Top 10 Family-Friendly Islands In Malaysia

RAWA ISLAND: Secret Weekend Escape For Families

Rawa Island is the perfect getaway for couples, families, and groups. Set in the warm waters of the South China Sea, this little island will help you to relax and unwind. Little ones will have a great time playing on the white sandy beach and splashing in the azure blue sea. There is plenty to keep the kiddos entertained. Canoes, snorkels, pedalos, and life jackets are all available to rent. Bring buckets and spades, beach games, bats, and balls, and everyone will be happy little islanders. For little and big kids, there are two water slides - the orange one can be quite speedy so watch out! Click here for their notice on Covid-19.

Rawa Island Resort, Tourist Center, Jalan Abu Bakar, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia, +607 799 1204, www.rawaislandresort.com.  
Click here for the Little Steps Guide To Rawa!

PULAU REDANG: White Beaches And More

One of the top vacation destinations in Malaysia, the island is open for tourism from March until October. Most the hotels on Redang Island are located within two large connected coves and the waters directly in front of them have plenty to see. When you tire of playing in the soft white sand, walk into the water and enjoy. For a few ringgit per loaf of bread, kids can enjoy feeding the fish every day.

Redang, www.redang.org. 
Click here for the Little Steps Guide To Redang!

PENANG: Cultural And Foodie Island For Families

Penang, has it all, city, beach and plenty of fam friendly restos to feed hungry tummies. There’s lots for the kids to do too. Take a trip to Penang Hill and ride the funicular tram. Go and explore the youth park, there’s pools for kids to cool off. It’s also close to the Botanical Gardens. At night take a colorful, cyclo rickshaw ride after dinner. Buy a day pass for the Hard Rock and enjoy their amazing pools and dinner with the stars.

Penang, www.littlestepsasia.com/all-cities/articles/travel/penang-kids

LANGKAWI: Family-Friendly Island

Langkawi isn’t just a beach resort, there are plenty of fun activities for the kids. The Langkawi Cable Car has spectacular views of the island, it’s a little chilly once you get to the top so pack a sweater. Spend a day at the Oriental Village, there’s zip-lining, zorbing on water, shopping, food and entertainment. Take out an ATV, you’ll drive past rice fields and buffalo farms. There’s mangrove tours, water sports, beaches and so much more the family will love.

Langkawi, www.langkawi-info.com.
Click here for the Little Steps Guide To Langkawi!

TIOMAN ISLAND: Excellent For Scuba Diving!

Tioman can easily be reached by boat from Mersing or Singapore. It was used as the backdrop for the film South Pacific! There are many good resorts on the island which are great for families, so find one that suits your needs. It’s a good place for divers too. For a long weekend away to relax and recharge this is a great place with kids.

Tioman Island, www.tioman.com.my. 
Click here for the Little Steps Guide To Tioman!

PERHENTIAN ISLANDS: Off-The-Beaten Path Islands + Scuba Diving Hub

PANGKOR LAUT: Stress-Free And Amazing Sunsets

Get away from it all in Pulau Pangkor – a breezy hop over from nearby Kuala Lumpur. At Pangkor Laut Resort, 43 over-water villas hug the shorelines of the western coast of Malaysia, making it a stunning backdrop for a stress-free holiday. For some R&R with your nearest and dearest, the hotel can organize a romantic sunset cruise or a trek into the surrounding virgin jungles, so you and your love can admire the island’s impressive flora and fauna while walking hand-in-hand.

Pangkor Laut Resort, www.pangkorlautresort.com

KOTA KINABALU: Hiking And Family Resorts Galore

Kota Kinabalu, on the island of Borneo, is the ideal place to explore Sabah’s natural gems. From climbing Mount Kinabalu to diving and snorkeling around the many islands in the area, Kota Kinabalu is the perfect base for exploring the diverse flora and fauna throughout the region. If you are not adventurous enough to climb Mount Kinabalu with the kids, there is plenty of water and land adventures for you too.

Kota Kinabalu, www.littlestepsasia.com/singapore/articles/travel/kota-kinabalu-kids

BATU BATU ISLAND: Fun For Large Groups Traveling Together

Sparkling turquoise water and pristine white, sandy beaches await guests at Batu Batu, a tranquil idyll situated off the eastern coast of Malaysia, just under four hours drive and a speedboat ride from Singapore. This eco-friendly boutique resort, nestled among the coconut groves of uninhabited Tengah Island, comprises of 22 chic one-and two-bed sustainable hardwood villas, some of which adjoin annexes housing bunk beds or cots.  Let's go!

Batu Batu,  Tengah Island, Mersing, Malaysia, +60 17 755 0672, www.batubatu.com.my.  
Click here for the Little Steps Guide To Batu Batu.

SIPADAN + MABUL: Diving And Snorkeling Haven

A small island off the south-eastern coast of Sabah in Malaysia, this hub of marine life is a diving and snorkeling haven (on par with Galápagos).  Families can stay in Mabul and enjoy diving and snorkeling Sipadan and other islands around.  If your family is all about marine life, this area of Asia is a must as it's one of the best!  Kids will also enjoy kayaking and island hopping.  Life is good.

Sipadan, www.sipadan.com