One of Malaysia's most diverse and interesting regions, the East Coast is not to be missed

Perhentian

The east coast of the Malaysian Peninsula is home to some of the country's most unspoilt beaches, forests and islands, so makes a welcome spot for a relaxing break on any Malaysian holiday.

The best time to visit the seasonal east coast is between April and October, with the high season running between June and August. The east coast essentially shuts down outside of this period, so it is not advisable to visit.

The east coast is dived into three regions, Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu, offering great variety for those looking for a relaxing break.

Perhentian

This cluster of exquisite islands offers some of Malaysia’s finest beach and diving destinations.

Off the coast of northeastern Malaysia at the border with Thailand lies the small group of Perhentian Islands. These beautiful islands ('Pulau' is Malay for 'island') are surrounded by coral reefs, making them spectacular places for snorkelling and scuba diving. Some of the more popular dive sites include the Pinnacle (or Tokong Laut, 'Temple of the Sea') and the Sugar Wreck, an easily accessible 3500-tonne sugar hauler that sank in 2000 and sits 18 metres down on the seabed.

The islands' picture-perfect beaches offer crystal-clear turquoise water that's perfect for swimmers and snorkelers of all ages, and there's a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget.

Pulau Perhentian Besar boasts fine white sand beaches, perfect for lazy days spent swimming and relaxing. Tall, slender palm trees line the beaches, adding to the beauty of this special island retreat. The water is crystal clear, and a number of reefs lie close to the island, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling and scuba diving to experience the abundant sea-life. A large range of resort and other is accommodation available.

The magnificent Pulau Perhentian Kecil is the smaller of the two main Perhentian islands, and offers visitors a calm escape from the everyday. The stunning beaches are where you will spend your days swimming, snorkelling and lazing about. Turtle and shark watching are popular activities, and jungle trekking and camping are also available.

Redang

Redang

A lush, tranquil island retreat with abundant marine life and a relaxing atmosphere.

Redang is famous for the variety and quantity of sea-life that inhabits its many coral reefs, the clarity of the water in which it lives and the range of resorts offering luxury accommodation. Redang has a slightly more upmarket feel than some of its neighbouring islands, which focus more on the backpacker market, making it an ideal getaway for families. Redang is just an hour by ferry from the mainland.

Tioman

Tioman

Magnificent beaches, crystal-clear water and excellent diving are the clear highlights. 

The turtle shaped Pulau Tioman is the largest and most impressive of the east coast islands, with emerald water and idyllic beaches ideal for long, lazy holidays. After an easy 1 hour 20 minute ferry ride, enjoy the ambience of the numerous villages dotting the coastline, including Salang, Tekek, Genting, Paya and Juara. If you want to stretch your legs try the magnificent cross-island hiking trail that weaves through the jungle and along the coast. For scuba divers, Tioman is renowned for its clear, warm waters and sea-life, and there are a range of dive operators on the island to choose from.

Kuantan

Kuantan

Great beaches within easy reach of a vibrant Malaysian city. 

The city of Kuantan is the capital of Malaysia's largest state, Pahang, and sits roughly at the midpoint of the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. If you are flying to the east coast from KL or Singapore you will land in Kuantan, and it's well worth exploring the city. For starters, the number of quality beaches accessible from Kuantan is impressive, making it a tropical retreat on a large, and diverse, scale. The city is also a culinary hotspot, famous for its delicious, locally produced dried fish dishes, street food and Indian specialities. Kuantan is also well known for a number of large and beautiful waterfalls.

Thirty kilometres north of the east coast's largest city Kuantan is the beach village of Cherating. This laid-back fishing village is a popular hangout for backpackers and even surfers during the monsoon season, due to its lovely beaches and seasonal swell. Visitors can also enjoy jungle trekking, yachting and turtle-spotting at the turtle sanctuary. The award-winning Cherating Club Med, Asia's first and recently renovated, is an excellent choice for those seeking all-inclusive indulgence.