
Perhentian Besar
A tropical paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Perhentian Besar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tropical paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
"Not Maldives! This is Perhentian Besar Malaysia, with water clear as glass."

Book Accommodation Early
Rooms are limited, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your preferred resort .
Pack Light for Speedboat
Speedboat transfers can be bumpy. Pack essentials in waterproof bags to protect your belongings .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Turtle Beach & Turtle Point
Perhentian Besar
Swim with sea turtles and spot stingrays in crystal-clear waters. A must-visit for marine life encounters.

Coral View Island Resort
Perhentian Besar
Family-friendly resort with a water theme park and public pool, ideal for a fun-filled island getaway.

Teluk Pauh Beach
Perhentian Besar
Discover monkeys in the trees and enjoy snorkeling with turtles and stingrays at this beautiful beach.

Snorkeling & Diving Hotspots
Various locations
Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including baby sharks and colorful fish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit Perhentian Besar
Getting to Perhentian Besar
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Accommodation Early
Rooms are limited, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your preferred resort.
Pack Light for Speedboat
Speedboat transfers can be bumpy. Pack essentials in waterproof bags to protect your belongings.
Embrace Island Life
Perhentian Besar offers a laid-back vibe. Enjoy the beaches, snorkeling, and the natural beauty.
Rent Snorkel Gear
Easily rent snorkel gear from your resort reception to explore the underwater world right from the shore.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Accommodation Early
Rooms are limited, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your preferred resort.
Pack Light for Speedboat
Speedboat transfers can be bumpy. Pack essentials in waterproof bags to protect your belongings.
Embrace Island Life
Perhentian Besar offers a laid-back vibe. Enjoy the beaches, snorkeling, and the natural beauty.
Rent Snorkel Gear
Easily rent snorkel gear from your resort reception to explore the underwater world right from the shore.
Consider All-Inclusive Packages
Some resorts offer packages including accommodation, boat transfers, and snorkeling trips for convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunningly clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches of Perhentian Besar, often comparing it to the Maldives. The island is highly recommended for families and company trips, with excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. While the journey can be a bit involved, the natural beauty and marine life make it a worthwhile destination.
"Bigger btw the two, beautiful beach and spot such as turtle beach and turtle point. Only baby sharks in august in shark point"
eleonora carta
"This island suitable for family vacation and company trip. Various resort and accommodation type offered here that suite with your budget. You may walk along the beach or do jungle trekking acros the island. Snorkeling from the shore is possible. Just rent snorkel gear at your reception and ready to go."
Yoe CR
"nice place for who want to get an experience out door camping... nearest location to snokerling activity ( just walk around 5 minute)... at Buddy Dive Centre at Teluk Keke you can get many activiti such as Discovery Scuba Diving, Fun Dive, Open Water Course( who want a licence under PADI) and many activities you can do.."
Abdul Majid Udin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The journey involves a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu, followed by a taxi or bus to Kuala Besut Jetty. From there, a 30-minute speedboat ride will take you to Perhentian Besar. Flights can be as low as RM45 (£8).
Water taxis are readily available for travel between Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, as well as to various snorkeling spots.
Yes, you can drive to Kuala Besut Jetty. There are parking facilities available for visitors who choose to drive their own vehicles.
The speedboat journey from Kuala Besut Jetty to Perhentian Besar typically takes around 30 minutes.
Yes, there are entrance fees to access the Perhentian Islands, which can be around 10 Euros per person.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from March to October. May is particularly good for fewer crowds, while July and August are peak season.
No, the island is closed during the monsoon season, typically from November to February. Most resorts and boat services are unavailable during this period.
It's highly recommended to book accommodation and speedboat tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as availability can be limited.
Perhentian Besar offers a range of resorts, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious ones like the Marriott Resort. Coral View Island Resort is noted as family-friendly.
Yes, some resorts offer comprehensive packages that include accommodation, boat transfers, and snorkeling trips, providing a convenient all-in-one solution.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Popular spots include Turtle Beach and Turtle Point for sightings of turtles and stingrays. You can also find baby sharks in August at Shark Point.
Absolutely! Buddy Dive Centre at Teluk Keke offers various diving activities, including Discovery Scuba Diving and PADI courses. The diving locations are described as beautiful.
Yes, Coral View Island Resort is highly recommended for families, featuring a water theme park and a public pool. The island is also suitable for company trips.
Jungle trekking is possible across the island, offering a different perspective of its natural beauty.
You can expect to see sea turtles, stingrays, baby sharks, and a variety of colorful fish while snorkeling and diving.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many resorts offer dining options. Flora Bay Resort, for example, is praised for its amazing food and friendly staff.
While specific details are scarce, it's common for island resorts in Malaysia to offer a mix of local and international cuisine.
Information on specific dietary options is limited, but it's advisable to communicate your needs to your resort's restaurant in advance.
Dining costs can vary depending on the resort. Budget-friendly options might be available, but generally, island prices can be higher than on the mainland.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to bring some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, but relying on resort dining is more common.
📸 📸 Photography
The pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life offer endless photographic opportunities. Turtle Beach and Teluk Pauh Beach are particularly scenic.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for landscape shots. Mid-day provides clear water for underwater photography.
A waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended for capturing the underwater world, especially for snorkeling and diving.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be respectful of local customs and private property.
Photos and videos showcasing the clear water, white sand beaches, marine life encounters (turtles, sharks), and scenic sunsets are very popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Honeymooners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit