Perhentian Islands
From Halal Explorer
SouthBeach Curve - 370px|South Beach, Perhentian Besar
The Perhentian Islands ( Malay]: Pulau Perhentian) are a small group of islands roughly 10 nautical miles (19 kilometers) off the north-eastern coast of West Malaysia in the state of Terengganu. The islands are protected as part of the Pulau Redang National Marine Park.
Contents
- 1 Perhentian Islands Halal Explorer
- 2 Travel to Perhentian Islands
- 3 How to get around in Perhentian Islands
- 4 What to see in Perhentian Islands
- 5 Best things to do in Perhentian Islands
- 6 Halal Restaurants in Perhentian Islands
- 7 eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Perhentian Islands
- 8 Muslim Friendly Hotels
- 9 Cope
- 10 Medical Issues in Perhentian Islands
- 11 Local Customs in Perhentian Islands
- 12 News & References Perhentian Islands
- 13 Travel Next
Perhentian Islands Halal Explorer
The Perhentian Islands (pronounced Perhen-tee-ahn) comprise of two main islands, Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) and Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian). The name Perhentian means stopping point in (Malay) as the islands became a staging point used by traders travelling from Malaysia to Bangkok.
Kecil attracts more travellers due to cheaper accommodation options, while Besar is a little more expensive and caters more to families and those who want to avoid the backpacker party scene. The Perhentian Islands also comprise of the small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara, Seringgi and Rawa, which lie off Kecil. All the islands are protected under marine park status, which means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited. However in training litter is one of the major problems that face the islands.
When to go
Due to the eastern monsoon and the only time to visit the Perhentian Islands is effectively limited to the beginning of March or April until late October. This is similar to many other islands on the east coast of Malaysia. Outside this period the seas can be very rough and choppy with currents that make swimming dangerous and overcast skies with frequent rain. For this reason most accommodation (but not all) are closed. Travel agents may claim accommodations are open and even then some Halal restaurants and all shops will be closed during the off-season. If a restaurant is open during the off-season, expect limited and food choices.
Place names
Many locations on the island are referred to with both their (Malay) and English names. To make life a little more confusing and the words "beach" (pantai) and "bay" (teluk) are often used near-interchangeably as well, and a few English place names are not literal translations.
(Malay) | English | Location |
---|---|---|
Pasir Panjang | Long Beach | Kecil, east coast |
Teluk Aur | Coral Bay | Kecil, west coast |
Teluk Dalam | Deep Bay | Besar, south coast |
Teluk Keke | KK Bay | Besar, southwestern coast |
Teluk Pauh | Mango Bay | Besar, northwestern coast
Travel to Perhentian IslandsBoats at Perhentian Kecil jetty - Boats at Perhentian Kecil jetty Access to the Perhentian Islands from the Malaysian mainland is by ferry from Kuala Besut, which is usually reached from either Kota Bharu, Jerteh or Kuala Terengganu. See the Kuala Besut article for more information. If you took a train (KeretapiTanahMelayu) 'Kuala Lumpur - Tumpat' or 'Johor/Singapore - Tumpat' it is recommended that you stop at Tanah Merah Station which is the third-last station to Tumpat. This station is the closest to Kuala Besut (if you don't want to waste time). There you will find local residents who can provide the transportation (usually car/minivan) for between RM70-90 (+60 14-8060259). Note that ferries from Tok Bali and Kota Bharu no longer operate to the Perhentians. There are no ferries to neighbouring islands, but reasonably priced direct transfers to Redang are feasible if a day-trip or dive boat has free seats - enquire with travel and dive shops. From the main ferry terminal at Kuala Besut the only option to reach the Perhentian Islands is by speed boat. Previously there were slow boat services, but they have ceased operating due to poor demand. Speed boats - usually small fibreglass boats with two or three outboards which take 30-45 minutes, charge RM70/person (though you can bargain it down to RM60, even in high season beware of unreliable & unlicensed boat operator do the under cut price) for return open ticket and RM40/person for one way. It is advisable to make reservation first especially during the peak period May to August for your seats. Daily departure from 07:30-17:00. The boat leave from the Kuala Besut jetty to the Perhentians 4-5 times a day, 1st departure at 07:30 when the gates of the pier are opened. Some boats are enclosed, some have a fabric roof, some are completely open. If the sea is choppy expect a bone-jarring, bumpy ride and in the case of the latter two types expect to get very wet. If you are early, sitting at the back of the boat (near the engines) is less bumpy, but wet and noisier. There is no safe space for electronics, you might want to wrap anything that will not survive being wet in plastic (e.g. in bags inside your backpack) beforehand. If you don't want back problems do not sit in the front part of the boat — large swells combined with the driver going as fast as feasible will throw you up in the air and smash you down hard as the boat hits the next wave (but it's dry there). All ferries take their passengers directly to their destination, wherever it may be on the islands. Passengers going to (Kecil) Coral Bay and (Kecil) Long Beach will be dropped at the beach's respective jetty, without getting your feet wet. There is no more extra RM2 charge to get a small boat from the ferry to the beach at (Kecil) Long Beach. All travellers to the islands must pay a marine park conservation charge of RM30 (adults, RM15 for children). The marine park conversation charge 'ticket' claims to be valid for a few days, but in training it is never asked for and is valid for the length of stay. This ticket is paid at the office in the jetty at Kuala Besut. How to get around in Perhentian IslandsPerhentian islands - Map of the Perhentian Islands By WalkingWalking is the main way to travel around Kecil or Besar to travel between beaches on each island. There are many walking tracks that connect the beaches as an alternative to water taxis. Apart from the main tracks, everywhere else on the islands is dense jungle. On Kecil, Long Beach to Coral Bay is about ten minutes and a very easy walk. To go from Long Beach to D'Lagoon, follow the jungle path that starts behind Bubu resort on the northern part of Long Beach, when you reach the turbines follow the path down behind the turbines (do not go down the stairs!) a further 30 minutes until you reach D'Lagoon. It takes about 1 hour. Another route from D'Lagoon is to Adam and Eve beach on the west side of the island (25 minutes), be careful when swimming here as there are sometimes thieves waiting in the forest, though they are only interested in cameras and money. Or another one to Turtle Beach also on the west side (10 minutes). There is also a track from the south end of Long Beach from Rock Garden Chalet to South East Masjid Besar. The walk paths lack maintenance, hence proper trail footwear is recommended. Also, use insect repellent: the paths pass through forests with many mosquitoes. On Besar, an easy 30-minutes walk starts behind the Arwana resort on the southern bay of Besar and comes out in the Perhentian island resort on the north west bay. The other is a more adventurous 45-minutes trek between the camp site (Teluk KK) on the west bay and the west corner of the south bay. If it's damp, mosquitoes can be a menace. By boat/water taxiAside from walking and the only means of transport is by boat or water taxis. Prices are negotiable but figure on RM 12 for most hops from one beach to another, and a little more when crossing from one island to another. Travelling by boat is a much faster alternative to walking around the Islands and is of course the only means of travel between Kecil and Besar. What to see in Perhentian IslandsCoral Bay, Perhentian Kecil - Relax at Coral Bay, Perhentian Kecil There are no monuments, museums, viewpoints or other above-ground sights whatsoever on the islands; however and the beaches are a sight in themselves. White sandy beaches with clear water and flanked by rolling jungle covered hills make the views from the beach spectacular. The best location to experience sunset is at Coral Bay on Perhentian Kecil, but construction of a new jetty has spoiled most of the view. On Besar and the best and cleanest beaches are on the west side of the island. The south beach on Besar is less inviting and had lots of broken coral, treacherous to bare feet and lots of litter and discarded rubbish (as of May 2012). There are several trails that you can take around Kecil island that offer spectacular viewpoints such as the Lighthouse Towers, which you can also climb up and jump off of into the sea. With luck you might be able spot some of the islands' wildlife, including huge harmless monitor lizards (almost guaranteed - they are not afraid of humans) and monkeys, not to mention nesting turtles at certain times of year. Arguably the Perhentians' best sights of all are underwater, where you're likely to see reef sharks and sea turtles amongst the corals and tropical fish. Kecil island also has a huge population of cats, most of which are kittens that a lot of the local residents and expats take care of. Best things to do in Perhentian IslandsActivities on the Perhentians are basically limited to scuba diving, snorkeling, sea-kayaking, sunbathing and turtle conservation volunteering. Those with excess energy may attempt the jungle trails crisscrossing the islands. Scuba divingPinnacle Underwater - The tip of the Pinnacle The Perhentians offer some great diving and excellent snorkeling. In addition to coral and fish and the Perhentians are home to sea turtles and many species of shark — none of them dangerous unless provoked though. Visibility is usually in the 10-20 meter range (although it will temporarily go down after storms, as well as during the end-of-year monsoon seasons) and no wet suit is required, although you may wish to use a dive skin for protection from coral and the occasional jellyfish. Popular dive sites include the Pinnacle (aka Tokong Laut, "Temple of the Sea"), a pinnacle jutting out from the sea bed, and the Sugar Wreck, an easily accessible 3500-ton sugar hauler. The (more expensive) single-day trip to Redang Island, where the water visibility is considerably better, offers diving a notch above the local options - but be prepared for a rough ride in a small speedboat. Competition for divers is fierce and consequently diving is quite cheap, averaging out to RM60-80 per dive depending on how many dives you do and whether you bring your own gear. All dive shops also arrange introductory dives (no training required) and PADI training. If you want to try Diving for the first time, ask your Dive Center where did they do introductory dives and escape the 'jetti' trap. Take care when choosing your dive center. Look closely at the state of the scuba equipment. It's not only about price but also about safety. There are multiple dive centers on the small island (Kecil). On Kecil's Long Beach (from North to South):
SnorkellingMost resorts and a few restaurants rent out snorkeling gear (typically RM10 a day for mask, snorkel and fins) and arrange snorkeling tours around the islands. Popular snorkeling spots on Besar include Teluk Pauh (to the left of the beach in front of the PI Resort), Shark Point and Tanjung Basi. The best place to see sharks (black tip) is in front of an extremely small "beach", only accessible by boat, between Shark Point and the Teluk Dalam large beach, or the rocks off the Coral View and PI Resort. They are usually seen cruising the bottom of the reef but be careful in low tide, otherwise you could end up swimming right alongside them (mostly babies though). For turtles, best place is the middle of the beach in front of Perhentian Island Resort, where the sandy bottom is covered with algae. On Pulau Besar, if you are planning to do snorkeling just in front of your chalet and then stay on the northern and east side of the island where the water is clearer than the south side. The best spot for family snorkelling would be the south-west of the island. The water is shallow and it is not faced by any chalet so the corals are more abundant and colourful. Between Pulau Besar and Redang and the corals are much better in Pulau Besar. Turtle conservation volunteeringThe Perhentian Islands are home to a significant green turtle nesting population. The island was once home to hundreds of nesting Green and Hawksbill turtles but now the islands only receives 300 nestings per year partly due to frequent oil spills from oil production platforms and oil tankers owned by Petronas not too far away. The Department of Fisherie run a turtle hatchery on the islands to help readdress the declining turtle populations. Help Our Penyu are complimenting the work done by the Department of Fisheries by protecting two beaches on Perhentian Besar and educating visiting tourists around the islands. Ecoteer also run their weekly Turtles Need Trees after-school marine club which is educating the local school children about turtle and marine conservation. If you want to help the turtle conservation efforts whilst visiting the Perhentian islands you can join Ecoteer's or Bubbles Dive Resort volunteer program which accepts new volunteers every Monday. Jungle trekkingThe islands are crisscrossed by small paths connecting one beach to another, but be prepared to sweat and swat off bugs if you tackle any of these. There is a good chance to see big monitor lizards and large spiders between Long Beach and Coral Bay (Kecil), and if you are walking off the main trails, you are likely to spot some wild monkeys if you are lucky. There is a wide trail (30 min) between Watercolours Paradise and Arwana on Besar, you can see large termite trails, monitor lizards, big fruit bats and sometimes monkeys. There is a paved walking trail from Coral Bay to Mira Beach (30 minutes) and on to Impiani beach (20 min) and to the main fishing village on Kecil (20 min). This is a great trail to see monitor lizards. Halal Restaurants in Perhentian IslandsMany of the smaller resorts only offer meals as part of an all-inclusive package. These are usually buffet-style with a variety of Western and Malaysian dishes. Larger beaches, such as Pasir Panjang, offer a larger variety of eating options. Since everything (except seafood) has to be imported, expect to pay at least 2 to 3 times more than on the mainland. Restaurants on Long Beach (Kecil) are slow to deliver food (30 min to 1.5 hr) and there are no hawker stalls and only one buffet (breakfast at Bubu's), so ask the waiter first how long the food will take before deciding to eat there. eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Perhentian IslandsPerhentian Islands - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Perhentian Islands, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Perhentian Islands. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Perhentian Islands and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Perhentian Islands. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Perhentian Islands. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPerhentian Islands: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Perhentian Islands. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Perhentian Islands: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Perhentian Islands, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Perhentian Islands. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Perhentian Islands, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Perhentian Islands, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Perhentian Islands and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Perhentian Islands, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Perhentian Islands, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Perhentian Islands without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Perhentian Islands is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Perhentian Islands. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Perhentian Islands is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Perhentian Islands, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Perhentian Islands Media: info@ehalal.io Muslim Friendly HotelsKecilThere is little luxury accommodation on Kecil, with the top of the line being air-conditioned chalets (RM100-200) and the bottom being a bunk in a longhouse (RM10 and up). Discounts are usually negotiable in the off season (although most resorts are closed), for weekdays, for longer stays, if you show up late and they have room... but the better places can get snapped up fast, especially on weekends and holidays, so book in advance. Luxury accommodation is on the west bay of Besar, but expect to pay for it. (Air conditioned chalets and all the trimmings in some) easily arranged on line or in Kuala Besut, but booking in advance is recommended. Mosquitoes can be a problem after rain, so bring your own mosquito net if staying in low-end (non-aircon) accommodation. The most popular backpacker destination is Pasir Panjang (Long Beach) on the eastern coast of Kecil, where a bed in a longhouse can go for as little as RM20. More private "chalets" with fan, electricity and bathroom start at RM50. From north to south:
A 5-minutes walk away is Besar's nameless main beach, featuring the following:
Crossing over to the next beach is a more challenging 15-minutes hike up and down through the jungle, but it will bring you to the southwest beach and:
CopeFor all their beauty and the Perhentians remain a bit of an up-and-coming attraction and there are some missing bits in the infrastructure to be aware of:
Money can be changed on Long Beach, but rates are approx. 10% worse than on the mainland. Watercolours on Perhentian Besar will change money with only a small commission. It seems no one will change travellers cheques, so do it before you leave the mainland.
Medical Issues in Perhentian Islands
There is a small medical reception at the small island, in the main town where most local residents reside. It has a friendly staff of a doctor and a couple of nurses, and offers basic medical help at low cost. To get there, ask a boat taxi driver for help. Local Customs in Perhentian IslandsGarbage/refuse barges in the coves/bays are generally being collected by the marine park. However, when they are not and the cargo falls off the barge, washing up on the shores of the beautiful beaches. Litter remains a big problem despite local regulations. No one seems to want to pick the stuff up. Maybe they need a black bag volunteering day. When you arrive at the jetty in Kuala Besut, you are made to pay a marine park fee, which is used to pay for services such as this. Despite this conservation effort and there are concerns that the coral reef will be gone within the decade due to the intensive tourism industry. The destruction of the reef, especially close to shore, is becoming more profound each year. Many snorkeling trip operators have very little awareness of environmental issues. They may discard plastic bags which contained food for attracting fish directly into the sea. This adds up to thousands of plastic bags needlessly thrown into the ocean. Do what you can do discourage this neglectful habit. If you are a diver then you can dive with operators who care about the marine environment. One or two dive centres run regular reef and beach clean operations and even offer the Reef Check survey methodology, which you can learn whilst helping to monitor and conserve the marine environment. See Watercolours and Coral Sky Dive Centres. Use the water refill services listed in the Stay Healthy section to reduce the amount of plastic waste you create and the islands have to deal with. News & References Perhentian Islands
Travel NextMost people will find themselves returning to Kuala Besut as this is the only scheduled location that boats go to. Boats depart for the mainland daily at 08:00, 12:00 and 16:00 only. If you purchased a return ticket from the mainland be sure to hold onto the ticket and contact the operator the day before you wish to leave to ensure they go to your departure jetty. Usually if you inform the reception of your accommodation they will contact the boat operator for you. Those looking for more sun, sand and surf could head towards Redang Island, located south-west of the Perhentian Islands. There are no scheduled boat services to Redang but you can arrange transport with a water taxi operator or even the occasional dive or day-trip operator if they are heading there already. Be sure to confirm the trip with the operator beforehand. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd. |