Malaysia is home to over 600+ beaches along its 4,675 kilometers (2,905 miles) of tropical coastline, with the country's diverse shoreline featuring everything from vibrant resort beaches to tranquil, hidden coves, making it a fantastic destination for both families and solo travelers. The top beach cities in Malaysia include Langkawi, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu.
In Langkawi, Pantai Cenang Beach is a popular destination, known for its lively atmosphere, water sports, and stunning sunsets. Penang offers Batu Ferringhi Beach, where visitors can enjoy long stretches of golden sand and a variety of dining options along the coast. Kota Kinabalu, in the state of Sabah, is home to Tanjung Aru Beach, a serene spot perfect for watching the sunset over the South China Sea.
The best time to visit Malaysia for beach activities is from March to October when the weather is mostly dry and ideal for outdoor activities.
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Discover the complete list of beaches in Borneo. Plan your Borneo beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Langkawi. Plan your Langkawi beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
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Discover the complete list of beaches in Penang. Plan your Penang beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
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Terengganu, Malaysia offers 110+ beaches along its 244 miles (393 kilometers) of coastline. Terengganu has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Terengganu is a popular travel destination with over 4,000,000 annual visitors in addition to its 1,200,000 residents. Terengganu is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant cultural heritage, and traditional handicrafts.
Johor, Malaysia offers 94+ beaches along its 249.3 miles (401.2 kilometers) of coastline. Johor has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Johor is a popular travel destination with over 17,600,000 annual visitors in addition to its 4,000,000 residents. Johor, Malaysia is known for its Legoland Malaysia Resort, Desaru Coast beaches, and Johor Bahru's Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque.
Sabah, Malaysia offers 90+ beaches along its 998.2 miles (1,606 kilometers) of coastline. Sabah has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Sabah is a popular travel destination with over 3,000,000 annual visitors in addition to its 3,418,785 residents. Sabah, Malaysia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Sarawak, Malaysia offers 71+ beaches along its 497 miles (800 kilometers) of coastline. Sarawak has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Sarawak is a popular travel destination with over 4,660,000 annual visitors in addition to its 2,560,000 residents. Sarawak is known for its lush rainforests, diverse indigenous cultures, and the iconic Borneo orangutans.
Pahang, Malaysia offers 63+ beaches along its 408.3 miles (657.0 kilometers) of coastline. Pahang has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Pahang is a popular travel destination with over 10,000,000 annual visitors in addition to its 1,700,000 residents. Pahang is known for its lush rainforests, the cool highlands of Cameron Highlands, and the pristine beaches of Cherating.
Kedah, Malaysia offers 59+ beaches along its 121.8 miles (196.0 kilometers) of coastline. Kedah has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Kedah is a popular travel destination with over 2,000,000 annual visitors in addition to its 2,180,000 residents. Kedah is known for its Langkawi archipelago, historical sites like the Bujang Valley, and lush paddy fields.
Selangor, Malaysia offers 35+ beaches along its 135.5 miles (218 kilometers) of coastline. Selangor has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Selangor is a popular travel destination with over 7,500,000 annual visitors in addition to its 7,000,000 residents. Selangor is known for its Batu Caves, Sunway Lagoon, i-City.
Malacca, Malaysia offers 30+ beaches along its 402.3 miles (647.5 kilometers) of coastline. Malacca has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Malacca is a popular travel destination with over 16,700,000 annual visitors in addition to its 932,700 residents. Malacca is known for its historical architecture, vibrant Jonker Street Night Market, and rich Peranakan culture.
Penang, Malaysia offers 25+ beaches along its 111.8 miles (180 kilometers) of coastline. Penang has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Penang is a popular travel destination with over 7,200,000 annual visitors in addition to its 1,766,800 residents. Penang is known for its vibrant street food scene, historic George Town with its colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches like Batu Ferringhi.
Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia offers 20+ beaches along its 31 miles (50 kilometers) of coastline. Negeri Sembilan has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Negeri Sembilan is a popular travel destination with over 1,500,000 annual visitors in addition to its 1,200,000 residents. Negeri Sembilan is known for its Minangkabau cultural heritage, serene beaches like Port Dickson, and the lush landscapes of the Berembun Forest Reserve.
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