PERHENTIAN ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE AND TOURISM 2024

There are a group of islands off the north eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia known as The Perhentian Islands.

These coral fringed islands are part of the Terengganu state and located nearby the Thai border. Perhentian Besar ("Big Perhentian") and Perhentian Kecil ("Small Perhentian") are 2 major islands among the group of islands and the Kecil one actually attracts more tourists due to its cheaper accommodation. Perhentian Besar however is catered more to family holidays and can be quite costly. It is also meant for travellers who wish to avoid the backpacker party scene common in Kecil.

Mid February and late October are the best time to go to Perhentian which is considered quite limited. Other periods will be less suitable due to the eastern monsoon.

The seas can be very rough during the monsoon period. Typically, most (though not all) of the hotel accommodations found on Perhentian Islands will be closed during the monsoon season.

One of the most excellent diving sites in Malaysia must be at The Perhentians. This diving paradise attracts many divers from all over the world.

Besides the normal coral and fish, divers going to the Perhentians can expect to view sea turtles and various species of shark. Well known dive sites are namely the Pinnacle which is also known as Tokong Laut or "Temple of the Sea".

Another famous one is the Sugar Wreck which can be easily accessed via a 3500-ton sugar hauler.