Top 4 beach destinations in Malaysia

Sun, Sand, Sea (The 3 “S”) has arrived! *Drum Rolls*

Malaysia is divided geographically into East & West Malaysia. Both regions has its both charms and cater for different reasons. Being surrounded by South China Sea, Malacca Straits, people often ask with so many beach destinations in Malaysia, which is the must see, must visit beaches?

Below the list of beach destinations that would summaries why one should explore these seaside resorts. They are not in order of preference as they have already make it to my top 4 lists out of so many choices.

1) Cherating Beach, Pahang. 

Located on the coastline of Malaysia, Cherating is a popular beach resort area in Pahang. With a stunning white sandy beach and housing Club Med, high waves are seen along the stretch making it an ideal place for surfers. If you would want a resort with laid back atmosphere and kampung lifestyle, Cherating is the place to visit. Most residents are Malays with fishing being of the main activities in the area.

The drive from Singapore to Cherating is often only accessible by what I would call it “Old Road”. At that time of my trip (3 years back), I took the route from JB to Kuantan and that took almost 5~6hrs. From Kuantan, it will be another 45 mins drive up north.

Alternatively, one can go by E2 NSE(KL) – Exit 242 to Yong Peng South- Go on I2- Keep right on East Coast Expressway- Gebeng Bypass- Gebeng Bypass (Kuantan) before reaching Club Med.

The main attraction is that one can fully embrace the sea view while enjoying a slower pace of life. Once you have reached Cherating, you would understand what it mean.  With Club Med being the closest located to Singapore, you can experience the craziness and fun of Club Med right at your doorstep. The cheapest alternative I would recommend if one want to experience Club Med.

2) Port Dickson, Seremban 

Located only 90 km away from Kuala Lumpur, this beach resort has increased its popularity over recent years. When I first went back in Year 1996, there were not many tourists. However, during its peak period in Year 2007, many crowd were observed and mostly are city dwellers from K.Lumpur who drove south.When I last went back in Year 2014, the crowd seems to die down thou.

Why would I recommend one to visit this place is because of its crabbing opportunities. Facing the Malacca Straits, the water are not that choppy as compared to the other side of the coastal line. There are simply too MANY CRABS there!

Should you be going, you can stay in one of the water village resorts. I got mine at RM200 per room per night during low season. The best time to go for crabbing activities is between Aug- Late Sep period. This is when you can catch many crabs and at time, you will be tired of fishing crabs right at your room balcony.

Oh, by the way, did I mentioned that you can bring a rice cooker and cook crabs fresh! This is how we did it..

3) Turtle Island, Sabah 

As the name suggest it, the main activity there would be to view turtles at night! Turtle Islands Park is located 40 km north of Sandakan and consist of tree islands , Pulau Selingaan, Pulau Bakkungaan Kecil and Pulau Gulisan.

 How do one get there? 

You would need first to fly into Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to Sabah State in East Malaysia. From there, take domestic carrier either AirAsia or MAS Wings to Sandakan.

One is guarantee to see turtles lay eggs on its shores, 365 days a year. And there is a clause that should you don’t see any turtles, they will refund you 50% of your tour package. This was how confident they are that one bound to see a real life turtle laying eggs.

However, only set back is there is no time guarantee. We would eat our dinner at 7pm by the time, the sky is very dark already.  And all we could do is to chat over the dinner and wait, wait and continue to wait. Previous night we were told that the first sighting of turtle was at 9pm. However, it was only at 10pm, we witnessed the first turtle coming to shore to lay eggs. It was indeed a humbling experience and in the midst of waiting, I wish upon a shooting stars.

Turtle Sanctuary :

Something for all to note: Please bring a torch light as it was total darkness when night falls. And you do not want to step into the turtle “hole” just like in the picture below.

4) Pualu Tioman, Pahang 

It is a small island located 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang.One can drive from Singapore to Mersing and park your car in the designated parking lots.

Always remember should you drive, please lock your sterling wheel of your car as I heard many cases of drivers who had found their car lost although there is a supposedly security guard taking care of the parking lots. Basically, always be on the safe side and park your car in an area that have high human traffic. One tip would be when parking your car, turn the wheel to one side and with the car facing inwards (not reverse park). In that way, should they want to toll away your car, it will be bit more difficult to do so as well.

Why visit Tioman Island? 

The water are crystal clear and of all the beaches in Malaysia, I would rate the quality of water and coral here as great. This ideal beach location has attracted me to this island twice. 1 is for a snorkeling trip while the next trip was a scuba diving trip. The water here is good for amateur with its clear visibility, you do not have to dive deep. One of the highlight is there are lorries on the seabed and you need not dive far from shore. It is relatively safe and nice for diving trips.

The only setback is that Tioman Island is the best time to visit is from April to October every year. After which, the monsoon season brings heavy rain to this region which often leads to flood and dangerous open sea water conditions.

A snapshot of what one can do or rather relax at Tioman Island…

Categories: Asia Region