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Malaysia is home to some of the most incredible islands you might not have seen before. With its proximity to the popular South Thailand islands, they’re often forgotten. This means their gorgeous, unpolluted, bright blue waters are free of typical backpacker crowds and holidayers.
Here I’ll share everything you need to know about the Perhentian Islands from when to visit, what there is to do, how much it’ll cost and more.
The Perhentian Islands are a duo of stunning islands that sit just off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The two main islands are:
Perhentian Besar (The Big Island): Known to be the quieter, more secluded island recommended for families and couples. The island is covered in a dense jungle and is home to long stretches of gorgeous white sand. The more expensive option with mid-range and secluded resorts on offer.
Perhentian Kecil (The Small Island): The more lively, backpacker-friendly island of the two. The popular long beach sits on the east side of the island and hosts beachfront bars and fire shows. As the budget-friendly option, accommodation varies from backpacker hostels to chalet-style beach resorts.
It’s VERY important to know that the islands are only open to tourists seasonally. Out of season, the islands completely shut down. The speed boats from the mainland stop running and everything tourist related goes into hiding for around 5 months. Those who work in the tourism business either head back to mainland or stay for fishing jobs or restoration work and those who live on the island permanently live almost all together in Fisherman’s Village on Perhentian Kecil.
This is because it’s monsoon season on the east coast which means the journey to the islands becomes incredibly dangerous. As well as accessing the islands, the weather causes danger for snorkelling trips, diving trips and hiking. The electricity, food and water supply on the island becomes unstable too making it difficult to host tourists.
So, the island shuts at the end of October and reopens in March. Peak season for the islands runs from June to August as the skies are clearest, the seas are the calmest and the underwater visibility is the best. The shoulders season for the islands is March to May and September to October. During these times there are less crowds as the weather may still not be perfect and some businesses are either still reopening for the season or they’re shutting down for the season.
I visited the Perhentian Islands at the end of October which was risky. I was extremely lucky with the weather, it was perfect every single day and the waters were absolutely stunning. However, the island was visibly already closing down for the season as we experienced difficulty finding more than two open restaurants in the main village and taxi boats ran irregularly and stopped their services late afternoon. That said, it was extremely quiet with a serious lack of other tourists meaning of six beaches we visited around the island, only one had another person on it.
As the Perhentian Islands are well-preserved, natural beauties, they aren’t overflowing with things to do but that’s why they’re so good. That said, here are a few things you can do during your time on these stunning islands:
Hike: Follow the jungle trails that will lead you to beautiful, secluded beaches on different parts of the islands.
Boat Trips: Enjoy a day of snorkelling in beautiful areas around the islands and relaxing on different beaches.
Beaches: Whether you hike or take a water taxi, spend time enjoying the gorgeous beaches and waters.
Diving: If snorkelling isn’t enough then you can explore further and head on a diving day trip to see the impressive marine life.
Long Beach: Enjoy fire shows and warm evenings on this backpacker friendly beach on the east side of Perhentian Kecil.
Step 1 – Getting to Kuala Besut
As the Perhentian Islands sit on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, you have to access them from the mainland town of Kuala Besut. The town itself is accessible from other tourists destinations in Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. If you’re planning on coming from elsewhere then the nearby town of Jerteh has better connections. From there, local buses and taxis can take you straight to Kuala Besut jetty.
Step 2 – Kuala Besut to the Perhentian Islands
Once you’ve made it to Kuala Besut, you’ll need to head to the main jetty and jump on the speed boats that take you directly to the islands. They run hourly from around 8am until 5pm and take around 30 to 40 minutes to get across the waters.
The boat tickets cost RM35 (£7.30 / $8) one-way. With your ticket you’ll also have to pay a Marine Park Conservation Fee before boarding the boat. This costs RM30 (£5.50 / $7.20) for international adults and RM15 (£2.25 / $3.60) for international children. Malaysian citizens are entitled to a reduced rate of RM5 (£0.90 / £1.20).
For an idea of how you can enjoy these gorgeous islands whilst sticking to a tight backpacker budget, here is exactly how much I spent for 3 nights travelling as a couple:
| Category | Included | Total Spend (2 People) | Total Spend (Per Person) | Average Spend Per Day Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Private Double Room (3 Nights) | RM 278.00 (£50.73 / $67.16) | RM 139.00 (£25.37 / $33.58) | RM 46.33 (£8.46 / $11.19) |
| Transport | 2 Round-Trip Boats & 2 Water Taxis | RM 140.00 (£25.55 / $33.82) | RM 70.00 (£12.78 / $16.91) | RM 23.33 (£4.26 / $5.64) |
| Food & Drinks | Restaurants & Shops | RM 382.00 (£69.72 / $92.29 | RM 191.00 (£34.86 / $46.15) | RM 63.67 (£11.62 / $15.38) |
| Activities | 8-Hour Snorkelling Trip | RM 118.00 (£21.54 / $28.51) | RM 59.00 (£10.77 / $14.25) | RM 19.67 (£3.59 / $4.75) |
| Island Fees | Marine Park / Island Conservation Fees | RM 75.00 (£13.69 / $18.12) | RM 37.50 (£6.84 / $9.06) | RM 12.50 (£2.28 / $3.02) |
| Total | Full 3-Day Island Trip | RM 993.00 (£181.22 / $239.91) | RM 496.50 (£90.61 / $119.95) | RM 165.50 (£30.20 / $39.98) |
Take Cash: There are no ATMs on the islands so you must take it out before you arrive or you’ll be completely stuck.
No Roads: There are no motorised vehicles on the islands so there’s no need for roads. To get around the islands you’ll have to use the jungle trails or water taxis.
Generator Power: Some budget stays on Perhentian Kecil turn off the electricity during the day to conserve power. Check the accommodation’s listing.
Inconsistent Connection: The islands are isolated so the wifi connection can sometimes be weak and mobile data doesn’t always work.
Dry Bag: Make sure you take a dry bag, it’s great for boat trips or beach days to make sure your valuables stay… dry.
No Alcohol: The Malays on the islands are conservative Muslims so alcohol is only really available at expensive resorts and long beach where prices are high due to transportation and taxes. Alcohol and pork are completely forbidden in Fisherman’s Village.
Marine Park Rules: The islands are heavily protected which is why they’re so well-kept and in pristine condition. Do not touch marine life or stand on the coral reef without expecting to be fined.
If Malaysia is on your radar then so should the Perhentian Islands. They were an absolute highlight of my Malaysia trip and I’m sure they will be for you too. They’re the perfect paradise of looked after, raw islands.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or happy to splurge, there’s options for everyone here on these quiet little islands.
Welcome to The Untold Journeys, a travel blog with a focus on raw, authentic travels and finding those exciting hidden gems.
I’m here to share my experiences and stories to give you everything you need to explore the world and head on your own adventures.
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