Pete Seaward

Pulau Perhentian

The Perhentian islands are well developed with resorts and yet still have refreshing, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, diving and snorkelling. There are hiking trails through jungles that are home to leaf monkeys, and numerous crescent beaches with shimmering white sand.

Pulau Perhentian comprises several islands, two of which are large and developed for tourism. These two major islands in the group are Kecil (‘Small’), popular with the younger backpacker crowd, and Besar (‘Large’). Perhentian Besar has slightly higher standards of accommodation, a slightly more packaged-group ambience, and attracts families. Both are traffic-free and share a laid-back islander vibe. Speedboats can take you out to five smaller islands for day trips. With relatively shallow and calm waters, great visibility and largely gentle currents, the Perhentian islands are an ideal place to snorkel or learn to dive.

Explore Pulau Perhentian

T
Teluk Kerma
Home to a single accommodation option, this small but lovely bay is peaceful and quiet. There’s great diving and snorkelling and a few equally isolated…
M
Main Beach
Besar’s main beach stretches along the west coast of the island to the southern tip, interrupted by several rocky headlands – you can walk around them on…
C
Coral Bay
Dead-coral-strewn Coral Beach is aptly named. A construction boom has diminished the quaintness of this once-quiet spot but it's perfect for those wanting…
L
Long Beach
This attractive stretch of sand offers umbrella-shaded lounges and the most party-ish vibe on the Perhentians. Those looking for a natural paradise might…
T
Teluk Dalam
The big island’s ‘southern bite’, this circular bay has a white-sand beach and accommodation in all budget ranges. There are good snorkelling spots on the…
W
Wind Turbines
This pair of wind turbines can be reached either by the hiking path between Long Beach and Teluk Kerma or by a water taxi that will drop you off at a set…
L
Love Beach
This secluded beach at the south of the island can be reached by a steep and rugged track (around 800m, 20 minutes) from Teluk Dalam.
P
Petani Beach
This small sandy beach is the location of a couple of upmarket resorts.
M
Masjid A R Rahman Pulau Perhentian
This attractive mosque, built over the water, makes an impression as you arrive at the island's main village. If you go inside, you should be respectfully…

T
Teluk Kerma
Home to a single accommodation option, this small but lovely bay is peaceful and quiet. There’s great diving and snorkelling and a few equally isolated…
M
Main Beach
Besar’s main beach stretches along the west coast of the island to the southern tip, interrupted by several rocky headlands – you can walk around them on…
C
Coral Bay
Dead-coral-strewn Coral Beach is aptly named. A construction boom has diminished the quaintness of this once-quiet spot but it's perfect for those wanting…
L
Long Beach
This attractive stretch of sand offers umbrella-shaded lounges and the most party-ish vibe on the Perhentians. Those looking for a natural paradise might…
T
Teluk Dalam
The big island’s ‘southern bite’, this circular bay has a white-sand beach and accommodation in all budget ranges. There are good snorkelling spots on the…
W
Wind Turbines
This pair of wind turbines can be reached either by the hiking path between Long Beach and Teluk Kerma or by a water taxi that will drop you off at a set…
L
Love Beach
This secluded beach at the south of the island can be reached by a steep and rugged track (around 800m, 20 minutes) from Teluk Dalam.
P
Petani Beach
This small sandy beach is the location of a couple of upmarket resorts.
M
Masjid A R Rahman Pulau Perhentian
This attractive mosque, built over the water, makes an impression as you arrive at the island's main village. If you go inside, you should be respectfully…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Pulau Perhentian.

See
Teluk Kerma
Home to a single accommodation option, this small but lovely bay is peaceful and quiet. There’s great diving and snorkelling and a few equally isolated…
See
Main Beach
Besar’s main beach stretches along the west coast of the island to the southern tip, interrupted by several rocky headlands – you can walk around them on…
See
Coral Bay
Dead-coral-strewn Coral Beach is aptly named. A construction boom has diminished the quaintness of this once-quiet spot but it's perfect for those wanting…
See
Long Beach
This attractive stretch of sand offers umbrella-shaded lounges and the most party-ish vibe on the Perhentians. Those looking for a natural paradise might…
See
Teluk Dalam
The big island’s ‘southern bite’, this circular bay has a white-sand beach and accommodation in all budget ranges. There are good snorkelling spots on the…
See
Wind Turbines
This pair of wind turbines can be reached either by the hiking path between Long Beach and Teluk Kerma or by a water taxi that will drop you off at a set…
See
Love Beach
This secluded beach at the south of the island can be reached by a steep and rugged track (around 800m, 20 minutes) from Teluk Dalam.
See
Petani Beach
This small sandy beach is the location of a couple of upmarket resorts.
See
Masjid A R Rahman Pulau Perhentian
This attractive mosque, built over the water, makes an impression as you arrive at the island's main village. If you go inside, you should be respectfully…

Guidebooks

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