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Kuala Lumpur or KL is a glamorous city in the country of Malaysia flaunting magnificent skyscrapers, charming locals, colonial architecture, and several natural attractions. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, famous for its cultural diversity, and shopping hubs. One more thing which adds beauty to its tourism is the number of beautiful islands near Kuala Lumpur, which the tourists enjoy visiting on their trip to KL.

Islands are a perfect place where you can relax your body and souls gazing at a tranquillizing blue sea. Islands are beautiful destinations featuring lush green jungles, glittering beaches, cultural jewels and a crystalline blue sea as a cherry on the top. Islands are a great escape from your everyday clamour, close to nature’s comfort.

10 Famous Islands Near Kuala Lumpur

You can make your trip to KL more memorable, by adding these best islands near Kuala Lumpur to your travel list.

1. Rawa Island

Rawa Island

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You will find plenty of white doves on this Island, and as “Rawa” is a local term for white doves, you get the idea why this island is named Rawa. For experiencing royalty or having an isolated vacation, this Island owned by the Sultanate of Johor is the best place to visit. Rawa is an absolute delight for a weekend getaway. This idyllic tropical island is a heaven for those in pursuit of peace and wishing to have a good time with their family. Rawa is a beautiful private island with stunning landscapes.

Distance From Kuala Lumpur- 263 km

How to Visit- Take a taxi from either Kuala Lumpur to Mersing. After reaching Mersing, you can take a speedboat or a ferry to reach the Island in 30 to 60 minutes.

Best Known For- Known for its many white doves, this coral island has scenic beaches & pathways in place of roads.

Weather- The climate here is typically warm and sunny all year round, but you should note that there is a dry season and the much wetter monsoon season.

Ideal For- Family, Friends, Couples.

Ideal Time To Visit- Rawa Island is at its best during the months between March and September.

Things To Do-

  • Snorkelling
  • Water slides
  • Play beach games

Accommodation- The entire Island has a total of 2 resorts to stay.

Must Read: 3 Restaurants Near Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower To Relish Malaysian Cuisine!


Malaysia Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle


2. Kapas Island

Kapas Island

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Kapas is given this name because of Island’s beautiful white beaches. This Island is amongst the most beautiful and relaxing places you will ever visit. This Island does not those luxurious and glamorous restaurants, but it has so beautiful scenic views that will make you stay here longer than you have planned. It’s a very minimalistic island, which is what makes it so unique. The beaches here are so magnificent That you’ll be left speechless once you visit them.
Distance From Kuala Lumpur- 290 km

How to Visit- Take a flight from KL to Kuala Terengganu and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Marang. Upon entering the Marang Jetty, take a boat till the Island, which would take only 15 minutes.

Best Known For- This place is best known for its beautiful white beaches.

Weather- Temperature is hot throughout the year with a little chance of rainfall.

Ideal For- Family, Friends, Couples

Ideal Time To Visit- The Best Time to Visit Pulau Kapas is from April – August

Things To Do-

  • Snorkelling/ Scuba Diving
  • End-To-End Beach Walk
  • Indulge in Turtle spotting
  • Go for jungle trekking
  • Day Trip To Gem Island

Accommodation- The island has several resorts and a campsite stay, which the visitors can choose from.

Suggested Read: 4 Restaurants Near Petronas Twin Towers In Kuala Lumpur To Relish Good Food!

3. Tenggol Island

Tenggol Island

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Tenggol Island is like a home away from home. It not only lets you enjoy privacy, but it also provides you comfort, making your holiday a beautiful memory you would cherish for lifelong. If you are seeking internal peace, then this is one of the best Malaysian islands.

Distance From Kuala Lumpur- 288 km

How to Visit- Take a flight from KL to Kuala Terengganu, and then Hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kuala Dungun. From there, take the 50-minute boat ride to reach the Island.

Best Known For- This is the best Island in Malaysia for those looking to escape the crowds.

Weather- The highest average temperature on Tenggol is 31°C in May, and the lowest is 27°C in January. The weather and climate of Tenggol are suitable for a sunny vacation.

Ideal For- Family, Friends, Couples

Ideal Time To Visit- The best time to visit is from February to August when you will have a warm temperature and little rainfall.

Things To Do-

  • Diving.
  • Play beach games.
  • Spot the sharks.
  • Soak in the panoramic views of the Island.

Accommodation- Tenggol has a few but beautiful resorts to stay.

Suggested Read: 5 Terrific Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur For Adventure On Your Vacation!

4. Redang Island

Redang Island

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Redang Island is located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This Island is famous for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. If white-sand beaches are not something that fascinates you, rest assured as this Island has a lot more than that. With plenty of wildlife and luxury resorts around, Redang is the best Island to visit.

Distance From Kuala Lumpur- 388 km

How to Visit- Head for Shahbandar jetty or Marang jetty from Kuala Terengganu, and take a ferry to reach the island directly.

Best Known For- Known for its natural beauty, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches.

Weather- Temperatures feel hot all year with little chance of rainfall.

Ideal For- Family, Friends, Couples

Ideal Time To Visit- The best time to visit Redang Island for typical weather are December 24th to October 21st

Things To Do-

  • Trekking
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling

Accommodation- A total of 14 resorts, which range from budget resorts to five-star luxury resorts, are operated on Redang.

Suggested Read: 5 Best Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur For Photography Which Are Worth Capturing!

5. Tioman Island

Tioman Island

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Known as one of the most beautiful islands around the world by 1970’s Time Magazine, this Island has more to offer than what comes across. This Island houses a wide diversity of flora and fauna.

Distance From Kuala Lumpur- 278 km

How to Visit- The only way to reach Tioman Island is by taking a direct ferry from Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty.

Best Known For- Tioman is an ideal holiday place for those who love travelling without worrying about the budget.

Weather- Temperatures feel hot all year with little chance of rainfall.

Ideal For- Family, Friends, Couples

Ideal Time To Visit- The best time to visit Tioman Island for perfect weather are December 3rd to October 21st

Things To Do-

  • Sunbathe on Paya Beach
  • Indulge in diving and snorkelling
  • Visit a turtle farm
  • Swim under the waterfalls

Accommodation- Number are resorts are available for staying.

Suggested Read: Top 8 Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur For 2 Days On A Quick Trip

6. Perhentian Islands

Perhentian Islands

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Perhentian Island is a hideaway waiting to be explored. The stay here is very pocket-friendly. This Island has very beautiful beaches and tropical jungles.
Distance From Kuala Lumpur- 545 km

How to Visit- The only way to get here is by taking a boat from Kuala Besut. Take a flight from KL to either Kuala Terengganu or the Kota Bharu, take a flight from these to airports to Kuala Besut.

Best Known For- The Island is perfect for budget travellers.

Weather- The rains are a lot heavier here. Some of the resorts remain closed during monsoon, re-opening in March.

Ideal For- Family, Friends, Couples

Ideal Time To Visit- April to September

Things To Do-

  • Try scuba walking
  • Chill at Tupai Beach Bar
  • Spot whale sharks and octopuses while diving with Turtle Bay

Accommodation- For places to stay in Perhentian Island that serve up a highly-rated breakfast, try Alunan Resort, Bubu Resort and Orang Hutan Camping

Suggested Read: 5 Outstanding Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur With Family To Enjoy A Wholesome Vacation!

7. Penang Island

Penang Island

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This colourful island offers all kind of unique experiences. Penang island is popular for its cultural diversity, heritage and cuisine.

Distance From Kuala Lumpur- 366.5 km

How to Visit- While you can reach the Penang Island by train, air, and even road. Take a flight from KL to the Penang International Airport and then take a direct taxi to the Island.

Best Known For- a gorgeous destination for those who are a foodie at heart or have an interest in heritage.

Weather- Temperatures feel hot all year with little chance of rainfall.

Ideal For- Family, Friends, Couples

Ideal Time To Visit- November to January

Things To Do-

  • Explore the Penang National Park
  • Shop at Komtar
  • Indulge in Penang’s street food

Accommodation- Number are resorts are available for staying.

Suggested Read: 3 Places To Visit Near Parliament House In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia!

8. Pangkor Island

Pangkor Island

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The people here are friendly, and the cuisine is lip-smacking, with resorts that offer the best of luxury. With its remarkable beauty, a holiday on this island would be worth it as it is one of the best
Islands near Kuala Lumpur.

Distance From Kuala Lumpur- 174 km

How to Visit- Pangkor Island can be reached by taking a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur to Lumut, and then a ferry to the main Island.

Best Known For- If your heart beats for local culture and lifestyle, Pangkor Island is the place for you.

Weather- Temperatures feel hot all year with little chance of rainfall.

Ideal For- Family, Friends, Couples

Ideal Time To Visit- The best time to visit Pangkor Laut for perfect weather are January 29th to February 25th or June 11th to July 8th.

Things To Do-

  • Take a stroll on the beaches
  • Relish the delicious seafood
  • Stay at the Pangkor Laut Resort

Accommodation- Number of resorts are available for staying.

Suggested Read: 5 Best Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur By Bus, Malaysia For All

9. Langkawi

See Beautiful View

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Langkawi is Malaysia’s best known holiday destination. Langkawi has the most beautiful beaches and forests which adds so much to its scenic beauty.

Distance From Kuala Lumpur- 515 km

How to Visit- You can reach Langkawi by taking a direct flight from KL. Though an adventurous way to get to the Island is by train from KL and then ferry from there.

Best Known For- An epitome of luxury, this Island is a hotspot for both honeymooners and families.

Weather- Temperatures feel hot all year with little chance of rainfall.

Ideal For- Family, Friends, Couples

Ideal Time To Visit- October to April

Things To Do-

  • Enjoy the mesmerizing views from the cable car.
  • Visit Gunung Raya, the highest peak on the Island.
  • Go beach shopping.

Accommodation- Number of resorts are available for staying

Suggested Read: 5 Best Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur For Kids To Have A Fun-Filled Day

10. Lang Tengah Island

Lang Tengah Island

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Lang Tengah Island is situated between the two trendy tropical islands Perhentian and Redang northeast of Peninsular Malaysia. Compared to Perhentian and Redang it is a small island

Distance From Kuala Lumpur- 324 km

How to Visit- The only way to get to this island is by boat.

Best Known For- This island is best known for its tropical beauty.
Weather- temperatures feel hot all year with a chance of rain.

Ideal For- Family, Friends, Couples

Ideal Time To Visit- Between the end of October and the end of February

Things To Do-

  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Water Sports

Accommodation- Lang Tengah is a tiny island; there are four resorts available to choose from.

Further Read: 5 Places To Visit Near Dayabumi Complex Kuala Lumpur Malaysia!

If you are traveling to Malaysia anytime soon, do not forget to visit these exotic islands near Kuala Lumpur to make your holiday all the more better. So, plan a trip to Kuala Lumpur with TravelTriangle and venture on a beautiful journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Islands Near Kuala Lumpur

Which is the time to visit Kuala Lumpur and nearby islands?

To make your travel experience safe, convenient and memorable, you should consider planning your Malaysia trip in the months of November, February and March, as this way you’ll be able to save yourself from heavy rainfalls.

How many islands are in Malaysia?

Malaysia has more than 800 islands. Many of them are still unexplored. Some of the popular ones which you cannot miss visiting are Langkawi, Perhentian Islands, Redang Island, Pangkor, and more.

Which is the best island to visit near Kuala Lumpur?

Penang has an amazing historical past and the architecture, while Langkawi is a popular spot for those who like the beachy feel and not so much into history etc.

How many days do you need in Malaysia in order to make the most out of your trip?

In order to make the most of your trip to the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia, you need a minimum of 7 days. On a 7-day trip, you can cover most of the mesmerizing spots in the country, taking back lifelong memories.

Which is the most beautiful island to visit in Malaysia?

Perhentian Island is the most beautiful island in Malaysia. However, Langkawi, Sipadan, and Redang islands are also impressive when it comes to natural beauty.


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