A true paradise where you can relax, do a lot of sport and immerse yourself in the wonderful and authentic nature. The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia will win you over: even the hotels are really beautiful. A boat ride is highly recommended to discover all the most enchanting beaches.
Last year, after being in Singapore with my partner, I was curious to visit Malaysia. Having been there for a week, we didn't have time to push ourselves towards Kuala Lumpur and surroundings. So, this year, we decided to spend 15 days in the land of Sandokan. While I was fantasizing and gathering information to organize an itinerary, I came across images of a real paradise: the Perhentian Islands.
Perhentian Islands: small archipelago to discover
It is a group of islands located about 20 km north east of the coast of Malaysia, in the state of Terengganu, close to the Thai border.
The two main islands are Perhentian Besar e Perhentian Kecil: are respectively the largest island and the smallest island.
In this archipelago, there are also other small islands off the coast of Kecil, some uninhabited. All are in protected area and belong to the Redang National Marine Park.
Needless to tell you how beautiful they are and how much the 4 days spent there are etched in our memories and in our hearts.
Perhentian Islands, how to reach them
To reach the Perhentian Islands you must necessarily use the boat from the port of Kuala Besut.
If you travel by plane, as we did, you have to arrive at Kota Bharu Airport. From there, reach the port, or via Taxi, (I recommend using Grave) or with a private shuttle. It takes about an hour without traffic.
We, personally, have organized everything through hotels and it is something that I can recommend, also because the costs are really low.
We arrived on a Saturday and there was delirium at the port. Having booked everything in advance it was very convenient, they let us get on the boat straight away, despite there being a lot of people in line.
The boat is small and the crossing takes 40 minutes. If you are fearful, like me, I recommend you go up behind because, especially if the sea is slightly rough, you will jump a lot.
Remember that, to access the Islands, you will have to pay a small fee entrance fee at the port and a stay directly at the hotel.
Where stay
He Islands Perhentian are just one of your stops on a trip to Malaysia, you will be amazed by the difference in accommodation costs here, compared to other places.
The quality of the facilities is not very high, let's say you pay for the beauty of the place.
We decided to stay at the famous PIR, Perhentian Island Resort, the best known hotel, as it overlooks one of the most beautiful beaches of all the islands, a Besar.
With hindsight, having also wandered the neighbor Kecil. We didn't regret our choice, on the contrary, despite spending a little bit, it wouldn't have been the same holiday if we had gone somewhere else.
The structure is old and the cleanliness is not impeccable, there are not many comforts but the location, the kindness of the staff and the breakfast, will make you forget everything else.
I have read that many people have preferred to stay in Kecil also because you can reach many beaches on foot. While a Besar you must always take the Taxi Boat; this is true but, it is also true, that the cost of the taxi is so ridiculous (about 2/4 / 6euro, depending on the beach) that it is absolutely not a burden, indeed.
Another thing to consider when choosing accommodation and therefore the island, is that Besar is more romantic and quiet than Kecil which is more lively and full of life. Obviously, if you choose Besar, nothing prevents you from taking a boat and reaching Kecil for a dinner or an aperitif.
In short, in my opinion, Besar all life, but everyone must make their own considerations.
Perhentian Islands, what to do and see
The highlight of the Perhentian Islands it's nature, so surely things to do are snorkelling, boat trips to discover the most beautiful beaches e walks in the middle of the jungle.
beaches
As I mentioned above, if you are a Kecil, you will have the opportunity to visit various beaches on foot.
The most famous is Long Beach which, however, disappointed me. It is a bustle of boats and the water is not that great. From here, a path winds through the jungle which, as I mentioned before, allows you to visit various beaches on foot such as Coral bay, Sandy Coral, Mira, Petani and Fishing Village with its mosque.
Since PIR it is 10 min by Taxi Boat from the famous Turtle Beach, the classic postcard beach, reachable only by sea: the only one of the islands that has no buildings around it. Here, volunteers take care of the protection of the turtles and, for this reason, the beach is only accessible until 15.00. I already warn you that you will fall in love.
If, however, you are not staying at the PIR, I recommend that you also visit its beach because it is wonderful.
Snorkeling and the boat
Before leaving, pack your mask because these islands offer so many wonders.
Wherever you turn, you will see places that organize outings of snorkeling and also diver.
We have dedicated ourselves very much to the do it yourself snorkeling because, right at PIR There is the Turtle Point, that is, the point where turtles are seen more often.
The first morning, while I was swimming at the buoys, I had a wonderful encounter with just one turtle and it was an indescribable emotion.
On the penultimate day, we decided to go out with the Hotel diving and we saw the Sharks, we went to the garden of the Corals and we have seen others turtles. An experience to remember.
The guys who run the Taxi Boats also organize nice excursions at moderate prices the boat ride at sunset (on Besar Island, the sunset is covered by the other island) and the complete tour of all the islands, to be customized according to your choice.
When to go
We went the first week of September and the weather was splendid, apart from two evening showers (after 19pm for a couple of hours).
From June to September let's say it's a excellent period to visit these islands, not bad there spring and to avoid the period from October to February.
Are you already booking ?? :)
