🇲🇾 Perhentian Island Accommodation: Best Beachfront Stays & Travel Tips

Important Details
– First and foremost, it’s essential to know that Perhentian Island is divided into two main areas: the Big Island (Perhentian Besar) and the Small Island (Perhentian Kecil).
– The Big Island is home to renowned resorts such as PIR, Coral View, and Tuna Bay. It offers a more tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, with most dining, drinking, and activities centered within the resort facilities.

– In contrast, the Small Island is a hub for backpackers and international travelers, brimming with a lively and vibrant energy. You’ll find a wider array of dining, drinking, and activity options beyond the confines of the resorts.
– If you’re looking for a bustling ambiance, the Small Island is the perfect choice.

With bars and nightly fire shows, you can fully immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant nightlife.
– If you’re staying on the Big Island but want to experience the excitement of the Small Island, a water taxi is your go-to option.
– Water taxis require a minimum of two passengers, with fares based on distance.

The base fare is RM15 per person, which doubles after 7 pm and triples after midnight.
– On the Small Island, activities are concentrated on the East (Long Beach) and West (Coral Bay) sides.
Note: Coral Bay is a beach on the Small Island, distinct from the Coral View Resort located on the Big Island.

Be sure to specify “Coral View Resort” to avoid any confusion with the boatman.
Since I chose the Small Island, I’ll dive deeper into the strategies for making the most of your stay there.

Accommodation
– This time around, we stayed at Senja Bay, nestled on the west side of the Small Island.
– Thanks to the low season, the rates on Agoda were quite affordable.
– We booked a 4-day, 3-night stay and added an extra night last minute, bringing the total cost to RM510.30.
– The facilities, while a bit dated, were still comfortable.

The room was somewhat dim, likely due to the sea’s humidity, but overall, it was a decent stay.
– Don’t forget to bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste. Shampoo and soap are provided, but it’s wise to bring your own shampoo, as there was a shortage during my visit, and the provided one didn’t feel very effective.

– Hairdryers and hangers are available, so you can lighten your luggage by leaving these items at home.
– The package I selected did not include breakfast. If you’re interested, check if they offer a breakfast package.
– Alternatively, you can enjoy breakfast at other nearby restaurants.
Note:
When you arrive at the jetty, look for the phone number of Senja Bay on the pillars.

Call the front desk for assistance with your luggage, as Senja Bay is a bit far from the jetty. This service is also available when you leave. Trust me, don’t make the mistake of lugging your bags yourself like I did! 😂

Head to the main page for more details on transportation, dining, and activities.