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10 Hidden Beaches In Malaysia That You Should Know About

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Syaeeza Liana Ramli •  Mar 16, 2018

[Updated 30 January 2021]

“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.”- Isak Dinesen. Sometimes, all you want is to unwind and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city - somewhere to relax, that's free of crowds. We totally understand because we feel the same. Hold on to your seats as we introduce these best hidden beaches in Malaysia you should drive to!

1. Tusan Beach, Sarawak

Located about an hour’s drive away from the Miri city, the Tusan beach is known for the Blue Tears phenomenon. Even though the sea does not glow at night anymore, many people still drive to the beach for its peace and serenity?

Compared to other popular beaches in Miri like Tanjong Lobang and Luak Esplanade, Tusan Beach is an unknown gem that continues to leave visitors amazed! While we're sad to share that Tusan Beach's famous 'horse head' rock formation collapsed in February 2020, this beach remains a paradise for those who yearn to enjoy beautiful sunsets.

2. Damai Beach, Kuching

Overlooking the vast South China Sea, the Damai Beach is surrounded by the tropical rainforest and Mt. Santubong. Although the beach is only 40 minutes from the heart of Kuching, it remains one of Malaysian's hidden beach gems!

Lay back and unwind as you immerse yourself in nothing but nature! The trees surrounding this beach make a perfect backdrop for the ultimate beach getaway ? But if you'd like to spice up your trip, you can learn about the Sarawakian culture at the Sarawak Cultural Village nearby!

3. Pasir Tengkorak Beach, Langkawi

This legendary beach, also known as Sandy Skull Beach, is a secluded beach in Langkawi that many don't really know of. The tropical vibe at this beach is strong with the forested area, white sand and clear blue water!

Legend has it that there was a massive hailstorm that overturned and wrecked ships which passed through the sea. The skulls of the dead ended up on the shore, which could have led to its name. Don't be frightened though! There's no skulls here - only a beautiful beach and a relaxing getaway ? To get to Pasir Tengkorak Beach, it would take you up to half an hour of drive from Kuah town. Pretty fast and worth it really!

4. Palm Beach, Mantanani Island

The Palm Beach, Mantanani Island, is one of Sabah’s beloved spots for both locals and tourists alike. It's no surprise that anyone who visits this place would be immediately mesmerized by the gorgeous landscape! It's starting to gain a tad of attention, so we recommend hurrying there before it becomes crowded!

This beach is perfect for spending some alone time with nature and animals. Swim with the fishes amidst the coral reefs and sea anemones! A getaway cannot get any more perfect than this ?

All you need to reach this paradise is 2-hour drive to Kampung Kuala Abai Jetty in Kota Belud from Kota Kinabalu. You will then need another hour to get to the island by speedboat.

5. Kerachut Beach

Beaches cannot get anymore hidden than Kerachut Beach. To get here, you'd have to go through 2 hours of hiking in the forest ? But we assure you that once you see the white sandy beaches, all your fatigue will be non-existent!

Another attraction at this beach is the Meromictic Lake, which consists of two layers of salt and fresh water that don't mix! If you're looking for even more Insta-worthy spots, this bridge would be perfect! It overlooks the beach with a backdrop of lush trees ?

6. Bukit Keluang

Offering one of the best coastal sceneries in Malaysia, Bukit Keluang is indeed one of Terengganu’s hidden gems. The cliff edge and small caves are only part of the attraction- not forgetting the golden sand and green hills!

We recommend exploring the beach at greater heights, literally! Hike your way up to the top of Bukit Keluang and be mesmerized by the vast blue sea and small islands that you can spot! Not to worry if you're not good at hiking as the trails are suitable even for new explorers. Bukit Keluang can be reached by land either through Kuala Besut or Jertih. It is only 4km away from Kuala Besut town, so there's no reason why you shouldn't head there soon!

7. Teluk Senangin, Perak

If the previous beaches did not entice you, this beach - nestled in Perak - definitely will! It's quiet and peaceful unlike other developed beaches like Pangkor Island. But that doesn't mean it has nothing to offer?

A day trip here will not suffice so we recommend booking a stay at the nearby chalets!

8. Pantai Nanamun, Sabah

There’s more to Sabah than just the tourist-friendly Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang. Make your way to Kota Belud to stroll along Pantai Nanamun. One of the best sunset beaches in Sabah, you’ll find locals relaxing by the beach while watching the evening horizon.

Since it has a stunning sea view, it’s easy to spot beachgoers making the most of their evenings there by taking a snapshot with the water reflections. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a herd of cows passing through.

9. Pantai Pasir Panjang, Penang

Batu Ferringhi may be the first beach that comes to mind when someone mentions Penang, but Pantai Pasir Panjang is still worth visiting. True to its name, you can stroll along the long stretch of sand while appreciating the sea breeze around you.

Since it's secluded, you won't see many visitors in the day but that also explains the lack of public facilities including toilets. Swimming may be strictly prohibited due to the abundance of jellyfish, but there are a number of things to do to occupy your time like having a family picnic and playing sandcastles with your little ones.

10. Pantai Pandak, Terengganu

There's a reason why Pantai Pandak is widely frequented by wedding photographers, and you'll know instantly when you cast your sights at the lovely view. Minus the tourist crowd, you can appreciate the serene landscape of this white sandy beach, even more, when you do your evening strolls.

Due to the strong currents and huge rock formations, this beach may not be safe for swimming, so look after your little ones when you're here.

Credit: Giphy

Whether you're planning to visit Damai Beach in Kuching or Pasir Tengkorak Beach in Langkawi, save these hidden beaches in Malaysia to your bucket list and visit once it's safe to do so! If you're looking for swimwear for your next holiday, check out these stores in Kuala Lumpur for all your Muslimah swimwear needs.