scuba diving, snorkling, beach, swim, relax

Take a ferry from Kota Baharu to Pulau Perhentian. This is the best diving place I've been to. Since it's a national park area the reefs are still good and tourism is limited. This is an awesome place to relax, snorkel right off the beach and just hang out for some time. If you want to stay at an even more isolated place stay at D'Lagoon, the only hostel in a lagoon on a neighboring island. The folks from the large island will come pick you up each day if you take a PADI diving course there.