Pulau Perhentian Travel Review: Big Disappointment at Flora Bay Resort Experience

I must say, a review is truly necessary. This was my inaugural visit to Perhentian Island, and I chose to stay at Flora Bay on the larger island.

On the bright side, the area is quite serene and less congested, which can be a refreshing change from the usual tourist hotspots.

However, there were several disappointments that marred the experience. The cost for one person was RM677 for a 4-day, 3-night stay, which seemed reasonable at first. Unfortunately, the food options were severely limited, leaving us with very few choices for meals.

Another significant issue was the apparent racial discrimination. When we kindly requested the Wi-Fi password, the staff informed us that it was out of order. Initially, we accepted this, but it became clear that other guests of different ethnicities were able to use the Wi-Fi without any issues. We inquired again, and all confirmed they had access, which left us feeling unfairly treated.

Adding to our frustration, we were charged RM0.5 to RM1 for filling up a kettle with water, citing it as a house rule. Upon checking out, we noticed that while most items were included, the water charge was handwritten on a separate slip (as shown in the second picture).

Moreover, before booking, we specifically asked if the rooms had hot water, and we were assured they did. We booked two rooms, but neither had functioning hot water. After a day of diving, coming back to a cold shower late at night was extremely uncomfortable.

In summary, I cannot recommend Flora Bay on the big island. You might want to explore other areas, but generally, this place is not advisable. If you do decide to visit, perhaps consider Arwana Resort, which has a better reputation.