Perhentian Islands travel guide

Ins and outs

It is important to get to the islands as early as possible due to high demand for accommodation. Boats leave throughout the day from Kuala Besut, which is connected to other towns by regular buses. There are boats between the two islands.

Perhentian Islands

Boat

Speed boats leave at irregular hours. Tickets are booked through travel agents in Kuala Besut. More boats leave in the morning, so the earlier you can get there the better. Fast boats (RM70 return) leave Kuala Besut generally every hour from 0700-1600 (at peak periods), 30 mins, boats carry 8-14 people. These small boats drive very fast and the ride can get bumpy, try to sit near at the back near the driver. The ride is exhilarating, and you are required to wear a lifejacket. The same boats leave Pulau Perhentian for Kuala Besut at 0800, 1200 and occasionally at 1600. Ask a day in advance about the 1600 sailing. Boats cannot land at the beach. Some resort areas have jetties, but for others, you’ll have to transfer yourself and your luggage to a tiny 13-foot boat (RM2) for a short scoot to the sands. Those staying at the more remote Pasir Petani Resort on Perhentian Kecil should pre-arrange a pickup time. Travellers should be wary of risking the boat trip too close to the beginning or end of the Dec-Feb monsoon season. If you want to travel between the islands once you are there you will have to hire a water taxi. These motorized dinghies have fixed rates, ask at the guesthouse. A single trip between Long Beach and the opposite beach is RM12.

Bus

There are fairly frequent connections on local buses from the bus station near the jetty to Kota Bahru (1½ hrs, RM6) and Kuala Terrenganu (2½ hrs, RM10.70). To Kuala Lumpur: Mahligia Express bus company, T09-690 3699, leaves twice a day, at around 0830 and at 2030. Buses from KL leave around a similar time. Boats leave from Kuala Besut to Perhentian. Buses from Singapore or JB to Kota Bahru can drop travellers of at Jerteh, where there are frequent local bus connections with Kuala Besut.

Taxi

Kuala Terengganu (RM90); Merang Jetty (RM60, for Redang), Kota Bharu (RM50). Taxis from Pasir Puteh or Jerteh to Kuala Besut (RM15).

Banks

No banks or ATMs and few hotels accept credit cards. Nearest ATM is in Jerteh. Most guesthouses will change money.

Internet

Upmarket resorts have expensive internet access. Also try Panorama, Long Beach and Perhentian Pro-Diver, Coral Bay.