When I was backpacking in Asia 2015 I found the island Perhentian Kecil and I felt like I found a hidden paradise! There are and Perhentian Besar, If you’re searching for paradise islands with white beaches and turqouise water
On the North-east coast of Malaysia lays two beautiful islands called Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar
How to get to Kuala Besut
To reach the Perhentian Islands you have to go to Kuala Besut which is the main port to reach the islands. Kuala Besut is a small town with a few restaurants, a. bus terminal and a few shops. There are many ways to reach the islands depending on where you are and here I will go through the most common ways.
South of Thailand by land
From the city Hat Yai take train 171 departing at 07:05 arriving at the boarder Sungai Kolok at 10:50, this journey will cost you 141B (4.14$). When you arrive at Sungai Kolok you can take a motorbike taxi to the boarder for about 50B (1.5$) or you can walk to the border, but it’s quite a walk in the heat so I’ll highly recommend to pay someone.
Exit Thailand and walk over to the Malaysian side and get your entry stamp, the process is quite straight forward and usually not busy. We where the only tourists crossing when we went.
When you’re on the Malaysian side you have to walk about 500 meters to find a small taxi station. The easiest an fastest is to take a taxi all the way to Kula Besut, the taxi ride takes about 1 1/2-2 hours and should be about 120RM (27$).
By Bus
From Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Besut, this is a 9 hours bus ride and you can choose a day bus or a overnight bus. Prices ranges between 40-50RM (9-11$).
There are also daily busses going from Penang and Cameron Highlands.
Many busses can be booked through 12go or Redbus.
By Plane
The closets airport is Kota Bharu and from there you can take a taxi or a minibus transfer to Kuala Besut jetty.
Boat to Perhentian Island Islands
When you have arrived at the jetty in Kuala Besut there are many boat companies offering boats to the islands, most of them are the same and what company you choose doesn’t really matter. We went with Seven Seas and it was smooth and a bigger speed boat.
Price: A boat ticket with return is 70RM (16$) and the return date is an open ticket.
You also have to pay a conservation fee of 30RM ( (7$)
Boats to Perhentian run frequently through out the day and the last boat usually leaves at 5.30pm. When leaving the island boats leave at 8am, 12pm and 4pm.
The boatride takes between 45min-1 hour depending on weather and how many pick ups and drop offs they make.
Accommodation
There are plenty of places to stay on Perhentian Kecil but most of them can not be found online. Here are some recommendations but don’t worry of you haven’t managed to book something before arriving.
Awatif House, basic bungalows with fan starting at 80RM/ night and AC bungalows starting at 180RM/night.
Contact by whatsapp: +60182909535
Symphony Village starting at 35RM/night and is located right at the middle of Long Beach.
D’Rock Garden, simple and affordable bungalows at the end of Long Beach.
Matahari Chalet offers chalet, bungalows and ac rooms.
Contact: +60129373858
Mimpi, this is a quite new hotel with beautiful rooms and AC. Prices starting at 500RM/ night (112$)
Book through their webpage, here.
BuBu Resort & Bubu Villa is located on Long Beach offers accommodation on the pricier side starting at 1330RM/ night (255$).
Book through their webpage, here.
Good things to know
There are two islands Perhentian Kecil (small island) and Perhentian Besar (big island). Perhentian Kecil is known among backpackers and for diving while Besar is more poplar for couples and families.
There are no ATMs on the island so try bringing enough cash for your stay! In some places you can pay with card but they usually charge 3-5% extra.
Wifi is very limited on Perhentian Kecil and our Malaysian Sim-card was barely working. There is a small café in the middle of Long Beach and Ewans restaurant on the way to Coral Bay both have pretty stable wifi.
Most places are run by generators and only have electricity between 8pm-8am. Trust me it gets hot!
The living standard on the island is pretty basic and simple, but you don’t spend to much inside your room anyways.
The islands are closed during monsoon season and is usually opened between late February and late October. April until September is considered being high season.
Did you know that diving in Perhentians is one of the cheapest places in Asia! So if you’re wanting to do your open water or any other diving this is the place to do it.