Malaysia, a delightful and charming Southeast Asian country, boasts of many things to see and do for its visitors. One trip that you must absolutely do is a visit to the Pula Perhentian, a batch of islands located 21km off the coast of Terengganu. Covered by pristine forests, unspoilt white beaches, and a fantastic marine life, it is the epitome of a perfect beach vacation.

Guide to the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia

Beaches, Jungles, and Wildlife

On the two main islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, there’s no shortage of lovely beaches and bays to choose from. Spend an afternoon on Teluk Karma, a small but beautiful bay that is peaceful and private. There’s great diving and snorkeling to be enjoyed here on top of kayaking and the neighboring beaches are equally quiet, if you need a change of scenery.

The white sand on the Main Beach is gorgeous and the water is crystal clear. At night, you might even spot a turtle laying her eggs on the beach or watch hatchlings make their way to the sea. For those who want a bit of action, Long Beach has the most party-ish vibe on the Perhentians with developed resorts, buzzing beach bars, and crowds.

Another interesting activity is to explore the jungle and get up close with native wildlife. Monkeys, birds, and lizards can be seen. If you have time to spare, visit the Terangganu Marine Park where you can see stunning reefs and marine life.

Getting There is an Added Adventure

Before you arrive in the country, sort out your travel money plans. There are different ways to pay for your transportation, hence, the best way is to have a mix of cash and credit cards. For example, to reach the islands, you need to take several forms of transportation, some of which involve local currency payments. One option is to board a bus to Kuala Terangganu which will take 6-7 hours from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital.

The fastest way though is to hop on a plane to Kuala Terangganu or Khota Baru. Upon arrival, you’ll still need to go to the jetty and take a boat ride, usually a speed boat to the island. The journey will last for one hour.

The Perhentian Islands are not yet overdeveloped or too crowded with visitors. With plenty of quiet beaches and natural attractions to offer, a trip to the islands is time well spent with a loved one, family or friends.