Pulau Perhentian
Backpacker paradise meets pristine coral reefs — Malaysia's most affordable island escape
State / Region
Terengganu
Best Time
April – October
Daily Budget
RM 80–200 (budget-friendly packages available)
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
About Pulau Perhentian
Pulau Perhentian is a pair of islands off the northeast coast of Terengganu — Perhentian Besar (Big Island) and Perhentian Kecil (Small Island) — surrounded by some of the clearest, most biodiverse waters in Malaysia. Famous for sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and vibrant coral gardens, the Perhentians offer world-class snorkelling and diving at a fraction of the cost of other island destinations. With no ATMs, limited electricity, and a blissfully slow pace of life, this is the island escape that reminds you what travel is really about.
Top Things To Do
Snorkelling at Shark Point
Budget-friendlyThe most thrilling snorkel spot in the Perhentians — a shallow reef where blacktip reef sharks cruise alongside turtles and schools of tropical fish.
Sea Turtle Encounters
FreeGreen and hawksbill turtles are a near-daily sighting in the Perhentians. Turtle Bay on Perhentian Kecil is the most reliable spot for close encounters.
Scuba Diving at D'Lagoon
ModerateOne of the best dive sites in Malaysia — a sheltered bay with excellent visibility, sea fans, nudibranchs, and frequent turtle sightings. Perfect for beginners and advanced divers alike.
Island-Hopping Boat Trip
Budget-friendlyCharter a water taxi to visit the best snorkel spots around both islands — Coral Garden, Shark Point, Turtle Bay, and the wreck of a WWII patrol boat.
PADI Open Water Dive Course
ModerateThe Perhentians are one of the cheapest places in the world to get PADI certified — crystal-clear warm water and abundant marine life make it an ideal learning environment.
Jungle Trekking Across the Island
FreeA 45-minute jungle trail connects the main beaches of Perhentian Kecil. The path winds through dense rainforest with monitor lizards, hornbills, and occasional macaques.
Sunset Beach Bonfire
FreeLong Beach on Perhentian Kecil hosts nightly bonfires on the sand — the social heart of the backpacker scene, with fire dancers, cold drinks, and spectacular stargazing.
Kayaking Around the Headlands
Budget-friendlyRent a kayak and paddle around the rocky headlands between beaches, exploring hidden coves and sea caves inaccessible on foot.
Where To Stay
Affiliate disclosure: Some hotel links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps keep MyTravelTip2U free.
Matahari Chalet
RM 60–120 / nightBeachfront chalets on Long Beach, Kecil — simple, clean, and right on the sand. The best budget option on the island.
Check Availability on Booking.comMohsin Chalet
RM 50–100 / nightLong-running family-run guesthouse on Coral Bay, Kecil. Friendly staff, good food, and a loyal repeat-visitor following.
Check Availability on Booking.comPerhentian Island Resort
RM 350–700 / nightThe most established resort on Perhentian Besar — beachfront chalets, a dive centre, restaurant, and the only proper resort facilities on the islands.
Check Availability on Booking.comThe Barat Perhentian Beach Resort
RM 400–900 / nightSecluded resort on a private beach on Perhentian Besar. Excellent snorkelling directly off the beach, a pool, and a relaxed upscale atmosphere.
Check Availability on Booking.comTravel by Style
Romantic Getaway
- 1The Perhentians are one of the most naturally romantic destinations in Malaysia — no cars, no roads, no mobile signal, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. The enforced digital detox creates a rare intimacy.
- 2The Barat Perhentian Beach Resort on a private beach on Besar is the best romantic option — secluded, quiet, and with excellent snorkelling directly off the beach. Book a beachfront chalet and arrange a private beach dinner.
- 3Snorkelling together at Turtle Beach on Besar at sunset is one of the most magical experiences in Malaysia — green turtles feed in the shallow water as the light turns golden, and the beach is often completely empty by late afternoon.
- 4Rent a kayak for the afternoon and paddle around the rocky headlands to find a secluded cove — the islands have dozens of small beaches accessible only by water, and spending a private afternoon on one is a genuinely special experience.
- 5The night sky over the Perhentians is extraordinary — no light pollution, no city glow, just the Milky Way reflected in the South China Sea. Lie on the beach after 10pm when the generator shuts off and the island goes dark.
Family Travel
- 1The Perhentians are excellent for families with children aged 8 and above who can snorkel — the marine life is extraordinary and immediately accessible from the beach. Younger children can use life jackets and snorkel in the very shallow water near the jetties.
- 2Long Beach on Kecil is the most family-friendly beach on the islands — a long, gently shelving sandy beach with calm water, multiple food options, and a lively atmosphere. The water is shallow enough for young children to wade safely.
- 3Sea turtle encounters are a highlight for children of all ages — green and hawksbill turtles are reliably present at Turtle Beach on Besar and at several snorkel sites around both islands. Remind children not to touch or chase the turtles.
- 4The water taxi system between beaches is an adventure in itself for children — short speedboat rides between the islands' beaches are exciting and give a great sense of the archipelago's geography.
- 5Pack reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, and water shoes for children — the coral can be sharp in shallow areas, and sun protection is essential. Bring more cash than you think you need; there are no ATMs on the islands.
Shopping Guide
- 1The Perhentians have almost no shopping — the islands are a marine park and the focus is entirely on the sea. The small shops at Long Beach and Coral Bay sell basic essentials (sunscreen, snorkel gear, sarongs, T-shirts) at premium island prices.
- 2Kuala Besut on the mainland is a small fishing town with limited shopping. Stock up on essentials in Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu before heading to the islands.
- 3Kota Bharu is the best city for Kelantan handicrafts — the Handicraft Village (Kampung Kraftangan) near the city centre has workshops producing batik, silverware, kite-making, and traditional weaving. The Central Market (Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah) is one of the most beautiful markets in Malaysia.
- 4Kelantan batik has a distinctive style — bold, graphic patterns in bright colours that differ from the more delicate Terengganu or Javanese styles. Buy directly from the workshops in Kota Bharu for the best authenticity and price.
- 5Bring all your shopping needs from the mainland — the islands are not a shopping destination. The best souvenir from the Perhentians is a memory of the sea, not a product from a shop.
Insider Travel Tips
- 1Bring enough cash — there are no ATMs on either island. The nearest ATM is at Kuala Besut Jetty on the mainland. Withdraw before you board the boat.
- 2The islands run on limited generator power, typically 7pm–midnight only at budget guesthouses. Charge all devices before the generator shuts off.
- 3Bring reef-safe sunscreen only. The Perhentians are a protected marine park and regular sunscreen damages coral. Biodegradable brands are available at dive shops on the island.
- 4Book accommodation before you arrive during peak season (July–August). Long Beach fills up fast and walk-ins are often turned away.
- 5Water taxis are the main transport between beaches and between the two islands. Agree on a price before boarding — RM 10–30 per trip depending on distance.
- 6The snorkelling is best in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up and reduce visibility. Get in the water by 8am for the clearest conditions.
- 7Plastic bags and single-use plastics are banned on the islands. Bring a reusable bag and water bottle.
- 8Respect the marine life — do not touch coral, chase turtles, or feed fish. The Perhentians' ecosystem is fragile and heavily dependent on responsible tourism.
- 9The jungle trail between beaches on Kecil is straightforward but can be slippery after rain. Wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops.
- 10Mobile signal is weak and internet is slow or non-existent at most guesthouses. Embrace the digital detox — it is one of the best things about the Perhentians.
How to Get There
By Air + Boat
Kuala Lumpur (KLIA)
Fly from KLIA to Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu (TGG). Take a taxi or Grab to Kuala Besut Jetty (approximately 1.5 hours, RM 60–80). Speedboats to the islands depart from Kuala Besut Jetty — the crossing takes 30–45 minutes and costs RM 35–70 return depending on operator.
By Bus + Boat
Kuala Lumpur (TBS)
Take an overnight bus from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) in KL directly to Kuala Besut — several operators run this route including Transnasional and NICE. Buses depart in the evening and arrive at Kuala Besut in the early morning, in time for the first boats. Book bus tickets at least a day ahead during peak season.
By Boat from Kuala Besut
Kuala Besut Jetty, Terengganu
All boats to the Perhentians depart from Kuala Besut Jetty. Speedboats run from approximately 8am to 5pm daily (seasonal — April to October only). The last boat back to the mainland is typically at 5pm; missing it means staying another night. Multiple operators compete at the jetty — prices are similar, so choose based on departure time.
From Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu, Kelantan
If you are travelling from the Thai border or Kota Bharu, take a taxi or bus south to Kuala Besut Jetty (approximately 2 hours). This is a convenient option for travellers coming overland from Thailand via Rantau Panjang or Pengkalan Kubor.
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