Print this article if you're a tour operator, accommodation provider or touristAn introduction to the Perhentian Islands
Nestled in the clear waters of the South China Sea, just twenty kilometers off the north-eastern coast of Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, lie the spectacular islands of Pulau Perhentian. The Perhentian Islands are composed of two untainted natural island sites, the Pulau Perhentian Kecil, the Small Perhentian and the Perhentian Besar, the Big Perhentian.
Surrounded by a magnificent Marine Park, where the teeming marine life explores the multi-hued garden of coral, with the backdrop of a pristine tropical jungle whose only inhabitants are those of the undisturbed wildlife, these two island jewels are a haven for relaxation lovers, nature enthusiasts and adventurous hikers/divers alike.
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Cosy, clean and beautiful - a cabin at MalaysiaExplorer.net's top-pick recommendation, the Perhentian Island Resort (pictured) just meters away from the tranquil beauty of the South China Sea. |
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Getting there
Visitors can reach the islands in just over thirty minutes with one of the several boat operators that leave from the Kuala Besut jetty on the east coast of Malaysia. To get to the Kuala Besut jetty one may either take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu, which is a forty-five minute flight, then a bus or taxi to the Kuala Besut jetty.
Although the two main islands are the most renowned, there are other smaller uninhabited islands named the Perhentians that are part of the Pulau Redang National Marine Park. Here fishing and coral collecting is prohibited in order to preserve this treasure trove of flora and fauna immersed in a unique natural environment.
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Things to see & do: Wildlife
Those visiting these islands bordered by pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters can expect to encounter sea turtles, shoals of reef fish, small-sized sharks and an incredible variety of multi-colored coral. Those in quest of jungle adventures can follow the foot paths into the costal tropical forest where animals such as long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards and flying foxes can be spotted.
The Perhentian Islands' name originates from the word 'henti' that means 'stop' in Malay, as it was a site fishermen used as a shelter or rest area during storms. It was also a waypoint for those trading between Malaysia and Bangkok and the islands remained sparsely inhabited for centuries. The islands were also charted as the Station Islands during the British colonial period.
The beauty of the Perhentian Islands is that, in despite of their tourist attractiveness, they offer a calm and paradisiacal setting for a more laid back and nature loving holiday. The resorts that can be found on the islands are well integrated within the vegetation, consisting of low cabin-like buildings preserving the island from modern encroachment. Most of the tourism activity is active in the off-monsoon season, while during the November to January high monsoon period those who inhabit the islands move back to Kecil where there is an all year round population. Nature enthusiasts and adventurers adore the islands, but holidaymakers of all variety come here to enjoy the calm. Snorkelling and diving is available for beginners too.
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Relax & Enjoy the beach
The exclusiveness of this site and the magnificence of its surroundings render Pulau Perhentian a favorite destination. Those in quest for peace and the idyllic setting of white beaches bordered with palm trees will find their long sought for haven, while for the more adventurous there are numerous water and land activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, banana boat riding and trekking through the forest, to name a few. The Perhentian Islands also lay claim to a large population of nesting Green turtles and at one point the island was home to several hundred nesting Hawksbill turtles. Those who love snorkelling and diving can also expect to encounter stingrays, a wide variety of tropical fishes and reef sharks.
Where to stay
There are two basic choices as far as accommodation goes either the resort option or the budget accommodation and these choices are mostly available on Perhentian Besar, the larger island. The Perhentian Island Resort is an idyllic paradise resort set on a magnificent beach with discreet bungalows set in the hill overlooking the crystal clear waters and offers comfortable accommodation. Budget accommodation can be found in the form of simple but comfortable huts or bungalow-like rooms located on the beaches or under the trees and offer a good although simple accommodation option.
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Dining
Most of the resorts offer dining facilities, usually included with the stay and facilities on offer, while on the larger beaches such as Pasir Panjang there are more dining options to choose from, including Malaysian or Western style dishes.
The eastern monsoon, which runs from March/April unto the end of October, is the height of the tourist activity in the Perhentians. During the off season the islands are calmer, however there are less options as far as accommodation and dining goes, although one does feel as if the island is actually privately owned!
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts on the Perhentian Islands with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to the Perhentian Islands with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
Double click the map below to zoom in on the Perhentian Islands, and double right-click to zoom out!
