Need a break? Here are some islands you can runaway to wiggle your toes in the sand and float along with the waves to destress.
1. Rawa Island
Doves aren’t the only thing white in Rawa Island, its beaches are too. Stretch your legs out on Rawa Island’s white sandy beaches and bathe in the glorious sun. Swim out in its clear blue waters or take your thrill-seeking soul for a ride on waterslides. Enjoy the view above waters with kayaks, pedal boats and pedal boards. For a stellar view below waters, go snorkelling.
2. Pemanggil Island
If the tall coconut trees scattered around white sandy beaches with brilliant blue waters at Pemanggil Island has yet to freeze you with its paradise-like scenery, we suggest going snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the glimmering underwater, or fishing. We hear the water here’s home to marlins and mackerels aplenty.
If you decide to get out of the waters, hike up the hill at Pemanggil Island. You’ll be rewarded with a magnificent bird’s eye view of the island.
3. Pulau Besar
Imagine cerulean sea glistening like an emerald and fine-grained sandy shore. Did you think of the Maldives? We’re actually talking about Pulau Besar.
Visit this gem of an island while it still remains off the radar of tourist crowds. Aside from swimming alongside vivid coral reefs and marine lives, you can also go trekking through the forest, visit kelongs and pick up some island secrets at Museum Pulau Besar.
4. Tioman Island
Tioman Island is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Surrounded by idyllic beaches and quaint villages, with a myriad of activities to do, from surfing, snorkelling and diving to trekking and hiking, it’s easy to see why.
5. Pangkor Island
Whether you’re looking to plunge your feet in powdery sand and float along with the waves or keep yourself busy with things to do, Pangkor Island, where hornbills are a sure sight, can be your destination.
There is more than enough water activities to keep you occupied, such as banana boat rides, jet skiing, speed boating, canoeing, and a fishing trip with the local fishermen. If you want to mix it up with some land activities for a change, you can swing by the Chinese and Hindu temples, set off on a jungle trek, and pay the remnants of a Dutch Fort built in the 17th century a visit.
6. Penang Island
Pretty beaches, palatable food galore, a glorious view from the top of Penang Hill, and Georgetown with its vibrant buildings should all be in your to-experience list if you make a trip to the Silicon Valley of the East, i.e., Penang Island.
And while you’re there, also check out Entopia – Voices of Nature. Between The Natureland living outdoor gardens and The Cocoon indoor discovery centre, the park boasts hundreds of species of flora and fauna, ranging from fluttering butterflies to things that crawl and fly (more on the dragonflies range than dragons).
