Let off some steam at PERHENTIAN ISLAND in Terengganu, where the sun meets the sand and the fun never ends.
- Log in to post comments
Perhentian Island is made up of two main islands; Pulau Perhentian Besar and its sister island, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, in an archipelago that consists of other small uninhabited islets. Easily one of Malaysia’s more popular holiday destinations, Perhentian Island has all the trappings of a quintessential dream island. Let’s explore all the surprises that await you at this renowned retreat.
Start your trip by visiting the Perhentian Turtle Sanctuary Beach, located on Pulau Perhentian Besar. What’s interesting here is that not only can you witness the Hawksbills and Green turtles in their natural habitat - should your visit coincide with their nesting season, but you also get to play your part by volunteering to help conserve their nesting sites.
After that, waste no more time and make your way straight to the famous Long Beach, on Pulau Perhentian Kecil, where you can relax and unwind while getting that healthy dose of Vitamin Sea. There are hammocks and sun loungers with parasols for you to relax on while soaking in the sun, but don’t forget your sunscreen!
What’s a trip to Perhentian Island if you miss out on the chance to go diving? The clear blue waters mean you get to enjoy the amazing underwater scenery where you’ll find exotic fishes, amazing corals, sea turtles, and certain species of sharks. Popular dive sites include the Pinnacle, also known as Temple of the Sea or Tokong Laut, a pinnacle jutting out from the sea bed, and the Sugar Wreck, an easily accessible sunken 3500-ton sugar haulier. For aspiring divers, you’re welcome to join any of the diving schools where introductory dives and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) training can be arranged according to your needs. If diving is not for you, though, you can always rent snorkeling gear from any of the rental centres around the beach and enjoy the underwater scenery just as much.
You could also switch things up by exploring the islands and their untouched lush greeneries. Go island-hopping via water taxis or on foot with the help of the walking tracks there. There’s a good chance you’ll end up on Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Keep your eyes peeled for the interesting wildlife (hint: monkeys) and the calming nature of the forest. Also, be sure to look out for one of the track meanders to scenic viewpoints including the Lighthouse Tower.
Trust us, you definitely would want to stay for the sunset, especially here at Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Known for its stunning sunset views, Coral Bay is full of beachside cafes and restaurants for when you’re feeling rather peckish. You must try out the beef curry with roti canai at Yellow Station Cafe, among other cheap meals for grabs there. Meanwhile, Shari-la Island Resort Restaurant serves up a great all-you-can-eat evening buffet with BBQ. Amelia Cafe is another popular spot to chill at where you can enjoy their milkshakes while sinking your feet into the sand as the waves lap up to shore.
Not only that, there’s also the quaint Open Air Cinema at Ombak Resort that screens movies as dusk settles, which we reckon that it is a great way for you to end the day here at Pulau Perhentian Kecil.
Early risers can make their way to Panorama Divers for a buffet breakfast, located on Perhentian Kecil. You’ll find a great range of Western breakfast menu as well as an impressive Asian breakfast spread, which includes banana pancakes, fried rice and noodle dishes.
Can’t get enough of the sea? You can have a go at kayaking, which is readily available on both sides of the island. We’d say it's fairly easy to circumnavigate each island individually and you also get a better chance at exploring the nooks and crannies of Perhentian Island - a great way to stumble upon isolated parts of the island and have the beach all to yourself!
Meanwhile, another interesting activity that you must try is squid jigging. MIMPI Perhentian Resort on Long Beach, for instance, can assist you with all the necessary arrangements. Most of the locals here on the east coast of Malaysia make their livelihood out in the open sea and this is your chance to get a taste of the simple life by chartering a boat at night and see what the sea has in store for you - of course, guided by an experienced local.
You can fly from both terminals of KL International Airport to either Sultan Mahmud Airport, Kuala Terengganu or Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia offer direct flights to the respective airports. We’d recommend taking the Kota Bahru route as you’d shave half an hour of driving to Kuala Besut Jetty compared to the Kuala Terengganu route, which takes up to two hours.
