Discover The Most Beautiful Beaches In Malaysia That Feel Like Paradise On Earth

Malaysia is home to some of the most stunning beaches, where powdery white sands meet glimmering waters, creating a tropical paradise for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Imagine hanging out on any of the beaches in Malaysia, just sitting under the palm trees as you immerse yourself in the sound of the ocean waves and bask in the sun's warmth while you're safely shaded by the palm trees. Can you think of a more perfect way to digitally detox?

The best part is how these white sandy beaches in Malaysia are not too far for your next weekend getaway, whether you're living in the heart of Kuala Lumpur or the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu.

We have curated a list of the best Malaysian beaches, so you can pick out which beach works best for you and immediately start making plans for your next tropical escape. While enjoying water sports and hanging out in the sun, don't forget to stay hydrated with ice-cold water in your trusty Montigo Ace Bottle!

Sun, Sea, Sand: Pristine Beaches You Must Check Out

1. Juara Beach, Tioman Island

Juara Beach is one of the beaches in Malaysia located on Tioman Island's east coast. It is part of a charming village teeming with lush greenery and coral reefs. Juara Beach is a stretch of unspoilt beach ranging 2 km long, making it the perfect place to have a quiet afternoon. The soft sand makes the beach a great place to have a game of volleyball or simply relax and watch the waves crash on the shore. 

If you can't resist the call of the mesmerizing blue waters, you can always opt to indulge in sea kayaking, paddleboarding, and even a relaxing swim. One of the main attractions near Juara Beach would be the Juara Turtle Project, a volunteer organisation that protects sea turtles that land on this beach to lay their eggs in an effort to protect the endangered species.

2. Teluk Cempedak

Teluk Cempedak, also known as Palm Beach, is the most famous beach in Kuantan and quite a standout among the beaches in Malaysia. Pine trees and casuarinas fringe the coast, creating a spectacular sight that warmly welcomes you to the lovely beach. 

While the waters may sometimes be too rough for swimming, Teluk Cempedak is a great place to stroll along the shore and immerse yourself in nature for a bit. Don't forget to check out the picturesque boulders toward the left side of the beach, which make for impressive Instagram-worthy pictures. 

Thanks to the abundance of restaurants and hawker stalls nearby, beachgoers can grab a bite whenever they want to take a break from the hot sun without going far. You may come across some monkeys at Teluk Cempedak, and we strongly advise against feeding them!

If you're feeling particularly generous, I highly recommend skipping the usual beach picnic to instead book a relaxing stay at the Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort which is located right by the beach with direct access. Not only will this get you access to their beachside cabanas right up to the later hours of the night, it's also an absolute treat of an experience that will make your trip there all the more worthwhile!

Fun Fact: Did you know that you can even go hiking by the coast along Teluk Cempedak's coastal trail?

3. Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi Beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular beaches in Malaysia. It is home to many beach resorts that welcome you to escape the city's hustle and bustle over the weekend. Imagine burying your toes in the golden sand as you look out to the beautiful sea, the sound of the waves lapping against the shore!

Since the waters around the area aren't Malaysia's clearest and are known to have sporadic jellyfish infestation, it's recommended to steer clear of the waters. On top of that, the water levels there have risen over the years, leading to shorter sandy stretches and more rocky surfaces.

These reasons are also why many Batu Ferringhi beachgoers usually prefer to go parasailing for a bird's eye view of the sea, ride through the waves on a jet ski, or take an exhilarating banana boat ride.

If you're itching to check out what other beaches Penang Island has to offer, Monkey Beach and Moonlight Beach are less than 10 minutes away.

4. Tanjung Aru

Tanjung Aru Beach is one of Kota Kinabalu's beaches, and its name stems from the Aru trees fringing the pristine beach. It has become a hotspot for sunset watching, where people drop by every evening to see the sky painted in gorgeous hues of orange and yellow before night sets in.

Aside from sunset watching, Tanjung Aru is a great place to enjoy kite flying, picnicking, and surfing. Many hawker stalls operate until late at night, selling food ranging from coconut drinks to satay and grilled corn. If you are lucky, you might spot Blue Naped Parrots and other parakeets on your early morning stroll along Tanjung Aru. 

5. Teluk Dalam

If you ever drop by Redang Island, you definitely must check out Teluk Dalam, one of the hidden gems among beaches in Malaysia. There are two stretches of beaches here, where Teluk Dalam Kecil has only one resort while Teluk Dalam Besar has none at all. Both beaches are connected by a rocky headland where you can cross on foot.

The calm waters by the shore make it ideal for swimming to cool off. After dipping in the water, you can stroll down the beach or enjoy some food or drinks at one of the nearby stalls. 

6. Monkey Beach

Nestled far away from beach resorts, Monkey Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Penang National Park since it isn't exposed to the pollution on the island's west coast. You can get there either by a short boat ride or jungle trekking for 90 minutes through the densely forested island. 

If you drop by Monkey Beach on a weekday, there's hardly anyone around, making it feel like you're on your own private beach! There are several beach bars nearby, where you can buy drinks and enjoy them on the beach. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, feel free to go sea kayaking around the area or hire ATVs to explore the lush jungles. 

7. Coral Beach

Among all the beaches on Pangkor Island, Coral Beach is definitely one of the more idyllic beaches on this island. The fine sandy beach and shimmering waters with the lush jungle in the backdrop will make you feel like you just stepped into paradise.

Sit back and enjoy your food at one of the restaurant tables lined up along the beach as you take in the breathtaking scenery of your surroundings. Thanks to the gentle waves in the area, Coral Beach is also safe for swimming. You can also engage in a game of volleyball or simply stroll along the shores of the beach, immersing yourself in nature completely.

8. Sipadan Island Beach

For scuba divers looking for their next diving spot, Sipadan Island Beach is one of the best beaches in Malaysia since it is home to spectacular coral reefs and lush marine life. Sipadan Island is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600m from the seabed. 

With lush greenery framing the background of this tropical island, it's an idyllic escape away from the stress of the city. It takes only less than 30 minutes to walk around the island's serene beaches as you watch tropical birds soaring across the horizon. Since no resorts or villages are on this remote island, its pristine beaches remain untouched.

9. Pulau Mabul

Situated on the southeastern coast of Sabah, Pulau Mabul is one of Malaysia's beaches that gained popularity for its incredible scuba diving sites. Although it's a rather small island, it is home to some of the best beaches and a 2 km-long reef that is perfect for muck diving.

Aside from swimming and snorkelling in its crystal clear waters, you can also go for a walk around the entire island, which takes only about an hour. You get a glimpse into the village life as well as admire the wooden houses on stilts that seem to float on the water.

10. Semporna Island

Semporna is a gateway to many secluded islands, featuring some of the best diving sites in the world. Aside from its magnificent reefs and marine life, Semporna Islands' beaches are perfect for connecting with nature as well. 

Imagine getting your daily dose of vitamin D, surrounded by glorious waters and soft sand every day! You can also opt for the island hopping tours that showcase Sabah's natural beauty, from its pristine waters to lush greenery.

11. Perhentian Islands

Whenever anyone brings up plans for a getaway to the beach, the Perhentian Islands are one of the first beaches in Malaysia that comes to mind. Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar are the main islands that make up the Perhentian Islands, all renowned as havens for beach lovers. 

Perhentian Island boasts beautiful beaches surrounded by lush greenery. Its clear, turquoise waters make them perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. Some beaches offer camping grounds, where you can stay overnight and admire the stars.

12. Kapalai Island Beach

Kapalai Island is a unique island that has been reduced to a sandbar after many years of erosion. While there isn't really much of a beach to look around, you can sunbathe and chill on the long sandbar whenever you're taking breaks from snorkelling in its pristine waters. 

As there is only one resort on this island, there are very few tourists around Kapalai Island, so it feels like you have the entire place to yourself. If thrilling adventures are up your alley, you'd enjoy sea kayaking or joining one of the island hopping tours that highlight the beaches in Malaysia.

13. Rawa Island Beach

Rawa Island Beach is a tranquil place for anyone to unwind from the strain of modern life. The warm waters here are home to an abundance of marine life, making it the perfect place for snorkelling. You don't have to snorkel far from the shore to see beautiful coral reefs if you're not keen on going too deep in the water.

When you're here, don't forget to launch yourself into the ocean by sliding off the iconic slide built on the pier! There's also a smaller slide for younger children, so no one is left out of this excitement. 

14. Desaru Coast

Located on Johor's east coast, Desaru Coast is the ultimate destination for a luxurious beach getaway. It's a great spot to connect with nature, strolling in the sun-baked sand by the shore. It's a lovely place to relax or enjoy a picnic as the sea breeze caresses your skin. After watching the sun sink into the horizon, hang around at the beach bar for live music and enjoy another side of Desaru Coast under the starry night sky.

15. Kuala Selangor Sasaran Beach

Kuala Selangor Sasaran Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Malaysia and perhaps the only beach where you can stand in the middle of the sea by participating in the renowned Sky Mirror Tour, which takes place a few times a month.

The tide waters recede during the new and full moon period, shallow enough for the seabed to emerge. This is where the entire sky is naturally reflected on the shallow water, creating wonderful photography opportunities. Aside from taking photos of this unique phenomenon, you can spot sparkling sea clams, tiny crabs, and sea anemones scattered everywhere on the seabed.

16. Pantai Cenang

Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Pantai Cenang is one of the most renowned beaches in Malaysia. It is within walking distance from many hotels, making it a popular spot for tourists to visit day and night. 

The soft white sand makes for a tranquil place to sit and catch up with your loved ones under the beach umbrellas. Souvenir shops are lined up along the beach as well, so you don't have to go far to purchase unique keepsakes for your holiday. 

Great news for those seeking thrilling water activities! You can add excitement to your holiday with parasailing, boat rides, and jet-skiing, all available for hire. Island hopping and scuba diving are also awesome ways to explore the natural beauty of Langkawi Island. Feel free to check out the Underwater World Langkawi nearby for insights into marine life.

While Pantai Cenang remains calm and laid-back during the day, the beach truly comes to life in the evening after sunset. The live music drifting from the bars, fire shows in the background, and gentle sea breeze provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night.

17. Tanjung Bungah

Nestled in the suburbs, Tanjung Bungah Beach is a great place to chill and unwind after a day of exploration in Penang. Despite its less-than-pristine waters, Tanjung Bungah Beach's beautiful golden sands make for a tranquil place to sit back and enjoy the sunset. 

Don't miss the chance to visit the renowned Floating Mosque nearby in this quiet fishing village! The mosque is built on stilts that appear to be floating on the water during high tide, making for quite a charming sight in the coastal area. 

18. Port Dickson

Port Dickson is usually the go-to beach destination for Selangorians when they plan a beach getaway. It is located along Malaysia's west coast and is one of the most popular beach destinations without travelling too far away. 

Port Dickson is renowned for its beautiful stretch of beaches and water activities such as jet skiing and banana boat rides. If you're not up for exhilarating activities, even swimming and picnicking at Port Dickson beaches are great ways to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Most beaches there also feature well-equipped amenities such as changing rooms, toilets, suraus, and food stalls, making Port Dickson one of the most convenient and enjoyable beaches in Malaysia.

19. Pantai Cahaya Negeri

If you're planning a quick getaway to Port Dickson this weekend, you must check out Pantai Cahaya Negeri, one of the largest beaches in Port Dickson. It is conveniently located within driving distance of many family hotels and resorts.

The crystal-clear waters and powdery sand make it a lovely spot for families to hang out and relax. Some activities include fishing, beach barbecues, banana boat rides, camping, and hiking. There are also several picnic spots within a recreational park at the artificial cape by the shore. As Pantai Cahaya Negeri is quite popular among locals and visitors during the weekend, we recommend dropping by before 10:00am.

One of Pantai Cahaya Negeri's main attractions would undoubtedly be the bridge that connects to Pulau Burung, a small island teeming with mangroves. During low tide, you can even walk directly to the island. You can even check out the tower on the island to admire the surrounding picturesque views and take part in bird-watching activities. 

20. Tanjung Rhu

Situated on the northeastern edge of Langkawi Island, Tanjung Rhu is a gorgeous long stretch of beach facing a small group of islands, making for a stunning view. It is one of the best Malaysian beaches for sunset watching as the sky is painted in gorgeous hues of orange and pink, beautifully framed by the islands in the background. It's also not crowded with hordes of tourists, so this is a nice place to relax in the sand while looking out at the Andaman Sea.

Want to see more of Tanjung Rhu? Hop on a mangrove river tour and explore nature to your heart's content. During low tide, you also get to see the sprawling roots of these mangrove trees. The receding waters during low tide also give you a rare chance to walk over to Pulau Chabang.

For a more exhilarating experience, you can rent scooters to explore the surrounding area or hop on a kayak. Keep in mind that there are no public toilets at the beach, so you would have to use the washroom at the restaurant by the beach entrance. There also isn't much shade at Tanjung Rhu, so sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses will be your best friends to stay protected against the glaring sun rays. 

21. Pantai Irama

If you're looking to explore Kelantan's beaches after hiking its lush green forests, Pantai Irama offers the perfect seaside escape with all the amenities and picturesque views. This place is usually packed during the weekends and public holidays, making it a vibrant spot to visit.

Expect to see lots of food stalls along the white sandy beach, selling snacks and coconut drinks to hungry visitors. The abundance of food stalls also makes it convenient to host a picnic on the beach at the spur of the moment. Public toilets and a prayer room are available at the beach as well, so you don't have to travel far for convenience. 

Many locals also enjoy kite-flying and watch the sunset over the clear waters of the South China Sea. For those seeking thrilling activities, there are exciting ATV rides or banana boat rides to enjoy. Although Pantai Irama is quite clean, it is not advisable to go swimming at the beach since the waters can be quite deep. 

22. Pulau Aur

Pulau Aur is an island located within the Johor Marine Park in Mersing District. Its beautiful lagoons, vibrant corals, and crystal-clear offshore pools have made it one of the most renowned beaches in Malaysia. 

The tiny island offers a serene escape due to fewer crowds on the beach, making it a wonderful place to enjoy the spectacular views in peace. Many enjoy kite-flying on this tiny spot of paradise, while adventurous beachgoers may prefer going kayaking in its calm waters. Pulau Aur also doesn't have much internet access, so it's a great place for a digital detox and embrace nature completely. 

Due to its close proximity to a smaller island called Dayang Island, many diving companies offer bundled packages to explore both Pulau Aur and Dayang Island for an unforgettable snorkelling experience, where you get to see reef sharks and barracudas.  

23. Pantai Bisikan Bayu

Formerly known as Pantai Dalam Rhu, Pantai Bisikan Bayu is a beach lined up with many coconut and casuarina trees. It is a popular spot for families to go camping or hosting picnics on the weekends or during school holidays. Of course, weekdays are the best time to have the beach all to yourself, where you can enjoy the tranquility and picturesque views of the sea on the fine sand. 

This lovely beach has facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, a playground, and a surau, making it convenient for beachgoers to enjoy their time there. The beach has a couple of swings for you to enjoy, making it perfect for relaxing while facing the sea.

Aside from picnicking and camping, you can also go for a quick swim near the shore since the waters are clean. For adventurous beachgoers, Pantai Bisikan Bayu also features ATV activities and horse riding to explore the surrounding area. There are also several food stalls nearby where you can try barbecued sweet corn, nasi kerabu, laksam, and coconuts.

 

What Is The Prettiest Beach In Malaysia?

Malaysia's coastline and islands contain some of the most stunning beaches in the world with their own distinct charm, so it's truly a challenge to say which is the prettiest beach in Malaysia. But if you're looking to visit the absolute best to capture memorable yet picturesque images of your beach holiday, these beaches are the ones you'll want to look out for;

1. Tanjung Rhu in Langkawi, famous for its powdery white, sandy beach, tall casuarina trees, and mesmerising turquoise waters.

2. Pantai Cenang in Langkawi, loved by tourists and locals for its soft sand, warm waters, and gorgeous sunset hues. It's also more developed than Tanjung Rhu for those who prefer lively beaches with beach bars and water sports.

3. Pulau Aur's coastline, which draws explorers and divers in yearly with its beautiful lagoons, stunning coral reefs, and crystalline offshore pools.

4. The East Coast islands, consisting of Redang, Tioman, and Perhentian. These islands are renowned as some of Malaysia's prime destination getaways thanks to their crystalline waters, white, sandy beaches, and tranquil tropical atmosphere.

Where Is The Clearest Beach In Malaysia?

Pinpointing the clearest beach in Malaysia is somewhat subjective because our tropical weather (think infamous monsoons) tend to cause changes in water conditions. The clearest beaches can end up murky after a tropical storm, while what locals think are the dirtiest could even end up being cleaner than usual.

That said, what locals can definitely agree on are three particular beach destinations which almost always wins the medal when it comes to consistently crystal-clear waters. These are the beaches on Redang Island, Perhentian Islands, and Sipadan Island. It's also to no-one's surprise that these three islands are some of the most famous diving islands to divers around the world.