The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia are composed of two islands, Perhentian Kecil (small) and Perhentian Besar (big). Both are hugely popular with snorkelers and divers as the reefs and crystalline waters surrounding them are home to a wide variety of coral, sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish.
The Malay word Perhentian roughly translates to “stopping point” — an appropriate name considering most travelers who visit here end up staying longer than anticipated.
If you’re visiting these islands, don’t expect much to do. These beautiful and rustic islands to relax, enjoy the beach, and slow down. The islands are more expensive than the rest of Malaysia — but they’re worth it.
They’re the perfect chill out spot.
In this travel guide, I’ll show you how to make the most of your visit and save money while you’re here.
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Perhentian Islands
Top 5 Things to See and Do in the Perhentian Islands
1. Go jungle trekking
2. Relax at the beach
3. Go scuba diving
4. See the turtles
5. Go snorkeling
Other Things to See and Do in the Perhentian Islands
1. Watch the sunset
Coral Bay is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. It’s just a few minutes away from the hotels and resorts. There are also a couple of small and private unnamed beaches next to D’Lagoon that you can visit if you’d prefer to take in the sight away from the crowds.
2. Join a “fire party”
Head to Long Beach at night for an evening of hula and fire dancing on the beach. There are no clubs in the Perhentians; everyone just sits on the beach drinking and watching the locals perform. It’s every night from 10-11pm at Bubu Long Beach Resort. It’s free and you can bring your food and drinks (there are food and drinks for sale too).
3. Volunteer to save the turtles
The nesting areas on the islands are frequently in danger due to oil spills, habitat destruction, and natural disasters. The Department of Fisheries and the Perhentian Turtle Project both accept volunteers. Volunteering isn’t free as it’s one of their man fundraising sources. But your money goes to preservation purposes. The Perhentian Turtle Project has a two-weeks volunteer program costing 3,621 MYR ($871 USD) and a 3-week program costing 4,560 MYR ($1,096 USD). Food and accommodation are included.
4. Go sea-kayaking
The waters around the islands are excellent for sea kayaking. Expect to pay 40-80 MYR ($9-18 USD) for a rental. Long Beach is good place to go kayaking and you can also kayak around the 14-kilometer (8.7 miles) coast of Kecil, which takes 3-5 hours.
5. Relax at Adam & Eve Beach
This is one of the quietest beaches on Kecil as people usually go here just to sunbathe and relax. It’s tucked away in the northwest of the island, with clear water perfect for snorkeling. Few people make it here so you can escape the crowds.
6. See the Perhentian mosque
The A R Rahman Pulau Perhentian Mosque is built over the water on Perhentian Kecil. It’s a large, mostly white mosque composed of several buildings and a minaret (the traditional tower where the call to prayer is played). It’s possible to visit inside the mosque as long as you’re dressed appropriately (knees and shoulders covered). Admission is free.
The Perhentian Islands Travel Costs
Hostel prices – There aren’t any hostels on the islands. But rooms at the beach houses start around 30 MYR ($7 USD), but 75 MYR ($17.50 USD) is the average price. You won’t find many options online so be prepared to book in person on arrival.
There are campsites available costing around 55 MYR ($13 USD) per night. Tents are included.
Budget hotel prices – There are a few hotels on the islands with prices starting at 150-285 MYR ($35-67 USD) per night for a double room. For a budget hotel with Wi-Fi and breakfast included, expect to pay at least 315 MYR ($75 USD).
Airbnb is available but you’re going to find extremely limited options. A private room (of which there are few) costs around 100 MYR ($23 USD) per night while an entire apartment costs 500 MYR ($120 USD).
Average cost of food – Restaurants serve fresh seafood, fried rice, noodle-based dishes, and soups. Barbeque is a local favorite, serving up tasty grilled fish and seafood. These traditional meals are typically around 8 MYR ($2 USD).
For western food or meals at upscale resorts, expect to pay upwards 50 MYR ($12 USD) for a meal with a drink. There are no fast food options on the islands.
A coffee costs around 4 MYR ($1 USD), as does a bottle of water. A beer costs around 12 MYR ($3 USD) — relatively expensive since it’s technically illegal (most places serve alcohol though, regardless of the laws). You can buy alcohol in hotels and resorts, and also small shops along the beach (especially Long Beach).
Most accommodations here don’t include a kitchen. If you’re planning to cook your own food, you’ll want to buy most of it before you arrive as there are only small grocery stores here with limited supplies. Prices are also higher here than elsewhere. Expect to pay 115-166 MYR ($27-40 USD) for a week’s worth of basic staples such as rice, seafood, and seasonal produce.
Backpacking the Perhentian Islands Suggested Budgets
If you’re backpacking the Perhentian Islands, my suggested budget is 125 MYR ($30 USD) per day. This assumes you’re staying in a budget beach house, eating out at restaurants that serve traditional cuisine, doing free things like hiking and swimming, and sticking to cheap activities like snorkeling.
On a mid-range budget of about 355-396 MYR ($85-95 USD) per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out all your meals (including the occasional Western meal), take as many water taxis as needed, and enjoy a few activities like kayaking or diving.
On a luxury budget of about 812 MYR ($195 USD) per day, you can stay in a resort, eat at upscale restaurants and order Western meals, take water taxis as often as you want, do guided tours, and enjoy all the activities the Perhentian Islands has to offer. The sky is the limit!
You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.
The Perhentian Islands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
A little goes a long way in Malaysia and the Perhentians are no different. It’s really hard to spend money here unless you’re really splurging on food and alcohol. That said, here are some ways you can save money in the Perhentian Islands if you’re on a super tight budget:
- Shop around for dive prices – Diving is hugely popular here, so shop around for a dive center that suits your budget.
- Bring your own alcohol – There is very little alcohol on the islands, and what is available is expensive. Bring your own to save yourself some money!
- Bring a water bottle – The water here is not safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle with a filter to reduce your environmental impact and your reliance on single-use plastic. To ensure you water is safe to drink, use a filter like Lifestraw.
- Visit during the shoulder season – April-June is the dry season and accommodation prices are a little cheaper than (July is the peak). Arrive before peak season to save money and beat the crowds.
- Bring food with you – Food and groceries on the islands are pricey since they need to be shipped in. Save a few bucks by bringing food and snacks with you.
Where To Stay in the Perhentian Islands
There are no hostels in the Perhentian Islands and the cheapest hotels and guesthouses have poor reviews. Here are a few suggestions for more upscale accommodation in the 210 MYR/$50 USD per night range:
How to Get Around the Perhentian Islands
Foot – There are no roads on the islands, but there are tons of walking routes so be prepared to walk everywhere. It won’t take more than one hour to walk from one main town to another
Bicycle and Motorbike- – Unfortunately, there are no bike rentals in the Perhentian Islands.
Water taxi- – Water taxis are the main form of transport, costing around 15 MYR ($3.50 USD) for most journeys.
Ferry – To get to the islands, a bus and ferry from Kuala Lumpur costs around 100 MYR ($23.50 USD) per person. The one-way ferry ticket from Kuala Besut to the islands cost around 35 MYR ($8.50 USD).
There are also speed boats available from the mainland for around 70 MYR ($16.50 USD) per person.
When to Go to the Perhentian Islands
There are two seasons in the Perhentian Islands: the dry season from early March to mid-November, and the rainy season from mid-November to early March.
During the rainy season, the islands are empty because almost all businesses close (restaurants, hotels, activities, boats, etc.). Avoid visiting during the rainy season.
July to mid-September is the peak season. With that in mind, April, May, and June are the best months to go to the Perhentians if you’re on a budget as there are fewer crowds.
However, July and August offer the best diving conditions since the water is clearest during those months. It’s always hot and sunny during the dry season too, with daily temperatures around 30°C (86°F).
How to Stay Safe in the Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands are relatively safe. However, petty theft is an increasing problem. Make sure you keep your valuables tucked away and don’t flash things like jewelry or cash. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity so if you take precautions you’ll likely be fine.
There are no ATM machines on the islands. Since would-be thieves know everyone has lots of cash on them, make sure to keep your money stored in separate areas so you can’t lose it all at once should your bag get lost or stolen. Always lock the doors and windows of your bungalow when going out. Don’t leave valuables on your bungalow balcony and don’t leave your stuff laying around on the beach when you go swimming. If you’re traveling solo, ask someone to keep an eye on your valuables if you want to take a dip.
Solo female travelers should avoid walking alone after dark, especially in Perhentian Kecil. Although rare, assaults can happen.
Additionally, avoid the tap water as it’s unsafe to drink and might get you sick.
Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.
Drugs are very illegal in Malaysia. Avoid using them here.
Follow the rule that if you wouldn’t do it at home, you shouldn’t do it here.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
The Perhentian Islands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel to the Perhentian Islands. They are included here because they consistently find deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the ones I use the most and are always the starting points in my search for travel deals.
- Momondo – This is my favorite flight search engine because they search such a wide variety of sites and airlines. I never book a flight without checking here first.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is another great flight search engline which searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss. While I always start with Momondo, I use this site too as a way to compare prices.
- Airbnb – Airbnb is a great accommodation alternative for connecting with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments. The big cities have tons of listings! (If you’re new to Airbnb, get $35 off your first stay!)
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Agoda – Other than Hostelworld an Airbnb, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia as it has the largest inventory and offers the best rates. If you want a guesthouse or hotel, book it via this website!
- 12Go.asia – 12Go.asia is the best website for booking transportation around Southeast Asia. You will be able to research your journey ahead of time and figure out the best schedule and prices.
- Intrepid Travel – If you want to do a group tour around Malaysia, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get exclusive discounts when you click the link!
- Grassroots Volunteering – For volunteering, Grassroots Volunteering compiles a list of good local volunteer organizations that keep the money within the community.
- World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!
The Perhentian Islands Gear and Packing Guide
If you’re heading to the Perhentian Islands, here are my suggestions for the best travel backpack and tips on what to pack.
The Best Backpack for the Perhentian Islands
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt
If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for other backpack suggestions.
What to Pack for the Perhentian Islands
Clothes
- 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 bathing suit
- 5 T-shirts
- 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
- 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 razor
- 1 package of dental floss
- 1 small bottle of shampoo
- 1 small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel
- Deodorant
Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)
- Band-Aids
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Earplugs
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)
Miscellaneous
- A key or combination lock (safety first)
- Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
- Plastic bags (great for laundry)
- Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
- LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier. The tap water is safe to drink here. This is just to cut down plastic bottle usage!)
Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:
Clothing
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 sarong
- 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
- 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
- 2-3 long-sleeve tops
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 3-4 spaghetti tops
- 1 light cardigan
Toiletries
- 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
- 1 hairbrush
- Makeup you use
- Hair bands & hair clips
- Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)
For more on packing, check out these posts:
The Perhentian Islands Travel Guide: Suggested Reading
The Gift of Rain, by Tan Twan Eng
It’s 1939 and 16-year-old Philip is the half-Chinese, half-English youngest member of one of Penang’s great trading families…but he leads a lonely, alienated life. Finally, Philip gets to know a Japanese diplomat named Hayato Endo, and is soon proudly showing his new friend all around the island. In return, Endo teaches him about Japanese language and culture. But when the Japanese invade Malaya, Philip realizes his new friend is actually a spy – and Philip has unknowingly been a traitor. He must then work in secret to save as many lives as possible, including those of his family members.
Malaysia – Culture Smart, by Victor King
Malaysia is an incredibly multicultural country, so knowing the local culture and custom ahead of time is definitely beneficial for your visit. This book is written by Victor King, a professor of South-East Asian Studies at the University of Leeds who has made many return trips to Malaysia over the years. You’ll get all the info you need to stay clear of embarrassing social faux-pas as you learn about the people’s etiquette and cultural norms.
As I Was Passing, by Adibah Amin
In the 1970s, Adibah Amin wrote a weekly column in the New Straits Times using the pseudonym Sri Delima. In these columns she talked about Malaysian life through essays that dove deep into the quirks and charms of the Malaysian people. Her pre- and post-war stories made sharp observations about human nature and life, and the column was a huge hit. This is a collection of those stories, and they’ll offer you plenty of insight into what it’s like being a member of Malaya society.
The Garden of Evening Mists, by Tan Twan Eng
Another historical fiction from Tan Twan Eng, this book won several awards and was shortlisted for the Booker prize. It’s 1951, and Yun Ling Teoh is the only survivor of a Japanese wartime camp. She goes to seek comfort in the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, and then discovers Yugiri – the only Japanese garden in the country, and its owner, Aritomo, an exiled gardener of Japan’s emperor. Although Yun Ling Teoh hates the Japanese she soon becomes Aritomo’s apprentice, and she finds herself drawn to him and his art while guerilla war rages all around.
A Short History of Malaysia: Linking East and West, by Virginia Matheson Hooker
Like most countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s history is a complicated one. This book outlines the country’s history and politics, from the origins of the aboriginal peoples, to the years of Western dominance and the forceful stance of the current government. Also discussed are the current challenges faced by the country as Malaysia faces very fast modernization. If you want a well-rounded intro to the country, start with this.
My Must Have Guides for Traveling to the Perhentian Islands
How to Get Free Flights
This book shows you how to easily collect and redeem travel points so you can get free airfare and accommodation.
Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel
Kristin Addis writes our solo female travel column and her detailed guide gives specific advice and tips for women travelers.
How to Teach English Overseas
This book features interviews with dozens of teachers and detailed information on how to land your dream job and make money overseas.
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day
My best-selling book will teach how to master the art of travel so that you’ll save money and have a more local, richer travel experience.
Perhentian Islands Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Asia travel and continue planning your trip:
Photo credits: 1 – Mike Villiger, 2 – Bernard DuPont, 3 – GEM, 5 – Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi