The Best Time to Go to the Perhentian Islands (And When to Avoid Them)
The Perhentian Islands are a popular stop for snorkelling and diving in Malaysia, but they’re not a year-round destination. The islands effectively shut down during the monsoon season, which makes timing a critical part of planning. I visited the Perhentian Islands to complete my PADI certification as part of my 3 week Malaysia itinerary. This guide explains the best time to go to the Perhentian Islands, how their short season affects trip planning and when it makes more sense to choose a different stop within Malaysia.
This post may contain affiliate links. That means, if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclaimer.
Quick overview of when to go to the Perhentian Islands
- Based on my visit to the Perhentian Islands during a 3-week Malaysia itinerary
- The best time to go to the Perhentian Islands is between May and September when you’ll have the most reliable weather and calmest seas.
- June to August is peak season with higher accommodation prices.
- The islands close during the monsoon season (roughly November to February), with ferries and accommodation largely shut
How to plan your Perhentian Islands trip
Before you fall in love with the idea of this tropical paradise, there are some practical realities you need to understand about visiting the Perhentian Islands that might influence your travel plans.
Firstly, the islands operate on a seasonal schedule that’s non-negotiable. The Perhentian Islands are closed from November to February due to monsoon season. Plan your trip between March and October, with the peak season being June through August when weather is most reliable.
The cost of staying on the Perhentian Islands is higher than in mainland Malaysia. Everything has to be brought over by boat, which drives up prices for accommodation and food. However, it’s still affordable by Western standards.
When is the best time go to the Perhentian Islands?
You can only visit the Perhentian Islands from March to October, as between November and February they are closed to tourists for monsoon season.
The best time to visit is between May and September when you’ll have the most reliable weather and calmest seas. June to August is peak season with higher accommodation prices.
In March and April, the weather can still be unpredictable with occasional rough seas from the tail end of monsoon season. That said, I went in April, and the weather was lovely and the diving conditions were perfect.
How to get to the Perhentian Islands
If you are arriving from Kuala Lumpur like me, the cheapest and most convenient way to get to the Perhentian Islands is to catch an overnight bus. Perdana Express and Mahligai Express operate daily buses on this route, which costs only $12 and takes 7-8 hours. It’s best to buy a ticket in advance. The bus departs from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in KL and arrives at the Kuala Besut bus terminal.
Alternatively you can find cheap flights to Kota Bharu airport, which is the airport closest to the Perhentian Islands. You can fly directly to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Malaysia Airlines and other carriers. From this airport, it’s a one-hour taxi or bus ride to the Kuala Besut bus terminal.
The staff at the bus terminal will then guide you the short walk to Kuala Besut jetty to board a boat to the islands. Arriving on Pulau Perhentian Kecil, the boat will dock at the small jetty on the beautiful Coral Bay.
While flying to Kota Bharu is the quickest option, many budget travellers prefer the overnight bus from Kuala Lumpur as it’s much cheaper and you save on a night’s accommodation. The choice depends on your budget and how much time you have available for your Malaysia trip.
Where to stay on the Perhentian Islands
If you’re staying on Perhentian Kecil you can find accommodation close to where you arrive on Coral Bay. Alternatively, you can walk 5-10 minutes across the easy jungle path to the other side of the island, where you will find the busier Long Beach.
Top-rated Perhentian Islands accommodation
The highest rated accommodation for backpackers on Perhentian Kecil is Perhentian Chomel Chalet. This beachfront hostel has sea views and an on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine. You can choose between a private room or a dorm, including a female-only dorm.
The Long Beach area of the island has some fabulous resorts. The highly rated BuBu Villa has spacious and stylish villas, as well as the World Cafe, an outdoor restaurant serving delicious food and cocktails. At the other end of Long Beach, a popular choice is the Bubu Resort, which has welcoming staff and overlooks stunning scenery.
Browse and book Perhentian Islands accommodation for your dates by exploring the map:
Things do to on the Perhentian Islands
Perhentian Kecil is beautiful when the sun shines and it’s a delight to walk around. The fine white sand beams and the jungle interior and coconut palm trees become an even more gorgeous shade of green.
Coral Bay is dotted with small shacks offering freshly barbecued fish and seafood. My favourite place to eat and hang out was the relaxed sea-view restaurant at Senja Bay Resort. Try their iced Milo drink: if you’re a chocolate lover, it will blow your mind!
In the evenings, Long Beach is worth a visit as it’s larger and busier, with lively beach bars where you can dance into the early hours with the locals.
The vivid blue sea is so clean and clear on here that you can see the rocks through it, so snorkelling around the Perhentian islands is a rewarding activity. A simple adventure into the shallow waters reveals an abundance of coral, fish and other creatures underneath the waves.
Scuba diving at the Perhentian Islands
It was at Ombak Dive Resort that I learned to scuba dive, and what an awe-inspiring experience that was. Again, I scouted all the dive centres on Coral Bay and spoke with the staff to get a sense of their prices and their teaching style. At Ombak they are friendly and professional.
I was nervous, but it was such a privilege to explore the ocean and share it with hawksbill turtles, green turtles, clown fish playing in anemones, huge schools of tiny fish, colourful coral reefs and much more. We were even lucky enough to see a black tip shark swim by at close range – though I think it was more scared than we were!
Word is spreading about these islands. Certainly among Malaysia’s most attractive beaches, the Perhentian Islands accommodation and diving is affordable and it’s known as one of the region’s best dive spots. I can well see why.
Frequently asked questions about the Perhentian Islands
Are the Perhentian Islands worth it?
I would definitely say yes, as long as you’re there at the best time to go to the Perhentian islands. The island setting was beautiful, the food and hospitality was great and the scuba diving was out of this world. I did my PADI here and saw hawksbill turtles, reef sharks and coral reefs that rival anywhere in Southeast Asia.
Which airport is closest to Perhentian Islands?
Kota Bharu Airport (Sultan Ismail Petra Airport) is the closest airport to the Perhentian Islands, located about 60km or one hour’s drive from Kuala Besut jetty where you catch boats to the islands.
How do I get from Kuala Lumpur to Perhentian Islands?
The cheapest way to get from KL to the Perhentian Islands is the overnight bus, which takes 7-8 hours. Alternatively, you can fly from KL to Kota Bharu airport, which is a one hour flight, then take the one-hour taxi journey to Kuala Besut jetty.
How many days should I spend on the Perhentian Islands?
Most travellers on a Malaysia itinerary find that 3-4 days is the sweet spot for the Perhentian Islands. You’ll need closer to a week if your aim is to complete a diving course or if you want more time to relax.
Can I island hop between Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar?
Yes, water taxis run regularly between Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar throughout the day. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes. This makes it easy to stay on one island but explore both during your visit. Many travelers stay on Perhentian Kecil for the budget accommodation and social atmosphere, then take a day trip to Perhentian Besar for its quieter beaches.
Final thoughts on the Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands are a rewarding place to visit when the timing is right. I loved learning to scuba dive here among the sea turtles, fish and even reef sharks. The journey and timing requires a bit of planning, but I found it well worth it.
The seasonal limitations mean you need to time your visit carefully to make sure it hits the best time to go to the Perhentian islands. However, this part-year closure is important because helps to preserve the islands’ natural beauty and prevents over-tourism. Just remember to book your accommodation in advance, bring cash and you’ll enjoy this island destination.
