Is the hustle and bustle of city life wearing you down and ruining your mood?
We feel you.Perhaps it’s time for a rejuvenating trip to the pristine Malaysia islands to enjoy carefree days in the glorious sun, sand and water?
We’ve got you covered with a list of the 15 best islands in Malaysia for your next island escapade:
Table of Contents
1. Rawa Island, Johor
2. Sibu Island, Johor
3. Aur Island, Johor
4. Tioman Island, Johor
5. Tinggi Island, Johor
6. Lang Tengah Island, Terengganu
7. Perhentian Island, Terengganu
8. Tenggol Island, Terengganu
9. Redang Island, Terengganu
10. Langkawi Island, Kedah
11. Payar Island, Kedah
12. Pangkor Island, Perak
13. Mabul Island, Sabah
14. Sipadan Island, Sabah
15. Mantanani Islands, Sabah
1. Rawa Island, Johor
First on our list of best Malaysia islands is the idyllic Pulau Rawa, one of the best island in Malaysia near Singapore.
Best Time To Visit: March to October
Best For: Frolicking on a powdery white beach and snorkelling among abundant coral reefs
What To Do:
- Snorkelling around the island
- Scuba diving excursions
- Leisurely stroll along the beach
- Endless waterplay at a beach water slide
Jetty: Private speed boats depart from Mersing Jetty in Johor
2. Sibu Island, Johor
The Sibu Island archipelago is reachable in just 30 minutes from Johor, which also makes it one of the best island in Malaysia near Singapore.
Best Time To Visit: April To September
Best For: Spending the evening with a gorgeous sunset view, after a day of island hopping
What To Do:
- Jungle trekking
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving excursions
- Kelong fishing
- Canoeing and windsurfing
Jetty: Speed boats depart from Tanjung Leman Jetty in Johor
Also Read: 15 Best Beaches In Malaysia Near Singapore
3. Aur Island, Johor
Did you know that Aur Island boasts a scenery as wonderful as the Seychelles? It’s a hidden island in Malaysia that many people miss.
Best Time To Visit: April To June
Best For: Island getaway in a serene and remote location, with fewer crowds and azure blue water
What To Do:
- Hiking to scenic viewpoints
- Snorkelling trips
- Scuba diving
- Lazing on the pristine beach
- Stargazing
Jetty: Ferries to Aur Island depart from Mersing Jetty in Johor
4. Tioman Island, Johor
The most popular Malaysia island near Singapore has to be Tioman Island for its seamless blend of spectacular marine and terrestrial landscapes. Depart directly private car to Tioman Island from Singapore.
Best Time To Visit: July To September
Best For: Experiencing lush jungle amid crystal clear waters and duty-free shopping
What To Do:
- Snorkelling
- Island hopping
- Scuba diving
- Hiking
- Waterfall visit
- Golfing at Tioman Island Golf Club
- Nightlife entertainment at bars and clubs
- Shopping at duty-free outlets
Jetty: Ferries depart from Mersing Jetty (Johor) or Tanjung Gemok Jetty (Pahang)
Also Read: Top 13 Golf Course In Malaysia Near Singapore
5. Tinggi Island, Johor
Another unique Malaysia island near Singapore is Tinggi Island, where the landscape is dominated by a towering extinct volcano, Mount Semudu.
Best Time To Visit: April To September
Best For: Peaceful island vibes with mesmerising blue waters and less crowd
What To Do:
- Hiking up an extinct volcano
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving
- Island hopping
- Mangrove and fireflies watching tour
- Waterfall visit
Jetty: Speedboats depart from Tanjung Leman Jetty in Johor
6. Lang Tengah Island, Terengganu
The captivating private island of Lang Tengah is the top island in Malaysia for an exclusive island getaway experience.
Best Time To Visit: March To October
Best For: Exclusive and secluded island vibes, perfect for a romantic getaway
What To Do:
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Sea kayaking
- Light hiking
- Enjoy the beautiful sunset view
Jetty: Ferries depart for Lang Tengah Island from Merang Jetty, Terengganu.
Also Read: Plan Your Dream Honeymoon: Best Time & Place for Singaporean Couples to Visit Malaysia!
7. Perhentian Island, Terengganu
You can never go wrong with Perhentian Island, the most popular Malaysia island on the East Coast offering a wholesome island experience.
Best Time To Visit: April To September
Best For Plenty of resort options according to different budgets and spectacular snorkelling points
What To Do:
- Snorkelling at house reefs
- Scuba diving
- Sea kayaking
- Hiking
- Watch the sunrise and sunset
Jetty: Speedboats depart from Kuala Besut Jetty in Terengganu
8. Tenggol Island, Terengganu
A hidden gem of the East Coast, Tenggol Island is one of the best Malaysia islands that is small but full of wonders.
Best Time To Visit: April To September
Best For: Holiday goers looking for less crowded, off-beat island vibes with pristine dive sites and coral reefs
What To Do:
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving at a shipwreck site
- Swimming and relaxing at the beach
Jetty: Speedboats depart from Kuala Dungun Jetty in Terengganu
Also Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia With Family Near Singapore
9. Redang Island, Terengganu
The Redang Island archipelago is the best island to visit in Malaysia for both adventure and luxury seekers.
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Best For: Enjoying white sands and turquoise blue waters, amid rich marine and rainforest biodiversity
What To Do:
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving
- Hiking
- Island hopping
- Rock climbing
Jetty: Ferries depart from Merang Jetty in Terengganu
10. Langkawi Island, Kedah
Langkawi Island is the best island in Malaysia, offering a full spectrum of island experiences, from splendid beaches to colourful cultural scenes.
Best Time To Visit: November To March
Best For: Breathtaking natural landscapes and rich Malaysian culture
What To Do:
- Swimming by the beaches
- Duty-free shopping
- Visit the Kilim UNESCO Geoforest Park
- Island hopping and eagle feeding
- Cable car and sky-bridge
Jetty Or Airport:
- Fly directly from Singapore to Langkawi International Airport
- Ferries depart from Kuala Kedah (Kedah), Kuala Perlis (Perlis) and Penang
Also Read: Top 15 Luxury Hotels in Malaysia For Singaporean Family
11. Payar Island, Kedah
Situated in an exclusive marine park, Payar Island is a small but gorgeous island that offers a full day of marine wonders.
Best Time To Visit: November To March
Best For: Marine park day trip from Langkawi, beautiful coral reefs
What To Do:
- Snorkelling
- Picnic by the beach
- Scuba diving
- Glass boat tour
Jetty: Ferries depart from Kuah Jetty in Langkawi Island
12. Pangkor Island, Perak
Pangkor Island is a quaint island destination tucked away in the charming Northern state of Perak.
Best Time To Visit: February, March, June and July
Best For: Laidback island vibes and exploration of fisherman villages
What To Do:
- Swimming at the beach
- Snorkelling
- Motorbike and ATV tours
- Shop for fresh local sea produce
- Visit historical and religious sites
Jetty: Ferries depart from Lumut Jetty in Perak
Also Read: Top 13 Beach Resorts In Malaysia With Private Pool
13. Mabul Island, Sabah
Malaysian Borneo offers spectacular Malaysia islands worth visiting, including the marine paradise of Mabul.
Best Time To Visit: May To October
Best For: Swimming in emerald green waters and discovering spectacular diving spots
What To Do:
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving
- Visit Bajau Laut (sea gypsies) village
- Sea kayaking
- Island hopping
Jetty: Speedboat departs from Semporna Jetty in Sabah
14. Sipadan Island, Sabah
A prehistoric volcano rising 600m from the ocean floor, Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia that is in a class of its own.
Best Time To Visit: March To October
Best For: Astounding dives in rich marine biodiversity, picturesque beach
What To Do:
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving
- Sunbathing
Jetty: Speedboat departs from Semporna Jetty in Sabah
15. Mantanani Islands, Sabah
Lastly, the Mantanani Islands is another Malaysia island destination for the romantics, boasting charming beaches for an unforgettable getaway.
Best Time To Visit: April To September
Best For: Honeymooners and avid divers looking for another marine paradise
What To Do:
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving at shipwreck sites
- Catch a view of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon
- Spot the gentle dugongs
Jetty: Ferries depart from Kampung Kuala Abai Jetty in Kota Belud, Sabah
Conclusion
That’s about it, don’t let the city blues ruin your mood no more.
Get packing and head on to Malaysia islands to recharge soon!
Sit back and leave the transportation hassle to PrivateCarSG to take you safely from home to your island destination.
Your relaxing days await!
