“The best kind of paradise is the one no one’s found yet, so let’s keep this between us, yeah?”
THE HIPLIFE ASIA
If you’ve ever felt like the usual tourist spots don’t do it for you anymore, too many people, too many filters, and not enough soul, then this one’s for you. These are the Underrated islands in Malaysia that feel like secrets whispered between travelers. So, pack your bags because we’re going on a dreamy detour to Malaysia’s most underrated islands.
Lang Tengah Island, Terengganu
Between the famous Perhentian and Redang lies a quiet sanctuary waiting to be your next great escape.
10–15 mins by boat from Merang Jetty
Lang Tengah is what happens when white sand meets jungle silence. With only a few resorts and a rulebook written by nature herself, this island stays peaceful and uncrowded. The water? Clear like glass. Marine life? Thriving: rays, reef sharks, turtles, you name it. It’s not just a getaway; it’s a reset.
Unique Feature: Night snorkeling under the stars and volunteering with turtle conservation? Yes, please.
Kapas Island, Terengganu
No crowds. No plans. Just you, a book, and a breeze that doesn’t care what day it is.
10 mins by boat from Marang Jetty
Kapas is where time slows down or stops altogether. There are no big resorts or loud beach clubs here. Just hammocks swinging between coconut trees and powdery shores perfect for barefoot walks. By night, the sky shows off with stars you didn’t know you missed.
Unique Feature: Hammocks on the beach, magical sunsets, and an off-the-grid feeling that hugs your soul.
Rawa Island, Johor
Ever dreamed of your own private island fantasy? Rawa makes it real.
25–30 mins by boat from Mersing Jetty
Rawa is the definition of luxury-meets-nature. With soft white sands and impossibly blue waters, it feels like a secret passed down by honeymooners and ocean lovers. It’s owned by the Sultanate of Johor, so you already know it’s exclusive. No jet skis, no chaos, just sunsets, jungle trails, and snorkeling in coral heaven.
Unique Feature: Private island vibes, jungle trekking, and untouched coral gardens.
Photo credit: TripAdvisor
Gemia (Gem) Island, Terengganu
Small, secluded, and stunning: Gemia is what introverted beach dreams are made of.
10 mins by boat from Marang Jetty
Gemia, nicknamed “Gem Island” for a reason, only has one resort. That means you’ll pretty much have the whole place to yourself. Surrounded by coral gardens and gentle waves, it’s ideal for snorkeling, diving, or sipping coconut water while journaling your thoughts by the sea.
Unique Feature: Total privacy, excellent snorkeling, and forested island charm.
Photo credit: zubludiving
Layang Layang Island, Sabah
So far off the map, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet, one made for divers and dreamers.
No boat, 1 hr flight from Kota Kinabalu (private charter)
You can only get here by chartered flight. And that’s the point. Layang Layang is a diver’s paradise where hammerhead sharks glide beneath you and manta rays dance in slow motion. The reefs are untouched, the vibe is quiet, and the world feels wonderfully far away.
Unique Feature: Remote access, world-class diving, and barely any other humans.
Pangkor Island, Perak
Not every hidden gem has to be far-flung. Sometimes, the quiet is right under your nose.
10–15 mins by ferry from Lumut Jetty
Pangkor has that old-Malaysia charm, the kind that reminds you of childhood road trips and sleepy fishing villages. No mega-resorts, just friendly locals, scooter rides through forested roads, and quiet beaches where you can actually hear your thoughts. Just across the water, Pangkor Laut is a private luxury resort with overwater villas, fine dining, and spa pavilions nestled in rainforest hills. It’s not part of the main island but perfect if you’re in the mood to splurge and disappear into five-star serenity.
Unique Feature: Authentic island living, scooter adventures, and peaceful cultural immersion.
Mabul Island, Sabah
Between stilt houses and coral reefs, Mabul is where the ocean meets culture.
45 mins by boat from Semporna Jetty
This island isn’t just about diving (though the muck diving is world-renowned). It’s about watching kids play on wooden piers, chatting with locals who live above the sea, and getting lost in the sound of waves under your feet. Sipadan may be more famous, but Mabul? Mabul feels like home.
Unique Feature: Traditional stilt villages, unreal underwater life, and a warm, multicultural vibe.
Mantanani Islands, Sabah
Think crystal-clear water and a soundtrack of waves, without the tourist noise.
1 hr by boat from Kuala Abai Jetty (near Kota Belud)
Off the coast of Sabah lies the Mantanani group, three islands with postcard-worthy beaches and almost no crowds. You can snorkel with sea turtles, watch the sunset with your feet buried in soft white sand, and wake up to a peace you didn’t realize you were missing.
Unique Feature: Incredible snorkeling, low tourism, and that castaway energy (minus the stress).
Photo credit: tenggol.com.my
Tenggol Island, Terengganu
If you’ve ever wanted the underwater world to yourself, welcome to your throne.
45 mins by boat from Kuala Dungun Jetty
Tenggol is often skipped in favor of its flashier neighbors, which is exactly why it’s magic. Its dive sites are untouched, with reef life exploding in color and abundance. The island is small, the beaches are soft, and you’ll probably start calling it your secret spot before the trip’s even over.
Unique Feature: Quiet shores, dramatic underwater drop-offs, and some of Malaysia’s best diving.
Sibu Island, Johor
You don’t always need Wi-Fi to feel connected — sometimes you just need Sibu.
20–30 mins by boat from Tanjung Leman Jetty
Sibu greets you with lush forests, gentle waves, and a pace that feels like a lullaby. There are only a few resorts scattered across the island, making it the kind of place where days melt into each other. You can snorkel, trek, or do absolutely nothing. Either way, it’s perfect.
Unique Feature: Forest-meets-beach landscapes, rustic beauty, and a whole lot of quiet.
Final Stop: Seclusion Never Looked So Beautiful
Malaysia’s famous islands are iconic for a reason, but these lesser-known gems? They’re where the magic really hides. Whether you’re diving with manta rays, reading under a palm tree, or chasing the stars with sand in your toes, these quiet slices of heaven are calling.
And now you know where to find them. So go, bestie! Don’t forget to send a postcard from paradise.
“Sometimes, paradise is just a boat ride away, you just need to know where to look.”
the hiplife asia
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