Planning a trip to Malaysia? Gear up to live a real islander’s life on Perhentian Islands. Surrounded by pristine beaches, beautiful sunrises, and soft sand beaches, Perhentian Island is a popular beach destination in Malaysia, located off the Terengganu coast. Comprising of two islands named Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, this island has to be on your bucket list for your next visit to Malaysia!
18 Best Things To Do In Perhentian Islands
Explore these two little gems that are known to have a serene vibe, turquoise beaches, lavish backdrop, and plentiful things to do in Perhentian Islands.
- Snorkeling
- Jungle Trekking
- Beach Hopping
- Marine Park
- Turtle Observation
- Sea Kayaking
- Kecil
- Stay in a resort
- Pray at a mosque
- Visit the windmill
- Breakfast
- Camping
- Sunset watching
- Fire show
- Movie Night
- Drinking
- Shopping
- Tree House
1. Snorkeling
One of the reasons people visit this island is to explore the underwater life. The Perhentian Islands provide a few of the best snorkeling spots in Malaysia. What a great idea to swim with the fish! You’re almost assured to view turtles, sharks, and beautiful fish along with beautiful corals. You can’t travel to the Perhentian Islands without snorkeling at least once. It also gives more brilliant possibilities to go for scuba diving.
Best time: April-October
Where: Long Beach, Besar, Kecil
Cost: INR 1700
Must Read: 6 Water Sports In Malaysia That’ll Quench Your Thirst For Adventure Like None Other!
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2. Jungle Trekking
If you love the thrill of a great adventure, these tropical islands offer a lot of interesting trekking opportunities as well. With small trails that join the beaches, you’ll be capable to enter one path and come out from the other. Discover lush foliage and interesting wildlife as you hike along woodlands. You’ll encounter several monitor lizards, spiders and geckos during the trek.
Best time: July-Sep
Where: From long Beach to Coral Bay
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3. Visit Adam & Eve Beach
Of course, one of the absolute favorite things to do in the Perhentian Islands is to relax and enjoy the surroundings at its tranquil beaches. Head to the Perhentian Kecil Coral Bay and Adam and Eve Beach. The delicate sand fringes with the thick wilderness make ideal spots to relax in the shade or for sunbathing. There is also a white sandy beach- Teluk Dalam, perfect for a comfortable walk around the shore or Love Beach for social moments.
Suggested Activities: Snorkeling, swimming
Location: Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malaysia
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4. Terengganu Marine Park
Built up as a marine stop in 1994, the islands are gazetted to save this astoundingly unique spot. The park is comprised of Redang Island and in addition others in the Redang Archipelago, consisting Pulau Perhentian Besar and Kecil, Lima, Ekor Tebu and Pinang, and Pulau Tenggol, and others. Here you also get the chance to discover wonderful reefs and see a plenty of marine life such as giant groupers and eels by either snorkeling or diving in crystal clear waters.
Location: 21090 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
Best time to visit: April-October
Entry Fee: INR 85 for adults, INR 45 for kids
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5. Turtle Observing
The Perhentian Turtle Sanctuary Beach on Basah is one of the best places in Malaysia to see green turtles and hawksbill both. As a vital nesting ground for these magnificent and lofty animals, the Perhentian Islands can be an unusual spot for you to watch turtles living in their natural habitat. When you head toward Turtle Beach during the night, you may even get a sight of astonishing eggs hatching and baby turtles advancing toward the sea.
Where: Turtle Beach
Best time to visit: June-September
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6. Sea Kayaking
For a lively day of touring, lease a sea kayak. Rentals generally cost under RM100 and enable the adventure lovers to set out onto the delicate waters. Sea kayaking gives the opportunity to visit secluded lagoons and shorelines that are out of reach by foot. Those who are sufficiently fit can likely kayak around the 14-kilometer of Kecil which takes around 3 to 5 hours. Watching the islands from the ocean offers a totally offbeat view of the Perhentians.
Where: Long Beach, Coral Bay
Best time: June-September
Cost: INR 500
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7. Kecil
It can be slightly more crowded in Kecil as compared to Besar, though food prices are cheaper. Senja is an awesome seaside eatery over Coral Bay to try local cuisine. The meal costs around 11 MYR. Mama’s Café, Maya, and Amelia Café are three other great places to check out for relishing food.
Suggested Read: Scuba Diving in Malaysia: 10 Top Places To Witness The Magical Hues Of The Underwater World
8. Laguna Redang Island Resort
One can appreciate a more holiday vibe at the Laguna Redang Island Resort. The adventure souls can kick back on the shoreline and enjoy the pristine views along with a few mixed drinks at Tupai Beach Bar while your children play around the seashores.
Tariff: Contact hotel for the prices
Key offering: restaurant, bar, dive lounge, karaoke lounge
Location: S-5, Ground Floor, Wisma Tenang, Jalan Sultan Sulaiman, 20000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
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9. Mosque A R Rahman Pulau Perhentian
One more special spot in the Perhentian Islands is this appealing mosque which is stunningly established over the water. It will give an impactful scene as soon as you land at the island’s major village. Note to visit inside, you ought to be respectfully dressed.
Location: Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
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10. D’Lagoon Windmill
If you desire to roam around the islands during your trip, then you can rent the one of a kind water taxi available along the coast. This will give you the best chance to visit a big D’Lagoon windmill on the island. D’Lagoon Windmill is a generator which supplies electricity to the locals on the island. The windmill view is moreover classic as from here you can see the marvelous landscape of the island.
Location: Pulau Perhentian Kecil
How to reach: A staircase goes up to the windmill that takes about 40 minutes or more to reach.
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11. Breakfast at Panorama Divers Buffet Breakfast
Image Credit: Mariamichelle for pixabay
Having breakfast in itself is a happy experience. Only breakfast lovers would know about it. If you want to have a sumptuous breakfast, then there is a famous place on the island where you can enjoy brunch. Panorama Divers Buffet Breakfast is where they serve a huge range of International and Asian breakfast. From classic pancakes to roti canai, savour it all. There is also an option for eggs, cereals, and toast.
Location: Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia
Timing: 8 AM- 12 PM
Best time to visit: During breakfast hours
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12. Camping
If you are an adventurer who likes to go out in the wild, then you can go camping on the island. Teluk KK is where you will find options to stay overnight on the beach under the stars. It is an overwhelming experience in itself. The camping ground is on the southside of the beach.
Location: Teluk Keke Beach
Timing: Open 24 hours
Best time to visit: In the evening, after sunset.
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13. Watch The Sunset
For those who live for beautiful sunsets and sunrises should definitely count ones on the Perhentian Island. In fact, this island in Malaysia is known for breathtaking sunsets. SO, why miss? You will find a number of secluded spots and private resorts from where you can gaze at the orange sun drowning in the sea. Coral Bay on the Perhentian Kecil is the best place to watch sunsets.
Location: Coral Bay, Perhentian Kecil
Timing: Around 7 PM
Best time to visit: In the evening
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14. Fire Show
Have you ever enjoyed fire dancing? If not, then here is your chance to have a unique experience on the island. The locals perform hula and fire dance show for their guests. It is really enthralling to watch. You can even join the dances if you like. If you like to explore different cultures, this is an amazing thing to do after the sun goes down.
Location: Bubu Long Beach
Timing: 10-11 PM
Best time to visit: In the evening
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15. Movie Night
You may have seen movies but have you ever watched on the sand beach with other travelers and strangers? If not, having a movie night on the island should be on your bucket list. Just grab a bean bag and a drink to enjoy. There are a number of places on the island that organize such movie nights that you may join.
Location: Ombak Resort
Timing: After 8 PM onwards
Best time to visit: In the evening
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16. Drinking
Image Credit: ii7017 for Pixabay
This goes without saying unless you are a teetotaler. You are on your vacation and little booze hurts no one. You will find plenty of bars and shack on the island where you can go to have beers and meet with like-minded strangers. Whether you are a relaxed person or a happening soul, you will find a place with your vibe.
Location: Tupai Beach Bar
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17. Shopping
Wherever you go, you should always bring back souvenirs from your trip even if you are not a shopaholic. A few things you can bring back from Perhentian Island is arts and crafts. You will not find a particular market for buying arts and crafts on the island but a few cafes sell artisanal items that are worth buying. On the beaches, you will find pretty trinkets and gift at a cheaper cost.
Location: Chill Out Cafe & Craft
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18. Tree house
Ditch your hotel room for a day and enjoy staying in a tree house. If you had a treehouse in your childhood, then the experience will bring back some sweet memories. If not, then you can finally make your dream come true. These log cabins are surrounded by forests so that you feel close to nature. Enjoy amazing views from your window and wake up to the chirping of birds.
Tip: There are multiple locations with treehouses. Check online to book one.
Further Read: 5 Spectacular Water Parks In Malaysia That Are Worth Having Fun In The Sun!
Once you arrive in this paradise, it is assured that you will not want to leave at all once you indulge in these wonderful things to do in Perhentian Islands. The magnificent islands will definitely sweep you off your feet, and make sure you do not miss out on this on your next trip to Malaysia!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about Perhentian Island?
One of the reasons people visit this island is to explore underwater life. The Perhentian Islands provide a few of the best snorkelling spots in Malaysia. What a great idea to swim with the fish! You're almost assured to view turtles, sharks, and beautiful fish along with beautiful corals.
What can you do at Perhentian Island?
Some of the best experiences to try in Perhentian Island are:
1. Indulge in jungle trekking
2. Enjoy beach hopping
3. Try local delicacies at the best restaurants
4. Attend a fire show
5. Try hands at water activities
Can I visit Perhentian Island during the current Covid situation?
Yes, you can now plan a visit to Perhentian Island. To ensure a safe trip, adhere to the Government protocols, maintain required social distance, keep wearing a mask when in public, and keep sanitizing your hands at certain intervals.
What is the best time to visit Perhentian Island?
March to November is the dry season on the island that making it the best time to visit Perhentian Island. In fact, July is the peak season to visit the islands.
How do I get to the Perhentian Islands?
There are no direct flights to Perhentian Island. Firstly, you will have to take a flight to Kota Bharu, then take a bus to Kuala Besut, and finally a ferry to Perhentian Island.
How do you get to the Perhentian Islands from Singapore?
Take a flight from Singapore to Kota Bharu Airport, then a taxi or bus to Kuala Besut. There are a number of ferries running between Kuala Besut and Perhentian Island.
How do you get from Langkawi to Perhentian Islands?
There are direct flights from Langkawi to Kuala Bharu and Kuala Terengganu. You can take a flight to either of them. Then, take a bus to Kuala Besut, and a direct ferry from here to Perhentian Island.
Where are the Perhentian Islands located?
The coral-fringed islands are located to the northeast of Malaysia, near the border of Thailand.
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