Perhentian Islands
The ultimate beach destination in Malaysia, the Perhentians have it all, from backpacking options to luxury resorts, relaxed dining to buzzing nightlife, and the best part is that it is not nearly as frequented by tourists as compared to places such as Langkawi or Tioman Island.
The Perhentians – also known as Pulau Perhentian – means “stopover” in Malay. This small archipelago is situated just 21 kilometres from the coast of Terengganu, in the South China Sea, and is comprised of two main islands, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil, which mean “Big Perhentian” and “Small Perhentian”, respectively. Many believe that the name came from when the islands were once used as a stop-off by pirates, whilst others believe it’s because they were used as a stopover for trade ships between Malaysia and Bangkok.
When planning your trip, take note that Perhentian Besar is the more expensive island, where the class of accommodation and services is higher, whilst over at Perhentian Kecil, it is a lot cheaper and much more rustic, catering more towards backpackers and local families. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, coral reefs and deserted white-sand beaches, the Perhentian Islands are relatively undeveloped, and the laid-back ambience combined with stunning scenery, only adds to the peacefulness that so many look for in a beach paradise.
TAKE PART IN SNORKELLING OR SCUBA DIVING
The Perhentian Islands are all about lazy days at the beach, diving, snorkelling, hiking or just finding an escape – with the occasional night out at the bar. Situated right on the fringe of the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the islands’ waters are home to stunning corals as well as a thriving underwater ecosystem that is densely populated by reef fish, sharks, turtles and more.
Many believe that the name came from when the islands were once used as a stop-off by pirates
Shark Point: As the name suggests, this dive site is the best spot to come up close and personal with various shark species but in particular blacktip reef sharks. With a maximum depth of around 12 metres, this is a great site for both beginners and advanced divers.
Sugar Wreck: A sunken freighter located off the west of Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Sugar Wreck rests at a depth of around 18 metres below the surface. The vessel was previously used for transporting sugar and sunk in 2000 during the monsoon period. The wreck is now home to a teeming array of marine life, including big schools of snappers, jacks and trevallies circling the hulk. For more experienced divers, it’s also possible to penetrate the wreck to view the engine room, wheelhouse and cabins.
Tanjung Besi: Found on the northern tip of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Tanjung Besi features some impressive rock formations and a few small caves and swim-throughs. Found at a depth of between 10 to 25 metres, the site is home to large groupers and barracudas as well as other animals such as turtles, giant moray eels, triggerfish and surgeonfish.
GO TREKKING ON THE ISLAND
If diving is not quite for you, you can put your hiking shoes to good use with the various jungle trails that criss-cross the islands. If you follow the Nature trails that can be found throughout the southern half of Pulau Perhentian Kecil, you’d have ended up journeying from one end of the island to the other in one day. One of the most popular hiking routes on the island is the Windmill Hiking Route.