Sipadan Island

The small island near Semporna in Sabah, Sipadan Island, is one of the best Malaysia tourist attractions and one of the world's best diving sites. Only a few tourists are allowed to visit this limestone pinnacle, which is one of the best islands near Kuala Lumpur, after it was designated as a protected reserve in 2002.

So make sure you get your permit well ahead of time so you don't miss out on seeing one of Malaysia's most popular attractions. This island has everything from unique flora to bizarre fauna to make your holiday a memorable one while preserving its delicate ecology.

• Location: Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia

• Major Attractions: Diving and rare fauna