Perhentian - Paradise island on the east coastPulau Perhentian Islands is a group of 9 small islands 21 km off the coast of Terengganu and Kelantan on the east coast of North Malaysia. The island has been a popular destination for visitors for over 30 years. Initially, the islands only served as the "stopover" islands for the local fishermen who took shelter from the fierce sea during the monsoon. By the time the backpackers came to frequent the beaches the word quickly spread out how beautiful the beaches were and soon after the islands became a favorite holiday spot. Now, it is a world renowned location, especially favored by sea lovers, beach bums and diving enthusiasts alike. Nowadays, the islands are a National Marine Park. There are 9 islands:
Of all these islands, only Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kechil are inhabited by humans. There are around 30 dive sites around the 9 islands Islands. Some have been discovered long time ago but more and more new dive sites are also being explored in recent years. (see the diving map for details about the dive sites) Perhentian suffers from the monsoon. This means roughly that the island is closed from November to early March. Hotels will be closed, ferries not available. Accommodation and FacilitiesPerhentian has plenty of good affordable hotels available. We have made a selection of hotels at both Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, so it's up to you where you prefer to stay. Hotels include for example the Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort & Beach Chalet, a favorite of us. But there are many (mostly upmarket) hotels at the island.
DivingMost of the travelers come for diving. It's not surprising. With the amount of dive spots (see the diving map for details), this is one of world's leading dive opportunities.
But other resorts, like Perhentian Island Resort Terengganu or the Tuna Bay Island Resort Perhentian offer similar packages. There are shore dives from the house reefs but most dives are from a boat which is not more than 20 minutes ride from your resort. The boat will return after each dive so that you can spend your surface interval while having some hot or refreshing drinks at the base. Sometimes, there are day trips organized to go as far as Pulau Redang and Lang Tengah. In this case, three dives are usually planned, with a packed lunch being prepared on board. Find a specific description of most of the 30 dive sites at: ...and don't forget to have a good look at the map we created for you. The more popular ones have complete description. However, please bear in mind, some of the less popular one also have their own special features. Those which become favorites of divers usually have a large amount of marine life at any time, the clarity of water is normally good and also, they have easier entry and exit points. Diving courses and leisure diving at the Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort & Beach Chalet. Offers will be slightly different for other hotels. Diving all over the worldMore diving packages available all over the world, click here to check out diving in Thailand, Maldives, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef and many More Getting There and AwayA place can be as beautiful as paradise, if you can't visit, no one will experience the beauty. The islands are easy accessible from either Kuala Besut (main ferry port) or Tok Bali. Road (your own transport)Kuala Lumpur Penang Johor Bharu Thailand If you decide to cross into Malaysia from Padang Besar, at the west coast, follow directions to Alor Setar and Penang and from there to Gerik and Kota Bahru. It's a long way with almost 600 km. FerryThere are two ferries: Tok Bali and from Kuala Besut. Kuala Besut is the most used and closest. The Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort & Beach Chalet have their own boat operator in Kuala Besut: Kuala Besut Travel. Customers for the Arwana have to book their ticket through Kuala Besut Travel, rate for boat transfer RM 70.00 return for Adult and child RM 35.00 for return. Boats to the island: 07.00, 09.30, 10.30, 14.00, 16.30 Bus
If you are traveling from Penang or other towns in Malaysia, take the express bus to Jerteh. From Jerteh, you take a taxi to Kuala Besut. FlightsTake a flight from LCCT to Kota Bharu preferably or Kuala Terengganu. From Kota Bharu airport to Kuala Besut, the pick up service to the jetty is at RM40.00 per person one way.TrainThere's no railroad service available in this part of Malaysia. You can travel by train from Thailand to Kota Bharu but from there you have to travel by bus or taxi. More about the Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort & Beach Chalet More about Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort & Beach Chalet diving facilities Back to other Malaysian islands
|
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read!Leave me a comment (in English please) in the box below.
Please don't ask for a "quotation", those comments will be deleted.