Malaysia, a vibrant Southeast Asian nation, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ecosystems. With over 800 islands, the country’s coastlines are adorned with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for luxury cruising. Travelers can embark on unforgettable journeys through the idyllic waters of the Andaman Sea and the South China Sea.

Overviews of the North and South

The islands along the east coast can largely be categorized into two main groups: the Seribuat Archipelago in the south and the northern islands off Terengganu. Each group features a principal island—Pulau Redang in the north and Pulau Tioman in the south—both of which have good ferry connections and airstrips.

The Seribuat Archipelago

The Seribuat Archipelago, located off the east coast of Johor, is home to some of Malaysia’s most stunning islands, frequently featured in magazines’ lists of the top 10 beaches and islands in the world. Among the 64 islands in the cluster, Pulau Tioman is the largest and most well-known, although it actually belongs to Pahang.

The Islands of Seribuat

Pulau Tioman is located in Pahang on the East Coast and is part of the Mersing Marine Park. This area comprises 13 islands, including Pulau Sibu, Pulau Harimau, Pulau Mensirip, Pulau Goal, Pulau Besar, Pulau Tengah, Pulau Hujong, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Mentinggi, Pulau Sibu Hujung, Pulau Pemanggil, and Pulau Aur. If you’re looking for things to do in Sepang or around it, visiting these islands isn’t a bad choice.

The Perhentian Islands

The name “Perhentian” translates to “stopping point” in Malay, reflecting the islands’ historical role as a staging area for traders traveling between Malaysia and Bangkok. Known for their stunning beauty, the Perhentian Islands are among the most picturesque in Malaysia, offering crystal-clear waters and palm-fringed white coral sand beaches.

Fizysam, Afternoon scenery of Perhentian Island (Big) Malaysia, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Lesser Known

The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara, Seringgi, and Rawa are located off Kecil. These islands are part of a protected marine park, where fishing, coral collection, and littering are strictly forbidden. However, in reality, littering remains a significant issue for these islands, so if you’re staying in a place like the Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort, make sure not to litter when you come to visit.