Discover the Hidden Gem: Perhentian Island, Malaysia’s Underrated Paradise

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve visited Perhentian Island, and it never fails to captivate me!
Each stay has been memorable, from the serene Barat to the cozy Arwana, and the charming Cozy Resort. This time, I opted for the highly acclaimed Alunan Resort.
Nestled on a private beach, Alunan offers a tranquil and secluded haven, perfect for those seeking peace and relaxation.

It’s a place where you can truly unwind and embrace a laid-back lifestyle. The resort boasts a stunning environment and exceptional service; every staff member is incredibly friendly. Although the food is a bit on the pricey side, it’s delicious and definitely worth savoring.

One minor drawback is that our room was quite a distance away, requiring a bit of a climb up a slope. If you’re traveling with elderly family members, I recommend choosing a room closer to the sea.

The highlight of any visit to Perhentian Island is, without a doubt, the snorkeling!
Here, you can encounter small sharks, turtles, clownfish (like Nemo), vibrant corals, and the breathtaking Air Berani. For an added adventure, take a trip to Redang Island, where you can explore the filming locations of “Summer Bubbles” and then dive into the crystal-clear waters of Redang Marine Park and Lang Tengah.

If you’re planning a trip to Perhentian Island, here are some essential tips:
🔥 Always apply sunscreen every 4 hours; the sun here is intense, and I learned this the hard way after getting sunburned twice.
❤️ Be prepared for mosquitoes at night, so bring your own mosquito repellent.
💖 Pack seasickness medication just in case; the waves can be quite rough.

💛 Avoid eating too much before snorkeling, as it can lead to seasickness and vomiting (trust me, I know from experience).
💚 Consider bringing your own snorkeling mask and snorkel for hygiene reasons, to avoid using ones that others have used. You can find great options like the Seavenger Seapro mask and snorkel, a brand favored by many travel agencies.

Don’t forget to label them with your name to avoid mix-ups.
💙 Goods on the island tend to be more expensive, so it’s wise to bring all the necessary items to avoid overpaying.
💕 To attract fish, you can buy some bread.
💜 From November to February, it’s monsoon season, making it unsuitable for going out to sea.

Even though I just returned, I’m already counting down the days until my next visit!