Perhentian Island is an island located in the north of Malaysia. I did not think that in Malaysia there is also a beach tour that is no less beautiful than Indonesia.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t any good islands in Malaysia. In East Malaysia, Sabah to be exact, there are several beautiful islands. I didn’t think there was one in Peninsular Malaysia.
At first I was curious about this island. Because when I volunteer in a hostel in Kuala Lumpur, the guests will want to leave or just come back from there.
just right day-offI also decided to vacation to Perhentian Island. Honestly, I don’t want to have my expectations too high because in Indonesia I’ve been around a lot of really wow islands, for example Derawan Island or Raja Ampat.
That’s why I’m enough picky when it comes to beaches or islands. The criteria for a charming island for me is not only the beauty of the beach but also the underwater.
When is the best time to visit Perhentian Island?
This is very important, because not all year round Perhentian Island is suitable to visit. The climate is similar to Indonesia, so there are two seasons, namely the dry season (dry) and the rainy season.
The best time to visit Perhentian Island is around March to October. Usually the peak of the crowd in July – September. Well, this summer the weather is more comfortable, the sea water is quite calm, hotels and restaurants are open.
Avoid visiting from November to February because in this month it will often rain, the waves are also high. Most restaurants and inns are also closed because there are not many tourists either. It’s not fun to go to the island, it’s even raining.
Also read: 10 Kuala Lumpur tourist destinations that you can’t miss!
How to get to Perhentian Island from Kuala Lumpur
There are two ways to get to Perhentian Island from Kuala Lumpur, namely by plane or bus. If you want to save time, you can take a plane directly to New Town, followed by taxi or public bus to the ferry pier in Kuala Besut. Of course, this method is more expensive.
A more economical way is by bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) to Kuala Besut. Travel time is about 8 hours. The schedule is at 9 am and 9:30 pm. The bus ticket price is RM 44.
I suggest taking the night bus, so that in the morning you will arrive at the Kuala Besut pier and you can buy a boat ticket.
The ferry ticket price to Perhentian Island is RM 35 one way. You can also buy a round-trip ticket for RM 70.
There are ship schedules from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Island at 8 am, 12 noon, and 4 pm. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes.
Just tell me which accommodation you are in, they will be able to take you there. It’s just that if you want to go to Long Beach, you have to transfer a small boat (RM 2) because the waters are shallower.
Also read: Vacation to Penang? What tourist attractions can you visit?
Choosing accommodation in Perhentian Island
Perhentian Island consists of two islands named Big Stop and Little Stop. I don’t know why they are called big and small. Even though if you look at the map the size is more or less the same.
Yes, maybe like you, some are bigger, some are small. So what’s the difference?
Big Stop more suitable for families or couples because the atmosphere is calmer. Lodging (soften referred to as a chalet) on the Big Island more luxurythe price is also more expensive in the range of RM 300 – 1000.
Some recommendations for lodging in Pulau Perhentian Besar are:
- Mama’s Bungalow
- Tuna Bay Resort
- The Reef Chalet
- New-Coco Hut Chalet
Perhentian Kecil is more for young travelers or backpackers. Accommodation options and prices are also more diverse, from pocket-friendly to pocket-friendly.
Well, the atmosphere here is also more lively because there are restaurants, bars, partyand other activities that are more suitable for young people.
Some recommendations for lodging on Pulau Perhentian Kecil are:
- Maya Guesthouse
- Panorama Resort
- Sunset Bay Resort
- OhhLala’s Guesthouse
- Bubu’s Resort
- D’Rock Garden Resort
To be safe, you should book lodging in advance. You can check the online booking application so you don’t run out of space or rooms.
The price of a chalet on Pulau Perhentian is around RM 100-150. I personally when I came here to stay at D’Rock Garden Resort with rooms facing the sea.
Interesting activities to do on Perhentian Island
The name is island tourism, you definitely want to relax, hang out in the sun, swim on the beach. Well, other activities that you can do when traveling to Perhentian Island are:
1. Relax at Long Beach
You could say Long Beach is the main beach of Perhentian Kecil Island. On this beach, there are many choices of lodging or bars that are popular for tourists or backpackers.
I was quite surprised when it arrived. As the most popular beach, I think it will be similar to Kuta Beach or Patong Beach in Phuket. It turned out to be very different.
Long Beach has a fine white sand beach with colorful beach umbrellas and cottages lining the beach. The atmosphere is very calm, perfect for relaxing.
2. Go to Coral Bay
Besides Long Beach, in Perhentian Kecil there is also a beach on the other side called Coral Bay. From Long Beach, you can walk about 20-30 minutes to get to Coral Bay. Well, the beach here is quieter too. There are several restaurants that provide seafood fresh.
3. Island hopping and snorkeling in nearby islands
The name island tourism will not be complete without snorkeling. You can buy a snorkeling package offered by the chalet or provider in Island.
Package price island hopping around Perhentian Island there are:
- short trip – 3 spots (fish garden, shark point, turtle point). Price RM 40 – trip schedule at 1.30 pm.
- long trip – 6 spots (coral garden, fisherman village, shark point, turtle point, etc). Price RM 50 – trip schedule at 10.30 am.
- swamp trip – all the spots above are added to Rawa Island. Price RM 70 – trip schedule at 10.30 am.
Trip package snorkeling already included life vest and snorkel mask. Not included fin which has to add another RM 10.
I took the package to all islands including Swamp Island. The coral reefs are quite nice and healthy. Each spot consists of a different type of coral reef. For example, the first spot is dominated by table corals.
Lots of big clams, anemones, as well as all kinds of fish. I was lucky to see a big fish that I had never seen before.
Too bad the camera underwater I’m broken so I can’t capture the photos. There are also shark point and turtle point, I saw a big turtle swimming around Perhentian Besar.
When compared to the coral reefs in Wakatobi, it’s still far away. Yes, it’s quite okay and fun. On Rawa Island the water is also very blue.
4. Trekking on the Windmill track
I haven’t tried this route myself. Listen, you can see view beautiful view from the highest point of Perhentian Kecil. To start this track, go to Bubu’s Resortits position is behind this resort.
It takes about 25 minutes to pass through the rocky road uphill, but once you reach the top you will be presented with a beautiful sea view.
Also read: Travel tips to Cameron Highlands Malaysia
5. Watch a fire show at Sisha Bar
Every night at 10.30 there is a fire dance performance at Sisha Bar. You can come for dinner, try the seafood while chatting before the show starts.
My experience on vacation to Perhentian Island is quite impressive. The environment around the island is clean. Even Long Beach which is the main island is also clean and free of trash.
The fishing village around here is also clean. It seems that the local people understand how important it is to preserve nature which is also their home.
They are aware that their livelihood and income depend on the sea. Hopefully Indonesia can learn too.
That’s about it holiday tips to Perhentian Island that I can share. Choose Big or Small Stops?
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