Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian)
Located off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, the Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian) are famed for turquoise waters, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and sea life like green turtles and blacktip reef sharks.
Island Breakdown: Besar vs. Kecil
The archipelago consists primarily of two main inhabited islands:
- Perhentian Besar (“Big Island”):
- Vibe: Tranquil, relaxed, and family-friendly.
Best For: Couples, families, and travelers seeking quiet beach resorts.
Highlights: Tuna Bay, Teluk Dalam, and quieter snorkeling spots directly off the beach.
- Perhentian Kecil (“Small Island”):
- Vibe: Social, lively, and budget-friendly.
Best For: Backpackers, solo travelers, and dive enthusiasts.
Highlights: Long Beach (lively evening gatherings, fire shows, and dive shops) and Coral Bay (relaxed sunsets and mid-range chale s).
Top Activities
- Snorkeling Trips: Popular boat trips stop at spots like Turtle Point, Shark Point (for harmless blacktip reef sharks), and Rawa Island.
Scuba Diving: A hub for PADI Open Water certifications with clear visibility and affordable prices.
Jungle Trekking: Marked trails cross through island interiors connecting different beaches (keep an eye out for monitor lizards and leaf monkeys).
Kayaking: Rent transparent or standard kayaks to explore isolated coves around the perimeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?
The season runs from March through October, with peak weather between April and August. Avoid November through February, as the northeast monsoon brings heavy seas, causing fast boats to stop operating and almost all island resorts to close.
How do I get to the islands?
- Fly or Bus: Fly into Kota Bharu (KBR) or take an express bus to Kota Bharu/Kuala Besut.
Taxi/Shuttle: Drive ~1 hour from Kota Bharu airport to Kuala Besut Jetty.
Speedboat: Take a fast boat from Kuala Besut Jetty (~30–45 minutes) directly to your resort’s beach.
Are there ATMs or card services on the islands?
No. There are no ATMs on either island, and credit card terminals are limited and unreliable due to spotty signal. Bring sufficient Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) cash from the mainland for meals, water taxis, marine fees, and activities.
How do I move between beaches or islands?
There are no roads or cars. You get around by hiring water taxis (small wooden motorboats that shuttle between beaches and across the channel between Besar and Kecil for fixed rates) or by walking jungle paths.
What local fees apply?
Upon arriving at Kuala Besut Jetty, visitors must pay a mandatory Marine Park Conservation Fee (typically RM30 for non-Malaysians and RM5 for Malaysians).
Create a detailed 4-day itinerary for a trip to the Perhentian Islands focusing on snorkeling and relaxation?
This 4-day itinerary focuses on clear snorkeling spots, beachside dining, and relaxing coastal landscapes across the main islands.
Day 1: Island Arrival & Sunset Lounge
Morning / Afternoon: Transit & Check-In
- Board a scheduled speedboat from Kuala Besut Jetty to your selected beach resort on Pulau Perhentian Kecil or Pulau Perhentian Besar.
- Check into your stay and unpack before taking a casual stroll along the shore to get oriented.
Late Afternoon: House Reef Snorkel
- Rent a mask and fins right off the shore of your resort beach.
- Take a low-effort swim near the shore rocky edges to spot clownfish, parrotfish, and small reef life.
Evening: Seaside Dining
- Enjoy a seafood dinner right on the sand with cold drinks and fresh tropical fruit juices.
Day 2: Classic Island Snorkeling Tour
Morning: Marine Park Highlights
- Join a half-day snorkeling trip by boat covering the classic reef stops around Pulau Perhentian Besar.
Stop at Turtle Point to swim alongside wild green sea turtles feeding on sea grass.
- Continue to Shark Point to observe harmless juvenile blacktip reef sharks gliding along the shallow coral floor.
Afternoon: Light Lunch & Hammock Time
- Return to the main beach for lunch at a local cafe.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing under palm trees, reading, or resting in a beachfront hammock.
Evening: Sunset Views
- Head over to Coral Bay on Pulau Perhentian Kecil to catch the sunset from the water’s edge before enjoying dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Day 3: Remote Coves & Jungle Trails
Morning: Off-the-Beaten-Path Snorkeling
- Take a private water taxi out to Rawa Island Beach, a smaller uninhabited islet off the coast of the Perhentians.
- Snorkel around clear waters with shallow hard coral gardens and high marine visibility.
Afternoon: Jungle Walk or Kayaking
- Rent a clear kayak to paddle along secluded bays and granite boulder formations.
- Alternatively, walk the short paved interior path connecting the east and west beaches to spot monitor lizards and local wildlife.
Evening: Casual Beach Barbecue
- Wrap up your last evening on the islands with a freshly grilled fish barbecue cooked over charcoal right on the sand.
Day 4: Morning Swim & Departure
Morning: Final Beach Walk & Breakfast
- Take a quiet early morning swim before the day-tour boats arrive.
- Enjoy an outdoor breakfast with coffee overlooking the water.
Late Morning / Early Afternoon: Ferry Departure
- Check out of your resort and catch the return speedboat back to Kuala Besut Jetty to connect to Kota Bharu airport or mainland express transport.
Would you like advice on selecting specific resorts or tips on speedboats and luggage management?
Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian) to Kerala Boat House Rental Services In India & price list of 2026 to till march 2027
Kerala Boat House 1 bedroom Kerala Houseboat two adults ₹6,500/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat 1 room luxury category honeymoon private Kerala houseboat 1 couple ₹7,500/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat two bedroom private four people ₹8,500/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat two bedroom canal special four people ₹10,500/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat three bedroom six people ₹ 10,000/- check in place Alappuzha.
Kerala houseboat three bedroom canal special six people ₹ 13,000/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat four bedroom eight people ₹ 12,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat four bedroom canal special eight people ₹ 16,000/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat five bedroom ten people ₹ 15,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat five bedroom canal special ten people ₹18,000/- check in place Alappuzha backwaters villages.
Kerala houseboat six bedroom 12 people ₹ 20,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat seven bedroom 14 people ₹22,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat eight bedroom 16 people ₹ 26,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat nine bedroom 18 people ₹ 29,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat ten bedroom 20 people ₹ 33,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat eleven bedroom 22 people ₹36,000/ check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat twelve bedroom 24 people ₹ 40,000/- check in place Alappuzha and kumarakom.
Kerala houseboat Day trip standard two person non a/c ₹5,000/- extra per person ₹ 650/-.
Kerala houseboat day trip luxury category 2 people ₹8,000/- extra per person ₹1,500/- additional.
Kerala houseboat day trip premium category 2 people ₹10,000/- extra per person ₹2500/- additional.
speed boat ten minutes 2 people ₹2000/-.
Shikara open boat two hours two people per boat ₹1,200/-.
Canoe boat five hours backwater village tour two people with food ₹3,500/-.
Kayaking two people with food five hours ₹3,500/-.