Explore "Little Maldives" for just 600 per person! A complete 3-day, 2-night guide to Pulau Perhentian
If Malaysian islands had rankings, Pulau Perhentian would definitely be my "white moonlight" in my heart. I just returned from Big Perhentian Island, and the 3 days and 2 nights experience was simply amazing—this small island located about 21 kilometers off the coast of Terengganu is not over-commercialized, yet it boasts jelly-like seas and powdery fine beaches comparable to the Maldives. The best part is, prices are super low, there are few people, the scenery is beautiful, and most visitors are from Europe and America. It’s truly a place where you can get close to nature!
🌊 Why Pulau Perhentian? — Pristine is the greatest luxury
Compared to popular islands like Redang Island and Langkawi, Pulau Perhentian is less well-known. But precisely because of this, it has preserved its most original charm—monkeys are everywhere on the hills, and snorkeling near the shore reveals vast coral reefs and clownfish. Many people stay here for half a month or even a month, bringing a few books and a tablet, spending most of their time lying on the resort’s outdoor lounge chairs or on the beach reading.
There are no cars on the island; transportation relies entirely on water taxis and walking. This slow pace is a kind of healing for those of us caught up in the fast rhythm of city life.
🏝️ Big island or small island? — Choose right for double the experience
Pulau Perhentian is divided into Big Perhentian Island (Perhentian Besar) and Small Perhentian Island (Perhentian Kecil).
Big Perhentian is quieter, with better resort facilities, suitable for families, couples, or those who just want to relax and unwind. PIR (Perhentian Island Resort) is right on the most beautiful beach, with the sea just outside the door. When I booked, it was about 600 MYR per night. Small Perhentian is livelier, popular with backpackers, and some beaches have parties and fire dance performances.
If you want to watch the sunset, you must go to Small Perhentian because Big Perhentian is blocked by the smaller island in the sunset direction. It only takes about ten minutes by water taxi between the two islands, which is very convenient.
🤿 Snorkeling and hiking — Heaven and sea both included
Pulau Perhentian is part of Malaysia’s National Marine Park, and snorkeling is definitely the highlight. You can book various sea activities at the hotel; snorkeling costs about 40+ MYR per person for 2-3 hours, visiting three snorkeling spots. The water is crystal clear, the coral and fish are stunning, and Turtle Point and Shark Point are must-visit snorkeling spots. Swimming with turtles and watching blacktip reef sharks are definitely the highlights of the trip! You can see coral and fish near the shore, so beginners have no pressure.
But the beauty of Pulau Perhentian is not just underwater—the island’s jungle trails are as charming as the coastline. I recommend the short jungle trail from Long Beach to Coral Bay, connecting two unique spots. While hiking, you might encounter monitor lizards and playful monkeys. If you have the stamina, be sure to challenge the windmill viewpoint on Small Perhentian for a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic sea view from above!
🍜 Food, accommodation, and transportation tips — all practical info
Transportation: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu (about 1 hour), then take a taxi to Kuala Besut Jetty (about 1 hour, RM90–RM120). From the jetty, take a speedboat 30–40 minutes to the island. Round-trip boat tickets cost about 70 MYR, plus a 5 MYR marine park entrance fee.
Best time to visit: March to October, with clear weather and calm seas. The island is closed from November to February due to the monsoon season.
Food: Most island restaurants serve Malay and Thai flavors at affordable prices. Recommended are the Coral View hotel restaurant—cheap and delicious—and Mama’s, a favorite for many. You can enjoy a meal for about 10 MYR per person.
Tips: There are few ATMs on the island and limited card acceptance, so bring enough cash; bring your own mask, snorkel, and coral-friendly sunscreen; Malaysia offers visa-free entry for Chinese tourists, so just bring your passport and go!
🌅 Final thoughts
On Pulau Perhentian, time is measured by the waves. Waking up to birdsong in the morning, swimming with turtles in the jelly-like sea during the day, sitting on the beach watching the sky change from gold to pink at dusk, and falling asleep to the sound of the waves at night.
Pulau Perhentian is not just an island; it’s a feeling. Before too many people discover it, while this pristine beauty still remains—go for it, it’s worth all your expectations.