I'm planning a couple of days on the islands next month. I'll be going with my girlfiend, so am wondering which island to choose - the small Island, or the big one.
Also, can anybody recommend the best beaches, and views of the sunset? Also, I'd like to do some scuba diving, and try to see some monitor lizards on the islands, e.t.c. Any tips are welcome.
Also, is it possible to see turtles anywhere on the islands?
Cheers.
I prefer those on the west coast of the big island. From there there are also the best sunset views:
http://www.molon.de/galleries/Malaysia/EastCoast/Perhentian/West/
But it's highly subjective. Some people prefer the big beach on the small island.
Last time I was there I saw turtles in the channel between the islands.
Thanks, I think I'll go to the bigger island - maybe fewer people there, and quiter.
Nice photos.
I stay on Besar. Besar is mellow, Kecil is more for the party crowd.
Monitor lizards are everywhere, just take a jungle hike. I once stayed at Cozy Chalet in one of their seaview stilt bungalows and observed a giant one from my balcony digging a nest under my bungalow for a few days.
If you go diving you will see turtles. Otherwise agree a fee with a local to take you out in his small boat. If you say you want to see a turtle, he'll keep going until you do.
I had to book last month to get the room I wanted. Places like Abduls and Mamas seem to be always well booked in advance and are popular. Tuna Bay also always gets good reviews. IMO the West coast beaches on Besar are the best places to stay. You can access lots of beaches basing yourself there by either walking along the sand or through the jungles. You also have a good choice of places to eat and drink and dive schools. I would advise against picking accomodation that is far removed from everything and isolated.
The snorkelling tours are very good and worth the money although if you are reasonably fit you can access most of the good spots on foot and by swimming.
Thanks. I've booked a beachfront chalet with Cozy Chalet. And I'll definitely do some scuba diving. I'm just trying to decide on whether to buy an underwater case for my pocket canon, or for my i-phone.
I too prefer Besar. I'm past the partying stage now.
Besides monitor lizards, there are also spectacled langurs (and reef sharks) that are worth looking out for.
Do you need to be a strong swimmer to go scuba diving? I can swim, but I'm out of practice.