Perhentian Islands

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Perhentian Islands Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 Days

Best Time: April to September Read More

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Also Refered As:

Pulau Perhentian

"Learn to Dive and Snorkel"

Perhentian Islands Tourism

Perhentian Islands are a group of islands in Besut District in Terengganu state of Malaysia. They are an abode of beauty packed with clear-turquoise water, lush-green forests, white grainy sand and untouched coral reefs. They are a part of Pulau Redang National Marine Park. Having well-developed resorts, Pulau Redang are perfect swimming, diving and snorkelling. 

Perhentian Islands, like Redang Island, also falls under the Marine Park which aims at preserving the rich flora and fauna of the area. As a consequence, fishing is not allowed in or near the island. The corals and marine life of the Perhentian Islands are rich and mesmerising. It is popular for water activities like diving and snorkelling. There are several diving schools on the island that provide the tourists with diving training and open sea license called PADI. These schools charge approximately RM 100 per dive per person. Snorkelling is also very popular among tourists. Snorkelling equipment can be rented for RM 13 per day per equipment set. Adam and Eve Beach and Turtle Bay beach on Besar are ideal for snorkelling. While on Kecil, D’Lagoon is perfect. You can also visit and explore the Turtle Sanctuary at Turtle Bay.

Perhentian Island consists of seven islands out of which two main islands are Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. Perhentian Kecil is the smaller and busier island among the two. Rest five are uninhabited. Perhentian Kecil has two main beaches: Long Beach and Coral Bay. Perhentian Besar is also referred to as the bigger island and attracts families and couples. Perhentian Besar is more expensive, luxurious and peaceful than Perhentian Kecil while Perhentian Kecil is known as backpacker’s go to beach.

The conservation fee for entering Perhentian Islands is payable at the Kuala Besut jetty, which is the only way of reaching the island. (Adult: RM 30, Child: RM 15)

Things to do in Perhentian Islands

1. Diving & Snorkelling

Diving & Snorkelling
The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia are a great spot for diving as well as snorkelling having coral reefs off both islands and nearby. The most popular snorkelling is off Long Beach on Kecil and in fro (Read More)nt of the Coral View Island Resort in Besar. Snorkelling is organised by most resorts and cost around RM40 for two people. There are multiple options for scuba divers with dive centres spread across the island. A PADI open-water course cost around RM 1000.

2. Hiking

Hiking
The Perhentian Island is a great place for hiking offering several hiking trails which offer magnificent views. While hiking one may come across dense forests, lush green peaks, beautiful beaches, res (Read More)orts as well as snorkelling spots. You can take the trail from Long Beach to Fisherman Village, Long Beach to Coral Bay or Long Beach to the Wind Mills.

3. Main Beach

Main Beach
Nestled on the Perhentian Islands, the Main Beach stretches from the western tip up until the southern tip of the island. This beach houses rocky headlands and ivory white sand. Further, it is as long (Read More) as the Long Beach on Kecil. You can also indulge in activities like swimming and snorkelling at the Main Beach.

4. Teluk Dalam

Teluk Dalam
Teluk Dalam is a beautiful beach that is nestled on the southern part of the Perhentian Island. One can find ivory white sand on this beach which is a true treat to the eye. Several snorkelling spots (Read More)can also be found on the western edge of Teluk Dalam. Further, many hotels and restaurants are also found here.

5. Love Beach

Love Beach
The Love Beach is a beautiful beach nestled on the southern tip of Perhentian Islands. One needs to cross a rugged and steep terrain in order to reach Love Beach. This beach is a great spot for a roma (Read More)ntic getaway since it is not crowded and is secluded from the main island.

6. Long Beach

Long Beach
The Long Beach is a pristine beach nestled on the Perhentian Kecil Island of Terengganu. This beach is a great spot for those who wish to relax and rejuvenate. You can dip your feet in crystal clear w (Read More)ater or just enjoy the beauty of the elegant palm and coconut trees nearby. One can even rent an umbrella on the beach if they wish to relax on the ivory white sandbanks. Long Beach is also a great spot for diving. One might come across beautiful corals and other marine creatures during their dive at Long Beach.

7. Coral Bay

Coral Bay
Situated on the Perhentian Islands, the Coral Bay offers a great sunset view to visitors. Further, the reef close to the shore is ideal for snorkelling. Several restaurants, cafes and resorts can also (Read More) be found at the Coral Bay. If you wish to enjoy a quiet evening then Coral Bay is the best place for you.

8. Teluk Kerma

Teluk Kerma
Teluk Kerma is a beautiful bay situated on the Perhentian Islands. While this bay is small in size, it is quite peaceful and quiet which makes it a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of (Read More)city life. Several diving and snorkelling options are also available in Teluk Kerma. You can also visit the nearby beaches which are located at a walking distance.

9. Jungle Trekking

Jungle Trekking
If you are planning a visit to the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia, then you must opt for a jungle trek. The most popular trekking trails are from Flora Bay to PIR Beach and from Flora Bay to Tuna Bay. (Read More) Jungle trails of the Perhentian Islands mainly pass through tropical rainforests where you will come across several species of flora and fauna. Some of the animals that you might spot on the jungle trek are mouse deer, monkeys, large spiders and monitor lizard.

10. Kayaking

Kayaking
If you wish to explore the Perhentian Islands on your own then you can opt for kayaking. Several kayaks are available on rent. While paddling through the waters, you might come across several isolated (Read More) beaches. Further, if you have your snorkel gear handy, you can dive into the beautiful waters of the Perhentian Islands. If you constantly paddle your way through the waters, you can cover the entire island in 3 years.

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Need to Know

  • All the monetary transactions on the island take place through cash. There are no banks or ATMs on the island.
  • Perhentian Island is secluded and further away and has a very weak network. WiFi is only available at a very few spots. Most of the restaurants and cafes charge separately for WiFi.
  • Fishing, collecting shells, touching corals and littering is strictly prohibited on the island. 
  • Keep an eye for monitor lizards and monkeys.
  • Petty theft is common on the island. Since, you are to carry cash with you to the island, the thieves target tourists. Even clothes and flip flops get stolen. The shops in Perhentian Island overcharge for clothes and flip flops and most of them are of low quality.
  • Tap water is not safe and is usually salty. It is recommended that you purchase your own water bottles throughout the stay.

Food at Perhentian Islands

Seafood is readily available all over the island. Most of the restaurants also offer western food but all at inflated prices. Alcohol is also convenient to find on the island but is expensive. However, it is allowed to carry alcohol from the mainland to the island. Most of the food consists of halal dishes keeping religion and ethnicity in mind. Mee goreng, roti canai, thai dishes and barbequed seafood are surely a must try.

Best Time to Visit Perhentian Islands

How to Reach Perhentian Islands

How to Reach Overview

Perhentian Islands are accessible by ferry from Kuala Besut which has to be reached from Kuala Terengganu or Kota Bharu. 

How to reach Perhentian Islands by flight

Two nearest airports are that of Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bahru. Kota Bahru Airport is 58 km from Perhentian Island while Kuala Terengganu is approximately 77 km. You can take a bus from the airport and reach the Kuala Besut jetty.

How to reach Perhentian Islands by waterways

There are speedboats running from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Island covering a distance of 20 km in about 30-45 minutes for RM 70 approximately. The return fares are comparatively less around RM40. The speedboats are completely packed with 12-12 people carrying luggage too. The boats operate from 8AM - 5PM. Keep in mind that the boats are open and water keeps splashing throughout the journey. 

Local transport in Perhentian Islands

There are no comprehensively constructed roads in the Perhentian Islands. Walking is the exclusive way to cover the distance from one tourist spot to another. Unlike Redang, Water Taxis are widely available at Perhentian Islands. From Kecil Perhentian to Besar Perhentian water taxis are the most common way to travel and takes hardly 10 minutes to cover the distance. The average price of a water taxi is RM 12. There is a minimum requirement of two passengers. The prices double after sunset.

Perhentian Islands Photos

Perhentian Islands
The gorgeous Perhetian Islands with white sand beach and turquoise water
Pulau Besar
Coral Bay, Perhentian Kecil

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