Things To Do In Perhentian Island: Places Of Interest And Activities

Located in Terengganu, Long Beach at Perhentian Kecil Island is a laid-back beach but if you’re expecting party island(s) as you find in Thailand, this place is not for you.

The beach has good length and width with the white sand stretched far out making the beach here suitable for swimming and water activities.

Perhentian Kecil Map

I stayed in the long beach area because I find everything here; low to high-range accommodations and restaurants, camping grounds, varieties of services and entertainments, boat transfer, water taxis and kayaks, and hiking trails to other places within the island.

Perhentian Kecil Accommodation

Don’t walk-in! Book your accommodation before you get into Perhentian as it’s fully booked most of the time. If you want to stay in the long beach area, below are my recommendations.

Best Hotel/Resort: Bubu Villa

Best Camping/Glamping: Long Beach Camp

Budget Chalet: Harrera Perhentian

Note: Almost all of the accommodations are powered by generators and therefore, there will be no electricity during 08:00 AM – 18:00 PM (Not applicable to those expensive hotels)

Perhentian Kecil Island Itinerary

As I wanted to catch the earliest boat to Perhentian Kecil at 08:00 AM, I travelled a day earlier and put up a night somewhere close to the Jetty area.

Below is my itinerary and you can modify according to your preferences.

Day 1

07:30 – Breakfast at Kuala Besut Jetty
08:00 – Boat To Perhentian Island
09:00 – Arrival at Long Beach
10:00 – Check-in at Chalet
11:00 – Hike to Windmill View Point (30 Minute)
13:00 – Back to Long Beach & Have Lunch
14:00 – Clean up and rest
16:00 – Swim at long beach
17:00 – 15 Minute Walk to Coral Bay for Sunset
19:30 – Back To the long beach
20:00 – Dinner at Awatif Cafe
21:00 – Fire Dance show at the beach

Day 2

08:00 – Breakfast
11:00 – Snorkelling (Long Trip Package)
16:00 – Back to Long Beach
17:00 – Shower and rest
19:00 – Dinner
20:00 – Night Life

Day 3

07:00 – Breakfast
18:00 – Boat back to Kuala Besut Jetty (mainland)
09:00 – Arrival at Jetty
09:30 – Back to KL

I’ll now share the information about the places that I’ve recommended.

Windmill View Point

This is a must-do in your list. The view from the Perhentian Kecil windmill is stunning. It will take you about 30 minutes walk/hike to reach the top. To get started, find the entrance called Nyor 5 Glamping at the long beach. Watch the video highlights below (From 0:35 – 3:27).

Note: The best time to hike is between 11:00-1300 so you’ll have a clear view and best daylight. Please also bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Video Highlights

How to get Into Perhentian Island?

If you’re driving, navigate straight to the Kuala Besut Jetty (map below) and take the speed boat ride to the Island. If you’re taking a flight, the nearest Airport would be Kota Bahru, Kelantan which is about 70+KM or the Kuala Terengganu Airport, which is about 100+ KM to the Jetty.

Kuala Besut Jetty: Google Map Link

Perhentian Island Boat Schedule

Since Perhentian Kecil and Besar is next to each other, you might be on the same boat with those who wanted to go Perhentian besar. Usually, they’ll drop off those who staying at Perhentian kecil first. The trip from Kuala Besut Jetty to Perhentian Island would take approximately 40 minutes.

Perhentian Island Boat Fares

Perhentian Island Boat ticket – Online Booking

You can do the booking via Besut Jetty website or alternatively, you can arrange it with the place you will be staying. Usually, Perhentian Kecil’s hotels, resorts etc have their own agents which can do the arrangements for you. Just get in touch with them if you need.

Parking at Kuala Besut Jetty

There is plenty of parking near the jetty and it usually cost RM10/day. I parked my car at Safe Park Parking which is located 300 Meters from the Kuala Besut Jetty.

Safe Park Parking: Google Map Location

Best Time To Go Perhentian Kecil Island?

Perhentian is closed from October to March due to bad weather and therefore, best time to go Perhentian would be between March to September.

I would also suggest that you avoid Perhentian during Malaysia Public Holidays and if possible, go on weekdays to enjoy the beach more with less tourist.

Perhentian Kecil Vs Besar

Both islands are located just next to each other. If you’re doing a family trip and want to have quite a night, Perhentian Besar would be the ideal choice. However, if you’re looking into nightlife, budget accommodations, the Perhentian Kecil would suit you. Both islands are equally beautiful and it’s all down to your personal preferences.

You can also take a water taxi (boat) to get to any other islands and they usually charge RM 15/pax – one-way trip.

Perhentian Kecil package (Snorkelling)

You can find various types of snorkelling packages around long beach area ranging between RM30-RM100. I would suggest that you take the Long Trip package (RM50/pax) which should cover the main islands including seeing Turtles, sharks and lunch at the fisherman village (Kg Nelayan)

Nightlife

The nightlife scene is quite lively and you can find a couple of bars along Long Beach and it can be crowded. None of the bars here serves draught beer and a can of beer (Tiger) would cost you RM12.

There is also Fire Dance show at the bars area usually starts about 9PM till late night. If you want to stay away from crowd and enjoy relaxing atmosphere with music, I highly recommend that you go to the bar next to Long Beach Camp area. (The camp area in my video highlights on your way to Coral Bay).

Conclusion

I really enjoyed my stay at Perhentian Kecil but everything here seems to be pricey and a simple (bad) chalet would cost you about RM150 per night and even more expensive during peak times.

The only thing that I didn’t like, there are too many boats with dangerous anchors all over the beach. If you’re walking, please be alert.

Have you been to Perhentian Island? what are you thoughts about it? Did you enjoy it?

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