AS A maritime country surrounded by water, Malaysia boasts extensive coastlines around the peninsula, and Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo island.
The shores include mudflats and thick mangroves in some areas, as well as sea walls that limit access to the ocean.
There still are, however, swathes of sandy beaches that lend to calm reverie and merry picnics to enjoy the breeze, or have fun splashing about in the sea.
The great thing is, with towns and cities naturally having sprouted up near water, some of these beaches are just a short drive from civilisation.
Closest to Kuala Lumpur is the Selangor coast, with spots from Sekinchan down to Bagan Lalang in the south, while an hour or so away is Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan with its choice of beaches, water activities and seafood.
Of course we cannot forget Malaysia’s islands, with their crystal-clear waters, idyllic feel and marine biodiversity making for some great getaways whether you are staying out of the water or fully immersing yourself under.
To help you on your next beach break, here are some of our favourite seaside spots.
Ferringhi Bay, Penang
A beachfront lifestyle destination, Ferringhi Bay is drawing crowds with its blend of dining and entertainment.
Set within repurposed shipping containers, the Batu Ferringhi hub features an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes and bars offering a wide variety of cuisines.
Tables and beanbags line the sandy shore, creating a relaxed, tropical setting where guests can unwind while taking in sweeping sea views and vivid sunsets.
The area comes alive in the evenings, particularly on weekends and public holidays, with nightly attractions such as fire shows and live band performances.
Beyond the captivating sunsets, visitors can stroll onto the breakwater stretching some 50m seawards for even more expansive, unobstructed views of the coastline. — TAN SIN CHOW
Pantai Pasir Bogak,
Pulau Pangkor, Perak
This beautiful beach holds special significance because it is a holiday spot my family often visits.
Among the unforgettable memories I treasure are evening barbecues and my eldest son landing his first catch at sea with his fishing rod!
He was only nine or 10 then, crazy about fishing, and had firm plans to land a big one.
The moment we arrived, the first thing he did was grab his rod and head for the water.
I remember yelling at him for casting his line among some swimmers, so we had to go to a quieter spot.
He was there the whole day, plus the whole evening and despite our protests, the whole night.
He finally landed his catch, a large squid, in the wee hours of the morning.
Satisfied, he packed up, asked the hotel night watchman to help store his catch in the kitchen fridge, and went to bed.
When he woke up, he requested the squid to be cooked sambal-style so that he could have it with his nasi lemak. — GRACE CHEN
Emerald Bay, Pangkor Laut, Perak
Emerald Bay certainly lived up to its name – green waters, white sand and tiny fish fry seeking shade in my shadow as I waded through the shallows with my then nine-year-old daughter.
A friend once told me that true memories are forged on holiday, and this one from March 2023 is permanently etched in my mind.
For a history buff like me, the beauty of Pangkor Laut is layered with legend.
It was from these very waters, under cover of darkness, that Colonel Freddy Spencer Chapman − author of The Jungle is Neutral − escaped by submarine.
Knowing I was standing on the same shore where he ended his extraordinary years of guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines in Japanese-occupied Malaya, made the experience truly unforgettable. — Neville Spykerman
Pantai Redang, Sekinchan, Selangor
Small but scenic, Pantai Redang in Sekinchan stands out for its walkability and tranquil atmosphere.
At just 150m in length, it is a stone’s throw from seafood spots, a bustling fishing jetty and even the padi fields which the town is known for.
The family-friendly stretch is easily accessible by car (about 90km from Kuala Lumpur), with trees several metres from the sand-and-pebble shoreline providing much-needed shade on searing hot days for those exploring on foot.
If you have the time, visit the nearby wishing tree or sit back and watch as the fishermen return with their catch in the late afternoon. — Evelyn Teo
Pantai Pengkalan Balak,
Alor Gajah, Melaka
Tucked away in a village called Pengkalan Balak, this beach is a great spot to escape the urban hustle and immerse in both kampung and beachside vibes simultaneously.
A wide range of food is available along the beach, allowing visitors to fill their stomach while enjoying the breeze.
Fans of ocean life can also pose with the turtle installation on the beach, while a mere five-minute’s walk gets you to Padang Kemunting Turtle Conservation Centre. — LEW GUAN XI
Desaru, Kota Tinggi, Johor
My vote is for Desaru. There always seems to be a major activity happening, be it sports, music or some other social event, in this southern spot of Johor.
And with multiple four- and five-star hotels across 1,600ha of space beside the South China Sea, one is spoilt for some luxe pampering. — VICKY OOI
Pantai Tanjung Balau and Jason Bay,
Kota Tinggi, Johor
Kota Tinggi in Johor is well-known for its relaxing beaches.
Beyond the popular Desaru coastline, spots such as Tanjung Balau or Teluk Mahkota (widely known as Jason Bay) are among the favoured choices for coastal getaways.
Pantai Tanjung Balau, with its blue waters, offers a scenic setting for families and friends looking to picnic or camp.
The area is equipped with boardwalks, toilets and eateries. It also hosts the annual Kejora Surfing Cup.
About a 30-minute drive away is Jason Bay in Tanjung Sedili.
A go-to destination for family outings, it is especially busy during weekends and public holidays, with visitors drawn to activities such as picnics and ATV rides.
Facilities include toilets, washing areas, children’s playground and parking, along with nearby food stalls.
One of the highlights is its rows of tall trees that provide shade and make for a picturesque photo spot. — YEE XIANG YUN
Teluk Cempedak, Kuantan, Pahang
As a young lad during the school holidays, I discovered simple joy at Teluk Cempedak.
Wandering barefoot across the dunes, I would stroll along the soothing shoreline, pausing to gather seashells while watching the tide retreat and return in a quiet, eternal rhythm.
With no need to rush, I savoured the salty breeze that rustled the coconut fronds and the distant chime of laughter from families enjoying picnics.
The trips gifted me a collection of truly unforgettable memories, one of which involved clinging to a weathered tyre swing fastened to a tall, leaning coconut tree.
My late cousin Edmund Hunt would give me a push, sending me sailing through the air in the swing with the wind in my face.
I lived for those sprints across the sun-warmed sand, feeling it shift beneath my feet just before the temperate waves washed over my toes.
The water was always refreshing, rinsing away the afternoon heat between bouts of splashing in the sea and building sculptures in the sand.
Even today, whether you are just admiring the scenery, snapping photos or sitting in quiet reflection, Teluk Cempedak promises a serene and timeless seaside escape. — EDWARD RAJENDRA
Pulau Lang Tengah,
Kuala Nerus, Terengganu
The crystal-clear water was illuminated like a stunning emerald as our speedboat approached the underrated island paradise of Pulau Lang Tengah on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Islands off the east coast are one of my favourites as the blue-green waters beaming off the white pepper-like sand beach evoke a sense of eager anticipation.
I am reminded of this quote by Jacques Cousteau: “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
Lang Tengah, or “eagle in the middle”, refers to two elements in its name: “Lang” referring to the sea eagle often seen inhabiting this island, and “Tengah” its position nestled between Redang and Perhentian islands.
It is 40km from the Kuala Terengganu coast, accessible by speedboat from Merang jetty.
Only a few resorts operate on the island, which makes it not as busy as Redang or Perhentian. You can also hire a boat for island hopping.
Snorkelling, kayaking, jungle trekking, seabed walking and seeing the “blue sand” (which glows at night) are some fun activities available on Pulau Lang Tengah, if you get bored of living in the sunshine, swimming and drinking the wild air. — AIDA AHMAD
Pantai Tanjung Batu, Bintulu, Sarawak
Pantai Tanjung Batu is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike for its scenic views of the South China Sea.
Located about 5km from the town centre, it is easily accessible by car.
People often head to the beach in the evenings to witness spectacular sunsets.
It is also a place for family and friends to enjoy recreational activities, offering a children’s playground, walking trails and rest areas.
Food and drinks stalls are available too for refreshments or a light meal. — SHARON LING
Pantai Tanjung Aru,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Growing up in Kota Kinabalu during the 1970s, life was incredibly simple.
Beyond TV, entertainment was scarce. Picnics were our family’s primary outdoor indulgence, organised either in local fields or at the coast.
Naturally, weekend excursions to the beach in Tanjung Aru with my family were the highlight.
Back then, we could drive directly onto the beachfront, parking under magnificent, shady trees.
We would spread mengkuang mats beside the car to lay out our picnic feast of sardine sandwiches and iced juice.
I vividly recall the breeze brushing my face, tempering the mid-morning heat.
The seawater was perfect − never too cold − and the calm waves offered a safe haven for us children.
Time seemed to stand still during those precious moments when we swam to our hearts’ content.
We also went to the beach to catch the sunset, buying snacks from local vendors and sitting on the shore as the light faded, revelling in the incomparable beauty.
Regrettably, the beach is less accessible today. Development has crept in, with numerous businesses and permanent stalls selling souvenirs and food.
Tourists arrive in droves for the sunset. One hopes the beach’s cleanliness remains a priority.
Nevertheless, walking along the shore today still provides that same calming experience I cherished as a child. — VP Sujata
Pantai Dalit, Tuaran, Sabah
Tucked along Sabah’s west coast, this serene beach remains largely under the radar.
Located around 40km from Kota Kinabalu, Pantai Dalit offers a quieter, more intimate seaside experience.
Unlike more popular beaches of Tanjung Aru or Pulau Manukan, this
one is devoid of crowds, offering visitors the opportunity to savour the sunset in solitude.
The gentle waves from the South China Sea sets the scene as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with orange, gold and pink – a breathtaking spectacle of nature’s artistry.
The quieter seafront is backed by coastal greenery, resort grounds and definitely, peace of mind. — ESTHER CHANDRAN
Pulau Mamutik, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
I went on a family holiday to Sabah with this in mind – to walk on the seabed.
For a non-swimmer like me, the experience was surreal; I am so happy and proud that I did it!
We took a boat to Pulau Mamutik from Jesselton Point jetty in Kota Kinabalu.
Once there, we were given a safety briefing including being shown how to wear a special helmet to allow us to breathe underwater.
A guide took us down to the seabed where we saw colourful fishes and varieties of corals.
The crew also captured stunning underwater photos and videos of our walk as well as us feeding fish.
With such a professional crew, we were made to feel confident, and it gave me the best experience of my life. — Nargis Naseer
Crystalline waters in tranquil Pulau Lang Tengah off the coast of Terengganu. — AIDA AHMAD/The Star
Captivating sunset from the beach in Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu.
Seabed walking is a great way to explore the underwater world.
Family-friendly Pantai Redang in Sekinchan. — Photos: ESTHER CHANDRAN, GRACE CHEN and EVELYN TEO/The Star
A kayaker paddling in the sea off Pantai Pasir Bogak in Pulau Pangkor.
Aerial view of Penang’s Ferringhi Bay and the breakwater stretching about 50m into the sea. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Pantai Pengkalan Balak in Alor Gajah offers both village and beachside feel. — LEW GUAN XI/The Star
