Snorkeling - Perhentians vs. Gili Islands

My vote is for the Gili's.....Better choice and prices on accommodation, much better beer even though i don't drink, the ability to move around alot more.. snorkeling is full of turtles, although you might see the occasional shark in perentians. I admit i was in the gilis 2 years and 20 years back, but i was shocked at just how much better it was in many ways. Once could stay for 2 or 20 dollars an even a few 200's , Gili's has a store where icecreams and 20l bottles of water could be bought, but still had an awesome atmosphere. Its much bigger which means even when you want to get a way, you can...there is sort of the quiet side of the island and the party side.......I too was last there in Septembrer. Only drawbacks ....Gili's has roosters and Perentians has cats and catshit everywhere.... If budget is an option, i feel that Gilis is a MUCH better value.

Cheers Andi
That's really helpful.

Gilis. The current can be like a washing machine around the full moon but definitely the better choice for both the snorkeling, nightlife, etc. At least on Gili T. Definitely use fins. You might end up in Australia otherwise.

It's probably important to note, for your sanity, that they are building a big mosque there and if you pick accommodation near it you will never sleep. They like to rant for days on end, depending on the occasion, and the half built minaret with terrible speakers is right next to a few guesthouses. There's at least 2 on the Island and you need to find a place that's either really far away from them all, which might not be possible, or do what I did and get a room in the middle by the market square.