Discover Tranquil Pulau Perhentian: Off-the-Beaten-Path Island Relaxation at Marriott Resorts

Transport: Begin your journey with a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu, followed by a 1.5-hour taxi ride and a 40-minute boat trip to the island. The boat is Marriott’s own ferry, which is brand new and operates smoothly, ensuring a comfortable and scenic ride.

Island Arrival: Arrive at the island in the morning at 8:30 or in the afternoon at 14:00. Gather at Marriott’s private pier for the scheduled departure. If you arrive early, you can check in at the pier and enjoy some refreshments while you wait.

Departure from Island: Departures are scheduled for noon at 12:00 and in the afternoon at 16:00. It’s highly recommended to book a car in advance, as it can be challenging to find one on the spot, and no one will take last-minute orders.

My dear boyfriend booked an ocean view king room, and it was absolutely stunning. The bathroom’s shutter opens up to a breathtaking direct view of the sea, and the bedroom is spacious and modern. The entire experience was incredibly luxurious. The hotel itself is expansive, and whenever you need to go out, just call the front desk, and they’ll send a car to pick you up.

The housekeeping service is impeccable; the staff does an excellent job. We even wondered if Marriott uses mosquito repellent, as the area is quite natural, but from the moment we entered our room to our private beach, there wasn’t a single mosquito! (However, once you step outside the hotel gate, the mosquitoes can be quite aggressive, as my boyfriend found out the hard way.

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The hotel’s breakfast is a real treat, with a rich and varied menu. The flying pancake with curry sauce is a must-try, and it’s the perfect motivation to wake up early. Unfortunately, dinner at the hotel is a bit of a letdown. It’s not cheap, and the taste is average, so it’s better to dine elsewhere.

We recommend heading to Long Beach, which is just a 20-minute walk through the jungle (you might even spot some lizards along the way). The food there is fantastic, and the experience is well worth the short trek.

During our stay, the hotel occupancy was relatively low, mostly filled with white tourists. The hotel has three pools, and none of them were crowded, making for a very relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. The private beach is almost deserted, allowing you to lie down and take photos freely. The water is crystal clear, the sand is fine, and the pink sunset in the evening is simply breathtaking.

The hotel also offers paid dessert and cocktail classes, which are conducted in English. The instructor who taught us how to make cocktails was very friendly and engaging, making the class both fun and informative. When we attended, it was just the two of us, making it a perfect couple’s activity.

This trip to Malaysia was made unforgettable by this hotel. Later, we visited Penang and stayed at EO Eastern Hotel, where we got the last available room. Compared to our stay at Marriott, it was far less impressive. Overall, the Marriott on Perhentian Island deserves a solid 9/10 rating. 🥰🥰🥰