Everyone loves beaches. If you’re looking for a perfect weekend getaway free from crowds and ambiguous tour guides, here are five locations. Have the time of your lives uncovering five of these hidden beaches in Malaysia!
#1 Pulau Mensirip, Johor
FUN FACT: You need to apply for permission to step foot on this island. Keep on reading for another one!
The brainchild of Sultan Ibrahim Ismail ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar of Johor, this artificial reef was designed to mimic the Coat of arms of Johor. Don’t worry about getting your clearance into this private island as the nearby resorts and Mersing Jetty will be happy to award you one. Pulau Mensirip is not only untouched but also protected. The island boasts a Marine Park Status, so the dense marine life and zero development make this spot paradise on Earth. The sandy white beaches and gorgeous rock formations are an invitation you don’t want to miss.
FUN FACT: There’s an underwater Royal Postbox! Yeap, you read that right. The best part of Pulau Mensirip is what it holds below the surface. This 9-metre-deep underwater postbox is recorded in the Malaysian Book of Records as the first underwater Royal Postbox in the country. Want to flex your scuba diving skills, why not do it while posting a letter? Don’t blame us for a delayed delivery though!
#2 Pulau Tenggol, Terengganu
For most, aquatic Terengganu refers to Pulau Redang. Meanwhile, not many know that Terengganu is also home to a hidden gem, Pulau Tenggol. Due to the minimal number of visitors on the island, the corals continue to thrive in their healthy and pristine condition. Situated in Dungun, Terengganu, Pulau Tenggol is very much a unique destination as it was only recently discovered.
Now that it has undergone development with modern accommodations and facilities, it’s time to heed Pulau Tenggol’s call on your nearest holiday. It’s a guarantee that you’ll have a wonderful time in this breathtaking spot. Just gazing away at the exquisite coastline and indescribable waters, flora and fauna is enough to take up most of your day. However, the fun doesn’t stop there!
An unforgettable underwater experience awaits you at almost 20 dive sites around the island. It’s a must for scuba diving enthusiasts to set their eyes on the soft corals, batfish, nudibranchs, clownfishes and eerie shipwrecks. Non-divers, fret not because Pulau Tenggol has shallow waters for a safe and exciting snorkelling adventure too.
#3 Pantai Pelindung, Pahang
If you’ve heard of Teluk Cempedak but not Pantai Pelindung, you’re not the only one. Many aren’t aware that this secret beach is actually accessible via the famous Teluk Cempedak. Here’s how – one end of Teluk Cempedak is a low jungle-covered hill called Bukit Pelindung and a bay called Teluk Perahu.
Beyond these sites, you’ll arrive at Kampong Pelindung and its obscure beach. Curious about the names? Well, they go way back to World War 2. The tale goes that villagers fled and took shelter (lindung in Malay) in the hills when they saw the boats (perahu in Malay) carrying Japanese soldiers who landed on the bay. Today, the white sands that it shares with Teluk Cempedak, the emerald waters of the South China Sea and tall shady trees offer picture-perfect picnic spots for family and loved ones.
#4 Tanjung Simpang Mengayau Beach, Sabah
This Sabahan secret doesn’t just come with a stunning view and strong sea breezes, but with its own past in literary history. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau Beach is originally named in the language of the indigenous ethnic group, Rungus who reside mainly in the district of Kudat. The words Tanjung (cape), Sampang (union) and Mangazou (battle) pays tribute to the battle in which the Rungus defended their territory against the Moro Pirates from Sulu, Philippines.
The local Chinese sometimes refer to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau Beach as Den Foh Liew (lighthouse in Hakka), since the lighthouse on the nearby Kalampunian island can be seen from here. The lighthouse stands as a grim reminder of the treacherous coastline and the many trading vessels that capsized during the Chinese dynasties era of Song, Ming and Qing. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau Beach is also known as the ‘Tip Of Borneo’. So of course, there’s going to be a famous landmark that you surely have to take a snap with. In the park-like grounds, you’ll see a Malaysian flag pole erected next to a large bronze globe since 2004. The monument is embossed with the Borneo map, marking the location as the Borneo Island tip at latitude 7 degrees north and longitude 116 degrees east. Flip your calendars to a full moon night because a vacation here is one not to miss out on!
#5 Peliau Beach, Sarawak
Looking for a secluded virgin beach for a long-awaited getaway? Peliau Beach is the one! Tucked away between the more popular beaches of Tusan Beach and Bungai Beach, it’s still a surprise that Peliau Beach hasn’t received the attention it deserves. Maybe that’s a good thing because now you know where to source for some tranquillity. The villagers are primarily farmers and fishermen Kedayans, an ethnic group who dwell on the sea coast between Miri and Bintulu.
Thriving on for decades, these fisherfolk can still stir up belacan (shrimp paste) and salted fish just like their ancestors did. As social and economic transformation continues to modernise the area, Peliau Beach welcomes visitors for a comfortable stay for as long as needed.
When visiting islands, here are some valuable traveling tips to make the most of your experience:
- Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Avoid littering, follow designated trails, and adhere to any conservation guidelines.
- Respect the locals’ way of live, try the traditional cuisine, and interact with them. If possible, learn a few basic phrases in the local language.
