Perhentian Islands

Islands Tropical Malaysian isles known for snorkeling and turtles

Perhentian Islands off Terengganu offer white-sand beaches, clear water for snorkeling and scuba, reef fish sightings and simple beachside accommodation. Boat trips connect the main islands and nearby dive sites.

Afternoon scenery of Perhentian Island (Big) Malaysia.jpg

Blue Ring Angelfish, Pulau Perhentian, Malaysia (4011448426).jpg

Brown-Banded Pipefish (Corythoichthys amplexus) (18842537008).jpg

The Perhentian Islands are a small group of islands off the coast of Terengganu in northeast Peninsular Malaysia, comprising two main populated islands and several smaller islets. They are popular for snorkeling, scuba diving and relaxing on white-sand beaches.

Tourism highlights include near-shore coral reefs, clear water for snorkeling and dive sites visited from both Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, with a range of accommodation from budget to mid-range resorts. Boat transfers from the main jetty at Kuala Besut are the usual access route.

The islands are managed as part of a marine-protected area to conserve coral reefs and turtle nesting; visitor services are concentrated in simple beachfront settlements. The islands lie off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia and are reached by road to the mainland wharf followed by a short boat ride.

Marine park and access: The islands form part of a marine park with coral reefs close to shore; most visitors arrive by boat from the mainland at Kuala Besut and use simple beachside accommodation.

What to See #

Perhentian Besar: The larger of the two main islands, with more secluded beaches, established resorts and occasional turtle nesting sites.
Perhentian Kecil: The smaller and more budget-oriented island, known for lively guesthouses, dive shops and popular snorkeling beaches.

How to Get to Perhentian Islands #

The Perhentian Islands are accessed from Kuala Besut jetty on the Terengganu coast. Reach Kuala Besut by road on the coastal Federal Route 3 (buses and car transfers available from Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu), then take a speedboat from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Besar or Perhentian Kecil - boat trips typically take about 20-30 minutes.

Most resorts advise arriving at Kuala Besut in good time before the last boats; on arrival at the islands the jetties put you within a short walk of beachfront accommodation.

Tips for Visiting Perhentian Islands #

Take the public boat from Kuala Besut jetty early in the morning to secure preferred arrival times and to get calmer seas for snorkeling; afternoon return boats are often fuller and rougher.
If you want quieter beaches and fewer backpacker crowds, stay on Perhentian Besar rather than Kecil-Besar is generally calmer and better suited for family or relaxed stays.
Snorkel first thing after sunrise when water is clearest and currents are gentler; many day-trippers arrive later when visibility and turtle activity can be reduced.
Plan island transfers and accommodation in advance during Malaysian school holidays and weekends-boats and rooms book quickly and operators often prioritize multi-day bookings.