Perhentian Islands Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

The Perhentian Islands are a picture perfect set of islands on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. They are the ideal spot for a tropical getaway, with white sand beaches and glistening turquoise water. This Malaysian destination really is a piece of paradise. The main two islands are Perhentian Besar (“Greater Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Lesser Perhentian”). Additionally there are a number of uninhabited islands. Find out more in this Perhentian Islands destination guide.

What are Perhentian Islands Malaysia famous for?

The Perhentian Islands are a pair of islands in Besut District, Terengganu, Malaysia. They are famous for being some of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia. People come here for amazing snorkelling and scuba diving where they can see remarkable marine life. Additionally, holidaymakers can enjoy stunning sunsets, soft white sand and pristine turquoise water.

Why you should visit Perhentian Islands Malaysia

If you want to treat yourself to the ultimate tropical island vacation, look no further than the Perhentian Islands! These gorgeous islands are undoubtedly some of the most picturesque islands in Malaysia. Here, you will be treated to pristine beaches as well as amazing coral reefs that are brimming with marine life. Sunsets on the Perhentian Islands are unforgettable and the relaxed island lifestyle will make you never want to leave. The Perhentian Islands are an upmarket destination, but well worth the price!

Perhentian Islands Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Perhentian Islands Malaysia

• Destination name in other scripts – كڤولاوان ڤرهنتين (Jawi), 停泊岛旅游配套 (Chinese), Kepulauan Perhentian (Malay)
• Language – Malay. Kelantanese Malay is a dialect of Malay spoken in Perhentian Islands. There are 10 dialects of Malay used throughout thought the country, with Standard Malay being the unifying language. English is widely spoken on the island. Mandarin Chinese, Malaysian Chinese, Tamil, other Indian languages as well as Creole are spoken by the various ethnic groups that live in Malaysia.
• Currency – Malaysian ringgit (MYR). This has been the official currency of Malaysia since 1967. Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country.
• Population – 2,000 (about 80% are involved in the tourism sector and 20% in the public sector and retail business)
• Area – 15 km² (6 sq mi)
• District – Besut
• State – Terengganu
• Emergency number – 999
• Police number – 999
• Marine park entry fee – 30 ringgit for non-Malaysian adults

Utilities in Perhentian Islands Malaysia

• Electricity – Malaysia uses Type G power plugs. The country operates on a 240v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are reasonably common in Malaysia.
• Water – the tap water in Malaysia is not generally safe to drink. Tap water is usually treated, but pipes may be old. Therefore most locals boil their water or use a water filter just to be safe.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets as well as Asian style squat toilets are common in Malaysia. Toilets generally come equipped with a spray hose (sometimes referred to as a Muslim shower). The spray hose is like a European bidet and is used for cleaning personal areas as an alternative to toilet paper. All of the accommodation we stayed in throughout the country was equipped with the western style sit-down flushing toilets with spray hoses. Toilet paper is also usually provided. Don’t flush your toilet paper – use the bins provided. The use of bathroom slippers is customary and is provided in accommodation and sometimes also in public bathrooms. Public bathrooms often offer both sit-down and squat style toilets. Public toilets are common in Malaysia. The charge is usually around 30-50 sens.
• Telephone country code: +60

Where are the Perhentian Islands Malaysia?

The Perhentian Islands are a group of five islands, with the biggest of these being Perhentian Besar (“Greater Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Lesser Perhentian”). In addition to these islands, there are a number of smaller uninhabited islands. The Perhentian Islands are located in the Besut district off the coast of the state of Terengganu Malaysia. The islands are towards the northern end of the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (also known as West Malaysia) in the South China Sea.

The closest town to Perhentian Islands is Kuala Besut. Perhentian Islands is around 45 minutes by ferry from Kuala Besut.

How to get to the Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Perhentian Islands destination guide: Arriving by land

Perhentian Islands Malaysia intercity land transport

As Perhentian Islands are islands, it is impossible to get there overland. However land transport can be used to get to the jetty on mainland near Kuala Besut.

Driving to Perhentian Islands from within Malaysia

The main ferry terminal to Perhentian Islands is in Kuala Besut. Here are travel times and distances to Kuala Besut, Malaysia:

• Jerteh, Terengganu – 24 minutes (17km, 11miles) without tolls
• Kota Bharu – 1 hour 9 minutes (53km, 20miles) without tolls
• Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu – 1 hour 58 minutes (107km, 66miles) without tolls
• Kuantan, Pahang – 4 hours 16 minutes (318km, 123miles) with tolls or 4 hours 40 minutes (302km, 117miles) without tolls
• George Town, Penang – 6 hours 21 minutes (355km, 221miles) with tolls or 6 hours 38 minutes (361km, 224miles) without tolls
• Kuala Lumpur – 6 hours 25 minutes (442km, 171miles) with tolls or 7 hours 11 minutes (444km, 171miles) without tolls
• Mersing, Johor – 7 hours 12 minutes (512km, 318miles) with tolls or 7 hours 20 minutes (493km, 306miles) without tolls
• Malacca, Malacca – 7 hours 25 minutes (566km, 352miles) with tolls or 8 hours 29 minutes (566km, 352miles) without tolls
• Johor Bahru, Johor – 8 hours 23 minutes (661km, 411miles) with tolls or 9 hours 3 minutes (620km, 385miles) without tolls

Intercity trains to Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Perhentian Islands does not have a train station. The closest train station is at Tanah Merah, which is 1 hour 10 minutes drive plus a 45 minute ferry ride away. Tanah Merah is one of the stations on Malaysia’s jungle railway, which runs along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This railway line also connects up to the west coast line which services Kuala Lumpur as well as a number of other destinations on Malaysia’s west coast.

Malaysia train travel vlog

We spent about a week travelling along the jungle railway in Malaysia, starting at Kota Bharu and stopping along the way at Kuala Krai, Dabong, Gua Musang and Kuala Lipis. Travelling by train in Malaysia was a very memorable journey and we never expected to affect us so much. Watch the Malaysia train travel vlog below to find out all about our Malaysia jungle train experience.

Intercity buses to Perhentian Islands Malaysia

A common way to get around Malaysia is by using intercity buses. These are budget friendly and the network is extensive. Intercity bus companies in Malaysia include KKKL Express as well as S&S International. It is possible to get an intercity bus to Kuala Besut and then a 45 minute ferry to Perhentian Islands. Popular bus destinations from Kuala Besut include:

• Jerteh Malaysia – travel time 17 minutes. Tickets cost start from 10 ringgit one way.
• Kota Bharu Malaysia – travel time 1 hour. Tickets cost 6.20 ringgit one way.
• Kuala Terengganu Malaysia – travel time 2 hours. Tickets cost 10.80 ringgit one way.
• Kuala Lumpur Malyasia – travel time 7 hours 45 minutes. Tickets start from 44 ringgit one way.

Perhentian Islands destination guide: Arriving by air

The closest airport to the Perhentian Islands is Redang Airport (Airport code RDN). This airport is 41km (25 miles) away.

Other nearby airports include:

• Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (Airport code KBR). This airport is 61km (38 miles) away.
• Sultan Mahmud Airport (Airport code TGG). This airport is 72km (45 miles) away.
• Narathiwat Airport (Airport code NAW). This airport is 116km (72 miles) away.

The national airline of Malaysia is Malaysia Airlines.

Perhentian Islands destination guide: Arriving by boat

There are ferries to Perhentian Islands from Kuala Besut. A number of resorts on the Perhentian Islands have their own ferry transfer service that is included in the accommodation package. Ferry companies that offer ferries from Kuala Besut to the Perhentian Islands include Seven Seas Transportation Services, Perhentian Trans Holiday, Perhentian Sunny Travel, Said Bonaza Express as well as Mieha Holiday Travel. An adult one way ferry ticket between Kuala Besut and the Perhentian Islands costs 35 ringgit. The journey time from Kuala Besut to the Perhentian Islands is approximately 45 minutes.

All visitors to Perhentian Islands must pay the marine conservation fee. This is 30 ringgit for adult foreigners (as at 2022). There is also a port fee of 5 ringgit per person (as at 2022).

Perhentian Islands destination guide: How to get around Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Walking in Perhentian Islands Malaysia

By far the easiest and also the cheapest way to get around the Perhentian Islands is to walk. Most of the main attractions on the island are within walking distance.

Local buses on Perhentian Islands Malaysia

There are no local buses on the Perhentian Islands.

Trams on Perhentian Islands Malaysia

There are no trams on the Perhentian Islands

Local trains in Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Perhentian Islands does not have a local train line.

Metro trains (subway or underground) on Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Perhentian Islands does not have an underground train line.

Vehicle hire on Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Boats can be chartered to travel around the Perhentian Islands and surrounds.

Taxis on Perhentian Islands Malaysia

There are no taxis on the Perhentian Islands as there are no roads on the islands.

Water taxis on Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Water taxis take passengers between Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian) or Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) as well as to the beaches around the two islands. Negotiate the price before you get on board the boat. Expect to pay around 25 ringgit to go between the island and 12 ringgit or more to go to a beach on the same island. The prices are per boat, not per passenger, so sharing a water taxi can help to keep costs down.

Ride-share services in Perhentian Islands Malaysia

There are no ride-share services on the Perhentian Islands

Perhentian Islands destination guide: Are Perhentian Islands Malaysia worth visiting?

Perhentian Islands are an unmissable Malaysia Island destination that are well worth putting on your travel bucket list. They are perfect for those that love beautiful surroundings in a relaxed setting. If you need to just sit back and unwind you’ll enjoy the pristine beaches of the Perhentian Islands. Conversely, if an active holiday is more your style, the Perhentian Islands are ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving or jungle trekking. Keep in mind, visiting Perhentian Islands is not cheap, but this gorgeous destination is certainly worth the expense!

Perhentian Islands destination guide: How long to spend on the Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Perhentian Islands are picture perfect islands in a marine park off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s an idyllic spot which is perfect for rest and relaxation. However it is one of the more expensive places in Malaysia, so most people visit the island for just a quick getaway. Many of the resorts on the island offer 2 or 3 night packages which include transfers, accommodation and sometimes also food. We spent 3 nights in Perhentian Islands and enjoyed sunset walks, swimming in crystal clear water and also enjoying spectacular sunsets.

Perhentian Islands destination guide: What to do in Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Perhentian Islands are gorgeous islands where you can do as much or as little as you want. We highly recommend taking it slow and just enjoying nature. However if you are feeling more active, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. The island has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Perhentian Islands destination guide: Free things to do in Perhentian Islands Malaysia

There are enough free activities on the Perhentian Islands to keep you entertained for a weekend:

• Long Beach
• Turtle Sanctuary Beach
• Adam and Eve Beach
• Romantic Beach
• Lata Air Berani
• Perhentian Island Resort beach
• Teluk Keke
• Pulau Perhentian Kincir Angin
• Perhentian Island Mosque
• Perhentian Island Resort Turtle Hatchery
• Banana Plantation View Point
• Coral Bay (Teluk Aur)
• Hike around the islands
• Swim in the crystal clear water of the South China Sea
• Watch the sunset or sunrise
• Stargaze
• Windmill scenic spot

Perhentian Islands destination guide: Paid activities in Perhentian Islands Malaysia

A number of attractions on the Perhentian Islands Malaysia charge a fee:

• Snorkelling
• Scuba Diving
• Kayaking
• Boat Tours/Island Hopping
• Massages and spa packages

Some of these activities may be included in your accommodation package.

Weather on the Perhentian Islands Malaysia

The climate for the Perhentian Islands are classified as tropical, with relatively uniform hot temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The hottest month is May with an average temperature range of 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F) and conversely the coldest month is December with an average temperature between 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F). The Perhentian Islands are most affected by the monsoon season from November to early March and not impacted by the June to September monsoon that affects the western part of the Malaysian peninsula. The period of March through to June between the two monsoons is the hottest and also the most uncomfortable weather of the year.

Best time to visit the Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Visiting the Perhentian Islands between June and September is highly recommended. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny with the lowest amount of rain. This makes it the perfect time to experience the island at its best. To avoid higher prices and crowds, we recommend not staying on the Perhentian Islands during public holidays and weekends. In this part of Malaysia, weekends are Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, the months of June and July are the peak months on the Perhentian Island, which also means higher prices and crowds. Conversely, the Perhentian Islands is closed during the monsoon season of November to early March. This is because heavy rain and wind makes it dangerous to travel to the island during this time.

Internet and mobile phones on Perhentian Islands Malaysia

We stayed at Tuna Bay Island Resort and there was only wifi around the reception area but not in the rooms. That’s a common feature of accommodation on the Perhentian Islands.

Major internet and phone companies in Malaysia – Celcom, Digi, Hotlink (Maxis), U Mobile, UniFi Mobile, Tune Talk, Yes, XOX Mobile / ONEXOX, redONE, Yoodo, Telekom Malaysia and Time dotCom.

5G has been in Malaysia since December 2021. 2G will not be be switched off in Malaysia. 3G is was switched off in March 2022.

Malaysia is ranked 61^st fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 38^th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 90mbps and upload is 51mbps (as at October 2022).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in a numbers of places throughout Malaysia. These include phone stores, in shopping malls, at bus stations as well as at airports. Some form of ID, such as a passport, is required in order to purchase a SIM card in Malaysia.

How much to budget for Perhentian Islands Malaysia?

Are the Penhentian Islands Malaysia expensive?

The Perhentian Islands are a premium Malaysian destination, so prices are higher than other parts of the country. However as a luxury tropical island destination, the Perhentian Islands are reasonable value by world standards. Expect to pay around three times as much as you would for similar accommodation on the mainland of Malaysia. Some resorts offer package deals with accommodation, food, transport and certain activities included which can help you stay within your travel budget.

Perhentian Islands destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Perhentian Islands Malaysia

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Low-budget daily spend – 200 ringgit per day for a couple will get you hostel accommodation, meals from bakeries and markets, local transport and free or cheap activities such as going to the beach
• Mid-range daily spend – 500 ringgit per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, local transport, restaurant meals and also a few paid activities
• Luxury spend – 4000 ringgit per day for a couple will get you a premium experience in Malaysia, staying at luxury resorts, travelling by private transport, doing a range of paid activities as well as eating at high end restaurants

Perhentian Islands destination guide: Accommodation in Perhentian Islands Malaysia

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Perhentian Islands Malaysia. Airbnb operates in Malaysia, and there are a number of Airbnb properties in Perhentian Islands. Wifi is not always provided for Airbnb properties in Malaysia, so we recommend checking if it is included in the listing. One thing to keep in mind with hotels in Malaysia is that smoking in hotel rooms is often permitted.

Where to stay in Perhentian Islands Malaysia?

We recommend the following accommodation on the Perhentian Islands Malaysia:

• Best guesthouse on Perhentian Islands Malaysia – Perhentian AB Guest House is the best cheap accommodation on the Perhentian Islands. Located near the jetty and the mosque on Kecil Island, it offers clean and comfortable accommodation. Additionally, there are affordable eateries and convenience stores within walking distance. It has a relaxing atmosphere and friendly hosts.
• Best budget-friendly resort on Perhentian Islands Malaysia – Tuna Bay Island Resort is the best value resort on the Perhentian Islands Malaysia. We stayed here ourselves and had a fantastic time. Located on Besar Island, it is picture perfect with a white sand beach and crystal clear water. Sunsets looking out over the water were unbelievable! Our package included a couple of snorkelling tours which were well run and gave us the opportunity to see plenty of marine life. Best of all, the food was amazing!
• Best luxury resort on Perhentian Islands Malaysia – Alunan Resort is the best premium resort on the Perhentian Islands Malaysia. Located in a secluded part of Kecil Island, private villas are perched on the hillside overlooking the water. The staff provide phenomenal service, ensuring you have an outstanding stay. This exclusive resort is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. They also offer a great range of activities including snorkelling, kayaking and sailing. Additionally, their in-house chef prepares delicious food each day, with a great mix of cuisine including Italian dishes as well as local fare.

How much is accommodation in Perhentian Islands Malaysia?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – 50-110 ringgit for a bed in a dorm
• Mid-range accommodation – 120-600 ringgit for a private room
• Luxury accommodation – 1000-1500 ringgit a night for a luxury hotel
• Rental property – 750-800 ringgit a night for a private villa

Tourist tax on accommodation in Malaysia

From 1 January 2023 there is a tourist tax of 10 ringgit per accommodation per night in Malaysia. This tax is collected by the property. Permanent residents and Malaysian nationals are exempt from the tax. Furthermore the tourist tax does not apply to homestays and kampung stays registered with the Ministry of Tourism.

Perhentian Islands destination guide: Food in Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Some accommodation packages on the Perhentian Islands have food included. We were impressed with the meals at Tuna Bay Island Resort. In addition to the resort restaurants, there are also a number of cafes and eateries scattered around the island.

Perhentian Islands Malaysia culture

Weekends in Terengganu Malaysia

Which days are weekdays and weekend days vary in Malaysia depending on the state you’re in. In the state of Terengganu weekdays are Sunday to Thursday and weekends are Friday and Saturday. Keep this in mind as weekends can affect prices and availability (particularly for accommodation). Additionally weekends may impact opening hours as well as how crowded attractions are.

Terengganu public holidays

Malaysia has one of the highest number of public holidays in the world. In total, there are between 18 and 20 public holidays observed in each state. This includes national holidays as well as state based holidays. Public holidays for the state of Terengganu are as follows:

• Chinese New Year’s Day – 1^st day of 1^st lunar month, in January or February
• Chinese New Year Holiday – 2^nd day of 1^st lunar month, in January or February
• Isra and Miraj – 27 Rejab (Islamic calendar)
• Sultan of Terengganu’s Coronation Day – 4 March
• Nuzul Al-Quran Day – 17^th day of Ramadan
• Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday – 26 April
• Labour Day – 1 May
• Wesak Day (Buddha’s birthday) – May or June, date varies
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa – the last day of Ramadan, date varies
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday or Hari Raya Puasa Holiday – day after the last day of Ramadan, date varies
• Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday (King’s Birthday) – 1^st Monday in June
• Arafah Day – 9 Zulhijjah (Islamic calendar)
• Hari Raya Qurban (Aidiladha) (Feast of the Sacrifice) – date varies
• Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) – date varies
• Merdeka Day (National Day, Independence Day) – 31 August
• Malaysia Day – 16 September
• Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) – 12^th day of the 3^rd month of the Islamic calendar
• Deepavali – date varies, October or November
• Christmas Day – 25 December

National symbols of Malaysia

• Malaysia flag – 14 alternating red and white stripes with a blue canton with a yellow crescent and 14 pointed star. The Malaysian flag is called the Stripes of Glory.
• Malaysia coat of arms – two tigers supporting a shield with a yellow crescent and a 14 pointed star on top and a yellow banner with words that translate to “Unity is strength” written in both romanised Malay and Jawi at the bottom.
• National flower – hibiscus
• National bird – rhinoceros hornbill
• Malaysia national animal – the Malayan tiger

Malaysia pastimes

• National dish – nasi lemak
• Popular drinks – teh tarik, Ipoh white coffee, milo ais, sirup bandang
• National sport – sepak takraw
• Religion – 64% Islam, 19% Buddhist, 9% Christian, 6% Hindu (as at 2020)

Are the Perhentian Islands Malaysia Safe?

Malaysia travel guide: Safety in Malaysia

We have spent around 4 months travelling extensively through Malaysia over two separate trips. In our experience the country is extremely safe. Malaysia ranks 18^th safest country on the Global Peace Index (as at 2022). As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets and bag snatching particularly at crowded tourist attractions. In particular, when eating out don’t leave your bag, phone or wallet on the table or next to you where someone can quickly grab it and run away. Instead keep your belongings physically attached to you at all times. Make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase.

General safety considerations in Malaysia

Other general safety considerations for travel in Malaysia:

• Drinking water – tap water in Malaysia is not generally safe to drink. Tap water is usually treated, but pipes may be old. Most locals boil their water or use a water filter.
• Mosquitoes – mosquito borne illnesses are a significant risk in Malaysia, particularly dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Malaysia is in the pre-elimination phase of malaria. While malaria is a greater risk in Malaysian Borneo, there have also been cases on the Malaysian peninsula. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
• Altitude sickness – Malaysia has areas of high altitude and therefore altitude sickness risk. If you visit high altitude areas in Malaysia, allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience signs of altitude sickness, including headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
• Road safety – Road accidents are a significant risk in Malaysia. While road conditions in Malaysia are generally very good, traffic is often very heavy. Furthermore drivers in Malaysia tend to speed up rather than slowing down for amber lights. We also found that roads in Malaysia are not typically built with pedestrians in mind, and footpaths often stop unexpectedly in busy areas.
• Water safety – take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect.
• Earthquakes – Malaysia experiences both regional and local earthquake activity. In an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If inside, get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
• Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.
• Dogs – rabies from rabid dog bites is a risk in Malaysia. For more on dog safety while travelling, check out this video.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

Perhentian Islands travel vlog

Could this be the Maldives of Malaysia? Nestled on the Malaysia east coast, the Perhentian Islands are a little slice of paradise. In the Malaysia travel vlog below we take you to the Tuna Bay Island Resort – one a beautiful Island resort in Malaysia. Pulau Perhentian Marine park Malaysia is blessed with stunning coral reefs and beautiful Malaysian beaches. It is the perfect place for snorkelling Malaysia. Just a short ride from Kuala Besut jetty, these Malaysia Islands include the larger island Perhentian Besar as well as the smaller island Pulau Perhentian Kecil. This Perhentian Islands Travel Guide includes a Malaysia resort accommodation tour, what you can see Snorkeling Perhentian Islands as well as our Bucket List Travel ratings for Tuna Bay Resort. This Malaysia vlog is a must watch for anyone planning an island vacation in Malaysia.

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