How to Prepare for Your Dream Honeymoon: Finding Romance on Malaysia's Beaches - How to Plan and Prep for a Honeymoon in Malaysia's Top Beach Hotspots

Being one of Asia's most popular beach holiday hubs, Malaysia is also a coveted honeymoon destination. A romantic, post-wedding getaway in Malaysia can encompass a wide variety of exciting activities and adventures. From choosing the base islands for one's honeymoon to signing up for the right activities, here's how to prepare for a glorious island getaway for two in Malaysia. 

Timing the Trip

Honeymooners looking to spend their post-wedding getaway lounging on Malaysian island beaches must tour the country during the right time of year. Although Malaysia's paradise islands are pristine throughout the year, the period from December to February is considered ideal for a rain-free holiday. Romantically inclined couples will also find that most water sports activities and excursions are also widely accessible during this peak travel season when beach hotspots around the country are welcoming tourists from around the world. This is also why couples who intend to stay at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas or any other honeymoon Desaru resort must book accommodation in advance. 

Start with Historic Melaka 

Couples who wish to spend their honeymoon immersed in a beach Mecca with a rich historic legacy will find no finer alternative to Melaka. This former colonial stronghold is not only home to some of Malaysia's best museums but other cultural points of interest. As a Malaysian state that takes visitors on a journey back in time, this island haven is for culture buffs with a passion for stunning beaches. The joy of wandering down Melaka's ancient alleyways hand in hand is not an experience that couples want to miss during a honeymoon in Malaysia.

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Head to Kota Kinabalu

Considered the perfect honeymoon destination for outdoorsy couples who are in search of an authentic Malaysian island experience, Kota Kinabalu is the charming capital of Sabah and looks out over the South China Sea. Gaya Island and Manukan Island are two of Kota Kinabalu's finest beach havens where well-preserved coral reefs offer excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. Ideal for couples who love to camp out on the beach, the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and the countless hiking trails accessible to tourists makes Kota Kinabalu a picture-perfect venue for a romantic getaway. While Kota Kinabalu may not boast the best honeymoon suites and hotels in Malaysia, it more than makes up for it with its rustic and pastoral atmosphere that's a world away from more touristic beach hubs.

Don't Forget Penang Island

Perhaps best known as Malaysia's best beach hotspot for foodies, Penang is another fabulous location for a meaningful honeymoon. Called the Pearl of the Orient, Penang Island really does cater to couples with a love of regional cuisine as one can find culinary treats hailing from Chinese, Malay and Indian origin on the island. A large number of Kopitiams and hawker centres are also found alongside street food stalls in Penang Island, one of the more affordable honeymoon islands in Malaysia, especially in terms of wining and dining.

Spend a Few Days on the Perhentian Islands

Once a collection of fishing villages, the Perhentian Islands are where honeymooners who truly wish to get away from it all should spend their first holiday as a married couple. Although the islands are not as developed in terms of infrastructure as the rest of Malaysia, the unspoiled beauty of its beaches and secluded seaside landscapes makes the Perhentian Islands a welcome respite from more touristy beach havens in Malaysia. Kayaking around the coastline and uncovering the rich biodiversity of the marine species that occupy the off-shore areas of the islands are some of the best things to do during a getaway to the Perhentian Islands. Indulge in the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling or diving, where colorful coral reefs and exotic marine life await your exploration in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the Perhentian Islands.