Day 5: Journey to Paradise—The Perhentian Islands | Malaysia Purple Travel Guide

The Perhentian Islands, consisting of Perhentian Kecil (Small) and Perhentian Besar (Big), are the quintessential Malaysian island paradise located off the East Coast. These islands are famous for their affordable access to stunning, crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and incredible biodiversity. As part of a protected Marine Park, they offer some of the most accessible world-class snorkeling and diving in Southeast Asia.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
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Why You Should Visit

For any traveler seeking natural beauty and a laid-back, rustic atmosphere, the Perhentian s are essential. They offer the rare opportunity to swim with sea turtles and blacktip reef sharks directly from the shore. Unlike more developed islands, the Perhentian Islands have no roads, meaning you will navigate the islands via jungle trails or boat taxis, preserving a sense of raw, tropical adventure that is increasingly hard to find.

What is Special About It?

• Perhentian Kecil (The Social Hub): This island caters to budget travelers and backpackers. It is famous for Long Beach (Pasir Panjang), which features a lively social scene, nightly fire shows, and affordable beachside cafes. Coral Bay on the opposite side offers a quieter atmosphere and spectacular sunsets.
• Perhentian Besar (The Tranquil Retreat): This island is larger, quieter, and more family-friendly. It offers more upscale resorts and wider, secluded beaches like Teluk Pauh. It is the better choice for couples or those seeking a peaceful sanctuary.
• Giant Sea Turtles: The islands are a vital nesting ground for Green and Hawksbill turtles. At Turtle Point (off Perhentian Besar), you can regularly see these magnificent creatures grazing on seagrass in water only 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) deep.
• Blacktip Reef Sharks: Despite their name, these sharks are shy and harmless to humans. You can find them in the shallow reefs at Shark Point, often measuring between 2 and 4 feet (0.6 and 1.2 meters) in length.
• Romantic Beach: Located on Kecil, this secluded cove is only accessible by boat. It features powdery white sand and some of the clearest water on the islands, making it a favorite for ‘castaway’ style day trips.

Geography and Travel Facts

• Tropical Geography: The islands are characterized by dense jungle interiors and steep rocky cliffs. The highest point on the islands reaches approximately 330 feet (100 meters) above sea level.
• Marine Park Status: To protect the coral reefs, anchoring is strictly prohibited except at designated moorings. You must not touch or stand on the coral, as these fragile organisms grow at a rate of only 0.1 to 4 inches (0.3 to 10 centimeters) per year.
• The Monsoon Calendar: The islands are closed to tourists from November to February. During this time, the Northeast Monsoon brings heavy rains and dangerous swells, and almost all resorts and boat services cease operations.
• No ATMs: There are no banks or ATMs on either island. While some larger resorts accept credit cards, you should carry sufficient cash in Malaysian Ringgit for boat taxis, meals, and snorkeling trips.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

You should bring your own high-quality snorkel and mask if you plan to explore daily, as rental gear can vary in quality. For a great self-guided adventure on Perhentian Besar, you should hike the jungle trail that connects Teluk Pauh to Teluk Dalam; it takes approximately 30 minutes and offers a chance to see large monitor lizards and dusky leaf monkeys. You should always wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate marine ecosystem from chemical damage.

Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to the Perhentian Islands

The journey from the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the turquoise waters of Pulau Perhentian Kecil is an adventure that takes you across the Malaysian peninsula. While the islands feel worlds away, the trip is a well-traveled route involving a short flight, a scenic drive, and a thrilling speedboat crossing.

Step 1: The Flight to Kota Bharu

To reach the Perhentian Islands, you must first fly into Kota Bharu (KBR), the gateway airport in the state of Kelantan.

• Choosing Your Airport: When booking your flight, pay close attention to the departure airport. While some flights leave from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), several domestic flights—particularly those operated by Firefly and Batik Air—depart from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB), also known as Subang Airport.
• Getting to SZB: If your flight departs from SZB, it is best to take a Grab directly to the terminal. Subang Airport is much closer to the Kuala Lumpur city center than KUL, making it a very convenient choice for domestic travel.
• Airlines: AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines offer frequent daily flights from KUL, while Firefly is the primary carrier operating out of SZB. The flight duration is approximately one hour.

Step 2: Transfer to Kuala Besut Jetty

Once you land at Kota Bharu Airport, you need to travel to the town of Kuala Besut, which is about an hour's drive away. This is where the ferries depart for the islands.

• Resort Transfers: Many high-end resorts offer prearranged transfers. However, these are often very expensive compared to local options.
• Taxi and Grab: You can easily hire a taxi or book a Grab at the airport. A standard one-way trip usually costs between RM70 and RM100.
• Seven Seas Transfer: For a more organized experience, you can prearrange a private or shared land transfer through the Seven Seas ferry company (website) that also operates some of the ferries that bring you to the Perhentian Islands. This is a reliable middle-ground option that ensures a driver is waiting for you upon arrival. The shared option is the cheapest way to get to the ferry – we found the ride comfortable.

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Step 3: The Ferry Crossing

The final leg of your journey is the boat ride from Kuala Besut Jetty to the shores of Perhentian Kecil.

• Booking Your Ticket: While there are several boat operators at the jetty, Seven Seas (website) remains the only ferry company with a dedicated website where you can book your ferry transfer in advance.

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• Online Reliability: Seven Seas has been very responsive to our inquiries. If you have specific questions about boat timings or luggage requirements, they typically reply quickly via the Facebook Messenger app – just keep the time difference in mind.
• The Experience: The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes on a speedboat. Be prepared for a bumpy ride and keep your electronics in a waterproof bag, as sea spray is common.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

The boat goes to both Perhentian Islands, Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar, and makes multiple stops at each island as there is no central pier for all locations. Make sure to tell the crew the exact name of your resort as you board so they know where to drop you off. Many locations have a concrete pier, but at a few you may have to jump into knee-deep water, so wear sandals!

Where to Stay in the Perhentian Islands

Choosing where to stay in the Perhentian Islands is the most important decision you will make for this leg of your trip, as the two main islands offer completely different atmospheres.
There are no roads or motorized vehicles on either island, so your choice of beach will largely dictate your daily experience.

Here you can find the accommodations that are available during your trip:

Snorkeling in the Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are part of a protected National Marine Park, meaning the waters are teeming with life just meters from the shoreline. Whether you prefer to explore independently from the beach or join an organized expedition to deeper reefs, the underwater visibility is often incredible, reaching up to 20 meters on calm days.

On-the-Beach Snorkeling (DIY)

One of the most remarkable things about these islands is that you do not always need a boat to see world-class marine life.

• Northern Long Beach (Near BuBu Resort) to north beach: This area has some of the best ‘on-the-beach’ snorkeling on the planet. If you walk to the very northern end of Long Beach—right in front of and just past BuBu Resort—you can wade into the water by the jetty and immediately find vibrant coral gardens. This ‘house reef’ is home to schools of parrotfish, inquisitive clownfish, and even the occasional baby blacktip reef shark patrolling the shallows.
• Tuna Bay (Perhentian Besar): Another excellent walk-in spot. The reef here is very close to the shore and is protected from strong currents, making it ideal for beginners who want to see colorful soft corals without a long swim.

Off-the-Beach Boat Tours

While the beach snorkeling is convenient, joining a boat tour is essential to reach the more iconic inhabitants of the marine park, such as large sea turtles and adult reef sharks.

• Turtle Point: Located in the channel between the two islands, this is a seagrass-rich area where large Green Sea Turtles come to feed. Boat captains are experts at spotting them, and you can jump in to swim alongside these gentle giants as they graze on the ocean floor.
• Shark Point: Do not let the name intimidate you; the Blacktip Reef Sharks here are shy and harmless to humans. They are most commonly found in the slightly deeper water near the rocky outcrops.
• The Lighthouse (D’Lagoon): For those looking for more dramatic underwater scenery, boat tours often stop at the Lighthouse towers. The structures have become artificial reefs, attracting massive schools of fish and offering deeper water for more confident snorkelers.
• Romantic Beach: A popular stop on most ‘short’ tours, this secluded bay on Perhentian Kecil has exceptionally clear, shallow water and is famous for its abundance of ‘Nemo’ (clownfish) living in anemones just below the surface.

Snorkeling Logistics

Traveler Tip

Please remember that the coral is extremely fragile. Never touch or step on the coral, as even a slight brush can kill organisms that have taken decades to grow. Use ‘reef-safe’ sunscreen if possible, or better yet, wear a long-sleeved rash guard to protect your skin from the sun without releasing chemicals into the water. If you are on a boat tour and the current is strong, do not be afraid to ask your boatman for a life jacket—it allows you to float effortlessly so you can focus entirely on the view below. Actually, using a life jacket is a good idea even in calm waters as it helps you float and makes watching the fish easier.

Relaxing and Exploring Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil

If you stay in Bubu Resort or another accommodation on Long beach, then we recommend spending the afternoon there and relaxing.

Long Beach, or Pasir Panjang, is the heartbeat of Pulau Perhentian Kecil. It is a sweeping crescent of fine white sand and turquoise water that serves as the primary hub for travelers looking for a balance between social energy and coastal relaxation. Because the beach faces east, it is the best place on the island to witness the early morning light, though it is the vibrant afternoon and evening atmosphere that truly defines its character.

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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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