From Langkawi to Borneo: The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Malaysia (Travel Guide & Deals)

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From Langkawi to Borneo: The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Malaysia (Travel Guide & Deals)
Malaysia is a land of contrasts: bustling cities, ancient rainforests, and, most importantly, some of the most breathtaking coastlines in Southeast Asia.
Forget the over-crowded shores you might imagine. The real magic lies hidden on secluded islands off the east coast or nestled within the dramatic landscapes of Borneo. We’ve crisscrossed the country to bring you the top ten stunning beaches that demand a spot on your travel bucket list.
This isn't just a list; it's your actionable guide. We'll show you exactly how to reach these paradises and where to rest your head using our recommended partners, ensuring you can book your dream vacation with confidence.
Let’s dive into the crystal-clear waters of Malaysia's finest beaches.
The Top 10 Beautiful Beaches in Malaysia
1. Pulau Sipadan (Sabah, Borneo)
The Vibe: World-Class Diving Mecca
Sipadan is less a sunbathing spot and more an underwater kingdom. Ranked among the top dive sites globally, this oceanic island off Borneo is purely for marine enthusiasts. The sheer abundance of green turtles, reef sharks, and vibrant coral walls is unparalleled. Note: Access is highly regulated to preserve the ecosystem (only 120 permits issued daily), meaning you must stay on a nearby island and visit for the day.
How to Go There
Your journey begins in Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu (KK), or the closer Tawau airport (TWU).
Book a flight to Tawau via [Trip.com Flights](URL to KUL to Tawau flights via your affiliate link).
From Tawau, take a pre-booked taxi or transfer to Semporna Jetty (about 1.5 hours), then a speedboat to your chosen resort island (Mabul or Kapalai).
Where to Stay
You cannot stay on Sipadan itself. Nearby Mabul Island is the hub for divers.
Diver’s Choice: [Sipadan Water Village Resort](URL to Sipadan Water Village booking via your affiliate link) offers stunning overwater bungalows.
Budget Friendly: [Mabul Backpackers](URL to Mabul Backpackers booking via your affiliate link) provides essential, clean stays.
Browse more Semporna area accommodations on [Trip.com Hotels Semporna](URL to general Semporna hotels search via your affiliate link).
2. Perhentian Islands (Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia)
The Vibe: Backpacker Paradise Meets Family Haven
A perfect blend of laid-back charm (Kecil, the smaller island) and family-friendly serenity (Besar, the larger one), the Perhentians boast some of the finest powdery white sand in the country. The shallow, brilliant turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling right off the beach, often with sea turtles and black-tip reef sharks.
How to Go There
The gateway is Kuala Besut Jetty.
Fly into Kota Bharu Airport (KBR) — search flights from KLIA on [Trip.com Flights](URL to KUL to KBR flights via your affiliate link).
Take a short taxi ride to the jetty.
Ferries run multiple times a day.
Where to Stay
Besar (Quiet): [Perhentian Island Resort](URL to Perhentian Island Resort booking via your affiliate link) is a classic choice with great beach access.
Kecil (Lively): [Matahari Chalet](URL to Matahari Chalet booking via your affiliate link) is popular on Long Beach.
Find your ideal stay on [Trip.com Hotels Perhentian](URL to general Perhentian hotels search via your affiliate link).
3. Tanjung Rhu Beach (Langkawi, Peninsular Malaysia)
The Vibe: Dramatic Karsts and Hidden Sands
Langkawi’s coastline is vast, but Tanjung Rhu stands out. It’s quiet, expansive, and framed by ancient limestone karsts jutting out of the Andaman Sea. The surrounding area is protected, meaning no noisy jet skis, just peace, Casuarina trees, and stunning low-tide views that let you walk to nearby islands.
How to Go There
Langkawi has its own international airport (LGK), making it highly accessible.
Book direct flights to LGK on [Trip.com Flights Langkawi](URL to flights to LGK via your affiliate link).
Once on the island, a taxi to the northern tip takes about 30 minutes.
Where to Stay
Luxury: Indulge at the exquisite [Four Seasons Resort Langkawi](URL to Four Seasons booking via your affiliate link) or the tranquil [Tanjung Rhu Resort](URL to Tanjung Rhu Resort booking via your affiliate link) for unparalleled service.
Search all [Langkawi hotels on Trip.com](URL to general Langkawi hotels search via your affiliate link).
4. Pulau Redang (Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia)
The Vibe: Upscale Marine Park Beauty
Slightly more developed and resort-focused than the Perhentians, Redang offers some of Malaysia's largest and most beautiful beaches. The water visibility is often exceptional, making it a prime spot for easy snorkeling among vibrant coral gardens.
How to Go: Fly into Kuala Terengganu (TGG) via [Trip.com Flights TGG](URL to flights to TGG via your affiliate link), transfer to Merang Jetty, and take a speedboat.
Where to Stay: Check out the [The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort](URL to The Taaras booking via your affiliate link) for a luxurious stay.
5. Semporna Region (Sabah, Borneo)
The Vibe: Overwater Bungalow Dreams
Semporna is the jumping-off point for a constellation of islands with some of the clearest waters you will ever witness. Places like Pom Pom Island and Mataking offer picture-perfect remote island life.
How to Go/Stay: Similar logistics to Sipadan; fly to Tawau. The resorts here handle most transfers.
The Rest of the Top 10 List
6. Pulau Rawa (Johor): The "Maldives of Johor" – secluded white sand, private island vibe.
7. Tanjung Aru Beach (Sabah): Famous for arguably the best sunsets in Borneo. A mainland classic near Kota Kinabalu.
8. Cenang Beach (Langkawi): The most popular and energetic beach, great for water sports and dining.
9. Teluk Cempedak (Pahang): A easily accessible, beautifully curved mainland beach near Kuantan with a scenic boardwalk.
10. Desaru Coast (Johor): A new luxury destination with miles of golden coastline and pristine resorts.
Plan Your Perfect Malaysian Beach Holiday
Ready to feel the sand between your toes? Booking your essentials ahead of time takes the stress out of travel.
✈️ Flights & Hotels
We partner with Trip.com to bring you competitive prices on flights across Malaysia and a wide selection of hotels, from budget chalets to 5-star resorts.
[Search All Flights to Malaysia on Trip.com](URL to general Trip.com flights search via your affiliate link)
[Browse Beach Resorts & Hotels on Trip.com](URL to general Trip.com hotels search via your affiliate link)
Need ground transport? Find bus or train tickets within Malaysia easily on [Trip.com Buses & Trains](URL to Trip.com ground transport via your affiliate link).
🎫 Experiences & Essentials
Once your travel is sorted, make sure your trip is seamless with Pelago, a platform by Singapore Airlines Group for curated experiences and travel essentials.
Stay Connected: Grab a reliable [Malaysia Data eSIM](URL to Pelago eSIM purchase via affiliate link) from Pelago so you have internet from the moment you land.
Book Activities: Look for snorkeling trips around the Perhentians or dive packages in Sabah via the [Pelago Activities Platform](URL to Malaysia activities search via affiliate link).
Malaysia's beaches are calling. Use this guide to find your perfect stretch of paradise and book your unforgettable escape today!