Hotels in Pulau Perhentian Besar

Perhentian Islands are located approximately 19 kilometres off the coast of north eastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu and around 64 kilometres south of the Thai border. The name Perhentian means "stopping point" in Malay as these islands became a staging point used by traders traveling from Malaysia to Bangkok. Pulau Perhentian was one of the islands where Vietnamese refugees or boat people landed during the 1970s. The two main islands are Pulau Perhentian Besar ("Big Perhentian Island") and Pulau Perhentian Kecil ("Small Perhentian Island").

The big one, Perhentian Besar is more expensive and more suitable for family and friends and all the islands belong to a protected marine park which means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited. People here generally speak Kelantanese Malay and English is also widely spoken to local and international tourists. Among the restaurants that available at Pulau Perhentian Besar is Florabay Restaurant which is popular for its chicken fried rice and fried prawns with mashed potatoes. Watercolours Restaurant also is widely known for its delicious BBQ rock lobsters and fresh barramundi in banana leaf, served with a small baked potato and salad.

How to Get There

By Plane

There are daily flights to Kuala Terengganu or Kota Bahru airport. Next, you can take a taxi or rent car to Kuala Besut to head to to Perhentian Besar island by ferry.

By Car/Bus/Minivan

There are minivan services offered by various companies if travelling from Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur or many other cities in Malaysia. Other than that, bus is the cheapest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu. From there on, you can take a bus or taxi to Kuala Besut where the ferry to Perhentian departs almost every hour. Alternatively, you can take a taxi but it is the most expensive method of transport to Kuala Besut (RM70 from Kota Bharu, RM110 from Kuala Terengganu).

By Ferry

Ferries to both Perhentian islands leave almost every hour from Kuala Besut during regular business hours. A ferry ride of approximately forty minutes can be arranged by one of the many jetty operators, or in cooperation with many of the resorts.

Tourist Attractions

Snorkeling

The most famous snorkeling spots on this island include Teluk Pauh (to the left of the beach in front of the PI Resort), Shark Point and Tanjung Basi. Besides that, the best place to see sharks (black tip) is between Shark Point and the Teluk Dalam large beach, or the rocks off the Coral View and PI Resort. Most resorts and a few restaurants rent out snorkeling gear (RM10 a day for mask, snorkel and fins) and arrange snorkeling tours around the islands. The price range for snorkelling trip from Kecil is RM25-35 whereas On Pulau Besar, if you are planning to do snorkeling just in front of your chalet, you can stay on the northern and east side of the island where the water is clearer than the south side.

Scuba Diving

Perhentian islands are home to coral and fish, sea turtles and many species of sharks. This island offers amazing diving experience and visibility is usually in the 10-20 meter range based on weather and no wet suit is required unless for protection from coral and the occasional jellyfish. The popular dive sites include the Pinnacle (aka Tokong Laut, "Temple of the Sea"), a pinnacle jutting out from the sea bed, and the Sugar Wreck which is an easily accessible 3500-ton sugar hauler. There are many diving packages available here provided by resort or diving centres.

Hotels

Perhentian island Resort

There are many activities near Perhentian Island Resort such as taking a jungle trek up the hills under a canopy of large trees and discover wild magpies, giant fruit bats or the Nicobar Pigeon, migratory , monitor lizard and even the unique Lutong monkey species. The nearest jungle trail is less than 100 metres away from our resort. This unique resort is designed for a comfortable stay with family and friends. For those who enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving, the Resort is strategically located, fronting a coral-rich bay. The marine ecosystem of this area is well documented and held in high regards by snorkelers and scuba divers and from June to September, you can witness giant green turtles laying eggs along the beach.

Coral View Island Resort

Situated in Pulau Perhentian Besar, Coral View Island Resort is the perfect place to experience Perhentian Island and its surroundings..At Coral View Island Resort, this place is composed of 92 bedrooms and provides the best in services and amenities. For the comfort and convenience of guests, the hotel offers daily housekeeping, Wi-Fi in public areas, room service, airport transfer and family room. All rooms are fully furnished with towels, closet, private pool, air conditioning, desk and many more. The hotel also offers many enjoyable recreational opportunities such as snorkeling, diving, garden and watersports (non-motorized).