Landmarks in Perhentian Islands
- 01
Coral Bay, Perhentian Kecil
A sheltered bay on the other side of Perhentian Kecil from Long Beach, known for sunsets and a handful of casual restaurants.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Late afternoon for sunset; dry season only
- Tickets
- No entry fee for the beach. Cafes and resorts charge for food and rooms; the water-taxi fare is negotiated per hop.
- 02
Kuala Besut Jetty
The mainland fishing port from which speedboats cross to the Perhentian Islands, about 20 km away.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours including ticketing
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, before the sea gets choppy
- Tickets
- Buy boat tickets and pay marine-park and jetty charges here. Wikivoyage reports boats about hourly, roughly 8 am to 5 pm; check current times and fares.
- 03
Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil
The main beach of Perhentian Kecil, a long white-sand strip lined with guesthouses and cafes, and the liveliest place on the islands.
- Time needed
- Half a day, or a few nights
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Mornings for swimming; March or April to October for open seas
- Tickets
- The beach itself is free. Landing and marine-park charges are collected on the way in; check the current amounts at the mainland jetty.
- 04
Perhentian Besar West Beach
The calmer, more resort-oriented west shore of Perhentian Besar, with clear water and white sand away from Kecil's crowds.
- Time needed
- Half a day or a few nights
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning swim, afternoon shade; March or April to October
- Tickets
- No beach fee. Resorts set their own rates, and the marine-park charge applies on arrival at the islands.
Experiences in Perhentian Islands
- 05
Island Hopping by Boat
A boat loop around the islands, taking in bays, uninhabited islets and snorkel stops.
- Time needed
- 3 to 5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Calm mornings in season
- Tickets
- Book with your accommodation or a local operator. Prices and stops vary, so agree inclusions beforehand.
- 06
Perhentian Jungle Trails
Footpaths link the beaches on both main islands, through forest where monitor lizards and birds are common.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours per walk
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning in dry season
- Tickets
- No fee. Bring water, repellent and a torch if walking near dusk.
- 07
Perhentian Snorkelling and Diving
Half-day boat trips to reef sites around the marine park, with turtles and blacktip reef sharks among the usual sightings.
- Time needed
- Half day
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- March or April to October
- Tickets
- Book through a local operator or your accommodation. Gear rental, boat trips and dives are priced separately and vary; check inclusions, and note the marine-park fee.
- 08
Turtle Conservation on the Perhentians
Green and hawksbill turtles nest on the islands, and a Department of Fisheries hatchery works to protect them.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Dry season; nesting activity varies
- Tickets
- Programmes are run by agencies and groups; check current opening and any donation or volunteering terms with your accommodation.
Neighbourhoods in Perhentian Islands
- 09
Kampung Pasir Hantu
The islands' fishing village on Perhentian Kecil, where local life carries on alongside the tourist beaches.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Daytime, dry season
- Tickets
- No fee. Wikivoyage notes a small medical clinic in the fishing village and a food court.
- 10
Teluk Dalam, Perhentian Besar
A bay on Perhentian Besar with chalets, small restaurants and a calm beach, one of the island's easier bases.
- Time needed
- Half a day or a stay
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning and late afternoon; dry season
- Tickets
- Free to visit. Chalets and restaurants set their own prices; confirm boat arrival arrangements when you book.
