Malaysia’s East Coast is known amongst locals for the best beaches and dive spots on the peninsula. I last stood on these shores, 8 years ago when I visited from Canada. I am very happy to say nothing has changed!
The shoreline is rich with marine life; from black tip sharks to eagle rays!
We witnessed black tip cubs, fins out in the afternoon Sun, scouting the shallowest water in the bay where the water barely gets past your ankles.
My magic moment was when a juvenile Eagle Ray swam circles around me for 5 minutes during my first snorkel! I will warn you about the resident damsel fish though, buggers really nip at you standing on their rock, so just move away.
Dinner.
Plenty of food options on Coral Beach. My haunts are Mama Kitchen and Fatimah's Cafe. They are right next to each other along the beach.
BBQ dishes are the best! Seafood is fresh from the sea (brought in by fishermen in the evening), super affordable and incredibly delicious. We had a small plate of grilled fish (fondly known as Ikan Bakar) over a banana leaf and charcoal fire with rice and a vegetable dish for RM 45, including a drink.
Dinnertime is always a good time on Asian islands! Everyone mingles and conversations run late into the night.
Wi-Fi.
Fret not! All restaurants and little shops along Coral Bay have wi-fi; simply ask for the password while having your meal.
Mostly laggy, but it does the job! Best in the afternoons.
Coral Bay by Night.
There is an outdoor movie that is always played at one of the restaurants (you can’t miss it; I think it’s Ombak) and we all huddled together to watch a James Bond movie. Out in the open, under the stars, on the sandy beach, full tummy’s, absolutely content.
Prefer something a little more upbeat?
Head over to Long Beach, grab a torch. You’ll have to walk through the Ombak Resort and follow the path. However, we were told several tourists had been mugged so we decided to remain where we were.
Read Malaysian Bytes: Exploring the Perhentian Islands I for backstory, photos and more!
*Images are my own. :)