Perhentian Islands
The Backpacker Dream.
Visit Perhentian Islands: Complete Guide 2026
Key facts
Comprising two main islands, Besar and Kecil, the Perhentians have crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches and incredible, easily accessible snorkelling.
Besar vs. Kecil: Two Islands, Two Vibes
Pick the island that best matches your travel style.
The Perhentian Islands ('perhentian' means 'stopping point' in Malay) consist of two main islands: Perhentian Kecil (Small Island) and Perhentian Besar (Great Island).
Perhentian Kecil is known for its budget accommodation and its livelier, more social backpacker scene. Its main hub is Long Beach, which comes alive at night with beach bars, music and fire shows. This is the island for those hoping to meet fellow travellers and enjoy a more buzzing nightlife.
Perhentian Besar, by contrast, is quieter and more family-oriented. It offers mid-range to upscale resorts, wider beaches and a far more relaxed atmosphere, making it popular with families, couples and anyone seeking a peaceful escape.
Whichever island you pick, the ingredients are the same: talcum-soft sand, water in every shade of turquoise and jungle-clad hills tumbling straight into the sea — the stuff of postcards and daydreams alike.
A Fisherman's Heritage
From a traditional fishing village to a tourist paradise.
The cultural heart of the Perhentians is the local fishing village of Kampung Nelayan (Fishermen's Village), on Perhentian Kecil. This is where you can watch the daily rhythm of the island's original inhabitants — boats arriving with the catch, nets being mended by hand — and get a genuine feel for local life beyond the resorts. Island culture revolves around the sea and the easy-going philosophy of 'island time', where life moves at a slow, unhurried pace and schedules are best left at home. Take a walk through the village, chat with the fishermen and you will quickly understand the simple, sea-bound way of life that still defines these islands.
How to Get to the Perhentian Islands
A journey involving a flight, a road trip and a speedboat ride.
Getting to the Perhentian Islands from Kuala Lumpur is a multi-step process — but one that is well worth the effort.
The whole journey can easily be completed in a single day if you take an early flight, leaving you on the beach by mid-afternoon.
- • 1. Fly to Kota Bharu (Best Option): the simplest and fastest way to start your journey is a short flight (around 1 hour) from Kuala Lumpur — Subang airport is often more convenient than KLIA — to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu (KBR).
- • 2. Overland Transfer to the Jetty: from Kota Bharu airport, take an overland transfer (taxi or pre-booked van) to the Kuala Besut jetty. The drive takes about 1 hour.
- • 3. Speedboat Ride to the Islands: from Kuala Besut, board a speedboat for a 30 to 45 minute ride to the beach of your choice on Perhentian Kecil or Besar. Booking your boat tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, especially during the high season.
Seamless Airport Transfers
We recommend pre-booking our private transfer service for a comfortable, hassle-free connection from Kota Bharu airport straight to the Kuala Besut jetty. Alternatively, for those who prefer to drive, our private car service can make the long 6-7 hour journey from KL comfortable and easy.
Trip planner
Compare all transport options from Kuala Lumpur to Perhentian Islands: flight, train, bus, ferry and private transfer with instant pricing.
🚗 Transport planner
Compare every way to travel: flight, train, bus, ferry, private transfer. Real prices and durations.
Where to Stay
From rustic beach chalets to comfortable family-friendly resorts.
Accommodation on the islands is generally simple and geared towards beach living. It ranges from very basic fan-cooled chalets for budget backpackers to more comfortable resorts with air conditioning, restaurants and dive centres. Perhentian Besar offers the more comfortable, family-friendly options, while Perhentian Kecil is the hub of budget guesthouses and sociable hostels. Whichever island you choose, expect sandy feet, sea views and the gentle sound of waves as the soundtrack to your stay — bring a good book and let island life do the rest.
World-Class Snorkelling & Diving
Easily encounter turtles, reef sharks and vibrant coral gardens.
The Perhentians' main draw is the incredible marine life, and it is accessible to everyone. You can easily arrange snorkelling trips from any beach — and these excursions are the highlight of any visit.
The warm, clear water is teeming with life, and most tour boats keep their groups small, so the experience stays intimate and unhurried from start to finish.
- • Snorkelling Trips: join a group tour to visit several famous sites in a single day. You are almost guaranteed to swim with majestic sea turtles at Turtle Point, spot harmless blacktip reef sharks at Shark Point, and marvel at the colourful fish and corals at a range of other spots around the islands.
- • Diving: the islands are a popular and very affordable place to earn your PADI Open Water certification, and with such easy access to turtles and reef sharks, your first open-water dives are likely to be unforgettable. Numerous dive schools operate on both islands.
- • Kayaking: rent a kayak to explore hidden coves and secret beaches at your own pace.
- • Jungle Trekking: a well-marked trail links Long Beach and Coral Bay on Perhentian Kecil, offering a short but intense jungle walk between the two coasts.
Beachfront Barbecues
Simple, fresh and with a stunning view.
Dining on the Perhentians is a relaxed, no-frills affair, with most restaurants located directly on the beach. As evening falls, many places fire up fresh seafood barbecues: you pick your own fish, squid or prawns and have them grilled to perfection, served with simple sides such as rice and vegetables. You won't find fine dining here — but with the sea breeze, the sound of the waves and front-row sunset views, you won't miss it one bit.
Practical Tips for Your Island Escape
What you need to know before you go.
Monsoon Closure
The Perhentian Islands largely close from November to February due to the north-east monsoon, which brings rough seas and heavy rain, making travel dangerous. The best time to visit is from March to October. During this period, even the resorts that stay open become hard to reach, as boat services are largely suspended.
- • Bring Enough Cash: while some larger resorts and dive centres accept credit cards, it is essential to bring sufficient cash (Malaysian ringgit) for your stay. There are no ATMs on the islands, so work out your budget before leaving the mainland — including your return boat tickets.
- • Book Ahead: accommodation, especially on Perhentian Besar, fills up very quickly, particularly during Malaysian school holidays and weekends. Booking in advance is crucial to guarantee your spot; if your dates are flexible, mid-week stays are noticeably quieter.
- • Marine Park Fee: all visitors must pay a marine park conservation charge at the Kuala Besut jetty before boarding the speedboat.
Things to do in Perhentian Islands
Tickets and experiences at the best price — instant online booking.
Spa and Wellness Experience at Qi Forest Perhentian Marriott Resort
Experience ultimate relaxation with a spa and wellness retreat at Qi Forest, located in Perhentian Marriott Resort. Indulge in luxury spa treatments and wellness therapies in a serene island setting. Book your rejuvenating escape today.