Perhentian Islands Malaysia Travel Guide

Perhentian in the local Malay language means stopover. The islands were named this as they were used as a stopover point for ships using the east-west trade routes, with their ships stocked with spices and treasure from around Asia.

Made up of 2 islands Pulau Perhentian Besar (Large Perhentian Island) and Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island). The sea around the 2 islands is a conservation marine park. There is conservation fee of RM5 for adults and RM2.50 for children to visit the island. The islands take around 1 hour by ferry to get to from the mainland of Malaysia.

There is more accommodation on the smaller island Perhentian Kecil then on the larger Perhentian Besar though the resorts are much nicer on Perhentian Besar.

Majority of both islands are virgin rainforest with a variety of wildlife including red tail squirrels, pit viper snakes, reticulated pythons and a variety of birds including the white breasted sea eagle.

Getting to the Perhentian Islands Malaysia

By Ferry

Ferries leave from Kota Besut on the mainland of Malaysia. The slow boats take 1h 30 minutes and the speedboats take 30 minutes. The closest airport is 50 minutes away by taxi in Kota Bahru.

Last updated 29th July 2009

Hotels on the Perhentian Islands Malaysia

Pulau Perhentian Kecil

Following are chalets and resort on Pulau Perhentian Kecil including current 2009 prices and contact details.

Rock Garden Chalets located on the sourthern end of Long Beach, one of the cheapest places to stay on Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Room prices are RM25 (US$7) per night www.backpackingmalaysia.com

Matahari Chalets a select from budget rooms to family rooms. With onsite Matahari scuba dive centre. Chalet prices from RM30 (US$9) www.mataharichalet.com

D'Lagoon Resort is a secluded resort away from other accommodation. The resort can take car of all of your needs including dive trips, fishing and other water sports including hire of snorkel equipment and banana boat rides.. Room rates start from RM60 (US$17) http://dlagoonperhentian.net

Senja Bay Resort a beautiful resort with 50 rooms split across 3 levels. All rooms have views of the sea though the higher levels have uninterrupted views. Room prices start from RM100 (US$29) www.senjabay.com

Petani Beach Resort have 5 chalets, 3 with double beds and 2 twin bed chalets. www.perhentian-beach.com

Impiani Waterclours Resort and Dive centre have 2 beautiful resorts, the Impiani Resort and Paradise Resort with a PADI dive centre to arrange dive trips as well as PADI dive courses. Room rates for Paradise resort start from RM80 per night (US$23) and rooms at Impiani Resort start from RM210 (US$60) www.watercoloursworld.com

Moonlight Chalets located on Long Beach Ph: 019 9269441

Bubu Long Beach Resort is a modern luxury resort, one of the best on Pulau Perhentian Kecil. All the rooms at Bubu Long Beach Resort have views over the water. They have inhouse massage available. Packages are available for 3D/2N from RM650 (US$185) including 2 nights accommodation, return speedboat transfer, 2 snorkel trips, a welcome drink and breakfast. www.buburesort.com.my

Other accommodation on Pulau Perhentian Kecil include Lily Beach Chalets, Simfony Chalets, Panorama Chalet Resort, Cempaka Resort, Lemongrass Resort, Mohsin Chalets, Mira Beach, Butterfly Chalets, Maya Chalets, Fatimah Chalet, and Aur Bay Chalets

Pulau Perhentian Besar

Following is a list of hotels and resorts on Pulau Perhentian Besar including current 2009 room rates and contact details.

New Cocohut Chalets a new resort with open air restaurant and modern large rooms. Room prices start from RM100 per night (US$29) www.perhentianislandcocohut.com

Cozy Chalet Resort is a new resort just opened. For more details check the Cocohut website. Room prices from RM150 per night (US$43) www.perhentianislandcocohut.com

Bubbles Dive Resort is located in Tanjung Tukus on Pulau Perhentian Besar. The resort have their own certified PADI dive centre for scuba dive trips and PADI dive courses from beginners up to Divemaster level. Room prices start from RM60 (US$17). Scuba dive trips start from RM75 for per dive for 11 dives or more. This includes the hire of the equipment. The trips are cheaper if you have your own gear. PADI dive courses start from RM180 (US$51) www.bubblesdc.com

Tuna Bay Island Resort a beautiful resort with wooden bungalows all with a verandah facing the beach and sea, just a few meters away from the water. Tuna Bay Resort have their own 5 star PADI dive centre and offer WiFi wireless internet access. Accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Room prices start from RM320 (US$91) www.tunabay.com.my

Arwana Eco Resort and Beach Chalet a quality beach resort on Pulau Perhentian Besar. with large comfortable rooms. The resort is set on the beach and has it's own large swimming pool, spa and sauna. The resort has WiFi wireless internet access and onsite dive centre. www.arwanaperhentian.com.my

Coral View Resort*

Mama's Chalet

ABC Guesthouse

Abdul's Chalet

Fauna Beach Chalet

Flora Bay Resort

Samudra Beach Chalet