Who hasn’t dreamt of having a private island honeymoon? Or fantasised about living the ultra-luxe life at a private-island resort? Just because the super wealthy can afford to own private islands, it doesn’t mean that you can’t claim your own little piece of heaven by renting the beautiful vacation spot for yourself.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to fly out of the country for this luxurious and exclusive experience, we’ve found plenty of beautiful private islands on our own turf. Whether you’re looking for an unspoiled retreat or planning a wedding ceremony, satisfy your wanderlust by staying at these charming private-island resorts in Malaysia:
1. Rebak Marina Resort
If you are looking for an incredibly romantic and secluded isle, look no further than Rebak Marina Resort. It is an ideal holiday spot for those who are planning to stay away from the hustle and bustle of city life with their special one as it is the only resort on the private 390-acre island.
The exclusive Rebak Marina Resort is just a short boat ride away from Langkawi Island. It is part of the Taj Hotels, Resorts, and Palaces international hotel chain, where rooms are built in a 2-storey timber chalet style with large windows overlooking the sea.
The island is blessed with tropical climate, stunning rock formations, and a beautiful lush forest that goes back a 100 million years. The property also has its own lagoon-shaped marina that overlooks the Straits of Malacca and borders the Andaman Sea, which is teeming with many different marine life and is ideal for water sports.
For more information, visit their official website here.
2. Bunga Raya Island Resort
The Bunga Raya Island Resort is a beautiful secluded hideaway located on a coral reef island off the coast of Borneo. It is named after Bunga Raya (translation: Hibiscus flower), the national flower of Malaysia.
All 48 private timbered villas reflect the simplicity of the Borneo architectural style, showing the distinctive lines and aesthetics of the traditional Bornean architecture. They are just steps away from the beach as the resort is framed by a pristine white beach on one side and a lush virgin jungle on the other.
If what you want is utter seclusion with a touch of Bornean hospitality, then this is definitely a place to be. For more information, visit their official website here.
3. Batu Batu Resort
Batu Batu Resort sits atop Pulau (Babi) Tengah, a privately-owned island in the protected Johor Marine Park. It is a 30-minute boat ride away from Mersing.
The island was previously known for being a Vietnamese refugee transit camp, which was subsequently closed in the early 80s. It was also the first location for the making of “Expedition Robinson”, a Swedish reality television program in which contestants are put into survival situations.
Being the only resort on the island, couples can bond over some sea activities or simply lay side by side on the powder white sand away from the crowd. Alternatively, guests can also rent a kayak to canoe around the island, jumping off to snorkel in one of the reefs.
For more information, visit their official website here.
4. Pangkor Laut Resort
Pangkor Laut Resort is about the closest thing to heaven on earth.
Located 3 miles off the West Coast of Malaysia, this secluded island resort gives its privileged guests a deep sense of serenity. The island is split into beach and spa villas which stand elegantly on stilts above gentle ocean, and each one features an outdoor balcony with day beds where you can watch the sunset with a drink.
Comfort, warmth, and contemporary elegance are woven together to create a peaceful environment, which guarantees unforgettable beautiful memories. For more information, visit their official website here.
5. Alang’s Rawa
There’s nothing much you can do at Alang’s Rawa, but that’s exactly the point.
Owned by the Johor Sultanate, Rawa Island is located 16km off the East Coast of Peninsula Malaysia. The best time to visit this island is between February to March as the resort would be closed from November until the end of January due to the monsoon season.
Upon arriving at the resort, you’ll be warmly greeted by Daisy, an adorable beagle that also acts as the mascot of the resort. Due to the bad Internet connectivity, it’s probably the best way to get you off the real world. Instead, keep yourself busy with the plethora of activities on the island including snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, and climbing to the top of the hill to catch the sunset/sunrise.
For more information, visit their official website here.
6. Japamala Resort
Imagine unwinding at a luxury resort surrounded by lush rainforest, who wouldn’t love it?
Japamala Resort sits atop a peaceful oasis with pristine nature on the tiny and remote Tioman Island. The jungle and beach resort preserves the elegance of nature that inspires the concept of their “rustic-luxe” design. It balances comfort and convenience with its fully-equipped facilities including private plunge pools, wooden sun decks, air-conditioned bedrooms, and WiFi access.
The resort is not completely isolated from the outside world, but it’ll offer you one of the best vacation experiences of your life.
For more information, visit their official website here.
7. Mañana Borneo Resort
Mañana Borneo Resort is a far cry from luxury, but you will find yourself feeling at peace on this island because it is so hidden that you’d feel completely isolated from the outside world. Even the locals would have trouble looking for the hidden paradise.
The island itself is the antidote to mass tourism as it is located away from the crowd at the marine park of Kota Kinabalu. It will take slightly over an hour for guests to get to the island from the north of Kota Kinabalu. The most basic accommodation you can find on the island is the Mañana Borneo Resort, a resort managed by the people from Bigfin Divers, a certified PADI diving school that offers PADI programmes for avid divers.
Guests can enjoy stunning views of the island from almost every vantage point and go barefoot on the sandy beach for a grounding experience. Go ahead and have a laid-back good time by sleeping in the beachfront hut while listening to the tranquil and soothing sound of the ocean waves
For more information, visit the official website here.
