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    Perhentian Islands

    Malaysia

    Perhentian Islands

    Island

    The Perhentian Islands, off the northeast coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, are two car-free islands with white beaches and coral reefs. You come here for snorkeling, diving, and simple beach days, free from roads and traffic.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Malaysia
    7. East Coast
    9. Perhentian Islands
    The Perhentian Islands, off the northeast coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, are two car-free islands with white beaches and coral reefs. You come here for snorkeling, diving, and simple beach days, free from roads and traffic.The islands belong to the state of Terengganu and have been protected as a marine park since 1994. From the mainland port of Kuala Besut, a speedboat will take you over in 30 to 45 minutes. The larger island, Perhentian Besar, is quieter and features family-friendly resorts, while Perhentian Kecil, with Long Beach and Coral Bay, primarily attracts backpackers. Between the beaches, you can travel by water taxi or walk along jungle paths.While snorkeling, you'll see blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and coral fish; dive schools offer courses.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Romantic Beach

    1Romantic Beach

    The small, secluded bay in the northwest of Perhentian Kecil is accessible by water taxi. There are no accommodations and little infrastructure, but plenty of peace and snorkeling directly from the beach. Bring water and provisions.
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    Coral Bay

    2Coral Bay

    Teluk Aur Bay, on the west side of Perhentian Kecil, is smaller and quieter than Long Beach. In the evenings, you can enjoy the sunset here at simple beachside eateries. A short path across the island connects Coral Bay with Long Beach in around ten minutes.
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    Shark Point

    3Shark Point

    The snorkel spot at Perhentian Besar's south tip, west of Flora Bay, is named for Blacktip Reef Sharks often circling the reef edge. If lucky, you may also spot Hawksbill turtles. You usually reach it by multi-stop boat snorkeling tour. Do not touch corals and do not feed animals.
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    Long Beach (Pasir Panjang)
    Beach

    4Long Beach (Pasir Panjang)

    The long beach on the east side of Perhentian Kecil is the meeting point for backpackers. Here you'll find simple chalets, dive schools, and the island's few bars. At the north end, you can snorkel directly from the beach.
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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Warung Mokti

    Simple warung in the fishing village of Perhentian Kecil, where mainly locals eat. It offers rice and noodle dishes and fresh fish. You can quickly get here from the beaches by water taxi.
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    2

    Mek Dah Somtam

    Small stall in the fishing village on the south side of Perhentian Kecil. As the name suggests, there's Somtam, spicy papaya salad, along with simple Malay and Thai dishes. Significantly cheaper than at the beach resorts.
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    3

    Maalek Kitchen

    A local spot in Perhentian Kecil's fishing village with Malay home cooking like Nasi Goreng, Mee Goreng, and grilled fish. Simple decor, fair prices.
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    4

    Mama's Restaurant

    A beachfront eatery on Perhentian Besar's west coast, with tables in the sand. The menu offers Malay dishes, pancakes, and juices, often with grilled fish in the evenings. Good for a break between beach and snorkeling.
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    Life on the Islands

    Approximately 1,300 people live on the islands (2020 census), almost all in the fishing village on Perhentian Kecil. The region is predominantly Muslim. Swimwear is normal in the resorts, but you should cover up in the village.Alcohol is only available in a few bars and accommodations, mainly on Long Beach; Muslim-run establishments do not serve it. For the marine park, you pay a conservation fee of around RM 30 before crossing at the jetty in Kuala Besut.On the beaches, Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Sea Turtles lay their eggs.

    Arrival and Getting Around

    Speedboats depart from Kuala Besut harbor, taking 30-45 minutes to reach the islands and drop you at your accommodation's beach or jetty. Regular boats typically operate between 8 AM and 5 PM. Late arrivals usually stay overnight in Kuala Besut. You can reach Kuala Besut by taxi or Grab from Kota Bharu, which has an airport.On the islands, you take water taxis between beaches. Boats are cancelled in rough seas and during the monsoon.

    Accommodations in Perhentian Islands

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    Nearby

    Setiu Wetlands

    Setiu Wetlands

    The Setiu Wetlands in northern Terengganu are among the largest natural wetlands on the East Coast: a landscape of approximately 23,000 hectares, comprising mangroves, river channels, islands, and sandbanks between the coastal road and the sea. Fishing villages and fish farms characterize the area, which is hardly developed for tourism.By boat, you travel through the mangrove channels, observe birds, and see how the villagers live from the water. The critically endangered Callagur Terrapin (Painted Terrapin) lives in the area.
    Pulau Redang

    Pulau Redang

    Pulau Redang is located off the coast of Terengganu and is the largest island in a marine protected area comprising several smaller islands. White beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs make it a popular destination for snorkelers and divers.Unlike the Perhentian Islands, Redang caters to package holidays: Most guests book packages including transfers, full board, and snorkeling tours. Budget accommodation is scarce.
    Kota Bharu

    Kota Bharu

    Kota Bharu is the capital of Kelantan in the northeast of the peninsula, near the Thai border. The city is considered a stronghold of Malay culture: Here, Batik, Songket, and Wau-Bulan kites are crafted, and the Wayang Kulit shadow puppet theatre has a long tradition.Life revolves around the Pasar Siti Khadijah and, in the evening, the night market. Kelantan is strictly Muslim, alcohol is scarce, and clothing should cover shoulders and knees.
    Kuala Terengganu

    Kuala Terengganu

    Kuala Terengganu, the capital of the state of Terengganu, is located at the mouth of the river of the same name into the South China Sea. The city has a conservative-Muslim character and is noticeably quieter than the metropolises of the West Coast. At Pasar Payang you buy batik and songket, in Kampung Cina you sit in old coffee houses.On a river island, the glass Masjid Kristal reflects in the water. Many travelers pass through the city on their way to Pulau Redang.
    East Coast

    East Coast

    The East Coast of the Malaysian Peninsula is more rural and conservative than the West Coast. Off the coast lie islands with clear waters and coral reefs: the Perhentian Islands, Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman, and the smaller Pulau Kapas. On land, you'll find fishing villages, long beaches, and the cities of Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu with their markets and craft traditions.The weather dictates travel planning: From approximately November to February or March, the Northeast Monsoon brings heavy rain and high waves. The islands are not officially closed, but many resorts shut down, boats run infrequently, and not at all in rough seas.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Pexels, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI