🇲🇾 Perhentian Island Travel Guide: Best Local Food & Dining Tips 🍽️

There are numerous restaurants on the island🌴, and we’ve had the pleasure of sampling quite a few, with some delightful discoveries and a few letdowns. While the prices may be higher, the culinary experiences are often worth it! Here’s a rundown of our dining adventures, with our absolute favorite saved for last 😉

1. Pit Stop Cafe
No matter how many times or how many days we’ve visited Perhentian Island, Pit Stop is always our go-to spot for brunch. They offer a delightful mix of local Malay cuisine and Western favorites.
This gem was recommended by our diving instructor, and it truly lives up to its reputation as a local favorite. My personal must-haves include their stir-fried kuey teow, fluffy pancakes🥞, and the unique pineapple toast (a real treat!!!) 🍍🍞.

2. Bubu Villa
The ambiance here is fantastic, though the prices are a bit steep, and the food is just average. We mainly come here for the serene atmosphere, hahaha.

3. Lavazza @ Mimpi Resort
Don’t miss the small stall here that serves a must-try Sea Salt ice cream🍦. The sweet and salty combination is incredibly refreshing in the hot weather!

4. Panorama Kitchen
This is the perfect spot for dinner! Their handmade pizzas are simply divine, and they also serve a variety of local Malay dishes and Western fare. The atmosphere is inviting, the prices are fair, and you can even enjoy a mesmerizing fire dance performance.

5. Crocodile Rock
Our top pick, this hidden gem is a lesser-known treasure. The ambiance is enchanting, and the sunset views are breathtaking🌄. Although it’s a bit pricey, the experience is absolutely worth it. Next door, you’ll find a charming treehouse bar run by the owner’s son, where you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink.

The only catch is that you need to take a boat to get there, and it only opens at 6:30 PM. It’s best to call ahead and make a reservation, as the boat ride at night can be a bit adventurous.