exotic flora and fauna would attract natural lovers.

Lankayan Island - A jewel- like tiny island in the Sulu Sea and hour and a half boat ride's north of Sandakan, Lakayan is soon to be declared part of an immense Marine Protected Area. Unpopulated and covered by think tropical island vegetation on its topside, this peaceful, untouched bit of paradise is ringed by an endless pure white sandy beach.

Layang-Layang Island - Layang – Layang, known as “Swallows Reef” is an atoll situated in the South China Sea, 300 km north of Kota Kinabalu. The island is man made and was constructed for the Malaysian Navy and later developed for the Dive Resort, Layang – Layang Island Resort. This isolated resort is accessed by regular flights from Kota Kinabalu to the Island’s airstrip. The extreme location, the pristine reefs, excellent visibility, steep walls that drop down to 2000 metres and regular sightings of pelagics have all given Layang – Layang a much deserved reputation of being one of the top dive locations in the world. Also known as 'The Jewel of the Borneo Banks', Layang - Layang is truly a magical marine kingdom of bottomless blue, decorated with a kaleidoscope of nature's most lavish seascape. In order to receive ultimate diving conditions, Layang Layang is operational from March to October of each year.

Mabul Island - Mabul is located some 25 minutes north of Sipadan Island, this island offers a different world of diving opportunities from most other diving locations. Here is a macro diving paradise where you will be able to find rare macro world inhabitants hard to find at other dive sites.

Mantanani Island - Mantanani is a group of 3 isolated islands northwest of Kota Belud, or about an hour's drive from the state capital of Kota Kinabalu. Although only approximately an hour's boat ride by speedboat from the mainland, the islands are a reminder of an earlier and simpler place and time. Time slows down here amidst the crystal clear blue waters lapping on white sandy beaches.

Mataking Island - Mataking is located on the east coast of Sabah not far from the more renowned island of Sipadan and Mabul. It is one of the latest additions on the diving map of Sabah and is fast becoming a divers haven due to its largely unexplored diving sites. Located to the north of Mabul Island, Mataking is about 3 times the size of Sipadan and is only a 40 minutes boat ride away from the town of Semporna on mainland Sabah.

Pangkor Island - Pangkor Island, the paradise island, is one of the famous and well known islands in Malaysia. It is located approximately 90 km southwest of Ipoh. Pangkor Island is an idyllic and beautiful island resort for a carefree and relaxing holiday. Its natural scenery of green hills and palm-fringed beaches of fine white sand lapped by the warm blue waters of the Straits of Malacca is truly magnificent.

Perhentian Islands - Located at South China Sea east coast of Malaysia, the Perhentian group of islands consists of Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. Situated 108 km from Kuala Terengganu (1.5 Hours) and 54 km from Kota Bharu (1 Hours). The boat journey of about 30 minute by speedboat and 1.5 hours by slow boat.

Pulau Island - Pulau Tiga National Park was established by Malaysia in 1985 to protect the uninhabited island of Pulau Tiga and its adjacent coral reef-filled sea plus two adjacent islands (Pulau Kalampunian Besar and Pulau Kalampunian Damit - also known as 'Snakes Island'. The islands were believed to have been formed by the eruption of several mud volcanoes, which expelled muddy sediment that built up the island to its present height of approx 100 m above sea level. Warm mud still continues to ooze from these geothermal vents on the island. Though it's mostly a low-lying island, Pulau Tiga's highest peak is approximately 330 feet tall. The island is now about 2.8 miles long and 1 mile wide, with a total of eight square miles.

Rawa Island - About 30 minutes from Mersing Jetty on a speed boat. Mersing is the main gateway point for visitors going to islands off the coast of Johor as well as Tioman Island. The island itself looks like a giant bare boulder rock from far away, due to its lack of vegetation. Nonetheless, visitors will be amazed when looking at the beach. The water is extremely crystal-clear and inviting. This is the only beach on Rawa - the island's opposite side is rocky and not accessible.

Redang Island is a scuba diver's paradise. Located 50km from the mainland and a 2 hour boat ride from the Marang Jetty, the island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset, and what could be the world's most mature coral garden. The park is arguable among the best diving spots in the world where marine life is protected and souvenir hunters are liable for prosecution. This paradise-like island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, fishing, boating, and canoeing.

Sibu Island - The Sibu archipelago has almost the same magical charm and brilliance as celebrated by Pulau Rawa and Pulau Tioman. The island consists of Pulau Sibu Besar, Pulau Sibu Tengah, Pulau Sibu Hujung, Pulau Kukus, and Pulau Tinggi. Pulau Sibu forms part of the Seribuat chain of islands and lies 12 kilometres off the east coast of the West Peninsular of Malaysia. The island is shaped like a triangular hour glass, about 6 kilometres long and never more than one kilometre wide it's whole length. You can walk from one resort to the other by jungle trekking. The abundance of marine life makes it a terrific spot for recreational diving and snorkeling, angling and water sports like canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, yachting, cruising and island hoping.

Sipadan Island - In the northeast of Borneo, in the borderland between Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines there are three world-class dive destinations located within sight of each other. Sipadan is the legendary island of the turtles, Kapalai with a resort built on stilts in the middle of the sea, and Mabul - an enchanting island where every coconut tree has its own number.

Tenggol Island - Pulau Tenggol is about one hour by speedboat from Kuala Dungun (a small coastal town 145 kilometres north of Kuantan, Pahang). The waters are among the deepest in east coast Peninsular Malaysia with most dive sites bottoming out at 30 metres. Large rocky outcrops and the boulder-like terrain dominate the seascape. The Tenggol group of islands is the most southerly of Terengganu's Marine Parks. It consists of Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Nyireh (Nyireh Island), Tokong Timur, Tokong Talang, Tokong Burung and Tokong Kemudi.
The main island, Pulau Tenggol, is about 50ha. in size and is one of the most beautiful and serene islands off Peninsular Malaysia's east coast. It is also famous for its spectacular rocky cliffs that offer many excellent dive sites. Here, one can find pristine coral formations and a number of submerged rocks with excellent coral growths. The deep waters surrounding the island offer good visibility especially during the months of April until June.

Tioman Island - Tioman is the biggest and most impressive island at the east coast. There is a brisk jungle covers a ridge on the west section of the island, which ends at the idyllic location of a beautiful palm fringed beach. Tioman offers a wide range of activities for visitors: snorkeling in crystal clear water, discover the beautiful underwater world when you go diving, or just laze on the beach while you work on that tan. Also, there is a jungle on the island that is just begging to be explored. The dense forest is a habitat for many kinds of flora and fauna.