Snorkelling and Beach Days in the Perhentian Islands
The Perhentian Islands off Terengganu on Malaysia's east coast have the clearest water in the country and no cars, no big resorts on Kecil, and no nightlife beyond beach barbecues. Boats leave from Kuala Besut jetty and take about 30-40 minutes. Perhentian Besar suits families and couples with mid-range resorts, while Perhentian Kecil's Long Beach is the budget and backpacker side.
Snorkelling here is the main activity. Half-day and full-day boat trips cover Shark Point for reef sharks, Turtle Point where green turtles graze on seagrass, the Light House reef, Romantic Beach, and a fish feeding stop. Visibility is regularly 10-20 metres and you often see clownfish, parrotfish, bumphead wrasse and occasionally black-tip reef sharks in shallow water. Scuba diving and open water certification courses are also cheap here compared with the Andamans or Maldives.
The critical point for planning: the islands effectively shut from early November to late February because of the north-east monsoon, when boats stop running and resorts close. The season runs March to October, with the calmest seas from April to August. Bring cash, since ATMs are limited and card payments are unreliable on the islands.
Location
Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar, boats from Kuala Besut jetty, Terengganu, Malaysia
Duration
2-4 days recommended
Best Time to Visit
March to October; April to August for calmest seas and best visibility. Closed during the monsoon from November to February
Pricing
₹1,200-2,000 per person for a half-day snorkelling trip; ₹900-1,400 return boat transfer from Kuala Besut plus a marine park fee of about ₹600
Activity Type
Highlights
Turtle Point sightings of green turtles in shallow water
Reef sharks at Shark Point
Coral gardens with 10-20 metre visibility
Powdery white sand at Long Beach and Teluk Dalam
Affordable PADI Open Water courses
Itinerary
Speedboat from Kuala Besut jetty to your island beach, pay the marine park fee
Boats drop you in shallow water at some beaches, wear sandals you can get wet
Settle in and snorkel straight off the house reef
Most resorts rent masks and fins for a small daily charge
Full-day boat snorkelling trip covering Shark Point, Turtle Point and Light House reef
Trips run in groups of 8-12; ask for a boat with a shade canopy
Beach barbecue dinner and stargazing
Perhentian Kecil has limited electricity hours at budget places, carry a power bank
Safety Requirements
Wear a life jacket on snorkelling trips unless you are a confident swimmer
Do not touch or stand on coral, and keep distance from turtles and sharks
Strong currents exist between the two islands, snorkel only in designated areas
Water taxis after dark are limited and risky, plan returns before sunset
Medical facilities are basic, carry a personal first aid kit and any prescription medicines
Tips
Carry enough Malaysian ringgit in cash, ATMs on the islands are unreliable
Use reef-safe sunscreen or a rash guard instead of chemical sunscreen
Book resorts on Perhentian Besar for families, Kecil for budget travel
Fly into Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu, then road transfer to Kuala Besut jetty
Take a rash guard and water shoes for rocky entries
