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The Perhentian Islands, located off the northeastern coast of Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, are a true tropical paradise, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant underwater world.
These islands are an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and a connection with nature. Known for their stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, the Perhentian Islands are a haven for snorkeling, scuba diving, and eco-tourism.
Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu, Malaysia (Source:Pinterest)
The heritage of the Perhentian Islands is steeped deeply into the region's seafaring traditions. The name 'Perhentian' itself is a translation from Malay meaning 'stopping point', underscoring the islands' historical importance as a vital stopover for traders, fishermen, and travelers frequenting the South China Sea.
Over the years, the islands changed from a remote center for waterborne trade into a tourists' paradise, beckoning visitors with its pristine nature and tranquility of environment.
The Perhentian Islands lie in the heart of the tropics and present warm temperatures throughout the year, with high percentages of humidity. There are two main seasons in the islands: wet and dry.
Dry Season (March-October): This is the ideal time of the year to visit the Perhentian Islands, as most of the time the weather is fine and dry with temperatures of around 25°C−30°C (77 to 86°F). Calm sea conditions lead to activities like snorkeling, diving, and other underwater sports. The high travel season would usually be June to August, which is when more people flock to this destination.
Monsoon Season: Monsoon is present from November all through February. Monsoon brings adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, a bit of heavy wind, and rough seas in this area. Hence, this season is less supportive of visiting the islands. During this time most of the resorts and diving shops are closed, and modes of transportation become infrequent. However, if you want a quiet and restful sojourn, you can get quite a lot of it during this period if you do not bother too much with the rain.
Tourist season in Perhentian Islands (Source: Wheretogoin)
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Beaches: The prettiest beaches in Malaysia, with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise-colored waters. Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil is the most popular because of the lively ambiance, beachside bars, and breathtaking sunsets. On the other end, for a more tranquil experience, come to Turtle Beach on Perhentian Besar, where you can enjoy privacy, with chances to even encounter nesting sea turtles.
Snorkeling and Diving: It offers some of the best opportunities for snorkeling and diving within the entire Southeast Asian region. Incredible coral with a lot of vibrant marine life, colored fish, turtles, and even a reef shark inhabit the great coral reefs. Some of the most famous dive sites that are visited by all divers are the Pinnacle, Sugar Wreck, and Temple of the Sea. For beginners, there are many diving schools on the islands that can help learn this craft.
Beach at Perhentian Islands (Source:Tripadvisor)
Jungle Trekking: Spring the locals to the beaches; the islands are dominated by thriving wildlife, giving much to trekkers and campers who take trips into the forest in search of the animals. There are hiking trails that link different beaches and make it possible for one to discover the jungle-covered interiors of the islands. Let the hope of a monitor lizard meeting a monkey and seeing exotic birds overcome you. It was a splendid walk from Coral Bay to Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil; along the way, views of the sea are just marvelous.
Island Hopping: One of the fantastic ways to travel around the Perhentian Islands is by taking an island-hopping tour. These single-day trips usually include visits to the secluded beaches, snorkeling spots, and gem sights within the island. A popular trip is to Rawa Island, where the sea has just the clarity and much marine life, including the possibility of snorkeling with blacktip reef sharks.
Snorkeling at Perhentian Islands (Source:Tripadvisor)
By Air: Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR): This is the closest airport to the Perhentian Islands. It has good connections with most major cities in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang. From here, take an airport shuttle or cab drive to Kota Besut, the town, which by default is the primary transport hub to the rest of the islands.
By Bus or Car: One may travel from Kuala Lumpur or Peninsular Malaysia to Kuala Besut by bus or driving. The trip is long, and the distance can be covered in a 7 to 8 million-bus ride when departing from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Besut. However, the time by car takes about 6 to 7 hours.
By Boat: You will arrive in Kuala Besut, from where you will be required to proceed by boat to the Perhentian Islands. These are running at regular intervals, as well as ferries from Kuala Besut to the islands. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes.
Getting Around the Islands: The Perhentian Islands are not so large, and in that case, one can quickly go around by foot or using water taxis to many of its places.
Beautiful sunset at Perhentian Islands (Source: Tripadvisor)
The Perhentian Islands offer a great opportunity for nature lovers, diving devotees, or those who simply want to "veg out" on some of Malaysia's beautiful sandy beaches. Be it the search for thrilling provocation or a tranquil escapade, the islands bear the finest destination: the Perhentian Islands. Secure your trip now in the dry season, and travel through the tropical paradise with Asia King Travel!
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