Langkawi Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia. Langkawi, also known as the Jewel of Kedah, is a duty-free island and an archipelago of 99 islands located 30 kilometers off the coast of northwestern Malaysia and a few kilometers south of Ko Tarutao, close to the Thai border. It is a political district in the state of Kedah, with Kuah as its biggest town. Pantai Cenang is the most popular beach and tourist destination on the island.

Langkawi is a hilly collection of 99 islands off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia that are among Malaysia's most popular tourist destinations, owing in part to its duty-free status. Take your towel down to sandy Cenang Beach for some sunbathing and a drink at a seaside bar on the main island, or take the SkyCab cable car up into the tree-clanked hills for sparkling vistas. Book a boat cruise to the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden on Langkawi's highly wooded sister island, Dayang Bunting, for a day trip. You'll come upon a monkey colony with occupants that will gladly join you for lunch - or grab it right out of your hands.

Location: Kedah, Malaysia

Area: 478.48 km2

The Perhentian Islands, which were once sparsely populated and mostly inhabited by fishermen, have grown in importance as a tourist destination in Malaysia–and while hotels and transportation are far superior today than they were just a few decades ago, the islands are still developing slowly, preserving their natural and unspoiled beauty. Pathways run through the deep jungle, joining the several sections of beach, while coral reefs teaming with marine life (sea turtles, blue-spotted rays, and clownfish abound) can be found all around the island.

Of the seven Perhentian Islands, only the two biggest are permanently occupied. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking activities, as well as guided jungle hikes and a choice of hotel alternatives to fit any budget, are all available. In addition, there are some excellent beach resorts in the region. The contemporary Alunan Resort not only has a private beach with stunning rainforest and ocean views, but it also has a coral adoption program for individuals who want to help Malaysia's coral reef regenerate.

Location: Northeast of Peninsular Malaysia

Area: 15,35 km²

Kapas Island is an island located about 6 kilometers east of Marang, Malaysia, with a smaller island, Pulau Gemia, located north of it. The island has a tropical jungle, clear seawater, white sand beaches, and coral reefs in the surrounding waters. It is promoted as a "diving and snorkeling paradise" This once-unknown island, with its picture-perfect beach tucked among towering palms and coconut trees, is making a reputation for itself. Expect to view native sea life, indulge in a range of aquatic sports, and relax in a tranquil setting. Kapas Island is reached by ferry from Marang. Kapas is the location where most of the research on the enigmatic Amphidromus snails is carried out.

The best time to visit Kapas Island is from April to August. It, like the rest of Malaysia's beaches, is closed from November to February due to the monsoon season. It may open early in February to accommodate residents on vacation for the Chinese New Year, so check with the resorts to see whether they're already open if you're going during that month.

Penang Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia. Penang, around 100 kilometers south of Langkawi, is an island for history buffs. It's home to George Town, a Unesco-listed trade town teeming with Buddhist temples, Chinese boarding houses, and late-1700s British colonial buildings.

Examine the cannons at Fort Cornwallis, the East India Company's star-shaped bastion, then travel to the city limits to the enormous Kek Lok Si Temple in the foothills, which has a distinctive gold-topped pagoda tiered in Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles. Visit the classic Penang Botanic Gardens by day or the LED-lit Penang Avatar Secret Garden by night by taking a cab north of George Town. The funicular in Taman Lintang may take you to the summit of Penang Hill - part of the Penang Hill National Park. The funicular at Taman Lintang can take you to the summit of Penang Hill, which is part of a mountain range that runs along the island's center, where you'll discover a rainforest nature reserve with views of George Town.

Area: 293 km²

Pangkor Island is a Malaysian island located in the Manjung District of Perak. It has a population of around 25,000 people. Pangkor Laut Island, Giam Island, Mentagor Island, Simpan Island, and Tukun Terindak Island are all close by. Tourism and fishing are the island's main businesses. Pangkor Island has a land area of 18 km2 and is 3.5 kilometers from Peninsular Malaysia. The interior of the island is forested and is home to 65 reptile species, 17 amphibian species, and 82 total herpetofauna species.

Pangkor Island is a great place to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. This island, off the shore of Perak state on Peninsular Malaysia's west coast, has vacant beaches, beautiful water, and a dense jungle covering the center. Pangkor is a significantly more tranquil alternative than Langkawi or Penang and guests like the opportunity to tan under the palm palms without seeing another human. Visit the west side of the island to Nipah Bay and its quieter neighbor Coral Beach for the most popular beaches; for a really desolate beach, head to Tortoise Bay, which has no shops or structures other than a turtle conservation center.

Location: Manjung, Malaysia

Area: 18 km²

Sipadan Island ranks 6th on the list of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia. It's off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, in the Celebes Sea. It was created by live corals that grew on top of an extinct volcanic cone over thousands of years. Sipadan sits at the core of the Indo-Pacific basin, in the midst of one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems. In this habitat, more than 400 fish species and hundreds of coral species have been identified.

In Sipadan Island, the profusion of wildlife, including green sea turtles, enormous parrotfish, and whirling schools of barracuda, makes this little egg-shaped island an hour's boat trip south of Semporna in Sabah, Borneo, one of the world's best diving sites. Due to the site's protected status, only 200 tourists are allowed to dive every day, hence obtaining permission in advance is required. You won't be able to locate lodging or many facilities, so you'll have to join a tour. The flight from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna, however, is definitely worth it.

Location: Darvel Bay, Celebes Sea, Malaysia

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Malaysia's first maritime national park, includes Manukan Island. It is the park's second-largest island and the most visited by locals in Kota Kinabalu. It also has the best tourism infrastructure of the five islands. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park was established in 1974, covering an area of 8,990 acres and encompassing the majority of the Gaya and Sapi islands. The park was expanded to 12,185 acres in 1979 when the three neighboring islands of Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug were added. Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy a variety of aquatic activities on Manukan Island, including snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, and other water sports.

Sunset Point, in the island's further reaches, is one of the best sites to catch a glimpse of Borneo's famed sunset. The luxury villas and suites all have views of the South China Sea's azure waters, giving a serene atmosphere. In Manukan Island, it's popular for snorkeling and swimming since the water is so clear that you can see the tropical fish you're swimming with. The title of the most visited island in Sabah is well-deserved.