7 Best Islands in Malaysia to Visit for a Family Vacation

Malaysia is the ultimate holiday destination for locals and tourists alike. There are many of places to visit, and the stunning islands in Malaysia do not disappoint. The islands around Malaysia are the perfect way to enjoy adventurous activities and bond with your loved ones while admiring a mesmerizing view. If you’re looking for the best island in Malaysia for a family getaway, here are some of the top choices of the best islands in Malaysia.

1. Langkawi Island 

Source: https://www.langkawi.com/where-to-stay-in-langkawi/

Without a doubt, Langkawi Island is one of the best islands in Malaysia for families and friends, offering a perfect blend of family-friendly attractions, stunning natural landscapes, and exciting activities. With its breathtaking beaches, lush rainforests, and iconic landmarks, Langkawi provides an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages.

Langkawi is also a well-known duty-free shopping haven, making the island a great place to shop for affordable chocolates, perfumes, kitchenware, and other tax-free items. Many visitors take advantage of these great deals to bring home souvenirs and gifts for their loved ones.

When exploring Langkawi, don’t miss out on visiting some of its most iconic attractions. Underwater World Langkawi offers a fascinating marine experience where you can see various sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and adorable penguins. For an adventure with breathtaking panoramic views, take a ride on the Langkawi Skycab Cable Car and walk across the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a curved suspension bridge offering spectacular views of the island. Langkawi Wildlife Park is another must-visit, where you can interact with wildlife animals and enjoy feeding sessions with birds, deer, and other friendly creatures.

How to Get to Langkawi Island

• Ferry: Take a ferry to Langkawi from Kuala Perlis Jetty Terminal (1 hour and 15 minutes), Kuala Kedah Jetty or Swettenham Pier Penang (2 and a half hours)
• Flight: Take a flight from any airport to Langkawi International Airport. 

When you have arrived on the island, you can either rent a car in Langkawi to get around or take a bus/taxi to your booked accommodation. 

2. Penang Island 

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/malaysia-best-islands/index.html

Penang Island, located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is a captivating blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern vibrancy. Known as the "Pearl of the Orient," its capital, George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is popular for its well-preserved colonial architecture, Chinese shophouses, and Indian temples. Penang’s rich history as a former British trading port is interwoven with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan influences, creating a dynamic tapestry of traditions, festivals, and cuisines. 

Penang provides plenty of kid-friendly attractions. A visit to The Habitat Penang Hill offers a chance to explore lush rainforests, take in stunning panoramic views, and experience the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, the highest public viewing point on the island. Another must-visit is ENTOPIA by Penang Butterfly Farm, where visitors can get up close with thousands of butterflies and learn about various insect species in an interactive and educational dome environment. The popular beaches in Penang are Monkey Beach, Pantai Keracut and Pantai Pasir Panjang (Long Sand Beach). 

How to Get to Penang Island

• Car: You can drive your own car to Penang from anywhere in Malaysia. Alternatively, you can also rent a car in Penang to get around the island. 
• Ferry: Hop on a ferry from Butterworth to Penang Island. The journey takes around 1 hour and 37 minutes. 
• Flight: Take a direct flight to Penang International Airport from any airport. 

3. Pulau Payar Langkawi

Pulau Payar Marine Park is one of the best islands in Malaysia for every family, thanks to the crystal-clear waters. It’s an ideal location for underwater activities such as snorkeling and diving in Langkawi. If those activities aren’t your cup of tea, you can choose swimming among the sea creatures or hiking one of the nature trails. Families with kids would also enjoy baby shark feeding and experience a closer look. Pulau Payar can be accessed through a speedboat from Langkaw jetty. 

Book your Pulau Payar Langkawi ticket here. 

4. Redang Island

Source: https://www.redangisland.org/things-to-do-in-redang-island/

Known for its rich marine life, Redang Island is the best island to go to in Malaysia as there are plenty of family-friendly activities. For instance, if you are into nature, you can enjoy jungle trekking at one of the hiking trails, such as the Lighthouse or bird watching to spot unique species such as the Little Heron, Chinese Pond Heron and Malaysian Hawk Cuckoo. 

5. Tioman Island

Source: https://thesun.my/style-life/uncovering-the-best-of-tioman-island-AE11041551

Tioman Island is a well-known paradise for both nature and sea lovers thanks to the rich greenery, serene beaches and perfect spot for diving. Some of the popular beaches to enjoy the golden sands and calm breeze are Monkey Bay, Juara Beach and Genting. 

As for snorkeling and diving, the popular and best spot is Tioman Dive Centre. The friendly instructors can take you through the deep waters to witness unique sea creatures. Other activities include hiking up the Gunung Kajang, a mountain with breathtaking views of the island or jungle trekking through many trails, such as at Mukut Island or between Genting and Paya village. 

6. Pangkor Island

Source: https://marinaisland.com/experience/discover-pangkor-island/

A hidden gem among the many islands in Malaysia is Pangkor Island. It’s the best island in Malaysia for families, combining nature, culture and the seaside. The most popular beaches on Pangkor Island are Coral Beach and Teluk Nipah. These beaches are perfect for watching the sunset or water sports activities like banana boat rides. 

Besides that, you can also explore iconic cultural landmarks such as the Fu Lin Kong Temple and the Dutch Fort. Families can also rent bicycles to ride around the island, horse riding, or fishing. 

7. Rawa Island

Source: https://rawaislandresort.com/

Though not as well-known as the others, Rawa Island is on the list of the best islands to visit in Malaysia for families who wish to be away from the crowd. As this island is not that popular compared to the others, it’s the perfect getaway for those seeking a tranquil yet peaceful experience. 

Families can dip their toes into the soft sandy beach or snorkel among the sea creatures in clear, blue water. Consider other water activities, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, especially for those who wish for something less adventurous. The Sultan Iskandar Marine Park is also an excellent place for scuba diving. 

Conclusion

Malaysia offers a diverse range of marine and family-friendly activities on the islands. With this list of the best islands in Malaysia for families, we hope you plan an exciting getaway and make it an unforgettable trip. If you choose Langkawi as your next vacation trip, make your trip easier by making an online booking on car rental in Langkawi and attractions tour and packages with Langkawibook.