10 tips first time to Pulau Perhentian

1. Choose the right place to stay

Pulau Perhentian Island has several parts and it is very important to choose a right place/part to stay. Take a look of the map below.

pulau perhentian map

As you can see from the map, there are D’lagoon, Long Beach, Coral Bay, etc. Each chalet/resort/homestay on each location has its own advantages.

For example if you are interested in night life, you can stay at the Long Beach part where you can partying and enjoy the fire show. If you want to watch the sunset, you may choose the Coral Bay area.

2. If you are getting there by flight, make sure to buy tickets to Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail Petra Kota Bharu, Kelantan (KBR)

Take note of this simple tip. I have seen many tourists make mistake of buying the wrong flight to Terengganu airport (TGG). Do fly to Kelantan airport (KBR) instead because it is closer to the jetty rather than the one located in Terengganu.

Actually, if you want to go to Pulau Perhentian, you have to take a boat at Kuala Besut Jetty. If you are from Terenganu,it takes you 2 hours to reach Kuala Besut jetty. And the taxi will charge you more than Rm100. So, please plan properly

3. Know the boat schedule before booking the flight/bus

For your information, the boat to Pulau Perhentian is from 9am to 4.30pm and the return schedule to the jetty are at 8 am, 12 noon and 4 pm.

You need to know the boat schedule so that you can manage your time and not to miss the bus or plane to return home.

(But if you book a trip managed by the agent, you are all well-prepared. No need to plan all those things by yourself)

4. Select the suitable package

If you check it online, there are various packages to Pulau Perhentian available. Choose a package that worth the price

You may check;

  • What is the checkpoint for the snorkeling package and where the checkpoint is (make sure there is a shark checkpoint in your package)
  • Who will handle if you need a boat service to go around the island. Make sure the agent will help you. If the agent handle it for you, he can get a discounted price from a boat driver.
  • Is there any waterproof camera rental service and how much?
  • Does the package includes the meals? What menu? If the meal is excluded, is the package price can be less?

It sounds simple but it is actually important tips. It is a bonus if BBQ is included in your package xD

5. Not to forget to bring Slippers

If you are not planning for jungle trekking, I recommend you to just wear sandals or slippers. But if you plan to climb the Windmill ladder/windmill climb, you may bring shoes.

You need slippers to protect your feet from the coral reefs. If you wanted to buy them at Long Beach area or any tourist spot, it is a bit expensive.

6. Bring a suitable bag and clothes

Do not bring any luggage (unsuitable for island trip).

The suitable clothe selection also important. Do bring the appropriate clothes. Take note that there are certain part of pulau perhentian (the village area), it is forbidden to wear bikini.

tips to pulau perhentian

Bring also suitable bag to put your valuable items like wallet and smartphone when you are on boat.

7. Bring cash during snorkeling. (Please prepare enough cash before get to Pulau Perhentian)

Why you need to bring cash or wallet during snorkeling? Because you will be provided lunchtime later on at the closest Fisherman Village.

Also make sure to bring enough cash because there is no ATM at Pulau Perhentian. Besides, most of the shops, restaurants, dive instructors, and other vendors do not take credit cards and operate only by cash. That means you need to bring enough cash with you.

(Beware of snatch-and-grab thefts)

8. Waterproof camera

When it comes to Pulau Perhentian and snorkeling package, there must be a waterproof camera rental available. Waterproof camera is important during snorkeling to capture your moments especially with the shark, turtle and Nemo fish.

You may ask your agent to handle waterproof camera rental.

9. The package including meals or not?

This is my personal advice. If you are staying near to Fisherman Village, do not take the food packages because you can get food for cheaper price there. For example, the burger here is RM3 but it will cost u RM15 if you buy it at the Long Beach

Also, you might dislike the meal offered in the package (Not everyone prefer to have Asian food). So, it is better to exclude the food package and choose the meal by yourself.

10. Double check other travel items.

Double check sunblock, clothes, hat, travel kit, etc.

Also do not plan your holiday during the monsoon season. The island (chalet/hotel/resort) is closed for 3 months during the monsoon

That’s all for now and I hope it is useful to whoever that plan for Pulau Perhentian.

Top interesting places in Pulau Perhentian

  • Pulau Perhentian Kecil

Not sure of where to stay either Pulau Perhentian Kecil or Besar? Perhaps this entry will help you make a choice.

If Pulau Perhentian Besar can gives you calmness, Pulau Perhentian Kecil is another story. The island is lively with tourists –day and night – especially at the Long Beach (Pantai Panjang). Wanted some peace? Not to worry, take your space at Coral Bay which is located opposite.

  • Teluk Pauh

Teluk Pauh is located at Pulau Perhentian Besar. It is an interesting place to visit due to its natural attraction. If you are from Pantai Panjang/ Long Beach (Pulau Perhentian Kecil), you can get there by using the ‘water taxi’ service provided by the locals. The time taken to get to this bay is about 10 minutes.

Upon reaching Teluk Pauh, you will be fascinated by its extremely beautiful beach. Your first impression would be something like being in a huge natural swimming pool.

  • Teluk Dalam

At the southern part of Pulau Perhentian Besar, there is an undesirable attraction of Teluk Dalam.

As soon as you get to Teluk Dalam, you will be surprised by its coastal area –it is longer/wider than the ‘Long’ Beach located in Pulau Perhentian Kecil!

This bay is peaceful, where you can spend some time with your family and have some picnic. However, the bay will be busy with snorkeling and other activities in the afternoon till dusk

  • Pantai Panjang (Long beach)

Long Beach is another interesting places to be visited. Many tourists and backpackers choose Long Beach as their must-visit place. However to those with kid, this beach is not suitable to visit.

The most interesting part about Long beach is its night life. The beach is so lively with its night activities like fire shows

  • Windmill Climb D’Lagoon

Windmill Climb is a unique attraction located at the highest peak of Pulau Perhentian Kecil. It is suggested as an interesting place because if you stand at the top of it, you can see the most beautiful scenery of the whole Perhentian Island.

If you are afraid of climbing, not to worry, the pedestrian path to climb to the top has been provided! The time taken to climb it is within 20 minutes.

Not to forget to wear comfortable shoes and to take the camera!

  • Titik Penyu (Turtle Bay)

Located near to Teluk Pauh will be your next interesting place, Titik Penyu or Turtle Bay. From the name itself, you can imagine of what can be found there.

Do you know why there are many turtles here? It is because Titik Penyu is where they get the food sources. The best way to see these turtles is by snorkeling

  • Pulau Tokong Burung

Next interesting place in Pulau Perhentian is Pulau Tokong Burung (or sometimes called Bird Island). This small island is accessible by boat and the journey will take about 40 minutes from either Perhentian Besar or Perhentian Kecil.

The beach is quite beautiful, although for me, it is probably one notch below the spectacular beaches of Pulau Rawa or Teluk Pauh.

If you think that the beach at Pulau Rawa is small, you may not be fascinated with this beach. It is definitely much smaller because the island itself is made up mostly of towering boulder rocks.

You can also do snorkeling there especially around the shallow boulder rocks that are partially submerged underwater. I guess the attraction of Tokong Burung is not on the beach but what lies underneath.

  • Tokong Laut (Temple of The Sea/ Sea Temple)

This is the most popular dive site and the journey from Teluk Dalam will take about 30 minutes by boat, passing by the spectacular rocky island of Pulau Susu Dara. Boats from either Teluk Pauh or Long Beach will also take just about the same time.

Situated out northwest of Perhentian Kecil, around a cluster of rocky outcrops, it consists of many large boulders that descend gradually to a depth of about 30 meters. The boulders in the shallower depths are covered with a spectacular array of colorful soft corals, while those lower down have black coral, gorgonians and sea fans. Marine life includes green turtles, several kinds of trigger fish, unicorn fish, and a few types of sharks. Whale sharks have been spotted here, but not often

  • Terumbu Tiga

Terumbu Tiga (or some dive books have it as “Tiger Rocks”) is located at the east of Pulau Perhentian Besar. It takes you about 15 minutes from either Teluk Pauh or Teluk Dalam to reach there. Terumbu Tiga means “Three Reefs” in English, or rather a collection of 3 large boulder rocks that slightly juts out of the ocean surface.

Again here, you will need to dive. During the dive briefing, the DMs will be mentioned about the chance to sight rare fish species such as the emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) and bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). It is lucky if you can spot them!

Terumbu Tiga has an amazing collection of soft corals but the highlight probably went to this one expansive section filled with only mushroom leather corals of Sarcophyton mililatensis!

Overall, it will be a great and leisure dive.

  • Lata Air Berani

Wanna know where is the most unique attraction in Pulau Perhentian? The answer is the Lata Air Berani. It is a small natural pond formed near to the shore of the Perhentian Besar Island.

The interesting part about it –is the freshness satisfaction felt when the ice-cold water touches the body. It is refreshing!

  • Teluk Keke

Teluk Keke is located in Pulau Perhentian Besar.

Anyone who has visited these places or even only google its picture online, already know that natural beauty is in no way challenged. Everything is exactly as you might expect, the plants are lush and exotic, the water is warm and has wonderful colors, the sand of the beaches is soft and full of little bits of coral from the reef.

The beach is nice and good for photo shooting!

  • Pulau Perhentian Besar

What are you looking for in your holiday? They are all offered here, from snorkeling packages and scuba diving to boat service to enjoy the beautiful views of the island.

Either you are good at scuba diving or not, it is worth the effort to dive because diving is the best ways to enjoy the true beauty of Pulau Perhentian.

Pulau Perhentian Besar has a completely different vibe with the other one, Pulau Perhentian Kecil. The resorts in Perhentian Besar cater to a slightly more mature crowd which typically includes couples, honeymooners, families, and budget travelers who would rather read and enjoying the calmness than socialize and partying.

Top 7 best holiday destinations in Malaysia

If you are planning of flying to Malaysia and wondering of its best holiday destinations, here we will covered you with the 7 best holiday destinations across this multicultural country.

  1. Kuala Lumpur

The first best holiday destination is the big cities of Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur is a worthwhile destination of its own.

The mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian make Kuala Lumpur has no shortage of culinary exploits in Malaysia’s capital city. The cultural diversity is a big part of KL’s allure. Take a short walk or jump on the extensive train network and you can see the delights of numerous cultures.

Do visit and explore the unique neighborhoods and interesting sights of Kuala Lumpur such as the Petronas Towers, the Perdana Lake Gardens, and the Menara KL Tower. We promise you that they will offer plenty of enjoyable distractions before you head farther afield in Malaysia.

 

  1. Pulau Pinang (Penang)

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Malaysians are so proud of this big island on the west coast — and they should be! The colonial city of Georgetown has plenty to offer in the way of museums, a seaside fort, historic homes, and most importantly, a famous street-food scene (Penang was known as the food heaven of Malaysia)

Penang is considered one of the best holiday destinations to sample delicious street food of all types. The waterfront esplanade known as Gurney Drive in Penang is lined with stalls and eateries for trying local Malay, Chinese, and Indian treats, among others.

Also, numerous artists have left their marks in the form of murals along the streets of Georgetown. Cafe, shops, and things to do can be found dotted throughout.

  1. Melaka (Malacca)

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Malacca is a historical state of Malaysia, rich with heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and colonial structures. This Malaysia’s Peranakan city of Malacca is the best holiday destination because it is a worthwhile stop for cultural, historical, and colonial sites. Visitors are rarely disappointed by the old town in Malacca.

Tip: Many shops and museums close in Malacca on Tuesdays — plan your visit accordingly!

 

  1. Sabah & Sarawak

The option to exchange dirty concrete for green rainforests and abundant wildlife is only a cheap, quick flight away!

Sabah and Sarawak are two different states of Malaysian Borneo with different vibes and charms. From endangered orangutans to rainforest canopy walks and some of the best diving in the world, Malaysian Borneo should definitely be a part of any trip to Malaysia.

The Rainforest World Music Festival held outside of Kuching each summer is one of the most exciting music-and-culture events in Southeast Asia.

 

  1. Pulau Langkawi

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Pulau Langkawi is another best holiday destination in Malaysia. Located off the northwest corner of Malaysia, Pulau Langkawi is the top island destination in Malaysia for both foreign tourists and Malaysians. With an airport and ferries connecting it to the mainland, as well as a large tourist infrastructure, Langkawi could unfairly be called Malaysia’s version of Phuket.

Langkawi also has duty-free status.

Langkawi offers many tourist attractions such as Malaysia’s largest indoor aquarium, a cable car, and the Sky bridge that allows views across the island. Unfortunately, the drone of jet skis cause the busiest beaches to be less serene.

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Getting to the island is fast and inexpensive because the flights from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi can be found for as cheap as US $15!

 

  1. Terengganu

Terengganu is well-known with it islands and the best island destination in Terengganu is Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Island). Perhentian island were separated into Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar.

Backpackers and budget travelers love Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands, especially Perhentian Kecil — where fine sand and excellent snorkeling/diving fill the day before parties start at night. Perhentian Besar caters more to families, couples, and travelers who are willing to spend more to enjoy the blue water and skip some of the partying.

The Perhentian Islands are very seasonal. Accommodation can be difficult to find on Perhentian Kecil in July, the peak month, but the islands are mostly empty during the winter months (Nov-Jan) due to rain and stormy seas.

 

  1. Cameron Highland

Malaysia’s green Cameron Highlands are one of the best holiday destination in Southeast Asia where you’ll actually want a jacket or warm blanket at night. After sweating across tropical climates, you may appreciate the change of climate.

The Cameron Highlands are like nowhere else in Malaysia. You’ll see plenty of lush scenery, tour beautiful tea plantations, and enjoy access to decent hiking trails that weave through plantations and around volcanoes.

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Strawberry farms, butterfly gardens, and flower greenhouses are all enjoyable distractions to be found in the Cameron Highlands. The climate provides good conditions for growing fresh vegetables and producing delicious local honey.

Enjoy your visit!