Perhentian Island

Pulau Perhentian

Pulau Perhentian, meaning 'stopover island', is not to be missed. Situated some 21km off the coast of Terengganu, it consists of the islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil.

Covered by virgin jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters, Pulau Perhentian is a sanctuary to fishermen, migratory birds and, of course, discerning holiday-makers.

Located just off the edge of the Pulau Redang Marine Park, Perhentian's coral-fringed waters have excellent underwater seascapes for snorkelling and scuba diving.


Arrangements can also be made for island cruises and boats can be hired to look for private small bays and secluded coves. A trip to these tropical islands is also a must for those who enjoy windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and deep-sea fishing.

Of the two islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil is the more secluded and isolated with only minimum facilities. Pulau Perhentian Besar is more developed and therefore offers better facilities. Nevertheless, there are chalets, dormitories and campsites on both islands.

GETTING TO TERENGGANU

Travelling domestically to Terengganu is convenient as it is easily accessible from all major cities and all parts of the country by air and road.

By Road
An excellent network of roads provides easy access to any destination within the state. Terengganu is also linked to Singapore, Thailand and the rest of the peninsula by a system of tolled and un-tolled highways equipped with amenities such as rest areas, restaurants, souvenir shops and suraus (prayer rooms for Muslims).

Singapore is five hours south while Thailand is just two hours north on the scenic East Coast Highway that passes through countless pretty fishing villages and by empty beaches.

The recently completed East-West Expressway that links Kuala Lumpur with the East Coast now cuts the travel time from 4 hours to a comfortable 2.5 hours. From Kuantan city on the East Coast, it's less than an hour up the coast to reach Terengganu.

By Air
Both the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines, and the budget carrier, AirAsia, fly directly to Kuala Terengganu from Kuala Lumpur twice daily.

From Kuala Terengganu, take a taxi or bus to the fishing port of Kuala Besut. Then board a boat at the Fisheries Complex for Pulau Perhentian. The boat ride to the island takes about an hour.(*source from tourism malaysia)