East Coast Malaysia

Long sandy beaches, traditional fishing villages and jungle-covered islands give Malaysia’s East Coast a charm all of its own. There’s a strong sense of Malay heritage here, discovered in village markets, local cooking and the warm welcome you receive along the way. Cycle through coastal villages, follow forest trails or head out to sea, where Tenggol and Tioman offer coral reefs and colourful marine life. It’s a lovely choice for a beach holiday with plenty to explore beyond the sand.

Suggested itineraries for East Coast Malaysia

These example journeys will give you a starting point from which to plan your holiday to East Coast Malaysia. This collection of ideas includes our favourite combinations of hotels, regions and destinations. Every Turquoise itinerary is unique, so please treat these as inspiration and get in touch with our destination experts to create your bespoke journey and quote.

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Aerial overview of The Datai in Langkawi with lush surrounds

Stylish Singapore & Luxury Langkawi

10 nights from £3,795 per person

An ideal stopover after a luxury beach stay in Langkawi for those looking to break their journey with a few days of…

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Borneo Rainforest Lodge - rainforest canopy

Wild Borneo Safari, Rainforest & Retreat

11 nights from £4,795 per person

Spend two nights in Kota Kinabalu at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria, then travel into the jungle surrounding the Kinabatangan…

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The Ultimate Round the World Adventure

30 nights from £15,995 per person

This itinerary brings together some of the world's most iconic destinations into one unforgettable journey, taking you…

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Beach and pool views from Six Senses Con Dao

Splendours of Vietnam & Luxury Beach

14 nights from £6,995 per person

Discover the best of Vietnam from north to south from Hanoi to Mekong Delta, including Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and…

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Ha Long Bay in Vietnam with boat and views

Vietnam Essentials & Beach

14 nights from £5,995 per person

A two-week top to toe journey through Vietnam, staying in luxury boutique hotels. Visit Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An -…

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Four happy elephants in a line at elephant hills

Thailand Jungle & Beach for Families

12 nights from £12,995 per family

Merging together some of Thailand's most enigmatic landscapes, this itinerary is ideal for families looking to enjoy…

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Hidden Thailand & the Eastern Islands

12 nights from £3,395 per person

Discover Thailand's exciting city, Bangkok before heading east of Bangkok where you’ll find islands covered in…

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Very romantic private dining on candlelit beach at The Sarojin

Classic Thailand Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Khao Lak

12 nights from £2,645 per person

Witness three of Thailand's finest landscapes in one trip. Begin with a bang amid the city buzz of Bangkok before…

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Thailand Adventure - Bangkok, Khao Sok & Islands

14 nights from £5,775 per person

A brilliant Thailand itinerary for couples or families looking for a real mix of experiences, from buzzing city life…

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Best time to visit East Coast Malaysia

April to September is generally a lovely time to visit, with warmer, drier weather and calmer seas for exploring the offshore islands. May to September is our favourite period for beach stays, snorkelling and diving. As the north-east monsoon approaches in October, rain becomes more frequent and seas can turn rougher, with some island retreats and boat excursions pausing over the wetter months.

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East Coast Malaysia highlights

Villages & Local Flavours

Explore the coastal villages of Terengganu with a local guide, passing fishing boats, timber houses and markets filled with unfamiliar ingredients. Cycling is a lovely way to see the countryside, with time to stop and learn about everyday life along the coast. Food is part of the discovery too: look out for nasi dagang, rice cooked with coconut milk and served with fish curry, and keropok lekor, the region’s much-loved fish crackers.

Where to stay in East Coast Malaysia

Choose between elegant beach retreats on the mainland and intimate island hideaways tucked into the jungle. Along the coast, traditional Malay architecture, spacious rooms and tropical gardens create a beautiful setting beside the sea. On Tioman, timber chalets sit among trees and granite boulders above secluded sandy coves, offering a more rustic, romantic escape.

Tanjong Jara Resort

Peace, solitude and oodles of charm sum up the beautiful Tanjong Jara Resort, located on the unspoilt East Coast of the Malay Peninsula. Fronted by the sparking emerald waters of the South China Sea and shaded by the soaring palms which rustle gently in the breeze, this beautiful resort has long been a favourite with Turquoise. For us it encapsulates all you would anticipate a beautiful Malay resort to be. Think of it as a natural sanctuary designed around the intricate grandeur and elegance of the long-ago palaces, where the staff, chosen from local villages, display a genuine warmth and that irrepressible and uncontrived gentle Asian charm.

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Explore, dream, discover and embrace ...

"Don't try to see beyond the horizon - often the richest experiences are those that you stumble upon because of where you are and who you're with. Explore, dream, discover and embrace each new experience as a life-changing memory."

Sue Bell - Co Founder

Travel inspiration for East Coast Malaysia

Travel Diaries: Malaysia and Borneo

Welcome to the Turquoise Travel Diaries, a collection of interviews, stories and excerpts from our fabulous team, as they travel around the world. Here at Turquoise we pride ourselves on unrivalled knowledge of the destinations in which we specialise, so …

Lizzie Heeley

18 Dec 20174 mins read

Baby Turtles Hatching at Tanjong Jara Resort

Traditional, breath-taking scenery and oodles of charm sum up the beautiful Tanjong Jara Resort set on the unspoilt east coast of Malaysia. For us, it encapsulates all you would anticipate an authentic Malay resort to be. A natural sanctuary designed …

Lizzie Heeley

13 Apr 20172 mins read

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