There are quite a number of Private Island Resorts in Malaysia which span from the Peninsular right to east side of Malaysia where Sabah is located on the island of Borneo. This list highlights only singular resorts on private islands therefore please do not ask me why Japamala or Taaras is not included. Again, private island resorts mean there is only one resort on the island.
While the private island resorts in Malaysia vary from boutique to luxury, there are some which are world class and some which are 100% eco-friendly. A number of them are dive resorts which offers a luxurious experience for diving couples and honeymooners. The list is below and in no particular order.
Pangkor Laut Resort
Pangkor Laut Resort
On a private island next to Pangkor Island is the luxurious Pangkor Laut Resort built around a lush tropical island located off the coast of Lumut in the state of Perak. Units here boast of Signature Sea Villas which stand elegantly on stilts above playful waves, while the Garden and Hill Villas place you within a few steps of nature's abundance on this beautiful island.
World class luxurious amenities and facilities await honeymooners or couples seeking a romantic retreat which is operated by Malaysia's own YTL group. World renown celebrities and superstars have also stayed here and you can imagine the level of service that is offered. To get here, the only way is by road from Kuala Lumpur which takes about three hours and then a private boat transfer to the resort.
Website: http://pangkorlautresort.com/
Vivanta by TAJ - Rebak Island, Langkawi
Vivanta by TAJ Rebak Island Resort, Langkawi
Just ten minutes out of Langkawi Island lies Rebak Island, where you can find the luxurious Vivanta by Taj Resort which is the only resort located on a privately owned island. Your only neighbor is the Rebak Island Marina, where yachting travelers dock their beautiful yachts and boats while traveling through Malaysia.
Vivanta Rebak Island Resort offers seven types of rooming ranging from superior to luxury suites while the restaurant offers an amazing spread of local and international cuisines. A sunken pool bar for those who love to laze by the swimming pool is available and the romantic evening beach dinners also offer stunning seafood barbecues under the moonlight while there is also a beach hut bar serving a variety of cocktails and spirits. Room service is 24 hours while there are multiple activities for guests to explore like jungle trekking, swimming or taking a sunset cruise.
Rebak Island Resort also offers special packages for weddings, honeymooners and even private functions or events. For those wanting a little more, the resort offers a boat shuttle service to Langkawi where you can explore the tourist attractions and nightlife there. To get here, you need to book via the resort or travel agent and the private jetty is a mere ten minutes away from the Langkawi International Airport.
Website: http://www.vivantabytaj.com/rebak-island-langkawi/
Gem Island Resort and Spa at Pulau Gemia Island
Gem Island Resort in Terengganu. Photo from EatPlayLovebyJasl
Off the Terengganu coast in east coast Malaysia and on Gemia Island is the beautiful Gem Island Resort and Spa which is branded as your ultimate private island getaway. This property offers 45 units of seafront villas, a restaurant and sea activities like diving and snorkeling. The island is also part of a marine conservation park here.
Room types are interesting as the Gem Island Resort offers standard water villas, premier villas, hideaway villas and hideaway suites for those seeking luxury. Gem Island Resort also offers a wedding package where you can rent the entire island and hold your wedding from RM40,000 or USD$10,500
Gem Island Resort is located on Pulau Gemia, next to Pulau Kapas and it takes about 15-20 minutes boat ride from Marang Town Jetty in Terengganu. From Kuala Lumpur, a drive here will be around five to six hours and alternatively, you can fly from KL to Kuala Terengganu and take a taxi to Marang Jetty.
Website: http://www.gemisland.com.my/
Rawa Island Resort at Pulau Rawa Island, Johor
Rawa Island Beach
Half way to Tioman Island is the Rawa Island Resort, located on an idyllic tropical island called Pulau Rawa which is situated within the archipelago of the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park. The Rawa Island Resort offers 77 rooms, each individually designed to blend in with the natural landscape and you have the option of choosing the beach front chalets, family villas or even the garden villas.
The restaurant offers amazing local and international cuisines which are buffet styled while there are activities like hiking up the only hill here for a beautiful view of the island. Snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking is offered for those wanting some activities. This island is also known to be booked entirely for private weddings or even functions.
Pulau Rawa Island is accessible by a twenty-minute boat ride from Mersing, Johor and needs to be specially booked through the Rawa Island Office. No other commercial boats or ferries will take you here.
Website: http://www.rawaislandresort.com/
Mataking Island Resort at Pulau Mataking Island, Sabah
Mataking Island Resort in Sabah, perfect for weddings
One of the best kept secrets for private resorts in Malaysia is the Reef Dive Resort at Mataking Island, which is only 40 minutes boat ride from Semporna, East Coast of Sabah in Malaysia. This stand alone resort makes you think you are in the Maldives, with stunning natural beauty and perfect for anyone seeking a quiet and romantic holiday on an island.
Villas or chalets come in many types here which range from executive King Chalets, Garden View Deluxe rooms and the new luxurious Beach Villas which offers breathtaking views of the Celebes sea. For those wanting a private beach or island wedding, you can also book the entire resort for your special occasion. An outdoor Jacuzzi plus the unique local Spa are also one of the highlights apart from walking to Mataking Kecil Island when the tide is down.
This place is also one of the top dive spots in Sabah where you can fine an underwater post box located on one of the shipwrecks. To get here, you need to book via the resort or any travel agent in Sabah. You can also read my Mataking Island review from my previous trip here.
Website: http://www.mataking.com/wp/en/home/
Sipadan Kapalai Resort at Kapalai Island, Sabah
Kapalai Resort in Sabah. Image from ReefRainforest
Another world class resort on a stand alone island in Sabah is the Sipadan Kapalai Resort which is located on Kapalai Island, 30 to 40 minutes by boat from the town of Semporna in East Coast Sabah. This beautiful sand bank island is also about ten minutes away from the world famous Mabul Island and attracts all kinds of visitors, especially divers.
Kapalai Island Resort as most people call it, is built entirely on wood and stilts therefore, you will be in for a surprise as the natural beauty of the place is absolutely stunning. A man made beach deck is also one of the highlights while when the tide is down, guests can take the stairs to the natural sand back beach here. The resort attracts newly weds, honeymooners and even curious couples as the uniqueness of this place is much to experience. If you are a diver, Kapalai is also one of the best places to dive in Sabah and diving in Sipadan Island is also offered.
Website: http://sipadan-kapalai.com/
Batu Batu Resort at Pulau Tengah Island Johor
Batu Batu Resort at Pulau Tengah, Johor. Photo by LandingAway.blogspot
On a rustic private island resort set among coconut palms, rocky outcrops and fine sand beaches, lies Batu Batu Resort which is the only property on the uninhabited island of Pulau Tengah, Malaysia. The beautiful resort consists of 20 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom villas which are all sea facing and set into the island’s wild and natural environment, offering guests the much needed privacy and natural surroundings.
There are ten white sandy beaches for guests to choose from while for activities, one can simply snorkel or dive the beautiful coral reefs located around the islands 3 kilometer perimeter. For food and beverage, an open-sided pavilion restaurant and bar has 270-degree views across the sea which also serves delicious Malaysian, Asian and European dishes.
Pulau Tengah or Pulau Babi Tengah is part of the Seribuat Archipelago of islands off the east coast of Malaysia and lies 16 kilometers from the fishing town of Mersing, Johor in the South China Sea. It is also a four hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and a two hour drive from Singapore. A boat ride from Mersing jetty takes about 20-30 minutes.
Website: www.batubatu.com.my
Lankayan Island Resort at Pulau Lankayan Island, Sabah
The beautiful Lankayan Island Resort off Sandakan, Sabah
One of the most simple yet beautiful island resorts in Malaysia is the Lankayan Island Resort which sits two hours away from the main land and from the city of Sandakan in East Coast Sabah, Borneo. The Lankayan Island Resort resort offers 23 sea facing wooden chalets or villas which are beautifully designed for those seeking a perfect get-away.
A long wooden jetty connects a floating circular restaurant that is out in the open sea and walking there is an adventure by its own as you feel like you are in a live aquarium with all sorts of coral fish and turtles being easily spotted around the walkway.
Facilities on the island are straight forward and include snorkeling, diving, kayaking and just doing nothing but relaxing here which is what the doctor ordered, for those in need of relaxation and away from any hustle and bustle. The restaurant offers buffet style fresh seafood cooked Asian and International style. Overall, this isolated resort offers a simple yet amazing getaway. To get here, you need to book via the resort operator or tour agent.
Website: http://lankayan-island.com/
Layang Layang Island Resort
Layang Layang Island aerial view
The most isolated resort in Malaysia is the Avillion Layang Layang Resort which is 300 kilometers out in the South China Sea from Sabah. Known as one of the most intriguing dive locations in Malaysia, Layang Layang Island is actually a creation of the Malaysian Navy, which reclaimed land from the sea in order to state the nation’s sovereignty over the Spratlys Islands.
Layang-Layang is ranked as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world due to its remarkable array of marine life where you have the opportunity to see hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, barracuda and turtles. The Avillion Resort Layang Layang which is designed and built along the concept of a traditional long house offers guests four types of rooms which range from standard to suites.
As this island is well known for scuba diving, prices start from USD$2000 per person for a 7 night stay here, excluding all flights to the island, but you are sure of one of the best escapes in the world. This is truly a romantic divers paradise waiting to be discovered.
Website: http://www.avillionlayanglayang.com/
Batu Batu Resort on Tengah Island, seen from the air
There are in fact a number of other single island resorts in Malaysia but they are mostly less then three stars and did not make this list as the focus was for a romantic getaway for visitors to Malaysia and also for anyone planning a honeymoon, anniversary or even wedding. For the island and beach lover, you can also check out my other article on the best beaches in Malaysia which was all visited by me over the last few years.
This list is compiled by David Hogan Jr of Malaysia Asia who has visited most of the islands and resorts listed above and on an individual mission to promote Malaysia's beautiful destinations and attractions to the locals and also to the world. I hope you enjoy this article and if you know of any other Private Island Resorts in Malaysia, please do let me know here. Meanwhile, for your next romantic escape, one of the properties above could be the one you visit.