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Perhentian Besar

4.7
·125 reviews·, Malaysia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

May

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Perhentian Besar - Image 1

Perhentian Besar

Best Time

May

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(125 reviews)

"Not Maldives! This is Perhentian Besar Malaysia, with water clear as glass."

Vertical photo
TIP

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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Turtle Beach & Turtle Point

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

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

Teluk Pauh Beach

Perhentian Besar

Discover monkeys in the trees and enjoy snorkeling with turtles and stingrays at this beautiful beach.

Snorkeling & Diving Hotspots

Snorkeling & Diving Hotspots

Various locations

Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including baby sharks and colorful fish.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit Perhentian Besar

The dry season runs from March to October, with peak months being July and August. May is noted as a great time to visit with fewer crowds before the summer rush.TikTok Avoid the monsoon season from November to February when most resorts and boats are closed.Reddit

Getting to Perhentian Besar

Reaching Perhentian Besar involves a multi-step journey. Fly into Kuala Lumpur, then take a domestic flight to Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu. From there, a taxi or bus to Kuala Besut Jetty is required, followed by a 30-minute speedboat ride to the island.TikTokInstagram+1

Best Times

When
May
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
July & August
Why
Peak season, best weather
Crowd
High
When
October
Why
End of season, good value
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Worth driving 6 hours frm KL, then 30 min speed boat and you are here😍🏝️ #perhenthianisland🏝 #perhentianbesar #tunabayresort #pulauperhentian #malaysiabeach #malaysiatrulyasia #malaysiatiktok
@thegauhar
236.7K likes • 2.6M views

Book Accommodation Early

Rooms are limited, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your preferred resort.TikTok

Pack Light for Speedboat

Speedboat transfers can be bumpy. Pack essentials in waterproof bags to protect your belongings.TikTok

#sunset #healing #pulauperhentian #perhentianputera #perhentianputera #pulauperhentiankecik #pulauperhentian🏖️ #pulau_perhentian #pakejpulauredang #pulaukapasterangganu #abangperhentian #camsite #honeymoon #pakejmurahpulauperhentian #daytrippulauperhentian #pulauperhetian #longbeach #langkawi #pakejpulaumurah #pakejpulaukapas #pakejpulauredang #pakejlangkawi #pakejpulauperhentian2025
@abangperhentian
85.6K likes • 1.7M views
清澈见底的果冻海🩵 这次的停泊岛后劲太大 🫣 狠狠拿捏了我的治愈点 ✨🫧 Not Maldives! This is Perhentian Besar Malaysia 🇲🇾🏝️ #perhentian #perhentianbesar #perhentianisland #pulauperhentian #malaysiatrulyasia #malaysia #island #islandmalaysia #travelmalaysia
lynnl0107
18.8K likes • 1.1M views

Embrace Island Life

Perhentian Besar offers a laid-back vibe. Enjoy the beaches, snorkeling, and the natural beauty.Instagram+1

Rent Snorkel Gear

Easily rent snorkel gear from your resort reception to explore the underwater world right from the shore.Reddit

I could not believe that I had never come across any pictures or videos or blogs on this island on social media! This is Perhentian island in Malaysia 🇲🇾 and it is an off-beat paradise! It is only 2.5 hours away from Kuala Lumpur. The flight from Kuala Lumpur costs only ₹2000 with baggage! There are two Perhentian islands- Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. The islands have beautiful sea-fa...
ilunarang
94.4K likes • 3.3M views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Accommodation Early

Rooms are limited, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your preferred resort.TikTok

Pack Light for Speedboat

Speedboat transfers can be bumpy. Pack essentials in waterproof bags to protect your belongings.TikTok

Embrace Island Life

Perhentian Besar offers a laid-back vibe. Enjoy the beaches, snorkeling, and the natural beauty.Instagram+1

Rent Snorkel Gear

Easily rent snorkel gear from your resort reception to explore the underwater world right from the shore.Reddit

Consider All-Inclusive Packages

Some resorts offer packages including accommodation, boat transfers, and snorkeling trips for convenience.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(125 reviews)

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

Crystal-clear turquoise waters
Beautiful white-sand beaches
Abundant marine life for snorkeling/diving

What People Dislike

Involved travel to reach island
Can be crowded during peak season

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.TikTokInstagram+1 Flights can be as low as RM45 (£8).Instagram

Water taxis are readily available for travel between Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, as well as to various snorkeling spots.Reddit

Yes, you can drive to Kuala Besut Jetty. There are parking facilities available for visitors who choose to drive their own vehicles.TikTok

The speedboat journey from Kuala Besut Jetty to Perhentian Besar typically takes around 30 minutes.TikTok

Yes, there are entrance fees to access the Perhentian Islands, which can be around 10 Euros per person.Instagram

🎫 🎫 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.TikTok

No, the island is closed during the monsoon season, typically from November to February. Most resorts and boat services are unavailable during this period.Reddit

It's highly recommended to book accommodation and speedboat tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as availability can be limited.TikTok

Perhentian Besar offers a range of resorts, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious ones like the Marriott Resort.TikTok Coral View Island Resort is noted as family-friendly.TikTok

Yes, some resorts offer comprehensive packages that include accommodation, boat transfers, and snorkeling trips, providing a convenient all-in-one solution.TikTok

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

Popular spots include Turtle Beach and Turtle Point for sightings of turtles and stingrays.Instagram+1 You can also find baby sharks in August at Shark Point.Reddit

Absolutely! Buddy Dive Centre at Teluk Keke offers various diving activities, including Discovery Scuba Diving and PADI courses.Reddit The diving locations are described as beautiful.Reddit

Yes, Coral View Island Resort is highly recommended for families, featuring a water theme park and a public pool.TikTok The island is also suitable for company trips.Reddit

Jungle trekking is possible across the island, offering a different perspective of its natural beauty.Reddit

You can expect to see sea turtles, stingrays, baby sharks, and a variety of colorful fish while snorkeling and diving.InstagramReddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Many resorts offer dining options. Flora Bay Resort, for example, is praised for its amazing food and friendly staff.Reddit

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.TikTokInstagram Turtle Beach and Teluk Pauh Beach are particularly scenic.Instagram+1

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for landscape shots. Mid-day provides clear water for underwater photography.TikTok

A waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended for capturing the underwater world, especially for snorkeling and diving.TikTok

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.TikTokInstagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Perhentian Besar is a fantastic choice for families seeking a tropical getaway. Coral View Island Resort is frequently recommended for its family-friendly features, including a water theme park and a public pool, ensuring entertainment for all ages.TikTok The island's calm waters and accessible snorkeling spots make it safe and enjoyable for children to experience marine life. Resorts often offer packages that can simplify planning for families, and the overall laid-back atmosphere allows for a relaxed vacation. Remember to pack plenty of sun protection and consider resorts that offer family rooms or suites for added comfort.

💰 Budget Travelers

While Perhentian Besar offers some higher-end resorts like the Marriott,TikTok it also caters to budget-conscious travelers. Accommodation options vary, and it's possible to find guesthouses or simpler chalets that fit a tighter budget.Reddit Traveling during the shoulder seasons, like May or October, can offer better prices on accommodation and potentially flights.TikTok Opting for packages that include boat transfers and snorkeling can also help manage costs. Bringing some of your own snacks and drinks can also help reduce daily expenses.

💑 Couples & Honeymooners

For a romantic escape, Perhentian Besar offers stunning beaches and a tranquil environment. The island's natural beauty, from its clear waters to its lush greenery, provides a picturesque backdrop for couples. While Perhentian Kecil is often associated with a more lively atmosphere, Besar offers a more serene experience, perfect for relaxation and quality time together. Enjoying sunset views, snorkeling hand-in-hand, and dining at beachfront restaurants can create memorable moments. Some TikTok videos even highlight Perhentian as a honeymoon destination.TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Underwater World: Snorkeling & Diving

The Perhentian Islands are renowned for their exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities, making them a prime destination for marine enthusiasts. Perhentian Besar, in particular, offers accessible snorkeling directly from the shore in many areas.Reddit Popular spots like Turtle Beach and Turtle Point provide a high chance of encountering majestic sea turtles and graceful stingrays.Instagram+1 For those seeking more advanced underwater adventures, Buddy Dive Centre at Teluk Keke offers a range of activities, from introductory Discovery Scuba Diving to certified PADI courses.Reddit Divers can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life, including colorful fish and, in August, even baby sharks at Shark Point.Reddit The clarity of the water, often described as 'clear as glass',Instagram enhances the underwater viewing experience, making it a truly immersive encounter with nature.

Island Hopping and Activities

Perhentian Besar offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unwind on beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the shore or embark on jungle trekking adventures across the island.Reddit For families, Coral View Island Resort stands out with its family-friendly amenities, including a water theme park and a public pool, making it an ideal choice for a fun-filled vacation.TikTok Beyond the natural beauty, the island also provides opportunities for exploring different resorts and accommodations that cater to various budgets.Reddit The presence of water taxis ensures easy movement between different parts of the island and to neighboring Perhentian Kecil, allowing visitors to experience the best of both worlds.

Planning Your Trip: Travel and Logistics

Getting to Perhentian Besar is an adventure in itself, typically involving a flight to Kuala Lumpur, followed by a domestic flight to Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu.TikTokInstagram From the airport, a taxi or bus ride to Kuala Besut Jetty is necessary, where you'll catch a 30-minute speedboat to the island.TikTokInstagram The cost of flights can be surprisingly affordable, with some options as low as RM45.Instagram It's important to note that the islands are closed during the monsoon season (November to February),Reddit so planning your visit during the dry season (March to October) is crucial. May is highlighted as a particularly good month to visit due to fewer crowds.TikTok