Malay Hidden Gem: Perhentian Island Travel Guide for Adventure Seekers

[RainbowR] Perhentian Islands
Pulau Perhentian Besar: (Big Perhentian Island)
Pulau Perhentian Kecil: (Small Perhentian Island)
There are pristine rainforests, large areas of palm trees, and white powdery beaches. You can see sea fish everywhere and the surrounding water is a deep blue.

[RainbowR] How to get there
Kota Bharu – Kuala Besut Jetty
The drive takes about an hour and a half.
After arriving at the jetty, you can buy round-trip boat tickets from the ticket offices.
(Photos of the ticket purchasing location are attached)
Boat departure times: 8:00-16:00, departing on the hour

[RainbowR] How to go back and forth
You can park your car in the parking lot, with a parking fee of RM10 per day.
The one-way boat fare is RM35 per person, and a round trip is RM70 per person.
Additionally, you need to pay an island entry fee of RM5 per person and a marine conservation fee of RM30 per person.

[Right ArrowR] The captain will first ask each person’s destination and then drop them off at different beaches in order.
[Right ArrowR] To leave the Perhentian Islands, you need to contact the phone number on the boat ticket the day before to confirm the return time. When waiting at the jetty, you need to show your boat ticket as there are multiple boat companies.

[Right ArrowR] The boat ticket indicates that the return trips are at 8:00, 12:00, and 16:00 every day. The pick-up process is not very controllable, so the timing may not be exact.

[RainbowR] How to choose the island
The small island is lively with more restaurants and a wide range of hotel prices (we chose the small island).
The big island is more relaxed.

[RainbowR] What to do
[Right ArrowR] Half-day island hopping and snorkeling tour, 5 spots, 3 hours, RM50 per person.
You can see tropical fish, various types of coral, sea turtles, and baby sharks.
[Right ArrowR] 3-hour sea fishing, RM300 for the whole boat.
Other activities are also available, with photos attached.

[RainbowR] Where to stay
We stayed at Mimpi Resort on the small island. It happened to be during Eid al-Adha, and the price was over RM1000 per night [LaughingCryingR], but the environment and location were worth five stars.

[RainbowR] Things to note
1. Remember to bring enough cash as only cash is accepted on the island.
2. Bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
3. Make sure to contact the boat company the day before for the return trip.
4. For activities, it is recommended to go snorkeling in the morning. If you want to go sea fishing, it is suggested to go at 4:00 PM, where you can also enjoy the sunset, making it worth the price.

5. There is hot water in the hotels.
6. The Perhentian Islands are on the east coast and are not suitable for visiting all year round; the best time is from May to September.
From October to April, it is the regional conservation period, and most water activities, hotels, and restaurants may be closed.

Diving activities may be canceled due to strong winds and waves.