Discover the Hidden Gems: Pulau Perhentian Island Travel Guide

The journey shifted from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna, and I accidentally discovered that Perhentian Island had already opened. Perhentian Island is really too much fun; once you come, you don’t want to leave.
🏝️Perhentian Island is very suitable for leisure travel, not the kind of citywalk filled with plans.

Before the trip, I checked on Xiaohongshu about recent visitors to Perhentian Island and messaged them privately. The most asked question was whether snorkeling was possible (one of the things I most wanted to do on this trip). The answers varied, depending on the weather. Fortunately, during my stay on Perhentian Island, the weather was clear and calm.

🤿The beaches of Perhentian Island are very suitable for snorkeling. I bought equipment in advance from Decathlon. There are two types: you can buy a mask and tube, or you can directly buy a full-face mask (many Europeans and Americans choose this). I chose the former for better photo aesthetics. Other prepared equipment includes beach shoes, jellyfish suits, sun protection gloves, and a Gopro (rented).

If you want to rent a Gopro in Kuala Lumpur, I recommend this guy @JIE杰, who is super nice.
🚗➕🚤Kota Bharu airport is not large but well-organized, with some Muslim style. I took a Grab to Kuala Besut pier to buy round-trip boat tickets to the island. There is no marine conservation fee this season. After registering at the hotel, the staff will guide you to the pier.

Be sure to ask about the return time; the boat ticket has the contact number of the boat company, which is very convenient for WhatsApp. ⚠️Tip: If you get a red boat ticket, sit on the corresponding color speedboat.
🏨I chose to stay at Shari-la Resort, which has a dedicated docking pier. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the boat to the hotel.

I originally wanted to book Bubu and Marriott, but due to the last-minute changes, I couldn’t get those two.
📍The hotel offers traditional Malay-style wooden bungalows and also modern-style accommodations. The hotel has a water park, pavilions, and a large area, showing that the boss puts a lot of effort into managing the hotel.

🌅The hotel’s swing area is an excellent spot for watching the sunset.
🏖️I initially planned to visit Long Beach, where there are great places to eat, highly recommended, but unfortunately, the restaurants there were not open this season. The specific route is from Ombak Dive Resort, following the signs straight to Long Beach.

This place provides diving services, certification, accommodation, dining, and snorkeling.
🤿You can make a reservation in advance at your hotel, choosing between a long trip (5 hours) and a short trip (3 hours). The specific route includes Fish🐠 point, Coral🪸 point, Shark🦈 point, Turtle🐢 point, as well as the lighthouse and Romantic Beach.

The water quality for snorkeling is excellent, providing a great experience. You can also snorkel and relax on the beach near the hotel.

In summary, the beaches of Perhentian Island offer a serene and breathtaking escape, adorned with lush tropical vegetation, playful squirrels, and a vibrant array of butterfly species. It’s an idyllic haven for those seeking to unwind and savor a tranquil, slow-paced lifestyle.