Lesser-known islands in Malaysia
Malaysia has a good blend of nature gems and cityscapes to suit every kind of traveller. As an adventure often rests off the beaten path, the hunt for the lesser-known – whether tucked between skyscrapers or towering trees – is a sport among wanderlusts.
To help you plan your next getaway away from the crowds and the usual hotspots, we compiled a list of lesser-known islands in Malaysia. We’ve also mapped out the best hotels and resorts on each, so all you need to do is pack your bags.
Table of Contents
1. Pulau Tiga, Sabah
An uninhabited volcanic island in Sabah
Image credit: @danny_imageworld via Instagram
Pulau Tiga is a largely untouched volcanic island on the west coast of Sabah, in Kuala Penyu. The island’s formation is linked to an earthquake in Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines, which triggered a volcanic eruption and led to the birth of the captivating paradise.
Image credit: @wenlin__ via Instagram
Besides its beautiful beaches with sandy shores that you can stroll along, the island is also well-visited for a one-of-a-kind attraction: volcanic mud pools. The remedial mud pools, tucked within a rainforest, let you soak in mud for an earthy spa experience that’s good for the skin. It’s also an interesting way to connect with the island’s volcanic roots.
Where to stay in Pulau Tiga
Image credit: Borneo Eagle Resort
Most opting to spend a luxurious night on Pulau Tiga turn to the 5-star Borneo Eagle Resort. It has three stylish rooms overlooking the ocean and can each accommodate up to four guests in various bed layouts. They have amenities including a free minibar, rain shower, private pool and spa area, and beach pavilion.
Rates start from RM2,696 per night, with a 2-night minimum length of stay for each booking.
Image credit: Borneo Eagle Resort
The resort has facilities worth leaving the plush accommodations for, including a Sand Bar and Infinity Pool for a vacay that makes the most of the sun and cool waters. Nature lovers can also schedule an adventure on a hiking trail with the resort, who will assign a guide to you.
How to get to Pulau Tiga
The journey to Pulau Tiga from the state capital will take around 3 hours, or 103km, in length. It’ll comprise an approximately 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu to Pulau Tiga Jetty, followed by a boat transfer from the jetty to the island that’ll take another 40 minutes.
2. Pulau Aur, Johor
One of the most remote islands in Malaysia
Image credit: @celeste.chingyee via Instagram
Dubbed one of the most remote islands in the country, Pulau Aur in Johor Marine Park, off Mersing, is high on our list of lesser-known islands. Even on a speed boat, it takes around 2 hours to reach the far-flung destination located on the edge of Peninsular Malaysia.
Image credit: @ameliache via Instagram
The pristine island, with breathtaking coral reefs and lagoons, has become a popular stopover for local fishermen. With a rustic resort next to sandy shores and water activities set out on emerald waters, the island is also an ideal destination for outdoorsy besties and couples.
Image credit: Sebukang Bay Resort via Facebook
Island hopping to the nearby Pulau Dayang is also a popular activity among visitors to Pulau Aur. Hiking through a rainforest and then up to the peak, Letak Semaku, is something that adventure-seeking vacationers can look forward to while touring the neighbouring island.
Where to stay in Pulau Aur
Image credit: Sebukang Bay Resort via Instagram
Sebukang Bay Resort is a no-frills accommodation in Kampung Teluk Sebukang, Pulau Aur, which has 15 sea-facing chalets and family-friendly longhouses. It offers holiday packages that cover speedboat transfers, full-board meals, snorkelling equipment, and accommodation.
Rates start at an affordable RM389/adult for a 2D1N stay.
How to get to Pulau Aur
From Mersing Jetty, it’ll take around 2 hours to get to the island on a speed boat. During the journey, you’ll be treated to serene views of the waters and neighbouring islands. Each boat can accommodate up to 30 passengers per ride.
3. Pulau Tenggol, Terengganu
A mini Sipadan in Peninsular Malaysia
Image credit: Tenggol Island via Facebook
Compared to Redang and Perhentian Islands, Pulau Tenggol is a lesser-known island in the southern regions of Terengganu Marine Park. It’s often dubbed ‘mini Sipadan’ thanks to its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and thriving marine life.
Image credit: @tenggol_coral_beach_resort via Instagram
As part of an archipelago renowned for its pristine beaches, the island is home to over 20 dive sites teeming with sea creatures such as whale sharks and turtles, as well as stunning coral reefs for both novice and seasoned divers to explore.
Image credit: Tenggol Island via Facebook
Trusted dive operators on the island are Tenggol Divers and Viking Scuba, which offer day-trip packages from RM450/pax and RM480/pax respectively.
Where to stay in Pulau Tenggol
Pulau Tenggol is a relatively undiscovered gem, with just two resorts on the island: Tenggol Coral Beach Resort and The One Tenggol Island Resort. Both are secluded beachside resorts flanked by pristine waters and verdant tropical forests.
Image credit: The One Tenggol Island Resort
The latter has all-inclusive holiday packages so you can leave the planning to them. A 2D1N stay in the lush Seaview White House starts from RM1,220/pax, with buffet-style meals and complimentary activities such as snorkelling or scuba diving included.
Image credit: The One Tenggol Island Resort via Facebook
Guests who don’t want to stray too far from their vacation home can opt to try kayaking and paddleboarding at an additional RM60/pax.
How to get to Pulau Tenggol
If you’ve planned a stay at a resort on the island, you can top up for boat transfers. Likewise, dive agencies will cover your trip to the dive site. A journey to the island will involve taking a speed boat from Kuala Dungun Jetty, which will take around 45 minutes.
4. Pulau Pom Pom, Sabah
An island with gorgeous starfishes
Image credit: @jacobfrdvr via Instagram
Sabah’s Semporna is often called ‘The Maldives of Malaysia’ for a good reason. Impeccably turquoise waves, sun-kissed shores, and jaw-dropping dive resorts flood the town. For an off-the-beaten-path escape, head to the secluded low-lying coral reef paradise of Pulau Pom Pom.
Image credit: @yewmingwong97 via Instagram
The waters surrounding the triangular-shaped island are every snorkeller’s dream. As Pulau Pom Pom sits in the Coral Triangle, which covers hotspots of marine biodiversity in the tropical waters between the Pacific and Indian oceans, a variety of rare and uncommon species of exotic marine life inhabit the waters here.
Almost needless to say, a dive from the island promises a breathtaking underwater spectacle.
Dive a little deeper to try your luck at meeting majestic giant sea turtles. The white sand coral beaches of the island are a key nesting ground for green and hawksbill turtles. These gentle giants, along with other marine creatures, will make a snorkelling session here the highlight of your trip.
During the turtle nesting season, between April and November, you can volunteer with the Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) to help restore reefs and learn more about turtle conservation.
Beyond diving, popular activities on the island include island hopping to the nearby Bohey Dulang, a mountainous island 15 minutes away that boasts a majestic 25m-deep lagoon.
Where to stay in Pulau Pom Pom
Image credit: Pom Pom Island Resort via Facebook
The island is home to four resorts. For those who plan to island hop and scuba dive at Pulau Pom Pom, Pom Pom Island Resort is a licensed 5-star dive resort with three types of villas that accommodate two adults each: Beach Front, Garden, and Water.
Image credit: Pom Pom Island Resort – Borneo, Sabah, East Malaysia via Facebook
The rates for rooms start from RM1,400 per pax, which includes land and boat transfers upon your arrival and departure between Tawau Airport, Semporna Jetty, and Pom Pom Island Resort. Your meals will be covered throughout the stay too.
How to get to Pulau Pom Pom
Travelling to the island from Semporna by boat takes around 45 minutes, with boats departing from Semporna Jetty.
5. Pulau Pemanggil, Johor
A fishing island with bountiful catches
Image credit: @norazilah_ruhaini via Instagram
Near the shores of Pulau Aur, you’ll find the equally pristine Pulau Pemanggil. The Johor island is known mostly among local fishermen for bountiful catches if you sail out here, including mackerels and skipjack tuna. If you’re an avid angler or just seeking peace and quiet, this island promises a refreshing and rejuvenating getaway.
Image credit: Pulau Pemanggil via Facebook
Dive beneath the surface and you’ll be greeted by an array of exotic fish – needless to say, snorkelling and scuba diving are must-try activities on the island.
Image credit: @shkempire via Instagram
On land, the island is home to the majestic Batu Buau, a towering natural rock formation that’s considered sacred among the locals, and a jungle that nature lovers can trek through.
The view from Batu Buau.
Image credit: @shkempire via Instagram
Where to stay in Pulau Pemanggil
Image credit: Lanting Beach Resort via Facebook
Most who explore Pulau Pemanggil spend a night in the rustic Lanting Beach Resort. They have 3D2N full-board packages, that include accommodation, boat transfers, buffet meals, snorkelling, and unlimited swims at a private lagoon. The rates start from RM468/pax, with an additional fee for jungle trekking and mountain climbing.
How to get here: A boat ride from Mersing Jetty to Pulau Pemangill will take 3-4 hours. Most hotels on the island will provide boat transfers. Alternatively, you can charter a speedboat on Mersing Harbour Centre’s website here.
6. Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu
Scale a mountain by the sea
Image credit: @hellocarisofiyahke via Instagram
Pulau Lang Tengah is often overlooked by holidaymakers. Its name translates to “Eagle resting on the middle island” in English – it’s situated between the more popular Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang. Most flock here to spend a night in a resort on the island, as they are attached to sandy beaches that play host to a variety of water activities such as snorkelling and kayaking.
The island is not to be confused with Pulau Tengah, another pristine beach in Mersing.
Image credit: @terengganubeauty via Instagram
Pulau Lang Tengah is a popular point for tourists to island hop from, but stay a little longer on it to check out its popular attractions. Not all just beaches and dives here, there’s Batu Kuching to explore, a natural rock formation that you can trek up and be rewarded with a panoramic view of Redang Island. It’s also a popular spot to watch sunsets and stargaze on the island.
Image credit: @kapas_marine via Instagram
For daredevils, you can skip the hike and opt to explore Batu Bulan by via ferrata. For the uninitiated, this is a beginner-friendly activity that involves scaling a mountain by the sea with a set of equipment, such as wired cables, harnesses, and ladders.
The island is also home to Turtle Bay, a natural habitat for turtles to visit and try your luck at catching a glimpse of the creatures.
Image credit: Footprint Travels via Facebook
Where to stay in Pulau Lang Tengah
Image credit: Summer Bay Resort
The island is home to Summer Bay Resort and Sari Pacifica Beach Resort & Spa.
If you’d like to take advantage of the island’s best activities such as via ferrata and night snorkelling, Summer Bay Resort has holiday packages that include them. A 3D2N package starts from RM1,868 per pax.
Image credit: D’Coconut Lagoon Resort
Or opt to spend a night in D’Coconut Lagoon Resort. It has 3D2N scuba diving packages for those looking to explore the island’s underwater paradise. Rates start from RM1,325 per pax, and include full-board meals, five dives, and accommodation.
How to get here to Pulau Lang Tengah
The resorts on Pulau Lang Tengah will typically provide boat transfers from Mangkuk Jetty to the resort itself. It’ll take around 40-45 minutes to reach the island.
7. Pitas, Sabah
A floating coral bar
Image credit: Archangel Borneo Holidays
Sabah boasts some of the best pristine beaches in the country. An sandy island that has yet to be explored by most is Pitas, just off the coast of Kudat, Sabah, on the tip of Borneo. Often hailed as Borneo’s ‘Secret Island’, the untouched island can be explored on a day trip, with a unique floating coral bar part of the off-beat experience here – Pitas Floating Coral Bar.
Image credit: Archangel Borneo Holidays
The island covers a 1-km stretch of naturally formed coral bar, where visitors carry out activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding away from the crowds.
Archangel Borneo Holiday has packages to explore the island, which start from RM330/pax. It includes transport, access to water facilities, and lunch provided which have been prepared by the Pitas locals.
Where to stay on Pitas
There are no resorts on the tiny island, but you can park yourself for a night at a beachside resort in Kudat.
How to get to Pitas
It takes around 45 minutes to reach the island by boat from Marina Jetty Kudat. Day trips to the coral bar will begin at 9am and conclude at 3pm.
8. Pulau Sibu, Johor
A sanctuary for dugongs
Image credit: @qilahlala via Instagram
Pulau Sibu might be considered tiny compared to other popular islands in Johor, even though it comprises several islands – namely Sibu Besar, Sibu Tengah, Sibu Kukus, and Sibu Hujung. The main island, Sibu Besar, only covers 6km of land. Even so, the untouched island boasts water activities like snorkelling, diving, and even dugong spotting.
Image credit: @gaw_ry via Instagram
The island is said to be home to just under 100 endangered dugongs and has been declared a dugong sanctuary. It’s also located in a Marine Park Conservation Area.
Hiking is also a popular activity on the island. Most trails are beginner- and kid-friendly, taking just around 20 minutes to trek to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding islands.
Where to stay on Pulau Sibu
Image credit: @seagypsyvillage via Instagram
Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base is a popular eco-resort on the island, having operated on the island for over 25 years. It features seaside traditional Malay chalets on stilts and a Dive Base that lets resort guests explore the coral reefs around Pulau Sibu through diving and snorkelling.
Image credit: Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base
Room rates start from RM440/pax for a night’s stay in their Authentic Malay Chalets or A-Frame Chalets, with meals provided. The resort is also dog-friendly, with a small charge of RM10 for each dog.
How to get to Pulau Sibu
From Tanjung Leman Jetty in Mersing, it’s just a short 20-minute boat ride to the island.
What to know before you visit an island in Malaysia
To help preserve the beauty of Malaysia’s islands, it’s important to be a responsible tourist by being mindful of the environment. Taking slight, yet significant, measures like picking up after yourself and packing a reef-safe sunscreen can help. As many of the islands in Malaysia are home to endangered and critically endangered animals too, it’s important to leave the local marine life and coral reefs undisturbed and not try to take home “natural souvenirs”.
Most islands in Malaysia will charge visitors a Marine Conservation Fee, typically set at RM5 for Malaysians and RM30 for non-Malaysians, to help the locals in their conservation efforts. It’s also good to follow any set of guidelines laid out by local business operators who know the area best.
Lesser-known islands to explore in Malaysia
No matter which island you head to in Malaysia, each one promises a much-needed vacation away from the bustle of the city, whether you’re planning a day trip or 3D2N stay. So, if crystal-clear waters or and unwinding on pristine beaches is calling you, these secluded spots promise should be on your radar.
You’ll also want to check out these places:
Cover image adapted from: