Malaysia
Beach Holidays

In a country so rich in marine biodiversity, it would be impossible to really do Malaysia beach holidays properly without spending a few days diving in its underwater utopia. On Lankayan Island, which brings castaway fantasy to a whole new level, days can be spent snorkelling in shallow reefs and watching blacktip sharks swim under cobalt blue waters. If it’s always been on your bucket list to watch turtles hatch, tick it off at the island’s sanctuary. Cheer them on as they make their mad dash to the sea and raise a glass to their great escape with a couple of sundowners come evening.

If you’re making Malaysia beach holidays a family affair, head to Rawa Island. With waterslides and walking trails galore, there is something for all the family to enjoy. For any twitchers out there, you’ll be relieved to know the island (which gets its name from the local term for white doves) is abundant in them too. There are plenty of lively resorts and family-style bungalows, chalets and villas on offer too – perfect for an end of term celebration. For couples after off-grid hedonism, Langkawi is the answer. Its miles and miles of silver sand, stretching from Tanjung Rhu in the north to the party-central Pantai Cenang, make it the perfect spot to slow down, reset and relax. Ride cable cars above the dense Gunung Machincang rainforest, speed through mangroves in search of racket-tailed drongos and dusky leaf monkeys, and party the night away at Cenang’s open-air bars with cocktails, live music and fire shows. The antithesis of the country’s frantic fast-paced cities like Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown, you’ll be asking yourself why you never thought of Malaysia beach holidays before.