We don’t know if the ‘Coastal Grandma Style’ is still trending with the kids but we are embracing it all the same. With that said, we look forward to more days spent in nature, enveloped in the balmy breeze of Malaysian beach towns, taking walks along the shore, greeting the locals as we pass them by and spending time with our loved ones. Whatever the past season in life may have been like for you, here’s an invitation to take a breath, slow your stride, and meet us by the coast.
1. Mersing, Johor
Mersing is a coastal town in Johor, located in the south of Peninsula Malaysia. It is famously the departure and arrival point for ferries making their way to islands off the mainland like Pulau Rawa, Pulau Babi Besar, Pulau Tioman, and more.
Approximately a four to five-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, the road to Mersing takes you through the Endau-Rompin National Park, where life seems to move at a much steadier pace. It is a refreshing change for those of us who are more accustomed to city life.
Hop on a ferry to a nearby island or spend an afternoon by the town’s beach, Pantai Air Papan. If you like horses, head to Pantai Mersing Horse Ride to spend some time with them. Fishing, trail hikes, and food excursions are also common ways to spend time around town.
2. Cherating, Pahang
Cherating is no stranger to the local beach bums. Known for its surf schools, laid-back lifestyle, and cool cafes, Kuantan’s coastal surf town is a choice destination for many Malaysians and foreign tourists. Unlike many coastal areas in the peninsula, Cherating comes alive during the monsoon as the surfing season begins. But if you’re not in the mood to catch the waves, the town still has plenty to offer for day trips and short staycations. Book a relaxing stay at Club Med Cherating or The Kasturi Resort.
For some good food, head to the highly rated Ombok Cherating Surf Cafe. Order their breakfast bowls and burgers, and don’t forget to try the famous Kula Cakes’ Mango Cheesecake. For coffee, we recommend The Dropbar Coffee. If you’re up for a bit of shopping after, Ombok Cafe also sells some pretty cool merch designed by local artists.
3. Desaru, Johor
Make your way to Desaru, the eastern coastal resort town of Johor. Only an hour from Johor Bahru, this seaside town’s coast stretches over 22 meters, making room for beachfront resorts, restaurants, fishing villages, and more.
Spend the day at The Els Club Desaru Coast or book a spa treatment at one of the many resorts. Take an ATV-guided tour of the Desaru Fruit Farm, which also has a petting zoo. End the day with a Firefly Cruise Tour on the mangrove in the evenings, also hosted by the Desaru Fruit Farm. Tickets are available for purchase on their website.
4. Batu Ferringhi, Penang
The lively coast of Batu Ferringhi in Penang draws tourists from all over the country and beyond to its shores. While this is not your quiet and slow-moving beach town, its vibrance comes from the street food vendors, night markets, and shops.
Spend some time on the beach at Ferringhi Bay or book a massage at the Rock Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel Penang. Book a cooking class or enjoy a session of forest bathing at the Tropical Spice Garden, amongst other things. When evening rolls around, and the streets come to life, book a table on the beach at Bora Bora for drinks at sunset and a fire show.
5. Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
One of the most well-known coastal towns in Malaysia is Port Dickson. Only an hour and a half away from Kuala Lumpur, it is a great destination for a day trip or short weekend getaway. Many swimmable beaches and beach resorts line the coastline.
The Cape Rachado Lighthouse, accessible by foot through the Tanjung Tuan Forest Eco Park, is a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the Tanjung Tuan Beach and Forest Reserve. For food, head to Port Dickson Waterfront, where there is an array of dining options like McDonald’s, Starbucks, seafood restaurants, and more, many of which have a great view of the seaside.
