When I was younger, I never really grasped how beautiful nature actually is until I watched the movie Nim’s Island and saw the glowing plankton that lit up the seas. It was the very same movie that made me want to be a marine biologist so that I would one day end up in the middle of the sea somewhere, surrounded by these magical sea creatures. 

But then, I grew up, realised that studying marine biology is just too hard for me and also realised that if I wanted to see these magical creatures, I didn’t have to be a marine biologist. 

I also came to know that I didn’t even have to take a plane to some foreign county or deserted island and get on a boat to the middle of nowhere. 

I found out I could experience seeing the glowing sea in my own beautiful country. 

Here’s a list of all the beaches and bays you can go to in Malaysia to see the glowing plankton:

1. Pulau Pangkor, Perak

This came as a surprise to me too, as someone who grew up in Perak, I never knew I had something so magical so close by! 

Apparently, the best time to see the blue tears is in June at Teluk Nipah but some visitors to the bay have managed to catch a glimpse of them in December too.

2. Tusan Beach, Miri, Sarawak

The blue tears on this beach is the true definition of hidden treasure as it was only discovered a few years ago. But in reality, the blue tears have been gracing the beach for years but locals who had no idea what they were were terrified and believed it to be a bad omen. 

Thankfully, now the superstition isn’t as prevalent at it was a few years back, so we get to enjoy this beautiful beach not only for its blue tears but also for its rock formations. 

Unfortunately, the famous Horse Head Drinking Water formation collapsed recently due to corrosion. 

3. Lang Tengah Island, Kuala Terengganu

While most people are busy crowding up Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian, you should visit the small island in between these two famous ones, Pulau Lang Tengah. 

Since it’s not as famous, you can hope for a quiet and peaceful walk by the beach at night while enjoying the way the plankton light up the sea. 

4. Mantanani Island, Sabah

This secluded island has more than peace and quite to offer! Although it is located a little out of the way from the other islands, it is definitely not one to miss out on. 

At night, you can stare at the blue tears in awe as they light up the beach like stars. And, if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear night, you can actually go stargazing and catch a glimpse of actual stars and even the Milky Way!

5. Bagan Datuk, Perak

Bagan Datuk is a small fishing village in Perak that is mostly famous for its sunflower park and the Sky Mirror Lake, just like the one in Kuala Selangor. 

If you’re spending a day there, then try staying till nightfall and heading over to the beach to experience the glowing plankton that I have been going on and on about in this entire article.