Ultimate Guide to Accommodation, Dining, and Snorkeling on Big and Small Perhentian Islands

In the enchanting sequence of my journey, after a delightful three-night stay at PIR (Perhentian Island Resort) on the larger Perhentian Island, I savored a sumptuous lunch at the Coral Restaurant. The midday sun glistened over the azure waters as I hopped aboard a swift five-minute water taxi, whisking me away to the smaller Perhentian Island. There, I spent a serene night at the charming Mimpi resort. In this article, I will take you on a vivid tour of these three captivating locations.

[Right Arrow R] First, the beach in front of the PIR hotel on the big Perhentian Island is a breathtaking sight and a snorkeling paradise. Diving into the crystal-clear waters, you’ll be surrounded by an array of vibrant corals, playful clownfish, and graceful sea turtles. The seaside itself is a picturesque haven, with charming swings, swaying coconut trees, and quaint wooden houses that exude a true resort vibe.

Nestled near the mountains, the area is also home to wildlife; previous guests have even captured photos of monkeys and lizards! I booked my stay through the official website (just search for the full name of the hotel on Baidu), while my friend used Agoda. It’s wise to compare prices across multiple platforms, as you can find deals on Booking and Qunar.

At the time, the official website offered the best deal, with an all-inclusive package (round-trip boat tickets, three meals, and three snorkeling sessions for two people) only about 100 RMB more than just the room (equivalent to 1100 RMB per night). However, booking early can save you even more, with room rates as low as 600-800 RMB per night.

The rooms look appealing from the outside, but the interiors are quite basic, and the soundproofing leaves much to be desired. Despite this, the stunning scenery made it all worthwhile!

[Surfboard R] Snorkeling on the island is a must-do activity, costing 40 RM (about 60 RMB) per person. I highly recommend joining the 10 AM session. I tried both the morning and afternoon sessions, but the afternoon one was less impressive. In the morning, you can spot sharks, sea turtles, clownfish, and colorful coral reefs, making for a truly enriching experience! The water is also clearer in the morning, whereas it tends to get a bit murky in the afternoon.

[Beer R] When it comes to dining, the all-inclusive options at PIR are limited but sufficient. By the end of my stay, I had mastered the art of making my own sandwiches for breakfast. For a change of scenery, you can walk along the pier to Coral, which involves climbing some stairs and can be a bit tiring.

However, the view there is worth the effort, and there’s even a children’s playground. A meal at Coral costs less than 50 RM per person (exchange rate 1.53, about 76 RMB per person). It’s said that the seafood isn’t the best, so I’d recommend ordering beef or chicken instead. Someone recommended the Tom Yum Goong soup, but I didn’t get a chance to try it.

The service can be a bit slow, and after three days of buffet where I could eat right away, waiting for my food felt a bit tedious.

[Money Bag R] There are two water taxi points at PIR, one at the pier and another in the middle of the hotel beach, with staff always on hand to assist. This means you can leave whenever you’re ready, and it only took us five minutes to travel from the big Perhentian Island to the small one!

[Right Arrow R] Arriving at the small Perhentian Island, the hotel is conveniently located right at the end of the pier, saving you about 100 meters compared to PIR. Stepping into the hotel, it felt like returning to the city, complete with a TV in the room! The rooms were also noticeably cleaner, adding to the overall comfort of the stay.

While the snorkeling in this area might not be the most thrilling, with a seabed predominantly covered in sand and only a modest variety of fish to be found near the rocky outcrops and the pier’s edge, the beach itself is a vibrant hub. It’s fully equipped with plenty of lounge chairs for relaxation, and as the sun sets, the atmosphere truly comes alive with an array of restaurants and lively evening activities.

[Look R] When it comes to check-in times, PIR enforces a strict 3 PM policy, allowing for a maximum of a half-hour early arrival. In contrast, we arrived at Mimpi at 1:30 PM and were able to check in seamlessly without any wait. The larger island is known for its tranquil evenings, free from the hustle and bustle of nightlife.

On the other hand, the smaller island buzzes with activity well into the night. For those who love snorkeling, the big island offers some of the best spots, while the smaller island is perfect for a more laid-back, stay-in-the-hotel kind of relaxation.