Itching for a getaway? How about dipping your toes in paradise on some pretty islands near Singapore.
Where to go in Malaysia, you may wonder. On top of popular cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Malacca, there are several islands near Singapore where you can find some of the best beaches in Malaysia. These islands have no shortage of idyllic beach resorts for you to spend a lazy weekend pampering yourself. A couple of them also make for great diving locations, so if adventure is your thing then you’ll be plenty satisfied too.
1) Perhentian Islands
Off the coast of northeastern Malaysia lies the Perhentian Islands, a small group of coral-fringed islands boasting pristine white sand beaches. The two main islands here are Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil.
Stunning corals surround the islands, making it ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. Take in the picturesque scenery while you cruise above the turquoise waters on a sea kayak, or sunbathe lazily upon the coast. Bring along your hiking shoes too — the jungle trails snaking across the islands lead towards spectacular viewpoints!
Where to stay
If you’re looking to stay on Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Alunan Resort offers stylish interiors, a beachfront setting, on-site snorkelling, as well as hiking trails and scuba diving nearby.
How to get there
2) Sipadan Island
CC 2.0 / ChenWu
Gorgeous Sipadan Island, regarded as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, is a place to be ticked off your bucket list if you’re an avid diver. Its warm tropical waters are home to over 3,000 species of sea creatures, so you’ll have plentiful opportunities to catch sight of large pelagic species like sea turtles, barracuda and manta rays. The government has imposed a restriction on the daily snorkeling and diving permits, so be sure to book ahead in order to secure one of these!
Catch a ride to the Tanjung Leman jetty, located north of Johor Bahru. From there, hop on a ferry (pre-arranged beforehand with your resort) towards Sibu Island. The total travel time lasts about three hours.
Where to stay
How to get there
3) Sibu Island
Sibu Island welcomes vacationers with its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Sit back and relax against a hammock, or sunbathe upon the coasts if you’re in a leisurely mood. Travellers with a love for sports and outdoor activities will be keen to cruise across the sea on a kayak or trek along one of the many jungle trails. The area is a marine park, with snorkeling waters containing colourful coral reefs, so don’t miss out on scuba diving or snorkeling here!
Where to stay
How to get there
4) Pangkor Island
Water sports, sightseeing or trekking — Pangkor Island has them all! Kayaking and snorkeling are popular sea sport activities here. If you prefer to keep dry, lounge lazily upon one of the white sand beaches (Coral Bay and Pasir Bogak are well loved among travellers), embark on a trek through Titi Gantung or Teluk Segadas Hill or go on a bicycle tour around the island. Discover the local culture through visiting sites like the Pangkor Fishing Villages, the Dutch Fort at Teluk Gudang and Pangkor Town, where mouthwatering street food options await.
Where to stay
How to get there
5) Pulau Tenggol
Pulau Tenggol, boasting pristine coral formations and crystal clear waters is a haven for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Good visibility and waters teeming with marine life makes for excellent underwater excursions — but keep in mind that most of the popular dive sites have deep waters with currents, thus having the Advanced Open Water Diver certification is preferred if you’re keen on exploring these sites.
