Looking for a relaxing tropical retreat on your next trip to Malaysia? The following list is a compilation of the most beautiful islands that are easily accessible from the capital of Kuala Lumpur in Peninsular Malaysia.

Read also: Things to Do at Pura Tanah Lot, Bali

Table of Content

1. Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu
2. Pulau Tioman, Pahang
3. Pulau Langkawi, Kedah
4. Pulau Redang, Terengganu
5. Pulau Rawa, Johor
6. Pulau Kapas, Terengganu
7. Pulau Tenggol, Terengganu

7 Most Beautiful Islands in West Malaysia

Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu

Malaysia is home to several islands with mesmerising emerald water and Pulau Perhentian is one of them. Located off the country's northeast coast, visitors can rejoice in the clear waters where a diversity of marine species thrive. Inexpensive and popular among both backpackers and luxury travelers alike, the island offers plenty of restaurants and bars to suit every pocket.

Top attractions in Pulau Perhentian: Long Beach, Turtle Beach, Teluk Keke, Pulau Perhentian Kecil.

How to get to Pulau Perhentian

From Kuala Lumpur, make your way to Kuala Besut Jetty located in the state of Terengganu. Next, take a ferry (10 trips available daily, RM35/way) for 45 minutes to arrive at the island.

7 Most Beautiful Islands in West Malaysia

Pulau Tioman, Pahang

Blessed with a dramatic and breathtaking topography, this island is strategically located in the South China Sea. Despite being relatively small in size, it is home to an abundance of wildlife particularly the free-roaming giant monitor lizards and untouched forests.

Top attractions in Pulau Tioman: Kampung Tekek, Pulau Tulai, Kampung Salang, Monkey Bay.

How to get to Pulau Tioman

Although Pulau Tioman falls under the state of Pahang, the connecting jetty is located in Johor. Take a bus to Mersing and hop on a two-hour boat ride to get to the island. Alternatively, you can take a ferry directly from Singapore.

Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

Pulau Langkawi, Kedah

This popular island getaway is located close to Thailand, and is only an hour and a half away from Koh Lipe - another popular island destination. In 1819, the island was cursed to seven generations of unrest, turmoil and hardship. Sure enough, the island was invaded by the Thais two years later - with the majority of the inhabitants dying from starvation. Langkawi was left barren until it was turned into a duty-free resort destination in 1986.

Read also: 8 Must-try Restaurants in Langkawi

Top attractions in Pulau Langkawi: Pantai Tanjung Rhu, Pantai Cenang, Unesco Geopark, Seven Wells Waterfall, Panorama Langkawi SkyCab.

How to get to Pulau Langkawi

Take a flight to the island directly from Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Singapore conveniently using AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines or Malindo Air. Alternatively, take a ferry from Kuala Perlis, Penang, Kuala Kedah, or from Thailand's Satun or Koh Lipe.

Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia

Pulau Redang, Terengganu

Pulau Redang is located in the state of Terengganu at Kuala Nerus, famous for its white sandy beaches and unbelievably clear waters. The island is relatively more expensive as compared to Pulau Perhentian despite the proximity, as the former offers visitors high-end accommodations, exclusivity and privacy, although cheaper options are meagre but available.

Top attractions in Pulau Redang: Chagar Hutang, Pantai Pasir Panjang, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Paku Kecil.

How to get to Pulau Redang

There is an airport on the island served by Berjaya Air which connects to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang and Changi Airport in Singapore. Those seeking for more affordable means of transportation can take a ferry from the Shahbandar Jetty or the Merang Jetty at Kuala Terengganu (RM110/adult or RM50/child) that will take approximately an hour and a half.

Pulau Rawa, Johor

Pualu Rawa belongs to the Sultanate of Johor, and it now offers visitors the opportunity to stay on the Sultan’s small but very exclusive private island. There are only two resorts here - Rawa Island Resort and Alang’s Rawa, so be sure to book ahead! Visitors must pay 2 mandatory fees before entering the island: Marine Park Fee and the Johor National Park Fee.

Top attractions in Pulau Rawa: Rawa Slide, Island Walk Trail, Hilltop Walk.

How to get to Pulau Rawa

Take a 30-minute ferry ride from Mersing Jetty in Johor for approximately RM40 per person per way. Alternatively, you can take a speedboat to Alang’s Rawa Resort (approximately RM300 per way) or to the Rawa Island Resort (up to RM500 per way).

Pulau Redang, Malaysia

Pulau Kapas, Terengganu

Pulau Kapas has a smaller island located to its north called Pulau Germia - both which are equally and gloriously awe-inspiring and beautiful. It is promoted as one of the world's best kept diving and snorkelling paradise thanks to its abundant coral reefs, clear seawater, tropical jungles and remote location.

Top attractions in Pulau Kapas: Pulau Germia, Kapas Turtle Valley.

How to get to Pulau Kapas

Make your way to the Marang Jetty in Kuala Terengganu. It can be reached by ferry in 30 minutes or by fast boat in under 10 minutes.

Pulau Kapas, Malaysia

Pulau Tenggol, Terengganu

Pulau Tenggol is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular islands occupying the east coast of Malaysia. Despite its compact size, it is blessed with vast green forests and deep emerald waters. It offers amazing visibility of its immaculate coral formation, making it the perfect setting for ardent snorkels and dives.

Top attractions in Pulau Tenggol: Pulau Nyireh

How to get to Pulau Tenggol

Make your way to the Kuala Dungun Jetty located at Terengganu. The boat ride to Pulau Tenggol is 25-kilometre and or approximately 50-minute away depending on tidal conditions.

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