The Enchanting Islands of Malaysia: Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu

Back when lockdown was slowly being eased down in Peninsular Malaysia but international travels were still quite restricted in August 2022, I decided to check off one island of my wishlist: Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Islands). Now, of course travels are definitely back to normal and we're experiencing our Southwest monsoon season in Malaysia at the moment -- that means, hella hot weather but this would be the perfect window if you're planning to visit our beautiful beaches and islands.

Tucked away on the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands are made up of two main islands: Perhentian Besar (the bigger island) and Perhentian Kecil (the smaller, more backpacker-friendly one). Known for their crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, these islands are a favorite destination for both local and international travellers looking for a laid-back beach escape. My boyfriend and I decided to stay at Perhentian Kecil for we were looking for something more relaxed for his birthday weekend. We have always heard about how beautiful the beaches and islands are in Terengganu so we thought, considering the restricted travels at the time, might as well cuti-cuti Malaysia, right?

Getting There

Our journey began with a flight from KLIA Terminal 2 (KLIA 2 back then) to Kota Bharu Airport (this airport is in a neighbouring state, Kelantan). From the airport, we took a taxi to get to Kuala Besut town to go to our travel agent's office, Seven Seas, who handled our boat journey to-and-fro from Kuala Besut jetty to Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Be mindful that the drive from Kota Bharu Airport took around an hour to reach Kuala Besut, so planning your journey and making sure you don't miss the last boat to Perhentian is crucial here.

From there, we headed to the jetty and hopped on a speedboat that whisked us across the open sea. The boat ride took about 45 minutes but the view of the clear blue water and tiny islands in the distance made the time flew by rather quickly from me. We arrived Perhentian Kecil and my jaw dropped at the sight of the beautiful waters. The island vibe hit instantly -- no cars, sandy paths, salty air and the sound of waves crashing in the background.

Where We Stayed: D’Rock Gardens (Wouldn't Recommend)

We stayed at D’Rock Garden Resort, and to be honest, I wouldn’t stay there again. I paid around RM600 for 2 nights, including breakfast, which sounds decent for an island getaway—but aside from the beautiful ocean view from the cabin, the experience was lacking. The amenities, cleanliness, and service didn’t live up to expectations, and there are definitely better options available on the island for the same or slightly higher price. This resort is also located at the very end of the Long Beach strip, so that means it was quite a walk from the jetty. Unless you're staying at MIMPI Perhentian Resort, I'd highly recommend not to bring too much luggages with you (even better, just pack your stuffs in backpacks) because you'll be walking along sandy beach to all of the hotels and resorts in Perhentian Kecil.

Island Vibes

On our first night at the island, I went for a body massage at Manja Spa which is located in MIMPI Perhentian Resort. I was greeted by the sound of gamelan music and the smell of aromatherapy oil sealed the heavenly and therapeutic vibes from the get-go.

It was a short getaway but I made sure I spent most of my days there either basking in the sun or swimming with the fishes in the crystal-clear waters -- you don't even need to snorkel far to see them!

Dinner with a View: The World Café at Bubu Villa

On our second night at Perhentian Kecil, we splurged a little and dined at The World Café at Bubu Villa to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. The atmosphere was relaxed yet refined, with beachside views and delicious food.

Pass the vibe check?

Despite the disappointing accommodation, our trip to Perhentian Kecil was a lovely island escape. The natural beauty of the island, the soothing massage, the amazing marine life, and the chill beach vibes more than made up for it. If you're looking for a few days of sun, sea, and serenity, Perhentian Kecil is absolutely worth a visit—just be sure to choose your stay wisely!

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