Perhentian Islands travel guide
Car-free islands with reefs, turtles and cheap diving. Most people stay 2–4 nights. Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Highlights
- Turtle Point snorkelling
- Diving and Open Water courses
- Long Beach
- Jungle trails
Things to do in Perhentian Islands
- Snorkel boat trip: Turtle Point, Shark Point & Coral Garden · 4 h · about ₹1,300 per person. The marine park fee is collected on arrival; do not touch turtles or coral.
- Two fun dives or a try-dive · 5 h · about ₹5,500 per person. Avoid flying for 18–24h after your last dive.
- PADI/SSI Open Water course (3–4 days) · 8 h · about ₹28,000 per person. Plan at least 4 nights; prices are among the lowest in the region.
- Long Beach (Pasir Panjang) & Coral Bay sunset · 3 h · free. A 15-minute jungle path links the two bays on Perhentian Kecil; carry a torch after dark.
- Jungle trek to the windmill viewpoint · 2 h · free. Start early, wear shoes and carry water; trails are muddy after rain.
- Kayak or paddleboard between bays · 2 h · about ₹500 per person
- Perhentian Besar beaches & turtle conservation · 4 h · about ₹600 per person. Water taxis connect the two islands; agree the fare and return time.
Where to stay in Perhentian Islands
- Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil (budget, ₹1,500–₹4,000 a night): Chalets, dive shops and beach bars; the most social bay.
- Coral Bay, Perhentian Kecil (mid, ₹3,000–₹6,500 a night): Calmer west-facing bay with sunsets and snorkelling off the beach.
- Perhentian Besar resorts (premium, ₹6,000–₹15,000 a night): Quieter island with larger resorts and calm water for children.
What to eat
- Seafood barbecue: Long Beach and Coral Bay beachfront restaurants
- Keropok lekor (fish crackers): Kuala Besut jetty stalls
Getting there
- Flight to Kota Bharu ~1h + taxi ~1h to Kuala Besut
- Speedboat from Kuala Besut ~40 min
- Water taxis between bays and islands
Good to know
- Most resorts and boats stop running from about November to February during the northeast monsoon.
- No reliable ATM on the islands; bring enough cash.
Malaysia itineraries with Perhentian Islands
- Kuala Lumpur & the Perhentian Islands · 7 days · 7 days, Kuala Lumpur → Perhentian Islands · from ₹30,100 per person, base estimate before flights. Two city days, then four nights of snorkelling and diving on car-free islands.
- Backpacker loop: Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang & the Perhentians · 13 days · 13 days, Kuala Lumpur → Cameron Highlands → Penang → Perhentian Islands · from ₹87,350 per person, base estimate before flights. Hawker food, tea hills, street art and a dive island on a budget, using buses and backpacker minivans.