The 16 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
From the 6 guides that rank for "best beaches in malaysia"
Named by 3 of 63. Perhentian IslandsTwo islands, Perhentian Besar and Kecil, with palm-fringed beaches and coral reefs.The ideal time is March to October, when seas are calm for snorkeling and diving.
Named by 2 of 64. Redang IslandOne of the largest islands off the east coast, with white sand and coral reefs good for snorkeling and diving.Reached by ferry from Kuala Terengganu or Merang in 45 to 90 minutes, or by domestic flight.
Named by 2 of 65. Tioman IslandPart of Tioman Marine Park off the east coast, reached by ferry from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok or by flight from Kuala Lumpur.Sea turtles come ashore to nest on the beach each year.
Named by 2 of 66. Lang TengahA small island between Perhentian and Redang with little to do except relax on the beach or dive.A writer snorkeled and scuba dived here.
Named by 2 of 67. Layang-LayangAn atoll about 300 km from Kota Kinabalu, called one of the top 10 dive locations in the world.Divers may see turtles, manta rays, hammerheads and black-tip sharks.
8. Gaya IslandA 10 to 15 minute speedboat ride from Kota Kinabalu, in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.Best from March to October, the dry season.
9. SipadanThe only oceanic island in Malaysia and a celebrated dive site, with turtles and hammerhead sharks.Dive groups per day are limited, so book well ahead; no overnight stays on the island.
10. Port DicksonClose to Kuala Lumpur and a favorite getaway for locals and Singaporeans.The Cape Rachado lighthouse and two colonial-era forts are nearby.
11. KuantanTeluk Cempedak is the best known of four or five beaches near the city, with turquoise water and white sand.
12. MalaccaMostly a history stop, with Padang Kemunting beach and a sea turtle sanctuary nearby.
13. Pulau PangkorA quiet west-coast island of fishing villages; the beaches are not among the best but it shows local island life.
14. LankayanA small island in the Sulu Sea north of Sandakan, good for turtles and whale sharks from March to May.
15. Pulau AurPart of Johor Marine Park, known for corals and a spot for weekend divers.
16. Pulau RawaA small island off Mersing with wooden chalets as accommodation.Pick a place for live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
Travel guides most often name March to September as the best time to visit Malaysia.