Perhentian Islands, Malaysia: travel guide
Twin islands of clear water, coral reefs and diving off Terengganu
Twin-island backpacker and diving destination off Terengganu — Perhentian Besar and Kecil — known for clear water, coral reefs, and Long Beach nightlife.
About Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands are two islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, off the coast of Terengganu in the South China Sea. They are a marine-park destination known for clear water, coral reefs and white sand, and they are among Malaysia's best-known diving and snorkelling spots.
Long Beach on Kecil is the social hub, with a livelier evening scene, while Coral Bay on the other side is quieter. Turtle Beach on Besar and Shark Point are known for snorkelling and wildlife, and the water is clear enough for good visibility close to shore.
The islands suit backpackers, divers and beach lovers. Boats run in the drier season, roughly March to October, and accommodation closes during the monsoon from about November to February.
- Country
- Malaysia
- Currency
- MYR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
- Nearest airport
- KBR
Last updated
Plan a Perhentian Islands trip
Top places to visit in Perhentian Islands
Long Beach (Pasir Panjang)
Beach · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The main and busiest beach on Perhentian Kecil, lined with chalets, dive shops and bars.
Coral Bay
Beach · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Smaller, quieter beach on the west coast of Perhentian Kecil, famous for sunset views.
Turtle Beach (Perhentian Besar)
Wildlife · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Beach known as a sea-turtle nesting and sighting spot; evening access restricted during nesting season.
Shark Point
Activity · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Popular scuba dive site off Perhentian Besar known for black-tip reef shark encounters.
D'Lagoon
Nature · 3.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Remote northern-tip cove of Perhentian Kecil, home to the long-running D'Lagoon family resort.
Perhentian Islands Marine Park
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Marine protected area established 1994 covering a 2 nautical-mile zone around the islands.
Teluk Pauh
Beach · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Beach fronting Perhentian Island Resort, start point of the Teluk Keke coastal trail.
Teluk Dalam
Beach · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Long sandy beach on Perhentian Besar, one of the island's principal tourism-zone beaches.
Windmill Scenic Spot
Viewpoint · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Hilltop viewpoint topped by a decorative windmill, reached via a short jungle trail.
Tuna Bay
Beach · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Beach on Perhentian Besar fronting Perhentian Tuna Bay Island Resort.
Teluk Keke
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Beach and coral garden southwest of Perhentian Besar near Tuna Bay.
Adam and Eve Beach
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Small secluded beach at the island's northwest end, popular for snorkeling.
Things to do
- Snorkeling Boat Tour (Island Hopping) Snorkeling · 4 h · from MYR 35 per person
- PADI Open Water Diver Course Diving · 96 h · from MYR 1,100 per person
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course Diving · 60 h · from MYR 950 per person
- Single Fun Dive Diving · 1.5 h · from MYR 90 per person
- Sea Kayaking Rental Watersport · 4 h · from MYR 70 per person
- Snorkel Gear Rental Watersport · 8 h · from MYR 20 per person
- Long Beach to Coral Bay Jungle Trek Hiking · 1.5 h
- Windmill Viewpoint Hike Hiking · 0.8 h
Where to stay in Perhentian Islands
Hotels
- BuBu Villa 5-star · MYR 500 to MYR 900 per night
- Alunan Resort 5-star · MYR 450 to MYR 800 per night
- Mimpi Perhentian 4-star · MYR 280 to MYR 500 per night
- The Barat Perhentian 4-star · MYR 280 to MYR 500 per night
- Perhentian Island Resort 3-star · MYR 150 to MYR 280 per night
- BuBu Long Beach Resort 4-star · MYR 300 to MYR 550 per night
Where to eat
- Panorama Cafe Asian, International, Seafood · about MYR 54 per person
- Ewan Cafe Malaysian, International · about MYR 54 per person
- Amelia Cafe Malaysian, Seafood BBQ · about MYR 54 per person
- Ombak Cafe Local, International · about MYR 54 per person
- Yellow Station Cafe Malaysian, International · about MYR 54 per person
- Crocodile Rock Bistro International, Vegetarian-friendly · about MYR 54 per person
- Awatif Cafe Malaysian, Kebab · about MYR 22 per person
- Santai Restaurant International, Seafood BBQ · about MYR 54 per person
Getting to Perhentian Islands
Nearest airport: Kota Bharu (KBR), about 56 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Boat
- Walking