Juara Beach, Tioman
This relatively large tropical island is located off the east coast of the Malaysian state of Pahang. Whilst this densely forested, sparsely populated island also comes complete with several lovely beaches – helping it to earn the title of one of the world’s most beautiful islands according to TIME Magazine in the 1970’s – one beach stands out amongst the rest – Juara. Yes, the incredible Juara Beach is a true jewel in the crown of Malaysia’s best beaches, helped by its relatively remote location – ferries do not land at the beach, it is only reachable via 4WD on a paved road that cuts through Tioman’s central mountain range. Whilst the beach is unreal, it’s also known for the conservation of sea turtles, with the Juara Turtle Project managing a hatchery here.
Manukan Island, Sabah
Manukan Island is very popular with residents from the nearby state capital of Kota Kinabalu. It lies within the boundaries of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, the first marine national park in Malaysia – dating back to 1974. Because of this, the tiny island is famous for the amazing scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities just off its coast. Of course, it is just as well known for stunning beaches; the perfect meeting-point between azure sea and pure white sand in a slice of coral paradise. Away from the coastline, however, there are ample opportunities to explore the island’s dense vegetation, thanks to a number of hiking trails that crisscross through it.
Kapas Island, Terengganu
Kapas Island is another one of Malaysia’s picture-perfect paradise islands, with beaches here that look exactly like those you’d see on a postcard of yesteryear. Nowadays, it more resembles the beaches on your Instagram feed; palms nod over fine, white sand, lapped by clear seas which lead out into a beautiful turquoise-blue vista. Just off the coast from the town of Marang in Terengganu, Kapas really is one of Malaysia’s most beautiful islands. It’s a paradise for snorkeling and diving, with a wide array of marine life – the coral here is bright and vivid – always an incredible sight. As well as the great beaches, this tropical island in the South China Sea is also known as the main location for researching Amphidromus, an enigmatic species of snail with colorful shells.
Rawa Island, Mersing
Set off the northeast coast of mainland Malaysia’s most southerly state of Johor, and easily reached from the coastal town of Mersing, the island of Rawa is truly a gem of a beach destination. Named for the white doves (known locally as rawa) that populate the island in great numbers, this tiny little island is a haven for wildlife – both marine and land dwelling. Since there are no proper roads on the island, only footpaths can take you from one destination to the other. With tall, craggy cliffs on one side of the island, the other side is almost entirely comprised of white-sand beaches that meet the beautiful azure sea in a perfect harmony of what paradise ought to look like.
Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
Malaysia’s premier island destination, Langkawi has it all when it comes to the elements that make up the best beaches – facilities, nearby accommodation, restaurants. So it’s no wonder that its best beach is a composite of all these things. Pantai Cenang, whilst popular with domestic and international tourists, will practically be yours as a private beach ‘out of season’ since, if you’re backpacking, there is no ‘out of season’! Smaller islets jut out of the turquoise sea that laps the huge white-sand beach at Pantai Cenang, whilst there are plenty of options for food and drink literally steps away from the beach. The nearby amenities plus the relatively calm waters make it a very family-friendly beach, too.
Pasir Panjang, Redang
One of the largest islands off mainland Malaysia, Redang Island is located in the seas off the northeastern state of Terrenganu, and is famous for its incredibly white sand and shimmering, crystal-clear water. It is well known as a tropical island getaway thanks to this reputation for coastal beauty, which of course includes a fair few beaches – but none of these are quite as beautiful as Pasir Panjang. This sloping stretch of soft sand that sweeps around a circular bay in a sharp curve is a popular place that sees many local and international tourists – on day trips or staying at one of the now numerous beachside hotels. There is a bonus here; part of the sand spills over a spit to form a smaller section of beach away from the main bay area.