Development is a state desired by communities that understand its benefits. However, each development introduced into the communities will normally bring about different reactions from its members. For a community on a small island which is a late-comer to development, oftentimes its members will face problems adapting to the process. As a result issues are raised regarding whether they are marginalised or had marginalised themselves because they are unable to cope with the demands of development. The reactions of the members of the community who basically share similar background, but have different levels of capabilities as well as different notions of development, are shown in their actions, participation and achievements in the socioeconomy and entrepreneurship. This article discusses the participation of the communities of three islands – Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Tioman – which are in the midst of touristic development process.