Malaysia’s tourism is not only well known for the Twin Towers or the bustling metropolis but also for beautiful paradise islands, with the cheap price and the not-too-crowded ambience. Are you looking for best beaches (Malaysia beach holiday destinations) and top islands in Malaysia? Let’s discover top 10 wonderful beaches and best islands in Malaysia with Living Nomads below.
- Top islands in Malaysia — 10+ most famous, beautiful & best islands in Malaysia
- Best areas to stay in Penang — Top 5 best places to stay in Penang for the first-timers
- Top beaches in Penang — 7+ most beautiful & best beaches in Penang
- Top Beaches in Langkawi — 9 best beaches in Langkawi, Malaysia
- What to do in Langkawi? +14 must & best things to do in Langkawi on a budget
![Tropical beach idyll on Pulau Redang top islands in malaysia best islands in malaysia malaysia beach holiday destinations](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/25/Tropical-beach-idyll-on-Pulau-Redang.jpg)
![Pangkor Island, Malaysia](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/25/Pangkor-Island-Malaysia.jpg)
![Perhentian-islands-relax-scuba-diving-malaysia tourist attractions](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/23/Perhentian-islands-relax-scuba-diving-malaysia-tourist-attractions.jpg)
![Perhentian Island, Kecil. Long beach, Malaysia top islands in malaysia best islands in malaysia malaysia beach holiday destinations](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Perhentian-Island-Kecil.-Long-beach-Malaysia1.jpg)
![Snorkeling in Perhentian islands](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/23/Perhentian-snorkeling-3.jpg)
![Kayaking in Perhentian islands](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/23/perhentian-kayak-2.jpg)
1. Rawa Island
![Rawa Island](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Rawa-Island-1.jpg)
Rawa is a beautiful little island which is 16km far from the east coast of peninsula Malaysia. This island only has two resorts located on the white sands. However, this place still attracts visitors by the peaceful scenery and natural cliffs straight into the sea. Due to its proximity to the main islands of Malaysia, Rawa is suitable for short journeys. From Kuala Lumpur, take a bus to Mersing where there will be a ferry ride to Rawa.
![Rawa Island top islands in malaysia best islands in malaysia malaysia beach holiday destinations](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Rawa-Island-2.jpg)
![Rawa Island](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Rawa-Island-4.jpg)
![Rawa Island](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Rawa-Island-5.jpg)
![Rawa Island](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Rawa-Island-6.jpg)
![Rawa island snorkeling](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Rawa-island-snorkeling.jpg)
![Rawa island top islands in malaysia best islands in malaysia malaysia beach holiday destinations](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Rawa-Island.jpg)
![Rawa Island](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Rawa-Island3.jpg)
2. Sipadan Island
![island-sabah-borneo-malaysia1 Image by: top islands in malaysia blog.](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/18/island-sabah-borneo-malaysia1.jpg)
Sipadan Island is off the east coast of Boneo Island, in Malaysia’s Sabah state. Sipadan Island has long been known as a heaven for scuba diving lovers. The island has been voted by many worldwide diving magazines as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. Sipadan is actually a marine park, so people are not allowed to live on the island. Diving tourists who intend to go to the area must stay on Mabul Island or Kapalai Island, about 30 minutes from Sipadan Island by cano.
![borneo experiences top things to do in borneo borneo activities (3) bornoe_sabah_marine_park](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/19/borneo-experiences-top-things-to-do-in-borneo-borneo-activities-3.jpg)
![How to Get to Sipadan Island top islands in malaysia best islands in malaysia malaysia beach holiday destinations](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/How-to-Get-to-Sipadan-Island.jpg)
![Sipadan Island top islands in malaysia best islands in malaysia malaysia beach holiday destinations](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Sipadan-Island-1.jpg)
![](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Sipadan-Island-2.jpg)
![Sipadan Island](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Sipadan-Island-3.jpg)
![Sipadan Island](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Sipadan-Island-4.jpg)
![Sipadan Island has long been known as a heaven for scuba diving lovers.](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Sipadan-Island-5.jpg)
![Sipadan Island has long been known as a heaven for scuba diving lovers.](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Sipadan-Island-6.jpg)
![Sipadan Island](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Sipadan-Island.jpg)
![Sipadan Island has long been known as a heaven for scuba diving lovers.](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Sipadan-Island5.jpg)
3. Terengganu
![Night view of crystal mosque in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Crystal mosque is beautiful mosqoe in Malaysia.](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/TERENGGANU-1.jpg)
Situated on the eastern shore of Malaysia Island, with 3 sides facing the sea, the long coastline of Terengganu is covered by beautiful beaches with warm and blue waters. Terengganu has many islands that are definitely popular with tourists, such as Redang, Kapas, Perhentian and Tenggol Marine Parks. Outstanding among them is Redang with many great diving sites, majestic coral reefs, as well as the enormous variety of marine life.
Terengganu Island. Image by: top islands in malaysia blog.
![Terengganu Island](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/TERENGGANU-3.jpg)
Besides, sea lovers and nature lovers who look for a perfect holiday should go to Tanjung Jara – a resort designed according to the model of an ancient Malaysian castle.
![](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Terengganu-plans-2-water-theme-parks.jpg)
![Terengganu snorkel](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Terengganu-snorkel.jpg)
![Terengganu Island](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/TERENGGANU4.jpg)
![Terengganu is covered by beautiful beaches with warm and blue waters](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/TERENGGANU5.jpg)
4. Mabul Island
![(Fish-eye view), gypsy village in Mabul Bodgaya Island in Tun Sakaran](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Fish-eye-view-gypsy-village-in-Mabul-Bodgaya-Island-in-Tun-Sakaran.jpg)
This is a small island off the south-east coast of Sabah with extremely tall coconut palms, attractive beaches, fine sand and turquoise sea water. Aside from being one of the most popular diving destinations in the world, Mabul Island is also home to a vast diversity of sea creatures. Alternatively, when visiting Mabul, you can also visit the traditional villages of Malaysia.
![Arung Hayat Mabul Island Lodge](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Arung-Hayat-Mabul-Island-Lodge.jpg)
![Bungalows On Mabul Island, Sabah top islands in malaysia best islands in malaysia malaysia beach holiday destinations](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Bungalows-On-Mabul-Island-Sabah.jpg)
![Journey To Muck Diving Spot – Pulau Mabul](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Journey-To-Muck-Diving-Spot-–-Pulau-Mabul.jpg)
![Mabul Island - Mabul Water Bungalow (Smart) Print](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Mabul-Island-Mabul-Water-Bungalow-Smart-Print.jpg)
![Mabul Island - Tourist Attractions in Malaysia](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Mabul-Island-Tourist-Attractions-in-Malaysia.jpg)
![Mabul Island Malaysia](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Mabul-Island-Malaysia.jpg)
![MABUL ISLAND TOURS top islands in malaysia best islands in malaysia malaysia beach holiday destinations](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/MABUL-ISLAND-TOURS.jpg)
![](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Mabul-snorkel.jpg)
![MABUL ISLAND](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/MABUL-ISLAND.jpg)
![Snorkeling Mabul Island top islands in malaysia best islands in malaysia malaysia beach holiday destinations](https://livingnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/24/Snorkeling-Mabul-Island.jpg)
Alternatively, when visiting Mabul, you can also visit the traditional villages of Malaysia.