Beauty Of The Malaysian Seychells – Magical Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are still a bit off the beaten track for visitors. And that’s for us a good thing. You won’t find any paved roads here and therefore no motor vehicles. The only mode of transport between the islands is by boat taxi and on the islands it’s walking. However that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. There are several trails on the two inhabited islands that will take you through the local jungle. Near the coast, you can then observe the wonderful life under the sea.

If you’re already in Malaysia the Perhentian Islands are definitely worth a visit too. In this article we’ll tell you how to get there and what you can do there.

HOW TO GET TO THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS

FROM TAMAN NEGARA

Boats sail to the Perhentian Islands from the port in Kuala Besut. Most visitors head here from Taman Negara National Park. If you take the same route as most people you need to get here very early in the morning.

It takes 7 hours to get to the port where the boat to the Perhentian Islands leaves from. However already in Taman Negara you can buy a bus and boat ticket at the same time. You can even get a return ticket for the boat. Tickets can be purchased at any tourist agency in Taman Negara.

For the bus to Kuala Besut Jetty alone you will pay 120 MYR. For the return boat ticket it will be 70 MYR. The boat ride takes about 40 minutes and you will arrive around 4 pm.

FROM KOTA BHARU

If for some reason you’re not travelling overland you can use the nearby airport in Kota Bharu. For example from Kuala Lumpur it takes an hour to get there by domestic flight. A taxi from the airport to the port in Kuala Besut will be about 30 MYR.

ACCOMMODATION

Only two of the seven Perhentian Islands are inhabited and can be accommodated.

PERHENTIAN KECIL

The island of Perhentian Kecil is smaller but more popular with visitors. Most of the accommodations can be found near Long Beach, where there are also famous parties every night.

PERHENTIAN BESAR

The larger island of Perhentian Besar on the other hand it’s quieter and has significantly fewer accommodation options. There are boat taxis running between these islands so it doesn’t really matter which one you choose.

We chose the larger and quieter island of Perhentian Besar. We can definitely recommend Suhaila Palace. This accommodation is right on a beautiful beach and you can also watch the sunsets from its terrace. All rooms have a sea view and there is a shop and several restaurants nearby. For a night in a double room here, you’ll pay 181 MYR. You can book online at www.booking.com or by calling +60 13 968 3119.

THING TO DO in THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS

You’ll feel like you’re on holiday here. Have a drink, hit the beach and switch off completely. When you’ve had enough hop on a boat taxi and explore the islands.

There’s a trail around the smaller island of Perhentian Kecil and you can pretty much walk around the whole island. Along the way you’ll encounter lots of ravens and you might even see some macaques and hulmans in the treetops.

You can start your trek at the fishing village, which can be reached from the recommended accommodation for MYR 5. On the way to Long Beach, you’ll pass several crowded beaches where you can swim in complete privacy. Have lunch at Long Beach and then continue on to the fishing village, where a boat taxi will take you back to the other island.

You can also do a rainforest trek on the big island, but here the route is a bit more challenging and unfortunately you can’t go around the whole island. However, there are plenty of beaches and nature to enjoy. From the accommodation you can walk to the Flora Bay resort, but from there you have to take a taxi back or return by the same route.

SNORKELING

However don’t skip a snorkeling or diving trip. All fishing is prohibited within 3.2 km of the coastline, which makes it really lively underwater. You can arrange the trip at the hotel reception or any agency on the island, the price depends on the length of the trip and the places visited. Prices for a medium length trip range from MYR 40. On the trip you will see lots of colourful corals and fish, as well as Giant Kareta or Blacktip Sharks. Snorkeling gear rental is included in the trip price, so you don’t need to bring your own.

TIPS

If you like nightlife you’ll love the Perhentian Kecil Islands especially in the evening. There are famous parties every day. Mixed drinks are available for a few crowns, alcohol is flowing and music plays until dawn.

If you go trekking around Perhentian Besar, make sure you wear sturdy shoes. The path is not very well maintained and is a bit challenging in places.

WATCH OUT

The islands close to the public every year during the monsoon season. This period depends on the weather but usually lasts from late October to early March. Keep this in mind when planning your trip to the Perhentian Islands. You really can’t get to the islands during this period.

If you are planning a trip to Malaysia, be sure to read our article about what to do in Kuala Lumpur or Cameron Highlands!!

Thank you for reading and see you soon!