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Among the many blessings Malaysia has been endowed with, having a decently lengthy coastline is one of the more underrated ones.
For the most part, this means that the average Malaysian can take a day off and head to the beach to have a fun time playing in water and on sand.
If the sea has been calling you as of late, here is a handy guide to some of Malaysia’s best and beloved beaches.
Coral Beach, Perak
For many folks living in the Klang Valley, Pangkor Island is the closest locale they can visit to enjoy a tropical island tourist experience.
Not to mention, reaching Pangkor Island just requires driving up to Lumut for three and a half hours and then taking a half-an-hour ferry ride to Pangkor.
The island is home to many beaches, but Teluk Nipah Beach is likely the most popular, with Coral Beach being a more secluded alternative.
Devoid of the crowds that plague Teluk Nipah Beach, Coral Beach has clear emerald-green water, with pristine white sands.
Getting here requires a hike across boulders and rocks, as well as a quick trek through the forest, but the view makes it more than worth it.
That said, only visit during low tide, because the beach will vanish beneath the waves if you arrive at the wrong time.
Keracut Beach, Penang
As reputable as Batu Ferringhi Beach is, there is no denying that it is the centre of over-development, with many resorts and hotels carving up the stretch of shore for themselves.
If you wish to enjoy the breeze in your hair without jostling for space on the sands, Keracut Beach is a better bet for you.
Located within the grounds of the Penang National Park in the north of the island, the beach is secluded due to its distance from George Town.
Additionally, getting here will often require an hour’s trek through the jungle, though paths are thankfully well-established and marked here.
Reaching the beach is thus its own reward, with oftentimes not a soul in sight. Feel free to plant yourself down on the sand and soak in the sun.
Just be aware that there are no lifeguards here, so take care of yourself while in water.
Tanjung Rhu Beach, Kedah
Cenang Beach tends to be Langkawi’s posterchild (posterbeach?) whenever the question of where to go comes about.
Worth a spot in the limelight is the isolated, unspoilt Tanjung Rhu Beach, located in the northeastern part of the legendary island.
Tucked away at the very end of a coastal road, this beach is home to many mangrove trees, providing shade to tourists and home to countless species of animals.
Not every part of the beach is explorable, due to swathes of it belonging to a resort, but what you can explore is a delightful sight nonetheless.
Fine sand for your feet to sink into, clear, warm water lapping at your toes and not a cacophonous crowd in sight!
There are very few facilities here, so it might be best to prepare a picnic basket should you plan on visiting.
Cherating Beach, Pahang
If you love chasing sunsets, Cherating Beach is one of the best places in all of Malaysia to do so.
Located 30km away from Kuantan, Cherating Beach tends to draw visitors looking to have a laidback, relaxing beach holiday.
The locals are friendly, the beach is welcoming, what more could one ask for?
Additionally, Cherating is home to a turtle sanctuary which looks after the rare leatherback turtle, which is endemic to the area.
If turtles find this stretch of shore conducive for their purposes, then you too will find what you are looking for.
Whether you will spend your time riding the waves or enjoying a round of drinks at local bars, Cherating Beach will leave you feeling refreshed.
Coral Bay Beach, Terengganu
The Perhentian islands are among Malaysia’s most coveted tropical island destinations, with lively reefs and gorgeous shores drawing locals and foreigners alike.
Perhentian Kecil, as its name suggests, is the smaller of the two main islands, with no cars or other motor transports ever having driven across its soil.
Two beaches are the most prominent on this isle, Long Beach and Coral Bay Beach.
Long Beach is where folks who love partying late into the night gather, whereas Coral Bay Beach is where you go to connect with nature.
Wish to go kayaking, diving or snorkelling? Coral Bay Beach is the beach calling to you.
Either way, the two beaches are close to each other, so you can get the best of both worlds simply by walking through a connecting forest path.
Desaru Beach, Johor
A popular holiday spot for Singaporeans, Desaru is a coastal town that is about an hour’s drive from Johor Bahru.
As with most beaches facing the South China Sea, the town boasts a beautiful beach, populated with fishing villages and seaside cafes.
When visiting, pack a beach mat and prepare to just lay down on the sand. Afterwards, doze off to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
The waters here are typically calm and shallow, so it is more or less safe for kids to take a dip in.
There are also water sports available for adrenaline junkies, so feel free to explore your options.
Jetskis, kayaks, paddleboards and banana boats are all at your disposal.
Lankayan Island, Sabah
While they do not hold a candle to beaches in Thailand or Hawaii when it comes to looking perfect for Instagram, Sabah’s many beaches have a secret perk.
They are largely devoid of tourist crowds and more importantly, there is almost always an array of marine life flourishing just metres from the shore.
Lankayan Island is not as famous as Sipadan, but it genuinely has one of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
Only one resort occupies this island off the coast of Sandakan, and there is nothing better to do here than eat, swim, snorkel and sunbathe.
The island is also home to a turtle sanctuary and guests can actually get themselves involve with guiding baby turtles to the sea.
This isle also has many surrounding dive sites, so hope you have your goggles and tank ready.
Pugu Beach, Sarawak
Located in Lundu, Pugu Beach is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy more than just the average beach experience.
The beach actually forms part of the trail that hikers need to navigate to ascend the nearby Gondol Hill.
Thus, while en route to the peak, you can savour wading through foamy blue waters and hopping from rock to rock.
Compared to popular beaches such as Damai Beach, Pugu Beach is a peaceful alternative, with waves constantly and gently lapping the shore.
Pugu Beach is most accessible when the tide is low as it allows easier passage and makes the trek up Gondol Hill a lot easier.
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