Have you ever heard of “blue tears”? They’re a phenomenon of luminescent plankton that light up the ocean making it glow a gentle blue. It’s a sight which you should definitely experience at least once in your life.
Although it sounds like some far-off fantasy phenomenon, it may surprise you to know you can experience it right here in Malaysia. And it’s not limited to a single spot, there are a few locations for you to choose from. Here are a few spots where you can find these magnificent blue lights.
1. Lang Tengah Island, Kuala Terengganu
It may not be a really well-known place in Malaysia, but Lang Tengah Island is still a highly recommended destination for tourists and locals alike. This island was actually a filming location for the Chinese romantic comedy film “Love You You” (夏日樂悠悠). Lang Tengah Island was the perfect location for the film due to its beautiful and natural surroundings.
What the film really needed was the blue tear lights, as it would’ve made for some cool background shots to set the mood for the movie. Nevertheless, visitors can catch a glimpse of the blue lights at night. Just head to the beach at the edge of the tide and walk alongside it, because you’ll surely create some of the most beautiful footprints ever.
2. Pulau Pangkor, Perak
Tourists visit Pulau Pangkor for its remarkable attractions and scrumptious dry seafood meals. However, if you walk along the shore of Teluk Nipah, visitors might be able to lay their eyes on something spectacular. They may actually come across the blue tears glowing in the night.
If you want to experience the customs Malaysia has to offer while witnessing this phenomenon, then Pulau Pangkor is the perfect destination for you. Furthermore, it’s best to catch these blue tears in June.
3. Pulau Sembilan, Perak
Almost 10 miles from Pulau Pangkor is Pulau Sembilan, which is an archipelago of nine islands. It’s also nicknamed Blue Tears beach, where the water glistens from the bioluminescent organisms.
According to locals, the best time to catch these blue tears would be in March and November, where you’ll be able to see the glowing lights each time waves spread their waters over the shore. Pulau Sembilan was unfortunately closed for three years since 2017. But recently, the island is said to be reopening soon, and visitors will finally be able to see the blue tears once again.
4. Kuala Selangor
Selangor citizens can catch these fantastic glowing sea organisms in Selangor River located at Kuala Selangor. You can find the blue tears in the estuary where the Selangor River combines with the Straits of Malacca.
Normally, visitors can easily find these blue tears while walking across the shore. But when you’re in Kuala Selangor, you can witness the beautiful blue lights of these microscopic creatures on a speedboat ride across the waters where the river and the sea meet each other. It’s recommended to see these lights on the first, second, and third day of the month in the lunar calendar because the high tide and the dark sky makes it easier to spot them. Also, make sure you visit from 9pm onwards and don’t forget to bring your camera for some beautiful shots.
5. Tusan Beach, Sarawak
When the blue tears phenomenon was discovered at Tusan Beach a couple of years ago, Mirians and tourists flocked to Resort City to take photos of the sparkling bioluminescent. This also made the beach into a popular tourist spot in Miri.
But here’s a little fun fact: the blue tears were already existent in the Miri waters many years ago. Back then, the phenomenon wasn’t fully understood due to how local villagers were afraid of it. They believed that these tiny glowing organisms were a bad omen. Not too long ago, even certain villagers would not go near them. But thanks to Tusan Beach becoming a popular attraction for tourists, the villagers decided to come back in search of business opportunities. Ironically, it’s practically a good omen for them now.
6. Pulau Mantanani, Sabah
Pulau Mantanani (also called Mermaid Island) is the perfect place to catch stunning sunrises and sunsets. But if you’re lucky enough, you might come across the glittering blue tears at night. Just walk across the shore and you’ll see them!
Located in Kota Belud, this island is a perfect destination for tourists with many activities to indulge in. Such activities include snorkeling, walking along the beaches, photography, and many more. Of course, taking pictures of blue tears should be added to your list of activities as well.
7. Bagan Datuk, Perak
In Bagan Datuk, there’s plenty of attractions such as “Sky Mirror”, firefly-watching, and aquariums you can visit. Plus, there’s plenty of seafood you wouldn’t want to miss. The island is also one of the most recommended locations to witness the beautiful yet whimsical blue tears. Just head to the beach at night to search for these bioluminescent swimmers, which will certainly be one of the main highlights of your trip there.
While the phenomenon is a celebrated one, we should remember that it is nature-born and be respectful of it. Tourism has caused the deterioration of the plankton before, hence Pulau Sembilan’s beach closure for three years. While God gifts generously, it will not last long if we do not take care of it.
Honourable mentions:
- Pantai Redang Sekichan
- Pulau Lalang, Perak
Sources: Live Life Lah, Raymond Tours, The Borneo Post.
