Misali Island
Malaysia's hidden island paradise with Maldives vibes, offering clear waters, zero crowds, and incredible diving.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm seas, best visibility
Misali Island
Best Time
Calm seas, best visibility

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Malaysia's hidden island paradise with Maldives vibes, offering clear waters, zero crowds, and incredible diving.
"Skipped Tioman and found Malaysia’s hidden island paradise. Clearer water, zero crowds, and it felt like the Maldives."
Book Boat Trips in Advance
Arrange your boat from Wesha or through hotels/agencies for a smooth journey to Misali Island.
Snorkeling Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience, though some tours may provide it.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underwater Wonderland
Surrounding coral reefs
Spectacular coral reefs teeming with marine life, offering some of East Africa's best diving and snorkeling.

Pristine Beaches
Western and northeastern coasts
Powdery white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, and enjoying the tranquil island atmosphere.
Island Exploration
Inland areas
Discover hidden caves and enjoy a small hike, immersing yourself in the island's natural and spiritual landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Paradise Awaits
Conservation & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Boat Trips in Advance
Arrange your boat from Wesha or through hotels/agencies for a smooth journey to Misali Island.
Snorkeling Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience, though some tours may provide it.
Respect Marine Life
Avoid touching coral and be mindful of nesting turtles. Help preserve this beautiful ecosystem.
Pack Essentials
Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks as amenities on the island are limited.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Boat Trips in Advance
Arrange your boat from Wesha or through hotels/agencies for a smooth journey to Misali Island.
Snorkeling Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience, though some tours may provide it.
Respect Marine Life
Avoid touching coral and be mindful of nesting turtles. Help preserve this beautiful ecosystem.
Pack Essentials
Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks as amenities on the island are limited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Misali Island is widely praised as a breathtakingly beautiful, pristine island paradise, especially for snorkeling and diving with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors appreciate the lack of crowds and the tranquil, natural environment. However, some express disappointment regarding illegal fishing practices that can impact the marine ecosystem.
"Wonderful place for snorkeling, you can also enjoy a small hike on the island."
Robin Mégret
"Surrounded by crystal waters and stunning coral reefs, Misali offers some of the best diving in East Africa, while snorkelling is spectacular and easily reached from the beach. Around the island, nesting turtles favour beaches on the western side, while on the northeast coast is Baobab Beach, with fine sand and a small ranger centre (although information here is limited).
The island is part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, which covers Pemba’s entire west coast. All divers, snorkellers and beachgoers here must pay the admission fee. There are no permanent settlements, though the island is in active use by local fishermen, and camping is not permitted for tourists. Inland from the beaches are caves, believed to be inhabited by the spirits of ancestors.
You can get to Misali by arranging a boat from Wesha, but it's easier, and not much more expensive, to arrange excursions through hotels or travel agencies. Coral Tours in Chake Chake, Zanzibar Ocean Panorama hotel in Mkoani and Sharook Riviera Grand Lodge in Wete all charge around US$50 per person (depending on group size), including lunch and entry fees. Trips are also arranged for clients of Fundu Lagoon, Manta Resort and Swahili Divers."
MASOUD SALEEM
"The best place around Pemba island for snorkeling, sunbathing, walking inside, fishing, diving and relax on the beach."
Explore Pemba and Beyond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Misali Island is accessible by boat. You can arrange a trip from Wesha, or more conveniently, through hotels or travel agencies in Pemba like Coral Tours, Zanzibar Ocean Panorama hotel, or Sharook Riviera Grand Lodge. Trips are also organized for guests of Fundu Lagoon, Manta Resort, and Swahili Divers.
The boat journey to Misali Island typically takes around 50 minutes from the coast of Pemba.
No, there are no public transport options. Access is exclusively by private boat charter arranged through tour operators or accommodations.
Yes, day trips are the most common way to visit Misali Island, offering ample time for snorkeling, diving, and beach relaxation.
Boat rides can vary in comfort. It's advisable to check with your tour provider about the type of boat and amenities offered. Some videos show smaller boats, so be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride depending on sea conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, all visitors to Misali Island must pay an admission fee as it's part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area. This fee usually covers conservation efforts.
Costs typically range around US$50 per person, which often includes lunch and entry fees. Prices can vary based on group size and the tour operator.
It's best to confirm with your tour operator or hotel, as entry fees are usually bundled into the excursion package rather than being payable directly on the island.
The main restriction is that camping is not permitted for tourists. The island is protected, so visitors are expected to adhere to conservation guidelines.
The admission fee typically covers access to the island and its protected marine areas. Many tour packages also include lunch and snorkeling equipment.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Misali Island is renowned for its spectacular snorkeling and diving due to its vibrant coral reefs. You can also enjoy sunbathing on the beaches, walking, and a small hike inland.
Absolutely! Misali Island is considered one of the best places around Pemba for snorkeling, with easily accessible reefs from the beach.
Yes, Misali Island offers some of the best diving in East Africa, with stunning coral formations and diverse marine life.
Facilities are very limited. There's a small ranger center on the northeast coast, but it's best to come prepared with everything you need and use facilities on your boat or before you depart.
Misali Island is often described as having zero crowds, offering a more secluded and tranquil experience compared to more popular destinations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Most day trip packages to Misali Island include lunch. It's advisable to confirm this with your tour operator when booking.
Yes, it's recommended to bring extra water and snacks, especially if your tour doesn't include a full meal or if you have specific dietary needs.
No, Misali Island is uninhabited and does not have any restaurants or food stalls. All food is typically provided as part of an organized tour.
Lunch provided on tours often consists of local dishes, typically seafood or simple meals prepared by the boat crew or tour organizers.
While local fishermen use the waters, recreational fishing for tourists might be restricted or not offered as part of standard tours. It's best to inquire with your tour provider.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning underwater shots of coral reefs and marine life while snorkeling or diving. The pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters also make for incredible landscape photography.
Yes, but always take precautions, especially near water. Consider a waterproof case for your phone or camera to protect it during boat trips and water activities.
The beaches offer panoramic views of the ocean. For underwater photography, the coral gardens are the main attraction. Look for the Baobab Beach area for fine sand.
Mornings generally offer softer light and calmer seas, ideal for both landscape and underwater shots. Midday sun can be harsh but creates vibrant blues.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Misali Island to avoid issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a tour that offers a more relaxed pace, allowing ample time for kids to explore the beaches and perhaps even spot some marine life. The opportunity to see a different kind of environment, away from typical resorts, can be a memorable experience for younger travelers. Ensure your chosen boat operator is comfortable with children and has appropriate safety measures in place.
🐠 Dive & Snorkel Enthusiasts
Expect to see a dazzling array of fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations. While some tours provide gear, bringing your own well-fitting mask and snorkel can enhance your experience. Be prepared for the admission fee, which supports the conservation of this precious marine ecosystem.
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers & Nature Lovers
The island's untouched charm, combined with the stunning underwater world, makes it a perfect retreat. It’s a place to disconnect and recharge, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Indian Ocean. Remember to pack light and embrace the simplicity of this natural paradise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Diving and Snorkeling Paradise
Travelers rave about the ease of snorkeling directly from the beach, encountering a rich ecosystem without needing to venture far. The waters are described as crystal clear blue, providing a breathtaking backdrop for any aquatic adventure. While the island itself is uninhabited except for rangers, its surrounding waters are a protected marine area, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism and conservation efforts to preserve this natural wonder.
It's important to note that while the marine life is abundant, some reviews mention concerns about illegal fishing and dynamite fishing, which can damage the delicate coral ecosystems. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of this and support conservation initiatives to protect these precious reefs for future generations.
An Uninhabited Island Escape
Beyond the beaches, the island offers opportunities for small hikes inland, where you can discover caves that are steeped in local folklore, believed to be inhabited by ancestral spirits. This adds a layer of cultural intrigue to the natural beauty. The absence of permanent settlements means visitors can truly immerse themselves in the island's raw, natural state, enjoying the peace and quiet.
While the island is uninhabited by permanent residents, it is actively used by local fishermen. Visitors should be aware that camping is not permitted for tourists, reinforcing the island's protected status and ensuring its natural state is maintained. The focus is on day visits that allow for exploration and appreciation of its unique environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit