Imagine white sand, turquoise waters and empty palm tree-fringed beaches.
Malaysia has thousands of these islands, with many relatively unknown and off the tourist trail.
A luxurious beach getaway on Tenggol Island (Terengganu)
Tenggol is the southernmost island in Terengganu State’s archipelago chain, stretching over the South
China Sea. Unlike its neighbours the Perhentian Islands, this place hardly gets any visitors apart from a handful of locals. Expect ideal snorkelling conditions, daily whale shark tours and jungle trails. To get here, take a five-hour bus from
Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Dungan followed by a 50-minute ferry to Tenggol Island. It’s worth the long trip.
Romantic getaways on Rawa Island (Johor)
Dazzling white-sand beaches, celebrity-favourite resorts and beachfront villas are three ways to describe Rawa Island. This tiny coral island off Johor State has just two resorts, alluring those looking for a very private retreat. Wake up to the sound of lapping waves and open the curtains to the empty white coastline. This piece of paradise comes with a high price tag and limited rooms that often sell out months in advance. Rawa is perfect for honeymooners or more affluent couples on a romantic getaway.
The mesmerising ‘Blue Tears’ on Tusan Beach (Sarawak)
Sarawak’s Tusan Beach near Miri doesn’t get many visitors apart from local families. Not many outsiders get to see the warm orange sand hugging the cliffs or photograph the unusual rock formation (resembling a horse bending down to drink the sea water). The lack of commercialisation plus the strange geological structures aren’t the only things that make this (somewhat) secret beach in Malaysia so special. When conditions are just right, tiny micro-organisms in the sea release a chemical into the water. This bioluminescence transforms the gentle inky waters into a neon blue oasis, creating the spectacular and very rare ‘Blue Tears’ phenomenon.
Disconnect from the world on Kapas (Terengganu)
Terengganu’s Kapas Island is practically uninhabited compared to its neighbours. Only a handful of guesthouses and hostels line the empty coastlines, catering towards budget-conscious crowds. Forget luxury resorts, mass development and WiFi: Kapas is all about reflection and solitude. Expect vast coastlines, colourful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
Read more: Top famous tourist attractions in Malaysia
Source Internet
