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Perhentian Islands
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
city · MY

Perhentian Islands

relaxationadventure
Recommended stay: 4 days
Getting around: There are no cars on the Perhentians - everything is on foot along the beach paths or by water taxi between beaches and the two main islands (Besar and Kecil). Water taxis are cheap and constant during daylight hours; after dark, options shrink and you should confirm return transport before heading to a different beach for dinner. The islands are reached only by speedboat from Kuala Besut jetty (about 30-45 minutes), and boats stop running in rough seas.
Hours: The islands effectively close from monsoon season, roughly mid-November through February, when most guesthouses and dive operators shut down entirely and boat crossings become unreliable or suspended - this is the single most important thing to check before booking. Perhentian Kecil's Long Beach has a livelier evening scene with beach bars open into the night, while Perhentian Besar is quieter and more family-oriented with earlier closing hours.

The Perhentians are two small islands off Terengganu that split cleanly into two personalities: Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian) is the backpacker island, cheap A-frame huts, beach bars, and a party reputation concentrated on Long Beach, while Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) is quieter, with more midrange resorts and a slower pace aimed at couples and families. Both islands share the same clear turquoise water and easy snorkeling - you can see reef sharks, turtles, and healthy coral just a short swim from several beaches without needing a boat trip.

Diving here is a genuine draw and notably cheaper than in more famous Malaysian dive destinations, with turtle sightings close to guaranteed and a good spread of PADI shops on both islands. Infrastructure is deliberately minimal - no roads, patchy wifi and cell signal in places, and power that sometimes runs on generators rather than a full grid - which is either the charm or the drawback depending on what you're after. The islands are best suited to travelers who want beach time and diving without much else on the agenda; there's little to do beyond the water and the jungle interior treks.

Perhentian Islands FAQs

When do the Perhentian Islands close for monsoon season?

Roughly mid-November through February, when most guesthouses and dive shops shut down and boat crossings from Kuala Besut become unreliable or stop entirely - check specific operator status before booking anything in this window.

Which island should I choose, Perhentian Besar or Kecil?

Kecil (small) has the livelier backpacker scene and beach bars, centered on Long Beach; Besar (big) is quieter and more suited to couples or families wanting a calmer stay - both share similarly good snorkeling.

Do I need to be a certified diver to enjoy the water here?

No - snorkeling directly off several beaches gives good views of reef sharks, turtles, and coral without a boat, though diving unlocks better sites and is notably affordable here for certification courses.

Is there ATM access or should I bring cash?

Bring cash. ATMs are unreliable or absent on both islands, and while some resorts accept cards, day-to-day expenses (food stalls, water taxis, snorkeling gear rental) are typically cash-only.

How do I get from Kuala Besut to the islands?

Speedboats run from Kuala Besut jetty, about 30-45 minutes depending on which beach you're headed to, and typically only operate during daylight hours and in reasonable sea conditions.

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