The Perhentian Islands, in the northeast of Malaysia, is really one of our dream destinations, because we are real beach and ocean lovers. The water is clear and full of life, making snorkeling and diving a highlight. We saw colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even (harmless) reef sharks swimming by. Yes! Sharks!
On land, the islands are covered with jungle, palm trees, and bright white beaches. There are no roads and no cars, scooters, or buses, only walking paths and water taxis. This keeps the islands quiet, and it’s easy to switch off and slowly enjoy the island life, of course, in a Muslim-friendly way.
We visited in April and May, which are the best months to visit the Perhentian Islands. The dry season is from March to October. During these months, the weather is mostly sunny, the sea is calm, and visibility is good for snorkeling and diving. This is also when most resorts, restaurants, and boat services are fully open.
The monsoon season runs from November to February. During this period, heavy rain and rough seas are common, and many accommodations and transport services close temporarily. For this reason, visiting outside the dry season is generally not recommended, as most of the island is closed.
To reach the Perhentian Islands, you first need to travel to the east coast of Malaysia. The main access point is Kuala Besut jetty, where boats depart to the islands.
Most travelers come from Kuala Lumpur. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Kota Bharu. From Kota Bharu airport, it is about a one-hour taxi for about 20 euro to Kuala Besut jetty. For a taxi you can book one at Symphony Travel & Tours (look for a yellow sign with red ‘Perhentian Island’ at the airport). Once at the jetty, take the ferry that costs around 8 euro and takes around 30 – 40 minutes to reach the Perhentian Islands.
By bus is also possible which goes directly to Kuala Besut jetty in 9 – 10 hours.
If you’re coming from Penang. You can take a short flight to Kota Bharu, take a taxi to Kuala Besut jetty, and take the ferry to the Perhentians. From Penang you even can go by bus straight to Kuala Besut jetty and take the ferry to Perhentian Islands.
Lastly, if you’re traveling from Taman Negara you can take the bus with Han Travel, who will take you from Kuala Tahan to Kuala Besut jetty in about 9hrs. Again, you then take the ferry to Perhentian Islands.
We do recommend to book the ferry from Kuala Besut jetty to Perhentian Islands upfront. You can find the best prices here.
Please note: Due to the long travel time, it is possible that you may miss the last ferry from Kuala Besut to the Perhentian Islands. If this happens, you will need to stay overnight in Kuala Besut and take the ferry the following morning. Accommodation options in Kuala Besut are limited. Besut Guesthouse is a reliable and affordable choice for a comfortable stay.
IMPORTANT: ATMs on the Perhentian Islands are very limited, and withdrawing money often comes with high fees or may not be possible at all. We highly recommend to bring enough cash with you.
The Perhentian Islands consist of two main islands: Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar. Perhentian Kecil is more touristy because most accomodations and restaurants are located there. This is where we stayed and that was best for us since we had most restaurants and activities nearby.
Perhentian Besar is bigger but quieter, with more resorts. That makes it better suited for families and those looking for a less busy stay. You can still have the best of both worlds on Perhentian Kecil as it has a couple resorts.
Something to keep in mind is that there are no roads or vehicles on either island, so the only way to get around is by walking. Water taxis are there to bring you to other places that can’t be reached by foot.
On Perhentian Kecil there are short walking paths that connect some beaches, but because large areas are covered in jungle, many beaches cannot be reached on foot. For this reason, water taxis are an essential part of daily transport and run between beaches on both islands. Most water taxis start operating from around 9:30 AM and can be arranged through your accommodation or directly with local boat drivers. Travel times are usually short, but it is important to agree on the price beforehand. The price should be around 5 euro for a one-way.
TIP: If you need to travel early in the morning or in the evening, water taxis are available by appointment, but they do not run on a fixed schedule. Saving the phone number of a reliable boat driver is very useful, especially if you plan to move between Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar or visit beaches at quieter times.
We were very happy that the Perhentian Islands are not about nightlife or busy attractions, but about enjoying nature, and spending time in and around the sea. There aren’t a lot of different things to do on the island, but these are the activities we did:
Coral reefs, colorful fish, and sea turtles! We went on a boat trip and got to snorkel at a turtle point and shark point. We know, seeing sharks while snorkeling sounds scary but these are smaller and gentle blacktip sharks. They are actually more afraid from us than the other way around. It’s a must to experience this once in a lifetime! Snorkeling trips can be booked at your stay or directly on Long Beach.
NOTE: For those who don’t see themselves snorkeling with sharks, that doesn’t mean you can’t join the boat trip and snorkel at the other stops. You are free to stay in the boat when arriving at the shark point.
The islands are ideal for beginners and certified divers, with calm waters, good visibility, and dive sites around both Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar. On Long Beach you’ll find plenty of options to book a diving trip.
Located on Perhentian Kecil, the Windmill Scenic Spot is a viewpoint reached by a jungle walking trail between Long Beach and Coral Bay. The walk is slightly uphill, but manageable and at the top you are rewarded with wide views over the sea, nearby islands, and the coastline.
Short directions to the abandoned pier;
Coming from Long Beach near the windmills, take the path on the right (shorter, fewer spiders).
Enter the “building” and walk down until you see a kind of “barrier” (blue ropes). Keep walking.
From here, the stairs are broken. Be careful and walk along the side of the stairs.
Once you reach the ruined “building” in the middle, you can either continue via the stairs or take the rocky path (recommended). The entrance to the path is on the right side of the building. Walk all the way down.
To the left of the pier, there is a kind of bay where you can jump into the water (depth about 1.5 to 2 meters) and easily get out again. Jumping from the pier is also possible if you are a good swimmer (there may be strong currents).
No entrance fee
Wear closed shoes!
Bring enough water
Use a water taxi to visit other beaches or move between Perhentian Kecil and Besar during the day.
We find the best sunset to be at the beach at Coral Bay. About a 10-15 minute walk through jungle paths from Long Beach. Go there early afternoon and secure a viewpoint.
Rent a kayak at Coral Bay and explore the nearby beaches at your own pace.
We actually enjoyed simple dinners by the beach while watching a film at Ombak Café a lot! We went back multiple times. It’s located at Coral Bay on Perhentian Kecil.
Like we said, we’re real beach lovers. The softer and whiter the better! That’s why the Perhentians score so high with us, because the beaches are just the level of tropical we need. Even now after having visited many other places we still find this island to have one of the clearest waters! We listed them below for you:
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We knew the islands are in a Muslim majority country but we were still pleasantly surprised to hear the ‘adhaan on the beach! It turns out, there is a small local mosque on Perhentian Kecil’s Long Beach that plays every call to prayer out loud.
What’s even better is, in the village located at the main village jetty, we found this big, beautiful mosque, Masjid Ar-Rahmaan, which can be reached by water taxi from Long Beach and Coral Bay. It is stunning and actively used for daily prayers and Friday prayers.
On Perhentian Besar is no mosque, but a prayer room called Surau Al Hijrah. It’s located at the side of Flora Bay Beach a little inside the jungle, close to Arwana Perhentian Resort.
Finding halal food on the Perhentian Islands is easy, especially near the local villages and main beaches. Most restaurants serve both local and Western dishes and some are Warungs with only local food.
Seahorse Diver on Long Beach was our favorite! Both their local dishes and Western dishes especially are delicious. If you want pasta just go there!
Panorama Cafe on Long Beach is also a good choice. It is known for simple local and Western dishes, seafood generous portions and good service. Don’t miss out on their Nutella French toast!
Pit Stop Station, also on Long Beach, has great baguettes, drinks and breakfast and quick lunch for cheap prices. No disappointments here!
Ombak Café, almost at Coral Bay, is a nice place to have a drink or meal while watching a movie. We really liked this one.
Sekoci is where you need to be for a little upscale dining and higher quality of dishes in general. Located at the Perhentian Marriott Resort.
Nia Cafe is a popular spot next to the fishing pier (jeti taman laut) for breakfast, lunch, or a casual meal. It serves a mix of local Malay dishes and simple Western options, with friendly service and relaxed seating near the beach.
Accommodation on the Perhentian Islands ranges from simple beach huts to comfortable resorts, and where you stay mainly depends on whether you choose Perhentian Kecil or Perhentian Besar. While there are options for different budgets, the overall choice is limited, and finding a place with good value for money often requires some searching and flexibility.
Perhentian Kecil is the more lively island and is popular with budget travelers and backpackers. Most accommodations are located around Long Beach and Coral Bay, offering basic chalets, guesthouses, and small resorts close to restaurants and snorkeling spots. It is a good choice if you like a social atmosphere and easy access to activities.
Tropicana Inn is where we mainly stayed and overall a good and clean stay, located more in the middle of the island and has good, airconditioned rooms. Overall, a good choice. Sometimes in the evening we spotted a wild civet passing by or hanging around!
Suhaila Palace would be another good budget option, where you will get true value for your money. Friendly staff, airconditioned room and at the beach.
Mimpi Perhentian Resort is a good option for families or if you want a more luxurious stay. It is conveniently located just at the beginning of Long Beach immediately after leaving the jetty.
Perhentian Besar is quieter and more relaxed, making it better suited for families, couples, and travelers looking for comfort. Here you will find larger resorts and beachfront stays, mainly around Teluk Pauh (Turtle Point) and Flora Bay.
Coralview Resort is right on the beach, with calm water for swimming and snorkeling. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the atmosphere is peaceful, making it a great choice for couples and families.
Marriott Resort is another great option for a comfortable beach stay on the island. The resort is located directly by the sea, with modern rooms and easy access to snorkeling and swimming. It’s perfect if you want a relaxing island experience with the comfort of a well-known hotel brand.
