Mall operator, Kuala Lumpur Pavillion, has set the opening time frame for the city’s latest luxury shopping development, Pavilion Damansara Heights Mall, to open in May next year.
Artist impression of Pavilion Damansara Heights
Located in the neighbourhood of Damansara Heights, the development spans more than 1 million sqft and six storeys. The company said more than 70 per cent of the shopping complex’s retail space has been secured by tenants, ranging from F&B players, and luxury brands to lifestyle.
As of today, 129 tenants have confirmed opening stores in Pavilion Damansara Heights Mall, including Swarovski, Aesop, Harvey Norman, Diptyque, and Food Republic.
“We will eventually have around 380 retail outlets, making us well-placed to serve diverse needs, ranging from the basic to the most discerning,” said Dato’ Joyce Yap, CEO of Retail at Kuala Lumpur Pavilion.
“The concept of Pavilion Damansara Heights Mall is designed based on an in-depth understanding of the retail market, extensive consumer research, and focus group studies from the early stages of conceptualisation.”
The CEO also said the project will open its doors in May for Phase 1 while the launch date for Phase 2 is to be announced shortly after.
Spending the night in a fancy, luxurious hotel is an experience of a lifetime that one should try. In Malaysia, there are several international hotel brands that offers amazing suites and villas in their properties. Make the most of your stay with the facilities that comes with exclusive private pools, cocktail bar counter, in-room dining, magnificent view, private beach access and many other features.
From the city to the islands, we have some lavish suites and villas that you would want to enjoy every minute that you have booked.
Royal Suite at Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur
The 18th-floor suite of Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur offers pure elegance and an expansive residential-style layout. Entertain in the meticulously designed living quarters adorned with crystal chandeliers, modern art, blown glass and paintings, then sit down to an unforgettable dinner alongside a full wall of windows.
5-Bedroom Ocean View Villa at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
The exclusive villa faces the beautiful Andaman Sea and makes it a perfect spot to relax and spend a good time in the island. With the spacious villa equipped with 5 bedrooms, it also comes with a private pool with its own terrace, separate dining and living rooms, 24-hour room service and a traditional Malay massage area.
Price: From RM14,000 per night
Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar, Langkawi, 07000 Kedah.
Villa Mutiara at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi comes with a direct access to a private strip of beach and a gazebo, two private pools with their own outdoor living area and sundeck, and 360-degree view of the rainforest and sea.
With 3-bedrooms equipped with king-sized beds, private dining and living room, your family would enjoy a magnificent stay at this villa.
Price: From RM20,100 per night
Jalan Pantai Kok, Teluk Nibung, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
Presidential Suite at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
With a city view and one of the tallest skyscrapers just up close, the Presidential Suite at Mandarin Oriental is just a perfect place to enjoy yourself. The Suite comes with a private gym & spa room for you to relax and have a healthy lifestyle.
The breath-taking, ultra spacious Presidential Suite is a 2-bedroom premier lodging unit with high-ceiling window features overlooking the city centre. The Suite comes with a king-sized bed and 2 single beds, 2 bathrooms with over sized bathtubs, a powder room, dining room with a table that seats eight, pantry, living room with a piano, free wired internet access and a 50-inch flat screen TV.
Price: From RM17,000 per night
183, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Garden Wing Tranquil Suite at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang
The Garden Wing Tranquil Suite offers exceptionally spacious and luxurious accommodation and faces the beach and ocean with with panoramic views across the landscaped gardens and pools. There is a compelling mix of light and dark wooden fixtures throughout.
Price: From RM10,800 per night
Jalan Batu Feringgi, 11100, Batu Ferringhi, Penang.
Revel in the special 340 sq m suite with Petronas Twin Towers view, one king bed, a spacious living and dining area, a kitchenette with bar counter and a study room. It also comes with a butler service.
The two-bedroom Beach Villa is 750 square metres in size, with a spacious outdoor deck and dining area. This villa offers an elevated luxury experience and comes with 24-hour butler service.
The master bedroom features a king-size bed, and the second bedroom features twin beds and a single daybed. The villa features a separate, open-plan living and dining room with high timber ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sofa seating.
This Suite in W Kuala Lumpur welcomes you with bright, vibrant colours and comes with its own spa treatment room, gym room and a plunge pool out on the magnificent private terrace overlooking the city. It is also equipped with a private cocktail bar counter so that you can party in privacy with style.
The Royal Villa of Four Seasons Langkawi is a magnificent two-bedroom residence with a breath-taking view of the Andaman Sea and green hilly backdrops. Taking advantage of its environment, adventurous guests can try water-sports and adrenaline fueled activities. With the Andaman Sea as a backdrop, the resort’s dining options serve award-winning Malay, Asian and Mediterranean cuisines.
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur’s Suites come with a large living area, walk-in wardrobe, massage room, powder room and dining table can be expanded into 2-bedroom units with adjoining Deluxe Rooms, overlooking the scenic view of Perdana Botanical Garden or the city’s skyline.
Price: From RM37,240 per night
No 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur.
Who doesn’t love a good scented candle that could transform our cosy space, set the atmosphere, calm the mind and giving it a nice, sweet smell? And in Malaysia, we have quite a number of talented candle makers that crafts amazing scented candles that we will feel good setting it up in our rooms.
We’ve curated some of these local Malaysian candle brands for you to shop for your favourite scents and perhaps send it as a gift for your loved ones.
Lilin + Co
Photo / IG @lilinandco
2nd Floor, Lot 5, Jalan 51A/225A, Seksyen 51A, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Stockists: Ilaika, Ana tomy, Kita Kita, Tsutaya Books Bukit Jalil, Mano Plus Select Store, Mano Plus GMBB, Mano Go @ REXKL, The Flow Studio, APOM, Re: Health, FERN, Tiger Lily by Brickhouse, Ruma, The Royal Press, HOME
G-09-1, Block G, Setiawalk, Persiaran Wawasan, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160, Puchong, Selangor.
Stockists: 123 Gasing, Artisan Haus, Borneo Cultures Museum Gift Shop, Bubbles Dive Resort, Bunga Raya Souvenir, Chub.my, Flint and Steel Lifestyle Store, ILHAM Gallery Gift Shop, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Kaleidoscope, Kita Kita, Lit Books, Kinokuniya Malaysia, Manoplus, P.66, Pakat Store, Salt & Paper Stationery & Gifts, Stickerrific, TriBeCa Artisan
9, Jalan PP16/4, Perdana Industrial Park, Taman Putra Perdana, 47130, Puchong, Selangor.
Stockists: Apom KLCC, Apom Bangsar Village I, Ilham Gallery, Kaleidoscope, Manoplus GMBB, Mano Go @ REXKL, Pattern Sutera, Stickeriffic, TriBeCa Artisan, The Artisan Haus, You & I, The Royal Press, Hello Pakat
With the 15th General Election concluded on 19 November, Malaysians have elected the Members of Parliament that will represent them for the next five years. In Kuala Lumpur itself, there are 11 constituencies that are represented by these members of the Dewan Rakyat.
Lim Lip Eng – Kepong
Lim Lip Eng is a lawyer by profession and has been serving as Kepong’s Member of Parliament since 2018. Prior to that, he was the Segambut MP from 2008 until 2018. He is a member of the Democratic Action Party which is in the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
Lim Lip Eng
Age: 50 years old (2022)
Political party: Democratic Action Party (DAP)
Representation history 2008 – 2018: MP for Segambut 2018 – current: MP for Kepong
Prabakaran Parameswaran is the youngest MP elected to the Dewan Rakyat. First contesting as an independent candidate in the 2018 general elections, he won and have joined the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) after that.
Prabakaran Parameswaran
Age: 26 years old (2022)
Political party: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
Representation history 2018 – current: MP for Batu
Hannah Yeoh has been serving as the MP for Segambut since 2018, and was the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development under the Pakatan Harapan administration.
Hannah Yeoh
Age: 43 years old (2022)
Political party: Democratic Action Party (DAP)
Representation history 2008 – 2018: ADUN for Subang Jaya (Selangor) 2018 – current: MP for Segambut
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad is the MP for Setiawangsa since May 2018 after serving as the State Assemblyman for Seri Setia from 2008 until 2018. He served as Chairman of the Education, Human Capital Development, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee of Selangor in the Pakatan Rakyat and Pakatan Harapan state administrations from September 2014 to May 2018, Deputy Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly from June 2013 to September 2014, Chair of the Defence and Home Affairs Select Committee from December 2019 to March 2020 and Political Secretary to the Menteri Besar of Selangor from March 2008 to June 2010.
Nik Nazmi
Age: 40 years old (2022)
Political party: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
Representation history 2008 – 2018: ADUN for Seri Setia (Selangor) 2018 – current: MP for Setiawangsa
Johari Abdul Ghani was first elected as the Titiwangsa MP in 2013, and got re-elected again in 2022. A member of UMNO, he was the Minister of Finance II (2016–2018). He is professionally trained as a Chartered Accountant and he is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants.
Johari Abdul Ghani
Age: 58 years old (2022)
Political party: United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)
Representation history 2013 – 2018, 2022 – current: MP for Titiwangsa
Teresa Kok Suh Sim was first elected as the MP for Seputeh in 1999 and has been serving since then. During the Pakatan Harapan’s administration in 2018, she was the Minister of Primary Industries.
Teresa Kok
Age: 58 years old (2022)
Political party: Democratic Action Party (DAP)
Representation history 2008 – 2013: ADUN for Kinrara (Selangor) 1999 – current: MP for Seputeh
A member of the Democratic Action Party, Tan Kok Wai is a Malaysian Member of Parliament since 1986, first as the Sungai Besi MP and subsequently Cheras MP.
Tan Kok Wai
Age: 65 years old (2022)
Political party: Democratic Action Party (DAP)
Representation history 1986 – 1995: MP for Sungai Besi 1995 – current: MP for Cheras
Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was the MP for Permatang Pauh, Pandan and now Bandar Tun Razak. She was the first female Deputy Prime Minister, the first female Leader of the Opposition and the highest ever female political officeholder in the history of Malaysia.
Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
Age: 69 years old (2022)
Political party: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
Representation history 1999 – 2018: MP for Permatang Pauh 2018 – 2022: MP for Pandan 2022 – current: MP for Bandar Tun Razak
Malaysia is a tropical country and in most places, it is warm if it is not raining. So if you got a little tired with the warm weather or when it gets too hot, there are still destinations in Malaysia where you can get cool, natural and refreshing breeze.
The best is that these places are not too cold and is just perfect to chill and relax. Explore these highlands and escape from the hot weather with amazing hill view at the top.
Cameron Highlands is indeed one of the best choices and needs no introduction. The hills have been a favourite weekend destination of many families. With the abundant fresh air, vegetable farms, strawberry and tea plantations, it has been one of the most popular choices for a relaxing getaway in Malaysia.
If you’re a fan of glamping, you can even check out some of the nice spots on top of the hills.
During the day, the temperature seldom rises over 25 °C (77 °F); at night, it can drop to as low as 9 °C (48 °F) at the higher reaches.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 3 hours
Fraser’s Hill – Pahang
Photo / IG @niesa_hamidPhoto / IG @k4thyt
Fraser’s Hill is a small mountain village located on the Titiwangsa Ridge in Raub, Pahang. It is also one of the place to go if you need to spend some time to relax and enjoy the nature as the hill is famous for its biodiversity.
There are also several bungalows and resorts to have a couple of night stay at the cooling hills.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 2 hours
Genting Highlands – Pahang
Photo / IG @kengishimaPhoto / IG @shinji_akimura
One of the most visited hills in Malaysia as it is built with casinos and theme parks, Genting Highland attracts people from all ages. With the latest shopping mall, theme park, exclusive branded restaurants and of course, the casino up there, it attracts even more crowd to the peak. You’ve got to plan your itinerary well when it comes to seasonal holidays as the visitors storming the destination.
It is pretty convenient to travel up the highlands as there is a proper route built towards the top for vehicles, even bigger ones such as buses. Otherwise you can also take the cable car to Genting Highlands where you can also enjoy the view of the nature while traveling up there.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 1 hour
Bukit Tinggi is famous for its French-themed village, Colmar Tropicale. Not far away from Genting Highlands, some of the visitors will stop by Bukit Tinggi before going or leaving Genting Highlands. Even though it is just a small place, there are several things to do at the French-themed destination. There is a rabbit park, Japanese village, massage spa and even taking a stroll around the village can be a fun thing to do.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
Penang Hill – Pulau Pinang
Photo / IG @__fheyyPhoto / IG @mustrun_
With a long history, the highest peak in Penang island has been opened since 1788 when Francis Light cleared the hill which was then used as a retreat area for the British away from the heat of the lowlands and malaria. Some of the buildings on Penang hill is almost as old as the buildings in George Town as well including the Crag Hotel, the post office, David Brown restaurant. There is even an old post box which was built during the Queen Victoria reign.
Other than the historical interests, there’s also the Habitat, a skywalk, Teddyville Museum, Monkey Cup Garden, Little Village and many other things to do.
As it is located in Penang island itself, traveling to Penang hill means that you’ve got plenty of other places to visit across the island.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 4 hours
Kundasang – Sabah
Photo / IG @faiz.abdhalimPhoto / IG @ahyee10
Kundasang is the closest town to Mount Kinabalu and has a panoramic view of the highest mountain in Malaysia. It is famous for its vegetable market which is open seven days a week.
The destination is also known as the ‘New Zealand of Borneo’ for its geographical terrain which is similar to New Zealand. There is also a dairy farm in Kundasang, tea plantation or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go paragliding to have a great scenic view of the surroundings.
As you can’t travel through land directly from Kuala Lumpur, you’ve got to take a flight to Kota Kinabalu before going to Kundasang.
Traveling time from Kota Kinabalu: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Bukit Larut is a hill resort in Perak which was established since 1884. It is very rich in biodiversity with over 600 different highland plant species. The hill is only accessible via a four-wheel drive vehicle or by foot, as the road is too steep for other means of transport.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 3 hours
Kelabit Highlands – Sarawak
Photo / IG @hunbengtanPhoto / IG @paulanispian
Located between the Gunung Mulu National Park and East Kalimantan in Sarawak’s remote northeastern corner, the Kelabit Highlands is a haven for adventurers. The valleys in the region are dotted with cottage-like home where the locals live in as well as paddy fields and majestic peaks including Sarawak’s highest mountain – Gunung Murud. Temperatures at the Kelabit Highlands can drop to a refreshing 15 degrees at night.
The only way to Kelabit Highlands is to take a flight from Miri to Bario.
Located just about an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, Janda Baik is a getaway spot surrounded by beautiful nature. There are a handful of different accommodation options in that area for you to choose from. You can spend a night in a resort, a cosy private villa, a campsite or even glamping in one of the fine spots of Janda Baik.
Traveling time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 45 minutes
Croissant, that buttery, crusty, French viennoiserie pastry inspired by the shape of the Austrian kipferl but using the French yeast-leavened laminated dough is a favourite of many people.
You can have it for breakfast, brunch, lunch or just about anytime that you want to have it. Croissants is a common option in most bakeries, but not all can make it to have that fresh buttery and crusty feel.
Fortunately, we have compiled some good ones in Kuala Lumpur. You got to check this out to get your favourite croissants.
Dou Dou Bake
Photo / IG @lyanazarrel_
38, Jalan SS 4c/5, Taman Rasa Sayang, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Zero Waste is a way of life that focuses on reducing waste through the products that we use daily. This is due to the drastic increase of trash that are sent to landfills, and also a huge amount that is thrown into the ocean irresponsibly that caused the death of marine life.
This zero waste movement was mooted and gained publicity since the early 2000s. Among the main actions is to reduce the usage of plastic bags, single-use cups, straws and purchasing basic necessities that reduces heavy packaging. Reducing the usage of these items not only reduces wastes, but it will also reduce the production of it which causes pollution.
Since the movement started globally, it has also influenced many Malaysians to practice it. Surrounding Kuala Lumpur, there are already a couple of stores with the zero waste concept.
Although it is not easy to adjust to a zero waste lifestyle in a short period, it is always good to take the first step. Visit these stores, know what are the products that they are selling, understand the concept, and choose a few easy steps that you can begin with.
As we are counting down towards the polling day of Malaysia’s 15th General Election, the Ministry of Health has issued a general guideline for voters to ensure the voting process runs smoothly and safely, and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.
Through the official social media page of the Ministry of Health and Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham, there are several guidelines that has to be adhered to.
Wear face mask at all times.
Compulsory to wear face mask for those who are COVID-19 positive.
Encouraged to wear face mask for all other voters, even if you are not COVID-19 positive.
Before and after voting
Voters who are COVID-19 positive are not allowed to take public transport including e-hailing services.
Voters who are COVID-19 positive must not hang around anywhere else before and after voting.
Voters who are COVID-19 positive must go home immediately after voting.
Using Hand Sanitisers
Ensure that your hands are sanitised at the voting station.
Voters are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitisers.
Physical Distancing
Voters who are COVID-19 positive have to obey to the physical distancing rule, while it is also encouraged for all other voters.
Infographic / Minister of Health Malaysia
Although we are slowly phasing out from the pandemic, it is still far from over. In the general elections, it is impossible to avoid the crowd but at the same time, we also have to play our part in the democratic process. Let’s keep everyone safe and healthy together.
The coin weighs 31 grams and is made of sterling silver with 92.5 purity. It has a face value of RM10 and will be sold at RM275 per piece. The mintage quantity is 1,000 pieces.
This coin weighs 8.5 grams and is made of copper and several other metals. It has a face value of RM1 and will be sold at RM16.50 per piece. The mintage quantity is 5,000 pieces.
These commemorative coins are also available for sale in a Set of 2. The set is priced at RM330. Each set comprises one coloured sterling silver proof coin and one Nordic gold proof coin. A total of 1,000 sets will be available for purchase.
To provide a fair opportunity for members of the public to buy these limited-edition coins, there will be a purchase limit of one Set of 2, one coloured sterling silver coin (proof) and up to five Nordic gold (B.U.) coins per person.
The Istana Budaya building and elements from the Perdana Botanical Garden are also featured, signifying Kuala Lumpur being a cultural centre and environmentally friendly city. The obverse features images of the Kuala Lumpur skyline and modern transportation juxtaposed against the clock face of Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad. This symbolises the passage of time since the granting of city status to Kuala Lumpur in 1972 which saw the city progress and develop into a modern city.
Members of the public can place their orders at duit.bnm.gov.my from 11 a.m., Monday, 14 November 2022 to 11 p.m., Sunday, 27 November 2022.
Kuala Lumpur achieved city status on 1 February 1972, becoming the first settlement in Malaysia to be granted the status after independence. Later, on 1 February 1974, Kuala Lumpur became a federal territory.
Malaysia is one of the best choice to travel to if you love spending your time on beautiful tropical islands. The different islands will cater many types of desired holiday that people will look forward. Whether you love beautiful sandy beaches, bright clear waters, the wonders of marine life, romantic getaway with your partner, island hopping, a quiet village life or even a city within the island, Malaysia’s got it all.
With some of the islands even rated as best in the world, simply browse through some of these popular island spots in Malaysia, and see which one fit your travel goals.
Layang-layang Island – Sabah, Borneo
Photo / IG @clubazultokyoPhoto / IG @the.ark.team
Also known as the Swallow Reef, it is an oceanic atoll of the Spratly Islands, which is situated approximately 300 kilometres northwest of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The atoll is about 7 km long and 2 km wide with a central lagoon.
The island has gained recognition as a destination for scuba divers. Layang Layang is especially known for the hammerhead sharks during the May mating season.
Things to do: Scuba diving, shark spotting
How to get there: Charter a flight from Kota Kinabalu Airport which takes approximately 2 hours.
Redang Island – Terengganu
Photo / IG @shaarinPhoto / IG @nazahery
Redang Island is an island in Kuala Nerus District, Terengganu and one of the largest islands off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. It is famous for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine sanctuary park offering snorkeling and diving opportunities for tourists.
Things to do: Snorkelling, diving, witness turtle laying eggs, relax at a resort.
How to get there: Take a ferry ride from Marang or Shahbandar jetty.
Penang Island – Pulau Pinang
Photo / IG @ooowenongPhoto / IG @thinnesh.jpeg
Penang island is the most populated and fourth largest island in Malaysia as it was developed since 1786 when Captain Francis Light landed there. George Town, which is the capital city of the state of Penang is also located in the island. Famous for many different things, includes the UNESCO World Heritage Status, visiting Penang island will have your itinerary full.
Things to do: Penang island is one of the most developed island in Malaysia and the town has been granted a city status. Therefore, there are numerous things to do when you travel to Penang.
How to get there: You can travel to Penang island through all major types of transportation. There is an international airport on the island, or you can travel by car through the Penang bridge or by the train to Butterworth on the mainland and take a ferry to the island.
Lankayan Island – Sabah
Photo / IG @achierchungPhoto / IG @julijoe
Lankayan Island is a small tropical coral resort island in Beluran, Sabah, in the Sulu Sea. There is only one resort on the island which is the Lankayan Island Dive Resort. Divers are attracted by myriad macro marine life, coral and sunken wrecks. Lankayan Island is known for its whale shark sightings.
Things to do: Snorkelling, diving
How to get there: Speedboat from Sandakan Yacht Club which takes appoximately 2 hours
Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600 metres from the seabed. It is located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah. It was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop. Sipadan is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world.
Things to do: Snorkelling, diving,
How to get there: Speedboat from the town of Semporna.
Tioman Island – Pahang
Photo / IG @9.nabeelPhoto / IG @wheretoflow
Tioman Island is an island in Rompin District of Pahang and was selected by the TIME Magazine as one of the world’s beautiful islands in the 1970s. It has seven villages, the largest and most populous being Kampung Tekek on the central western coast. The densely forested island is sparsely inhabited, and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a popular scuba diving, snorkelling, and surfing spot. There are many resorts and chalets for tourists around the island, which has duty-free status.
Things to do: Snorkelling, diving, visit a turtle farm, explore the waterfalls.
How to get there: Ferry ride from Mersing, Johor or Tanjung Gemok, Pahang.
Mataking Island – Sabah
Photo / @clare_vvianPhoto / IG @jack8677
Mataking Island is an island located in the Celebes Sea on the state of Sabah. Mataking Island is home to the first ‘Underwater Post Office’ in Malaysia and is connected to Pulau Mataking Kecil via a narrow sand bank. Mataking Island is a private island belonging to the Reef Dive Resort featuring luxury chalets and a dive center serving divers visiting Sipadan.
Things to do: Diving
How to get there: 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna
Tenggol Island – Terengganu
Photo / IG @cheahhupPhoto / IG @afroscuba.tenggol
Tenggol Island is an island off the coast of Terengganu. It is the last island in a string of islands that include Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang.
Things to do: Diving, shark spotting
How to get there: 50-minute boat ride from Kuala Dungun.
Located in the state of Kedah, Payar Island status as a marine park offers protection for its diverse marine life. It is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Melaka, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands of Payar, Lembu, Segantang and Kaca which are surrounded by coral reefs.
Many endangered species of fishes and marine organisms live within the sanctuary. Measuring 2 km long and 1/4 km wide, Payar Island is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal are for snorkelling, diving and swimming. Among the dive spots is the “Coral Garden”, an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals.
Things to do: Watersports activities, hiking, visiting the marine park
How to get there: Catamaran or speedboat services from Kuah Jetty in Langkawi which takes approximately 45 – 60 minutes.
Pangkor Island – Perak
Photo / IG @wheretoflowPhoto / IG @mighty.mk
An island in Manjung District of Perak, it has a population of approximately 25,000. Nearby islands include Pangkor Laut Island, Giam Island, Mentagor Island, Simpan Island, and Tukun Terindak Island. The major industries of the island are tourism and fishing.
Things to do: Enjoy the delicious seafood, shopping in the duty-free island
How to get there: Ferry-ride from Lumut Jetty or Marina Bay
The Mantanani Islands form a small group of three islands off the north-west coast of the state of Sabah, opposite the town of Kota Belud, in northern Borneo. The largest island is Mantanani Besar; the other two are Mantanani Kecil and Lungisan. It is a popular site for recreational diving and also birdwatching because of the relative lack of terrestrial predators.
Things to do: Birdwatching, nature trails
How to get there: One-hour speedboat ride from Kuala Abai Jetty, Kota Belud.
Pom Pom Island – Sabah
Photo / IG @mistahfongPhoto / IG @jacobloo_
A small coral reef island in the Celebes Sea approximately 30 kilometres north east of Semporna town, Sabah, the island is 2.3 kilometres in circumference at the high tide line with a fringing coral reef 4 kilometres long.
The island has a white sand coral beach and is a significant nesting location site for green and hawksbill turtles. Relatively undeveloped, the island is one of the most popular dive destinations in the Semporna district.
Things to do: Watching turtle lay eggs, checking out the marine biodiversity, diving
How to get there: Boat ride arranged by resorts to transport their own guests that takes about 35-60 minutes
Of the three Turtle Islands National Park in Malaysia, only on Selingan are there chalets for overnight visitors, and those who wish to see the turtles laying eggs must stay overnight. A curious fact of the three islands is that turtles come ashore nightly, not only during certain seasons and thus one is virtually guaranteed to see them. During the peak season (October) up to 50 turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
It is located about 40 kilometers away from Sandakan, Sabah.
Things to do: Watching turtle lay eggs, snorkelling, scuba diving
How to get there: Take a 60-minute boat ride from Sandakan.
Mabul Island – Sabah
Photo / IG @alifidraki_Photo / IG @88milestones
Mabul is a small island off the southeastern coast of Sabah. The island has been a fishing village since the 1970s. After the 1990s, it gained popularity with scuba divers due to with its proximity to Sipadan island.
Located 15 kilometres from Sipadan, the island is roughly 0.2 square kilometers in size and rises around 2-3 meters above sea level. It is located on the northwest corner of a large reef nearly two kilometers long.
Things to do: Explore the island in a transparent kayak, visit the Bajau Laut and Suluk Muslims village.
How to get there: 30-minute speedboat ride from Semporna.
Sibu Island – Johor
Photo / IG @sherannePhoto / IG @kenndidakenneth
The Sibu Island is a group of small islands located in Mersing district of Johor, which includes Sibu Besar Island, Sibu Tengah Island, Sibu Kukus Island and Sibu Hujung Island. On the southern end of Sibu Besar Island, there is a small fishing village called Kampong Duku with a population of fewer than a hundred people.
Things to do: Snorkelling, diving
How to get there: Ferry ride from Tanjong Leman Jetty in Mersing Town.
Perhentian Island – Terengganu
Photo / IG @valentin_agrPhoto / IG @letzuploadit
The Perhentian Islands are islands in Besut District, Terengganu with the two main islands Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara, Serengeh and Rawa.
Langkawi is a duty-free island and an archipelago of 99 islands (plus five small islands visible only at low tide in the Strait of Malacca) located some 30 km off the coast of northwestern Malaysia and a few kilometres south of Ko Tarutao, adjacent to the Thai border.
Things to do: Shop in the duty-free island, snorkelling, relaxing in a resort, island hopping
How to get there: Ferry ride from either Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis or Penang island. There are also flights that connects the island from major cities in Malaysia.
Kapas Island – Terengganu
Photo / IG @kovzzzPhoto / IG @afiq.dzarin
Kapas Island is an island in Marang District, Terengganu and measures roughly 1.5 by 2.5 km. Its name, Pulau Kapas refers to the island’s white beaches. The island has tropical jungle, clear seawater, white sand beaches and coral reefs in the surrounding waters. It is promoted as a “diving and snorkeling paradise”.
Things to do: Turtle spotting, snorkelling, diving.
How to get there: 15-minutes ferry ride from Marang jetty.
Rawa Island – Johor
Photo / IG @cribuuPhoto / IG @sydneydelagi
Rawa Island is a coral island in Mersing District of the state of Johor. It is a relatively small island with one side of the island is a beach covered with white sand, while the other side has a rocky vertical cliff.
Things to do: snorkelling, fishing
How to get there: 30-minutes boat ride from Mersing town.
Lang Tengah Island – Terengganu
Photo / IG @lengyeinPhoto / IG @jasonkee
Lang Tengah Island is located about 40 km north east of Kuala Terengganu (22.5 km from Tanjung Merang) on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia.
The tropical waters around Lang Tengah are clear with turquoise hues. The designated marine park in the island has corals and fish life is quite excellent. During peak season, the waters are calm which is excellent for learning to dive with one of the dive centres on the island.
Things to do: Visiting the marine park, relaxing at the resorts.
How to get there: 40-minutes speedboat ride from Tanjung Merang.
