Key hubs
Perhentian Islands airport and railway station
- Airport
- Nearest airports are Kota Bharu (KBR) and Kuala Terengganu (TGG), each roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road from Kuala Besut. Check current direct flights from Indian cities; connections usually go via Kuala Lumpur.
- Railway station
- No station on the islands. Tanah Merah on the Jungle Line is the closest station to Kuala Besut, then road transfer.
- Getting around
- Boat from Kuala Besut, then jungle trails and water taxis; there are no roads on the islands
How to reach Perhentian Islands by air
The nearest airports are Kota Bharu (KBR) and Kuala Terengganu (TGG), about 1 and 1.5 hours by taxi respectively from Kuala Besut, per Wikivoyage. Check current direct flights from Indian cities; connections often go through Kuala Lumpur.
How to reach Perhentian Islands by train
There is no railway on the islands. Tanah Merah station on the Jungle Line is the closest to Kuala Besut, followed by a road transfer. Check current services before relying on the train.
How to reach Perhentian Islands by road
The islands are reached from Kuala Besut in Besut District, Terengganu, by road from Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu. Allow extra time on the mainland for ticketing before the boat.
Getting around Perhentian Islands
There are no roads on the islands. Wikivoyage reports speedboats from Kuala Besut about hourly in daytime taking 30 to 45 minutes, jungle trails between beaches and water taxis at roughly RM12 per hop, negotiable.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Perhentian Islands
- Wet landings and small boats are the hardest part. Ask staff for help, wear water shoes and carry bags that can get splashed.
- Take a water taxi instead of the muddy jungle trails, especially after rain.
- Carry all regular medicines, a small first-aid kit and a copy of prescriptions; the island clinic is small and serious cases go to the mainland.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.