Situated in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a country famous for its numerous islands that feature stunning beaches and tropical rain forests. The East Coast islands are popular snorkeling and diving destinations due to their colorful coral reefs and crystal clear waters. However, there is much more to the Malaysian East Coast islands than diving and beaches alone. You can visit beautiful temples, colonial villages and experience lots of jungle adventures.
Some years ago I lived in this beautiful country for 4 months. During that time I had the chance to visit every island of Malaysia. My favorite islands are, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Redang and the Perhentian islands, all located at the east coast in the South China Sea.
Perhentian Island
Blessed with sun-bleached sands and excellent diving and snorkeling in the bluest waters imaginable are the Perhentian Islands of Malaysia’s eastern coast. Because of the lack of motorized transportation or high-rise developments reinforces you’ve got the feeling that you landed in paradise. During the summer the party scene can get very busy at Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find some peace on the other islands.
Most of the visitors to the Perhentian Islands end up on the smaller of the 2 islands – Perhentian Kecil, primarily because it is more social and affordable, but on Pulau Besar you can find more luxury accommodations.
Beach of Perhentian Kecil
Perhentian Kecil is a popular stop. The island attracts numerous budget travelers and backpackers who come to enjoy the blue waters by day and the beach parties by night. Although nightlife is livelier on Perhentian Kecil, other parts of the island do provide some peace and tranquility. However, if you feel like having more luxury comfort than my advice would be to book a resort at the other island Perhentian Besar.
Perhentian Kecil is divided into 2 parts: Coral Bay and Long Beach which are connected to each other via a 15-minute unpaved jungle trail. Most travelers will head directly to Long Beach for the soft-sand ocean bottom and better beaches.
Tioman Island
Situated off the east coast of the peninsular, close to Singapore, Tioman Island is largely undeveloped, narrow and still mostly green without any roads or high-rise hotels. Backpackers and Singaporeans go here to take advantage of the amazing snorkeling and affordable nightlife.
With the exception of the little town of Tekek, Tioman is pleasantly undeveloped. Lush jungle separates the beaches and small villages spread out around the island. The villages are primarily concentrated on the island’s west side, except for the quiet Juara which is located on the eastern coast.
Tioman: a true paradise!
Most visitors to Tioman will either end up in Salang, Air Batang or Genting. Walking is the primary means of getting around Tioman’s jungle trails and concrete paths that connect the little beaches. Tioman’s underwater life is the biggest island attraction with opportunities abounding for diving and snorkeling, and Air Batang generally regarded as the best spot for snorkeling.
Boat trips to the uninhabited islands nearby can also be arranged. Large schools of fish – including barracuda, sharks and harmless rays, can be viewed at the artificial reef close to the Tekek jetty.
Jetty of Bagus Place Retreat, Tioman
Redang Island
Over the years, the beautiful Malaysian island of Pulau Redang has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations for divers, thanks to its pristine nature and rich marine life. A number of trails allow for the exploration of the island rain forest. Veer off the beaten path on a guided tour to rocky cliffs and scenic hilltops that offer panoramas of the sea and island.
My tip: Berjaya Redang Beach Resort by Stylish Travel Tips
A visit to the Marine Park will teach you about marine park conservation, while enabling you to enjoy some diving and snorkeling. The sea bed surrounding the island is home to a marvelous diversity of life including clown fish, moray eels and giant groupers.
Explore the numerous mysterious sights on the island, including the inexhaustible Pasir Gontang pool and the beach of Pasir Mak Kepit which is believed to have the smell of a fragrance left behind many years ago by a princess.
Visit the Sea Turtle Research Unit, a large green turtle nursery and turtle conservation center. Here you can watch the turtles or volunteer to collect and incubate the eggs until they hatch and the baby turtles are released into the sea. The island is also rich in flora and fauna that make it ideal for eco-adventures.
My favorite picture: beach of Berjaya Redang Beach Resort by Stylish Travel Tips
How to travel to the East Coast Islands of Malaysia
Perhentian
You can only reach the Perhentian islands over water by boat. The Perhentian islands are located at the northeastern coast of Malaysia. From Kuala Besut you can travel within 30 minutes by fast boat or with 1.5 hours with the regular boat.
Tioman
There are no more direct flights to Tioman. The best option is to take the boat from Mersing. You can arrive here by bus or airplane. The airport of Johor Bahra (near Singapore) is a 2 hours drive to the port of Mersing.
Staying over at the Berjaya resort? You can take now a daily ferry from Berjaya Jetty Tanjung Gemuk to the resort (latest info from Tourism Malaysia). This boat trip takes maximum 2 hours and cost you around US$11. If you miss the ferry than you can always take the public boat from the Mersing Jetty.
Redang
You can find Pulau Redang on the worldmap under the Perhentian islands at the northeastern coast of Malaysia. From Kuala Lumpur you can fly with Berjaya Air to Kuala Terengganu (TGG Airport) and from here take the boat from the mainland to Redang.
Do you have any tips and experiences with us to share, please be so kind to leave your comment below.
Happy Travels!