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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