My trip to Perhentian Island

The Perhentian Islands are two islands named Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island) and Pulau Perhentian Besar (Large Perhentian Island). The Malay name Perhentian is translated as “place to stop” and this is exactly what these two islands were for traders travelling between Malaysia and Bangkok in years gone by. Besar means “big” in Malay and this is the larger of the two islands, located to the east of Perhentian Kecil. The major part of the island is uninhabited and undeveloped, apart from the resorts on its western and south-western beaches. Best time to go Perhentian Island is around March to Oct.

I took the Ekspres Timuran KTM train from Johor Bahru - Tanah Merah
Kelas : Aircon Day Night Second (ADNS )
 (Departure 6:57pm Arrival 7:17am)
one way RM47.50

http://www.ktmb.com.my/

Arriving at TANAH MERAH station by train from Johor Bahru and took a 45mins taxi to Kuala Besut Jetty.

Perhentian Island is accessible from a small fishing town of Kuala Besut, which situated in between Kota Bharu, Kelantan and Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.

Kuala Besut Jetty is the official Jetty to Perhentian Islands. Kuala Besut is easily accessible through KOTA BHARU & KUALA TERENGGANU airport (KOTA BHARU airport is nearer to the jetty ), TANAH MERAH train station and JERTIH bus station.

When you reach the jetty, you need to pay RM5 for the conservation Marine Parks.

Daily Boat Tranfers time

Return Ticket RM60

Kuala Besut - Perhentian : 8am/ 10:30am/ 12pm/ 4pm

Perhentian - Kuala Besut : 8am/ 12pm/ 4pm

Arrived Perhentian Besar Island.

semi suite sea view at Cocuhut Chalet

I personally would recommend Tuna Bay Resort (http://www.tunabay.com.my ) and Cocohut Chalet ( http://www.perhentianislandcocohut.com/perhentianisland.html ). These resorts mostly cater for families and also for avid scuba divers. The northernmost, nicest bay is called Teluk Pauh and is where you will find the Perhentian Island Resort.  A walkway connects you to the main west coast beaches facing Perhentian Kecil, each with a cluster of resorts, dive centres and restaurants and separated by rocky headlands. The southern beach, Teluk Dalam has a wide curve of sand, a handful of resorts and is the quietest beach on this island.

Perhentian Besar beach in front of Tuna Bay Resort

At Perhentian Kecil accommodation is more geared towards the budget traveller and the backpacker scene, especially along the idyllic Long Beach (Pasir Panjang). A fifteen minute walk through the jungle takes you to Coral Bay (Teluk Aur), which is smaller and quieter, while also predominantly catering for budget travellers. The other resorts on this island occupy their own private beach coves and are priced in the budget or moderate category. There are also a few uninhabited, secluded beaches scattered around the island.

Things must do at Perhentian Island:

1. Since if you are staying at Perhentian Besar there is not much night life activity at night after 10pm so what you can do is to take a taxi boat from besar to kecil island. There are lots of place for dinner and drinks at Perhentian Kecil. Will be cheaper if you have a group of friends for the taxi boat.

Small huts at Perhentian Kecil

2. Don't forget to take the island hopping trip to Pulau Rawa and Pulau Susu Dara

 

Beautiful Susu Dara Island..

3. If you are looking for very cheap accomadation and really nice food .. don't forget to go Abdul Chalet Guest House at Perhentian Besar island ...highly recommended!!! Make sure you book the room early !

cheap and nice food at Abdul Chalet