If you’re travelling in Malaysia and want to visit idyllic beaches, then the Perhentian Islands could be a good stop for you. Here is a backpackers guide to the paradise location of the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia, including how to get there, the best accommodation and about the incredible scuba diving in the area.
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Introduction to the Perhentian Islands
Pulau Perhentian Kecil, meaning Small Perhentian island, sits next to her big sister Pulau Perhentian Besar in the South China Sea, off Malaysia‘s North-Eastern coast. ‘Perhentian’ means ‘stopping point’ in Malay, referring to the islands’ historically useful positioning for traders operating between Thailand and Malaysia.
While the Perhentian Islands are on the backpacker trail, they are still charmingly undeveloped. The best (and only) time to visit the Perhentian Islands is from March to October, as they shut down for monsoon season.
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Perhentian Kecil or Perhentian Besar?
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when visiting the Perhentian Islands is which island to stay on. I stayed on Perhentian Kecil and can share what I learned about both islands to help you choose.
Perhentian Kecil, where I spent my time, is the backpacker hub of the two islands. This is where you’ll find budget accommodation and a more sociable atmosphere. If you’re travelling solo or on a tight budget, Perhentian Kecil is probably your best bet.
Perhentian Besar caters more to couples, families and those seeking a quieter experience. The accommodation tends to be more upmarket, the beaches are less crowded and the overall vibe is more peaceful. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or simply want to disconnect completely, Perhentian Besar would be the recommendation.
The good news is that water taxis run between the islands, so you can easily visit the other island for a day trip if you want to experience both during your stay.
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.
Accommodation on the Perhentian Islands fills up much faster than you might expect for Southeast Asia. The limited number of rooms on these small islands means advance booking is essential, particularly during peak season. I’d recommend securing your accommodation at least a few weeks ahead – check out the recommendations below.
This is the best Perhentian Islands accommodation
If you’re looking for where to stay on the Perhentian Islands, here 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.
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 options by exploring the map below:
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 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.
Activities on Perhentian Kecil island
This island 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.
Perhentian Islands diving
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.
Perhentian Islands food: What to expect
The Perhentian Islands food scene is quite different from mainland Malaysia, so it’s important to set realistic expectations before arrival. Unlike the incredible street food diversity you’ll find in places like Penang or Kuala Lumpur, your dining options on the islands are limited to resort restaurants.
Each resort has its own restaurant that’s generally open to non-guests. The Perhentian Islands food tends to be a mix of Western dishes and basic Malaysian fare, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. I particularly enjoyed the meals at Senja Bay Resort‘s restaurant, where you can enjoy beautiful sea views as you dine.
One highlight of Perhentian Islands food culture is the small beachside shacks offering freshly barbecued fish and seafood. These provide a more authentic and affordable alternative to resort dining.
If you have specific dietary requirements or prefer to snack throughout the day, bring supplies from the mainland. The islands have virtually no shops beyond tiny resort stores selling overpriced basics.
Frequently asked questions about the Perhentian Islands
Are the Perhentian Islands worth it?
Absolutely! The Perhentian Islands are amongst Malaysia’s most beautiful destinations, and my experience there was genuinely magical. The crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand beaches, and incredible marine life make the journey worthwhile. I learned to scuba dive here and saw hawksbill turtles, reef sharks, and vibrant coral reefs that rival anywhere in Southeast Asia.
However, they do require more planning and budget than other Malaysian destinations. You’ll need to book accommodation in advance, the costs are higher than mainland Malaysia, and you can only visit during the dry season. But if you’re looking for that perfect tropical island experience with world-class diving and snorkelling, the Perhentian Islands absolutely deliver. The fact that they’re seasonal and relatively undeveloped is actually part of their charm.
What is the best month to visit Perhentian Island?
The Perhentian Islands are only open from March to October due to monsoon season, so your options are limited to these months. The absolute best time to visit is between May and September when you’ll have the most reliable weather and calmest seas. June through August is peak season when the weather is most stable, but this also means higher accommodation prices and more crowds. If you prefer a quieter experience and don’t mind the occasional tropical shower, May and September offer a good balance of decent weather and fewer tourists.
Which airport is closest to Perhentian Islands?
Kota Bharu airport is the closest airport to the Perhentian Islands, located about one hour’s drive from Kuala Besut jetty where you catch boats to the islands. You can fly directly to Kota Bharu from Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Malaysia Airlines and other carriers.
From Kota Bharu airport, you’ll need to take a taxi to Kuala Besut jetty, which costs around $20-30 for the hour-long journey. There’s usually a taxi counter right at the airport, and you might be able to share the ride with other travellers heading to the same destination.
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.
Final thoughts on the Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands are a slice of paradise that lives up to the hype. From learning to scuba dive amongst sea turtles and reef sharks to simply floating in crystal-clear waters with nothing but jungle and white sand beaches in sight, these islands offer the perfect escape from mainland Malaysia’s cities.
Yes, the journey requires a bit of planning and the costs are higher than elsewhere in Malaysia, but the reward is access to some of the country’s most pristine waters and untouched beaches. You’ll find yourself in a place where the biggest decision of the day is whether to snorkel before or after lunch.
The seasonal limitations mean you need to time your visit carefully, but this also helps preserve the islands’ natural beauty and prevents over-tourism. If you’re planning a Malaysia itinerary and love marine life, diving or simply want to disconnect on pristine beaches, the Perhentian Islands deserve a spot on your travel list.
Just remember to book your accommodation in advance, bring cash, and prepare to fall in love with one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful island destinations.
Want to explore more of Malaysia? Check out the best three week Malaysia itinerary.
Baeutiful!
(I mean ‘beautiful’!)
Wow! Wow! I meant to say: Wow!