Pulau Perhentian

Pulau Perhentian

Overview

The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian in Malay) lie approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) off the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of the Thai border.

The two main islands are Perhentian Besar ("Big Perhentian") and Perhentian Kecil ("Small Perhentian"). The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara (Virgin Milk), Serenggeh and Rawa lie off Kecil. The Perhentians belong to Pulau Redang National Marine Park, which means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited. Like Besut, people here generally speak Kelantanese Malay.

The name "perhentian" means "stopping point" in Malay, referring to their longstanding role as a waypoint for traders between Bangkok and Malaysia. The islands were sparsely inhabited by fishermen for centuries, although tourism now accounts for most economic activity.

The Perhentian Islands appear on many maps of the nineteenth and twentieth century as 'The Station Islands'. This arises from the British colonial period, as an English translation from the Malay "point to stop".

Accommodations

As for accommodation, most of it can be found on Perhentian Besar, the larger island. Hotels are usually aimed at budget travelers.

Beer and soft drinks are available over the counter for a minimal fee. Some of the resorts has no built in meals outlet but guests will be able to select from a mixture of western and local food from nearby restaurants within walking distance.

Attractions

Tourism is the base of economic activity in Perhentian. However, owing to the Islands' protected status, the main tourist activities are minimal in environmental impact: sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and turtle and shark-watching. The Perhentian Islands are home to a significant turtle nesting population. The island was once home to hundreds of nesting Green and Hawksbill turtles. Scuba-diving, snorkeling, and swimming are the most popular tourist activities here. On most beaches, the water is shallow with lots of rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish.

Local tourist operators run fishing boats and speed boats several times a day.

Dining

A delicious and sumptuous meal served in buffet style at the resorts' restaurant in Pulau Perhentian. Delicious oriental food is prepared by the local staffs throughout your stay. Most resorts on the Island should be able to accommodate the dietary needs of vegetarians as long as they have advance notice. For other special dietary requirements, check with the resort first.

There is a large sundeck sitting area perfect for sipping a drink while enjoying the tropical sunset.

Diving

For diving, there are dozens of dive sites around both main islands, as well as several off-shore sites. Apart from these, activities like camping, canoeing, fishing, jungle trekking, and banana boat riding are also available.

Transportation

Apart from the boat transfer from nearby island like Pulau Redang and Pulau Lang Tengah, all boats to Pulau Perhentian depart from Kuala Besut jetty.

The nearest airport is Kota Bahru Airport and Kuala Terengganu Airport which is 50 km south and 110 km north respectively to Kuala Besut.

From Kuala Lumpur, there's direct bus to Kuala Besut but most buses will head towards Kota Bahru and drop you off at Jerteh (15 km from Besut). The journey is about 7 hours.

From Johor Bharu / Singapore, Transnational provide overnight bus to Jerteh and it will take 9 hour ride.