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Spotlight on: Travel to the Perhentian Islands
Destination: The Perhentian Islands
Location: The Perhentian Islands are located in Malaysia, about 10 miles off the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula, 40 miles south of the border with Thailand.
Noteworthy facts: The Perhentian Islands are protected as part of a national marine park. This means fishing and collecting shells or coral is prohibited. The Perhentians are made up of two main islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, as well as a few uninhabited islands. The Perhentians were traditionally used as a stopping point for traders between Bangkok and Malaysia. Today there is only one permanent settlement, a small fishing village on Kecil, besides the few areas developed for tourism.The islands are covered with jungle and can be traversed by footpath because there are no roads.
What to Do in the Perhentian Islands:
The main thing to do in the Perhentian Islands is relax. These are quiet islands and the fact that there is no vehicular traffic means the only noise you’ll be hearing is the waves and occasional distant thunder. If you want to get active, diving and snorkeling are two excellent options. The coral and sea life are in good shape here. Swimming and lying on the white-sand beaches are other popular activities. Walking trails can take you across the islands to different beaches.
How to get to the Perhentian Islands:
Travel to the Perhentian Islands via the port of Kuala Besut. Ferries run from Kuala Besut to the Perhentians throughout the day. Boats will drop you at your preferred island. Access Kuala Besut from either Kota Bharu (preferably) or Kuala Terengganu.
Should you travel to the Perhentian Islands?
The Perhentian Islands are some of Malaysia’s most beautiful and comparable to the islands of southern Thailand. The white sand beaches are lovely and the water is clear. There is accommodation for a variety of budgets, so the islands attract all kinds of travelers. The Perhentians are not known as party islands (like those in Thailand) but Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil is the rowdiest. Snorkeling trips to the smaller islands show off the extraordinary coral and marine life here. The islands are home to nesting sea turtles as well.
Accommodation is generally a good value and food is merely decent, if a little on the expensive side. Travel to the Perhentian Islands for quiet time on nice beaches, swimming in clear blue water, and opportunities for good and inexpensive diving and snorkeling.
