Well well, after a snowy Xmas break back to France, back I am to enjoy the delights of exotic week-ends away from Singapore.. but to my great distress, some of my favourite (and best value) island destinations in close-by Malaysia are closed for monsoon! Nevermind, at least can I share my thoughts on them before planning the next get away.
Basically, it’s all about three main places: Tioman (SE Malaysia), Perenthian (NE Malaysia) and Langkawi (NW Malaysia). All are beautiful islands with palm-tree ranged white beaches, snorkeling/diving-worthy coral underwaters and great backpacker atmosphere. Though, let’s review more in details how different can a weekend get in each of them. [to jump to detailed Word file on directions, prices and schedules, skip to the link at the bottom of this article]
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——————————- Tioman island: the closest ——————————-
Tioman is conveniently located a short bus + boat ride from Singapore which makes it reachable within a few hours (a small airstrip can even make it shorter). The boat stops at several different beaches, among which Air Batang (ABC) is the backpackers one, with numerous cheap bungalows on the beach (see picture above).
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There is not much superfluous here, a few motorbikes, small restaurants and one beach bar. The most scenic phonebox is right on the beach, but you can’t order pizzas to deliver..
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The area is filled with friendly monkeys and iguanas (beware of the dark thing crossing the path at night 
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The snorkeling in front is fairly good, as well as the jungle treks behind it! Moreover, dive shops such as Eco Divers offer excellent dives for 90 RM each! (we even got them half price when we volunteered for a Beach & Underwater Clean Up day with my german round-the-world traveling friend Julia..).
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.At the end of the day, a fair escape from Singapore for those running out of time or on a very tight budget (last time we went for three days for S$120 including transportation, food, accomodation and even 2 dives!)
———————– Langkawi island: the most developed ————————-
In conclusion, a hassle-free destination quite a bit more touristic and less diving-oriented than eastern islands but with highly rewarding sceneries and atmosphere!
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————- Perenthian island: the cutest + best (& cheapest) dives ————-
Last but not least comes Perhentian island (islands actually: Kecil, the backpacker one, and Besar). Certainly more remote than Tioman or Langkawi – no airport on it – it is by far the most Robinson Crusoe-like as well, without any roads or vehicle whatsoever to spoil the wilderness. Noteworthy consequence: no ATM at all, remember to change ringgits in Singapore!
After a demanding 13h night-train and a short cab & boat leg, this tiny paradise truly offers some of the greatest snorkeling I’ve ever had (competing with Mauritius “Blue Bay Coral Garden” for the connoisseurs!): soft & hard corals, multi-colour reef fishes of all species, marine turtles, huge medusas and… black-tip SHARKS by dozens!
In the unlikeliness you were not satisfied by such a complete snorkeling tour, Perhentian also offers Malaysian (and maybe Asian) cheapest dives with Turtle Bay divers for example. The Pinnacle is a must, as well as Sugar Wreck to spot bamboo sharks and other wreck curiosities!
I realize I only have very few photos of Perhentian, but don’t get me wrong: it is honestly my favourite destination in Malaysia! I shall return…
>> Malaysian dream Islands from Singapore : detailed planning information, schedules & prices for the above 3 islands + various other smaller malaysian islands on a more exclusive/high-end range. Enjoy and feel free to share feedback! <<
