We all need an occasional dose of sun, sea, and sand – and nothing quite fits the bill like a beach vacay. While we often go to places like Bali or Krabi for our summer getaways, there are many gorgeous beaches just across the border that many of us have yet to explore.
Whether you’re looking for a low-key beach for a serene escape from city life, or a bustling beach resort for a jam-packed itinerary, these are the best beaches in Malaysia for your next holiday.
Image credit: @chabst24
For a chill getaway, consider visiting Desaru beach for your dose of Vitamin D. You won’t have to worry about getting bored either – the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark and Ostrich Farm are only a quick drive away from the coast, so you’ll have a full day’s worth of activities to keep you entertained.
Plus, even though Desaru has always been a couple hours drive from JB, it’s easier now than ever with the new Desaru Coast Ferry services. You’ll be there in less than 90 minutes from Singapore.
Getting here from Singapore: Take a ferry from Tanah Merah Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal (from $70).
Address: Desaru Beach, 81600 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Image credit: @kakigambar.asha
Pantai Air Papan is a low-key beach in Mersing that has everything you need for a convenient day-trip. This beach is a popular haunt amongst locals, so you can be assured it’s a spot worth visiting.
There are several food stalls nearby offering local food to keep your tummies full, plus a souvenir shop if you want to take home some keepsakes. The beach is also a relatively popular spot for fishing, so you can try your luck at reeling in some good catches there.
Getting here from Johor Bahru: Pantai Air Papan is a 2-hour 10-minute (~138km) drive from JB .
Address: Pantai Air Papan, Air Papan, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
Pantai Cenang is a famous spot for sunset watching.
Image credit: @zulkamal
Travel to Pantai Cenang, and you’ll feel a little like you’re in LA. It’s lined with palm trees and boasts calm waters perfect to take a dip in, so it’s no surprise that it’s arguably the most popular beach in Langkawi.
The beach has plenty of activities to keep you entertained, including a range of water sports like parasailing, banana boating, and jet skiing. There are many hotels in the vicinity where visitors can rent beach items like towels and umbrellas as well.
Fire show on the beach at Kalut Cafe N Bar.
Image credit: @andregadia
Come night time, Pantai Cenang’s beach bars are chilled out places for unwinding with a beer or two. Catch the sunset at Ah Chong Beach Bar & Cafe or sit on bean bags while watching a fire show at Kalut Cafe N Bar.
Getting there from Kuah town, Langkawi: Pantai Cenang beach is an 18-minute (~19km) drive from Kuah town. Affordable accommodation is also available in Pantai Cenang.
Address: Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Image credit: @rizby
Those looking for an accessible picnic spot on Langkawi Island can check out Tengkorak Beach, AKA Sandy Skulls Beach. The beach has several huts and tables along its coast where you can conveniently lay your picnic mats, so you won’t have to sit on the ground and worry about sand getting in your food.
It’s a family-friendly spot with other amenities that’ll make your trip a real breeze, from prayer rooms to shower facilities, so you’ll get to freshen up after a day of sand and water play.
Getting there from Kuah town, Langkawi: Tengkorak Beach is a 40-minute (~35km) drive from Kuah town.
Address: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Image credit: @serenegoh1018
If you’re in KL and search for “beaches near me”, you’ll probably be directed to Port Dickson. Within Port Dickson, a must-visit beach is Blue Lagoon. It’s a popular spot, and for good reason. It’s got easily accessible amenities like food courts, playgrounds, and toilets, making it a convenient location for family picnics.
Getting there from Kuala Lumpur: Blue Lagoon is a 1-hour 35-minute (~108km) drive from KL.
Address: Batu 10, Jalan Pantai, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Image credit: @af.co3
Pantai Teluk Kemang is another famous beach in Port Dickson. Recognisable by a colourful sign at its entrance, the large beach has all the facilities you’ll need for a full day of fun. 
Image credit: @arzydon
Seriously, you name it, they’ve got it – from hawkers, souvenir shops, to an array of water activities like parasailing and kayaking. So if you’re a sports junkie, or know someone who is, this beach should be at the top of your visitation list.
Getting there from Kuala Lumpur: Pantai Teluk Kemang is a 1-hour 18-minute (~97km) drive from KL.
Address: 23, Jalan 3/10, Taman Intan Perdana, 71050 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Image credit: @andyandhisjourney
Batu Ferringhi in Penang is a good place to be if you’re the life of the party. Whether you’re partying it up at bars, having delicious food at night markets, or frolicking about the gorgeous coastline, a wide range of day-to-night activities are available.
To get the most of your beach vacation, you can choose to book a stay at a number of resorts there. Some popular options you can choose from include Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Hard Rock Hotel Penang, and PARKROYAL Penang Resort.
Getting there from George Town, Penang: Batu Ferringhi is a 40-minute (~16km) drive from George Town.
Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi Batu Ferringhi, 11100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Image credit: @prairiegirlabroad
This one’s for adventurous hikers willing to take the road less travelled. In order to reach the pretty shores of Teluk Kampi Beach by foot, you’ll have to take a steep path from Penang National Park. If it’s any consolation, you’ll get to stopover at Pantai Keruchut, another scenic beach along the way.
This means you’ll cover 2 beaches on the same hike, which makes the journey pretty worthwhile in our books. P.S. The hike up is pretty steep and recommended for those with proper attire and experience.
Getting there from George Town, Penang: Head to Penang National Park. From there, hike 1km-2km along the coast to get to Pantai Kerachut. From Pantai Keruchut, hike up a 1.5km pathway, following markers on the trees.
Penang National Park
Address: Pejabat Taman Negara P. Pinang jalan Hassan Abbas, 11050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am-5pm, Daily
Contact: +60 4-881 3530
Image credit: @robandjennywatts
Animal lovers, you’re in for a serotonin boost at Juara Beach. Located on the East coast of Tioman Island, the sandy shores of Juara Beach is a popular spot for surfing and water sports, but perhaps its turtle conservation efforts is what takes the cake.
That being said, there’s a good chance you’ll spot these adorable sea turtles along the beach, especially when they’re released during the turtle hatching period from June to November.
Image credit: @juaraturtleproject
In fact, visitors can sign up to help save the turtles through the Juara Turtle Project, a Tioman-based organisation that helps to save and rehabilitate sea turtles through its volunteer program and patrolling efforts.
If you’re interested in saving these adorable sea creatures, you can even sign up as a volunteer, and spend 3-4 hours daily helping the team during your stay.
Getting there from Johor Bahru: Mersing Jetty is a 1-hour 50-minute (~127km) drive from the JB Larkin terminal. From the Jetty, take a 1.5-hour ferry ride to Juara Beach.
Address: LOT.375 Kampung Juara, 26800 Pulau Tioman, Pahang, Malaysia
Image credit: @iamnurliyanaa
Pantai Keblang is one of the most photogenic beaches in Melaka, thanks to the unique sand dunes that were formed because of an uncompleted construction project. There’s also a little pond in its centre for those who want to take a little dip, and a lot of sandy space ideal for picnics.
The hidden gem is only accessible by car, but the trip there will be worthwhile if you’re looking for a desert-like photo-op. In fact, the place is such a popular photo spot that it’s been used for wedding photoshoots.
Getting there from Jonker Walk, Melaka: Pantai Keblang is a 24-minute walk (~2km) from Jonker Walk.
Address: Pantai Klebang, 75000 Klebang, Melaka, Malaysia 
Image credit: @liliansiow729
Those who’ve been to Cherating before may recognise the place for housing Asia’s very first Club Med. But beyond a resort staycay, it’s also a good place to visit for a day-trip.
For instance, if you’re keen to pick up surfing, head down to Cherating Beach from November to March when its waves are larger and more dramatic for the sport. The beach attracts a good number of surfers yearly, but is also a laid-back destination for those just looking for a chill time.
The beach is located near villages, so you’ll get to visit local markets for refreshing beverages and food. If you’re an animal lover, don’t forget to visit the free turtle sanctuary nearby.
Getting there from Kuantan, Pahang: Cherating Beach is a 44-minute drive (~45km) from Kuantan Town.
Address: Jalan Kampung Cherating Lama, Kampung Cherating, 26080 Balok, Pahang, Malaysia
Image credit: @marhelita9
If you find yourself in Sarawak, be sure to check out Bako National Park for a scenic nature trip. There, you’ll find several beaches and coves, making it a must-visit spot for beach lovers.
One of its popular beaches is Telok Limao. The beach offers clear waters and a clean shore for picnics, but one of its most unique features has got to be its abundance of large rocks scattered all around. These rocks have proven to be IG-worthy spots, with many visitors posing for a pic with them.
While you’re at the national park, you can also admire its large range of vegetation and unique wildlife, like the rare proboscis monkey.
Getting there from Kuching, Sarawak: Head to Bako Market which is a 30-minute (~23km) drive from Kuching.
Address: Jalan Gunung Gading National Park, Taman Negara Gunung Gading, Lundu, Sarawak, Malaysia
With the 365-day sweltering weather in the region, we might as well enjoy a tropical beach getaway. From quiet beaches to popular ones frequented by locals in the area, one thing’s for sure – travel to these pretty coastlines and you’ll get to live out your hot girl summer dreams.
For more beachy goodness:
Cover image adapted from: @arzydon, @iamnurliyanaa, @juaraturtleproject, @prairiegirlabroad
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