TheCrazyTourist✿25 Best Islands in Malaysia

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21. Layang Layang: A biodiverse powerhouse in the South China Sea (Sabah)
Layang Layang Shark

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Layang Layang Shark

The former military base located 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Kota Kinabalu lacks beaches, resorts and palm trees.

But the isolated region in the South China Sea also lacks human interference. No commercialization, no tourists and it’s too far for even the hardiest of local fishers.

This creates a flourishing marine environment found nowhere else in Malaysia.

Layang Layang has 12 diving sites bursting with lifeforms that have never interacted with humans before. Expect enormous colorful fish, giant manta rays and tiny pygmy seahorses.

Hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and bottlenose dolphins migrate through at certain times of the year.

The only way to Layang Layang is to fly from Kota Kinabalu.

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22. Sabah’s diving paradise on Sipadan Island (Sabah)
Sipadan Island

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Sipadan Island

Sabah’s Sipadan Island consistently ranks among the planet’s best diving sites.

Diving enthusiasts around the globe descend on this tiny island near Semporna.

Unlike its neighbors, there aren’t any resorts or restaurants. Only 120 people with a special permit can visit the protected zone each day.

Those who do witness an incredible array of marine life. Swim with schools of barracuda or embrace the rich biodiversity.

Lucky tourists might spot giant turtles swimming near the horizon.

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23. Sea Kayaking and Sea Nomads on Mabul Island (Sabah)
Mabul Island

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Mabul Island

Mabul is 15 minutes from Sipadan and a favorite with divers.

The oval-shaped island has accommodation catering toward both budget-travelers and more upscale holidaymakers.

Explore the surrounding waters and swim with cuttlefish and octopus. Because Sipadan lacks accommodation, divers usually stay on Mabul.

Apart from day trips and diving, travelers can go sea kayaking, explore ‘Sea Nomad’ floating villages and gaze at the millions of stars after nightfall.

Regatta Lepa, a water festival celebrating Bajau culture and traditions, takes place in April.

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24. See rare turtles nesting in Pom Pom Island (Sabah)
Hawksbill Turtles Sabah

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Hawksbill Turtles Sabah

Pom Pom Island combines a luxury getaway with ecotourism in East Sabah’s Semporna Archipelago.

With a handful of resorts, the tiny island promises a private retreat in Borneo.

Sit on the beach and marvel at the turquoise water that seems almost frozen in time. Grab a pair of goggles and swim out into the shallow water to witness the life in the coral reefs.

Watch the orange and purples light up the sky as dawn breaks from inside your overwater bungalow.

Watch out for the rare green and hawksbill turtles either in the sea, nesting on the sand or at the hatchery.

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25. Overwater bungalows in Lankayan Island (Sabah)
Lankayan Island

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Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island in east Sabah is Borneo’s version of the Maldives.

The calm Sulu Sea surrounds the tropical island which bursts with corals and marine life.

Wooden overwater bungalows provide a stunning spot to spend a few nights.

Soak up the views from the beachfront balcony in the morning. Join a tour and snorkel in the unexplored world under the waves later in the day.

Lankayan is as a favorite local holiday destination, but is a challenge to reach. Travelers first need to get to Sandakan before boarding a 90-minute ferry.

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