1. Koh Rong, Cambodia
The charm of Koh Rong lies in its laid-back and friendly atmosphere. Scattered with simple wooden beach huts, this small island off the south coast of Cambodia really is a hidden gem. The best beach of them all is Long Beach which, as its name suggests, is a lengthy stretch of sand that is famous for its bright white sand and crystal turquoise waters.
What to do in Koh Rong: Go on easy hikes through the rainforest and explore the different beaches.
How to get to Koh Rong: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville then catch a short ferry ride.
Flight duration: 1hr 45mins
Compare & book cheap flights to Sihanoukville here
For a desert island getaway, look no further than Koh Rong.
2. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Closer to home are the stunning Perhentian Islands, known around the world for their stunning blue waters that attract visitors from afar. The Islands are also popular with divers and snorkelers due to the coral that can be found around the island, and the vibrant underwater life that goes with it. If you’re lucky you might even spot sea turtles and friendly reef sharks.
What to do in Perhentian: It’s all about the underwater world here – try snorkelling, fishing and diving.
How to get to Perhentian: Take a short flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu then hop on a ferry.
Flight duration: 1hr
Compare & book cheap flights to Kota Bharu here
Book Perhentian Islands hotels here
_Try your hand at fishing in the turquoise blue waters at Perhentian Islands. Photo credit: Chris / Wikimedia_
3. Koh Samui, Thailand
Located on the east side of Thailand, Koh Samui is an island best known for its many beautiful beaches. Being a prime destination for travellers since the 1970s, you may have to look harder for the quieter beaches, but you’ll be rewarded once you arrive. Make a note of the relaxing Choengmon Beach, in the northeast, and Mae Nam Beach – a quiet beach also in the north, where laying out your beach towel and cooling off with a fresh coconut could be your antidote to the stresses of life.
What to do in Koh Samui: Beach hopping, traditional Thai massages and enjoy local Thai food.
How to get to Koh Samui: Fly directly from Kuala Lumpur to Koh Samui island.
Flight duration: 1hr 40mins
Compare & book cheap flights to Koh Samui here
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
If you want to combine a beach holiday with a city break, then Dubai is a great choice. Part of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is great for travellers that want a taste of shopping, bar hopping, eating at fine restaurants and, of course, sunbathing on the beach under a palm tree. Dubai has a bit of everything for the modern traveller.
What to do in Dubai: The choices here are endless: beaches, shopping malls, restaurants and theme parks.
How to get to Dubai: Hop on a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai.
Flight duration: 7 hrs
Compare & book cheap flights to Dubai here
5. Lombok, Indonesia
Slightly overshadowed by its more well-known neighbour Bali, Lombok is an Indonesian island not to be missed. The beaches here are not only impossibly beautiful, but are also uncrowded and clean due to the relatively low numbers of visitors. The beaches down south are the best, with our top choice being Selong Belanak Beach. Keep an eye out for the spectacular scene of farmers guiding their herds across the sand each morning.
What to do in Lombok: Try your hand at surfing, enjoy long stretches of untouched coastlines.
How to get to Lombok: Fly directly from Kuala Lumpur to Lombok.
Flight duration: 3hrs 10mins
Compare and book cheap flights to Lombok here
6. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is well known for being a slice of earthly paradise, and for good reason. As well as boasting a stunning coastline filled with picturesque beaches, Bali has a strong spiritual and artistic culture that can be seen on every street corner, from its beautiful temples to the ubiquitous offerings made by locals. Despite being a favourite destination amongst tourists, you’ll still discover quieter beaches such as Balangan when you head south. Bali is also a great spot for surfers and water sport enthusiasts.
What to do in Bali: Swim in the sea, surf and visit the many Balinese temples, such as Uluwatu Temple.
How to get to Bali: Take a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Bali.
Flight duration: 3hrs
Compare & book cheap flights to Bali here
7. Boracay, Philippines
The Philippines has a reputation for having some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and most popular of all is the tropical Boracay island whose reputation has grown in recent times. Known as a beach playground, there are plenty of activities to do here such as kiteboarding and scuba diving, as well as boat tours. There are countless lovely beaches, and you can find some quiet solitude with the sea on the quieter Baling Hai Beach.
What to do in Boracay: Sign up for a new sport such as kite boarding, or explore the island on a boat tour.
How to get to Boracay: Fly directly from Kuala Lumpur to Kalibo airport, take a 2hr transfer overland then a 15-minute ferry to the island of Boracay.
Flight duration: 3hrs 55mins
Compare & book cheap flights to Kalibo here
8. Phuket, Thailand
Probably Thailand’s best-known island beach resort, Phuket has a little bit of everything for anyone searching for the ideal beach vacation. Lovely beaches are scattered all around the island, from Surin to Kata on the east stretch. With so many gorgeous beaches to explore, it’s best to book a boat tour to take you around the island’s finest. Truly immerse yourself in the turquoise blues and greens by squeezing in a spot of snorkelling and fishing while you are at it.
What to do in Phuket: Beach hopping, boat tours, massages and visiting sunset bars.
How to get to Phuket: Kuala Lumpur flies directly to Phuket in just over an hour.
Flight duration: 1hr 20mins
Compare & book cheap flights to Phuket here
Take a ride on a wooden fishing boat to explore Phuket’s beaches.
9. Hong Kong, China
When you think of Hong Kong, what immediately comes to mind is a busy and crowded city. However, visitors to Hong Kong are in for a treat as the island has many undiscovered beaches to escape the inner city grind. Tai Long Wan Bay is one of the best. It takes a bit of an effort to get here as you’ll need to take a 90-minute trek along the MacLehose Trail, but it’s worth it for the awesome views.
What to do in Hong Kong: Just relax after the trek! But if you’re in luck, the waves may be high enough for surfing too.
How to get to Hong Kong: Arrive in Hong Kong via a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur.
Flight duration: 4hrs
Compare & book cheap flights to Hong Kong here
10. Langkawi, Malaysia
Another of Malaysia’s gems, Langkawi is a low key and laid back island on the west coast of the country. Roam around the island and you’ll find wonderful beaches such as Tanjung Rhu beach, with our favourite being the Datai Bay. Venture here for a day spent swimming in the lagoon and admiring the lush greeneries adjacent to the beach.
What to do in Langkawi: Swim in the placid sea, sunbathe, or do some watersports and jungle treks.
How to get to Langkawi: Langkawi is a short flight from Kuala Lumpur.
Flight duration: 1hr 15mins
Compare and book cheap flights to Langkawi here
Read more:
- 20 cheapest beach holidays for Malaysians
- 5 underrated islands near Bali for a change in beach
- 10 of the world’s most beautiful and undiscovered beaches
- 10 best road trips for beaches in Malaysia
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Originally published on 19 Feb 2016 and updated in May 2017. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability
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