Discover Perhentian Island: Ultimate Travel Guide and Adventure Tips

Pulau Perhentian is a stunning destination with two main islands: the larger and the smaller. We opted for the charm of the smaller island, which, although not connected to its larger counterpart, can be easily reached by a water taxi.

In the evening, from around 9 to 11 PM, you can enjoy an enchanting fire show and take a leisurely stroll along the beach. The small island offers a variety of dining options, primarily featuring local cuisine. While the menu choices at each restaurant are quite similar, there’s no shortage of refreshing drinks to quench your thirst.

I visited in late June and stayed at Sharil Island Resort, which included a daily breakfast. However, I wouldn’t recommend it due to the island’s layout. The small island is divided into front and back, and we had to walk about 15 minutes to reach the restaurants, watch the fire show, and explore the mountain trails.

The snorkeling package was a highlight, offering five unique spots:
– Turtle Point, where, unfortunately, we didn’t spot any turtles
– Tiga Ruang Beach, where you can snorkel right from the shore and marvel at the colorful fish
– Teluk Keke, a picturesque spot with large rocks perfect for photo opportunities
– Shark Point, an exhilarating experience as you plunge into deep waters, closely watched over, and we were thrilled to see three baby sharks
– Lata Air Berani, a charming area with a small shop selling snacks and drinks, and a refreshing waterfall to cool off

We also hiked up Windmill Hill, a scenic 20-30 minute trek. I wore flip-flops out of sheer laziness, but I’d recommend proper footwear as some paths are slippery, and the rock walls are cracked, requiring careful navigation. At the summit, you’ll find two windmills, and you can venture to the back of the viewing platform for breathtaking photos.

The popular staircase leading down is officially closed, but the gate has been vandalized, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can still descend for some unobstructed views.

I booked our trip through Kaki Perhentian. The cost for a 3-day, 2-night stay was RM410. For the peak months of July and August, the price increases to RM470.