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When you think of an island getaway, you probably imagine ferry rides, boat schedules, or even flights
But not every island in Malaysia requires that much planning.
Some are connected to the mainland by bridges and causeways, while others allow you to bring your car across on a vehicle ferry. That means you can hit the road and explore at your own pace once you arrive.
Here are nine islands in Malaysia that you can actually drive your car into for your next weekend escape:
1. Penang Island
Penang Island is connected to the mainland by the Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, making it accessible without ever stepping onto a boat.
What to do:
- Explore George Town's heritage streets and murals
- Feast on famous hawker food
- Visit Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple
- Catch the sunset at Batu Ferringhi beaches
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NOTE: The Penang ferry service no longer accommodates cars. It operates exclusively for pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles.
2. Carey Island, Selangor
Many people don't realise Carey Island is actually an island. Located about an hour and a half from Kuala Lumpur, it's connected to the mainland by road and is known for its rich Mah Meri indigenous culture, eco-tourism resorts, and fresh seafood.
What to do:
- Visit the Mah Meri Cultural Village (only by advance booking, no walk-in)
- Try fresh seafood
- Enjoy a peaceful countryside drive
- Enjoy family-friendly adventure activities like the Riverine Splash water theme park
3. Marina Island, Perak
This man-made island near Lumut is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It's often overshadowed by nearby Pangkor Island, but Marina Island has its own waterfront charm and serves as a convenient stop for a short getaway.
What to do:
- Relax by the marina
- Stay at waterfront resorts
- Enjoy sunset views
- Take photos along the promenade
4. Pulau Banding, Perak
If beaches aren't your thing, Pulau Banding offers a completely different island experience. Located in the middle of Temenggor Lake, the man-made island is connected to the mainland via the East-West Highway and serves as a gateway to the Royal Belum rainforest.
What to do:
- Explore Royal Belum State Park
- Go jungle trekking
- Spot wildlife and rare birds
- Take a boat ride on the lake
5. Pulau Duyong, Terengganu
Just across a bridge from Kuala Terengganu, Pulau Duyong is known for its traditional boat-building heritage. The island combines history, culture, and scenic river views.
What to do:
- Visit traditional boatyards
- Explore Kampung Pulau Duyong
- Enjoy local Terengganu food
- Take in views of the Terengganu River
6. Pulau Wan Man, Terengganu
Another island connected by road, Pulau Wan Man is home to one of Malaysia's most recognisable landmarks: The Crystal Mosque. It's also part of the Islamic Heritage Park.
What to do:
- Visit the Crystal Mosque
- Explore Islamic Heritage Park
- Take photos along the waterfront
- Enjoy evening views of the illuminated mosque
7. Pulau Indah, Selangor
Formerly known as Pulau Lumut, Pulau Indah sits near Port Klang and is connected to the mainland by bridges. While much of the island is known for its industrial port activities, there are also mangrove areas and traditional fishing villages worth exploring.
What to do:
- Visit fishing villages
- Explore mangrove ecosystems
- Enjoy seafood restaurants
- Go birdwatching
8. Labuan
Located off the coast of Sabah, you can bring your car with you to Labuan by departing from the Menumbok Ferry Terminal on the southwestern coast of Sabah.
Once you're there, the island's roads make it easy to explore everything from beaches to historical attractions.
What to do:
- Shop for duty-free goods
- Visit World War II memorial sites
- Relax at the beach
- Explore the Labuan Marine Museum
9. Langkawi, Kedah
Langkawi is best explored by car, but if you want to bring your own vehicle, you'll need to take the Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) car ferry from Kuala Perlis Jetty. Once you're there, the island's well-maintained roads make it easy to travel between beaches, waterfalls, attractions, and viewpoints.
What to do:
- Ride the Langkawi SkyCab
- Visit Pantai Cenang
- Explore Kilim Geoforest Park
- Chase waterfalls around the island
BONUS: Andaman Island may not be a holiday destination just yet, but plenty of Penangites have been making the drive over out of curiosity
The man-made island connecting Tanjung Tokong (Straits Quay) and Gurney Drive is still being developed, and there's a café as well as events hosted from time to time.
Driving across offers a unique view of Penang's coastline, skyline, and waterfront that's quite different from what you'd normally see around George Town or Gurney Drive.
For other famous islands in Malaysia, they are mostly accessible by boat (but you won't be able to drive your own car in)
| Island | How To Get There |
|---|---|
| Pangkor Island | Passenger ferry from Lumut or Marina Island |
| Pulau Ketam | Passenger ferry from Port Klang |
| Tioman Island | Passenger ferry from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok |
| Redang Island | Speedboat or ferry from Merang or Shahbandar Jetty |
| Perhentian Islands | Speedboat from Kuala Besut Jetty |
| Kapas Island | Speedboat from Marang Jetty |
| Rawa Island | Boat transfer from Mersing Jetty |
| Sipadan, Mabul & Kapalai | Speedboat from Semporna |
