Coral Bay: The Ultimate Sunset and Dining Destination | Malaysia Purple Travel Guide
Coral Bay is the serene, sunset-facing counterpart to the high-energy Long Beach. Located on the western coast of Perhentian Kecil, it is a crescent-shaped bay characterized by calm, turquoise waters, and a much more relaxed, intimate atmosphere. While Long Beach is the place for parties and large crowds, Coral Bay is where you go to slow down, enjoy a quiet meal with your feet in the sand, and witness some of the most beautiful sunsets in Malaysia.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
paid Viator tours
Why You Should Visit
You should visit Coral Bay if you prefer a ‘chill’ island vibe over a festive one. It is the best place on the island to enjoy a seaside dinner at one of the many small shacks serving fresh BBQ seafood. Because most of the resorts here have 24-hour electricity (a rarity for smaller chalets on the islands), it is also a popular base for travelers who want creature comforts while remaining close to the rustic charm of the Perhentian Islands.
What is Special About It?
- The Sunset View: As the primary west-facing beach, Coral Bay is the island’s designated ‘sunset point’. Every evening, travelers from all over the island gather on the beach or at the rocky outcrops near the piers to watch the sky turn vibrant shades of orange, purple, and pink.
- Quiet Dining: The beach is lined with cozy, family-run cafes that offer a more personal dining experience. Many restaurants here also set up ‘beach cinemas’, where they project movies onto large screens for guests to enjoy while they eat.
- Proximity to Everything: Coral Bay offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. You are far enough away from the sometimes loud music of Long Beach to get a good night's sleep, but only a 15-minute walk away if you want to join the party.
- The Diving Hub: Several of the island’s most reputable dive centers are based here, making it a great place to start a Scuba certification or book a deep-sea diving excursion.
Snorkeling at Coral Bay
There is snorkeling available right in the bay, particularly around the rocky edges at the southern end where schools of fish tend to congregate. However, it is important to note that the on-the-beach snorkeling here is not as good as it is on Long Beach.
The Seabed: The shallows of Coral Bay often have more dead coral and sediment than the northern end of Long Beach.
- The Best Spot: For the best local experience, swim toward the southern rocky headlands of the bay, where the water is clearer and the marine life is more diverse. Be aware that there is boat traffic at the jetty, therefore stay away from it.
- Boat Tours: Because the house reef is more limited, Coral Bay is a primary departure point for boat tours that take you to the superior snorkeling spots at Shark Point and Turtle Point.
Self-Guided Information
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Vibe |
Relaxed, romantic, and quiet. |
Best Feature |
Unobstructed sunset views. |
Snorkeling |
Available but ‘average’ compared to other island spots. |
Getting There |
15-minute jungle walk from Long Beach or a 5-minute water taxi ride. |
Facilities |
Several mini-marts, dive shops, and cafes with Wi-Fi. |
Traveler Tip
Coral Bay is the best place to find ‘Happy Hour’ fruit juices and shakes. If you are staying on Long Beach, make sure to head over to Coral Bay around 6:30 PM. Grab a seat at one of the beanbags at Senja Bay Resort or Ombak, order a fresh coconut, and wait for the sun to set. Do not forget to bring a flashlight for the walk back through the jungle trail!
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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