🇲🇾 Ultimate Perhentian Island Transportation Guide: Tips & Routes for Easy Travel

Since my stay at the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, my travel guide primarily revolves around this stunning location. The resort is open year-round without any seasonal restrictions and even operates its own ferry service. This small, stable ferry offers a smooth ride, and you can head to the upper deck to soak in the breathtaking views while lounging on comfortable sofas and feeling the refreshing sea breeze.

The ferry departs from Fairfield by Marriott Kuala Besut, with two daily trips at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm. The return trips from the island are scheduled for 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. The journey takes approximately an hour, or even less. As for the beauty of the Marriott, the photos speak for themselves 😊

🚗 Driving
👍🏻: Driving provides the ultimate convenience, allowing you to set your own schedule and decide when to stop and when to leave. Parking at the pier is free, and a one-way trip (around 526KM) requires about one and a half tanks of gas. Starting from Kepong, the route passes through Bentong, then straight to Kelantan, and finally reaches Kuala Besut in the northern part of Terengganu.

I only missed noting down two tolls. Gas stations are plentiful along the way, making restroom stops easy. On the return trip, I took the southern route through Terengganu, straight to Kuantan, and then back to KL.
👎🏻: Driving at midnight can be challenging, especially after Bentong, where some sections are quite dark and require the use of high beams.

The route isn’t entirely highway, and you’ll encounter large, fast-moving trucks. If you’re not feeling very alert, it’s highly recommended to have at least two people to take turns driving.

🚌 Bus
👍🏻: The bus ticket is reasonably priced at under RM50, making it an affordable option that eliminates the need to drive. Most routes go through Kuantan to Kuala Besut.
👎🏻: The journey is lengthy, with multiple stops at rest areas, and coordinating the bus and ferry schedules can be tricky. This mode of transportation is not ideal for families traveling with children under 6 years old or elderly members.

✈️ Plane
👍🏻: Flying offers a more comfortable and restful experience, with no need to worry about driving.
👎🏻: However, it comes with a higher cost, and you must factor in the time to get to the airport and the waiting time, which can easily exceed 4 hours. After arriving at the Kelantan airport, you still need to arrange a Grab or taxi to Kuala Besut (one-way fare starts from around RM70).

@Life Potato @Travel Potato @Outdoor Potato @Local Potato