Malaysia East Coast
With long stretches of white sands lining the shores of the South China Sea, Malaysia’s lesser visited east coast offers a fantastic beach escape. It is overlooked in favour of the more urbanized, cosmopolitan west coast, but stray off the beaten track and you’ll find unspoilt beaches, wild and untamed flora, and vibrant coral reefs rich with marine life.
The east coast is perfect for anyone looking for a more laid-back, tranquil setting to explore the delights of Malaysia, particularly with its array of glorious white-sanded beaches, islands and charming fishing villages. Due to the fact that it’s relatively secluded, the east coast also makes for a fantastic honeymoon destination.
The state of Terengganu epitomises the east coast’s relaxed ambience. As well as boasting the longest coastline in the Malay Peninsula, Terengganu draws visitors wanting to escape the crowds that can often be found on the west coast. Just 45 kilometres off the coast of Terengganu, the island of Redang is renowned for its tropical fish, clear blue waters, white sandy beaches and numerous coral reefs close to the shore.
Another of the many isles that pepper the eastern shoreline is Tioman Island. This teardrop shaped dot in the ocean is a tapestry of tropical rainforest and pristine beaches lapped by the emerald green waters of the South China Sea. Without a doubt, this sought after destination, nestled off the east coast of Malaysia, is amongst the most beautiful islands in the world. Spanning a little under forty kilometres from north to south, Tioman might be small but it is mighty, considered a haven for barefoot luxury, scuba diving and spectacular trekking.