If you want to indulge in the best island getaway where hard decisions revolve around whether to snorkel or sunbathe, then the Perhentian Islands should be right up your alley. Off the northeast coast of Malaysia, these gems are so blazingly beautiful that they might as well make you give up going to any other beaches thereafter. Think powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and laidback island vibes you almost wish you would toss your phone into the ocean.
The Perhentians are a dream for both adventurers and chill-seekers. You can snorkel with turtles, scuba dive with reef sharks, or flop on the beach, only moving when the urge for fresh coconut or grilled seafood strikes. And with no roads, no high-rises, and no rush hour, the Perhentians are the sort of paradise in which time goes at an economical pace-like, “Was that a minute or a whole day?” kind of slow.
But if you’re ready for that island getaway that will feel like a secret getaway with all the excitement you need, here’s your ultimate guide to things to do in the Perhentian Islands!
Things to Do in Perhentian Islands: Explore Top Attractions
We are going to explain the top things to do in the Perhentian Islands! Let’s explore top attractions, from stunning beaches to vibrant marine life:
Snorkeling Tours
One of the great lures of the Perhentian Islands is the unseen underwater world that conceals itself beneath the waves. It is impossible not to snorkel here, and one does not have to go very far from the shoreline to see amazing coral reefs with teeming marine life, sometimes even sea turtles. You can almost rent snorkeling gear anywhere on the islands or take a snorkeling tour to explore the best sites.
This would include such places as Turtle Bay, Shark Point, and Coral Garden. You will have very good opportunities to see both green and hawksbill turtles at Turtle Bay, while Shark Point is a place that gives a unique experience of swimming among harmless blacktip reef sharks. A place like Coral Garden would just be teeming with colorful coral and different types of tropical fish.
Most tours involve stops at several snorkeling sites so that you can get a little bit of everything. The water is normally warm and crystal clear, making it pretty easy to see everything that’s around you. Snorkeling here is great for both beginners and people with experience, thus for anyone.
Scuba Diving: For a Deeper Adventure
Scuba diving is an unforgettable experience if one wants to dive deeper into the marine beauty of the Perhentian Islands. Lying inside the rich marine biodiversity, the islands are a haven for divers from around the world. The especially of crystal clear waters, and different kinds of underwater ecosystems-just perfect conditions for diving. On both the islands of Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, there are heaps of dive shops and schools.
The dive sites around the islands cater to all categories of divers from the inexperienced to the advanced. Other popular places include the Sugar Wreck sunken cargo ship that is now home to many marine organisms, and the Temple of the Sea-a pinnacle dive with lots of colorful coral formations and vibrantly colored fish. For the absolute beginner, it’s possible to have a discovery dive or even a PADI-licensing course with one of the many dive schools on either island. All said and done, scuba diving at the Perhentian Islands ranks among the best ways to see the underwater beauties of this part of the world up close and create lifelong memories of your visit.
Be Relaxed in the Beautiful Beaches
If it is plain relaxation you are after, then Perhentian has plenty of beaches where you can relax in peace and work on your tan. For those seeking a lively atmosphere, Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil is one of the best bets, with its brilliant stretches of white sand and a buzzy atmosphere. One can lie on the soft sand, swim in the crystal waters, or enjoy cool drinks from the various cafes lining the beach. This is a fine place to rest all day and enjoy fire-dancing shows at night, together with the available nightlife. For an even more relaxed beach atmosphere, take the short boat ride to Perhentian Besar, home to more subdued beaches like Teluk Dalam, otherwise known as Deep Bay. This beach would be ideal for those in search of a more tranquil environment with fewer people. Many beaches on both islands have shade, which is good for escaping the midday sun while still getting an ocean breeze.
Trekking through the trails in jungles
The Perhentian Islands are not all about beaches, but also about rich jungles full of wildlife and spectacular scenery. Walking is one of the best ways to learn about the natural beauties of the islands and to see this tropical paradise from another point of view. Several trails, both in Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, provide easy walks and more challenging treks. The most traveled route on Perhentian Kecil is between Coral Bay and Long Beach: a short and easy path that takes approximately 15–20 minutes. On Perhentian Besar, you’ll find longer trails that lead through dense forests and offer chances to spot local wildlife like monitor lizards, colorful birds, and even monkeys. Difficult but worth it, the trail from Teluk KK to Turtle Beach on Perhentian Besar will reward you with a nice, hidden beach at its end. Bring water, insect repellent, and proper shoes as some of the trails may be pretty demanding. Walking through the jungles of these islands will create an intimate relationship with nature and its quiet soul.
Kayaking for a Scenic Coastal Tour
Rent a kayak for a more entertaining way of exploring the coastline, and padding among the islands. Kayaking will give you a great deal of time reaching out-of-the-way beaches, exploring hidden rocky coves, and generally taking in the beauty of the islands from a very different angle. A variety of guesthouses and beach rental shops offer kayaks for rent, and it is relatively easy to set out on your mini-adventure.
One of the most popular kayaking routes starts on the central part of Perhentian Kecil, along which you can explore and find your small beach for a private picnic or even a stop for snorkeling. Places are shallow, and waters crystal-clear; in such cases, it is very nice to see fish swimming under you, even from this respect. Kayaking is one of the main ways to spend a few hours on the water, suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.
Take a Cruise at Sunset
The feeling at sunset in the Perhentian Islands is just magic, so one of the top things to do would be to take a sunset cruise. Most local tour operators will take one on a sunset cruise: just relax on the boat, enjoying the breathtaking view as the sky becomes all pink, orange, and purple. Some include snorkeling stops or a barbecuing stop on the beach for added fun.
The calm waters around the islands mean smooth sailing, and you often spot dolphins or flying fish during a trip. These sunset cruises are, of course, a great romantic option for couples yet suitable for families, too, which makes for an excellent way to end everyone’s day in paradise.
Try a Local Seafood Barbecue
Seafood is extremely scrumptious on the Perhentian Islands, and the best way to have it is at a beach barbecue. Many restaurants and guesthouses on the islands offer nightly seafood barbecues where you get to choose your favorite freshly caught fish, squid, prawns, and lots more that are all grilled perfectly. Most meals include rice, vegetables, and many sauces for an extremely satisfying and delicious meal.
There are several barbecue places on Long Beach in Perhentian Kecil, and some have tables right on the sand so that you can enjoy a meal with waves churning in the background. It is an excellent way of having local flavors, and moreover, such a relaxed beachside setting adds to the island vibe. If you are a seafood lover, then you should not miss having a barbecue dinner while on the Perhentian Islands.
Nightlife Experience
Relaxed, the Perhentian Islands give way to a vibrant nightlife, especially in Perhentian Kecil. Long Beach houses the nightlife of this island, with beach bars, the playing of music, and fire-dancing shows to light up the night. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed and laid-back, making it much easier to get along with other travelers and enjoy the evening. Many of these have happy hour, and you can enjoy a drink while it gets dark listening to the noise of the waves and seeing how the beach comes to life at this time.
For a night out that is really casual, pop down to Coral Bay, where you will be able to find a couple of beachside bars that are much more low-key. Coral Bay is a great spot to view sunsets, and its laid-back atmosphere is ideal for relaxing with a drink after an exhausting day of exploration. Be it partying till the wee hours of the morning or a quiet night by the waters, the Perhentian Islands cater to all kinds of travelers.
Volunteer at Turtle Conservation
The Perhentian Islands are one of the major nesting sites for sea turtles, and there are opportunities for visitors to get involved in local conservation efforts. Several organizations work on turtle conservation and offer volunteer programs for travelers keen to help take care of these beautiful creatures. Activities may include patrolling beaches for nesting turtles, assisting with hatchling releases, or educating other visitors about turtle conservation.
This would be a great way of giving back to the islands and taking part in marine life conservation through a turtle conservation program. It would also be a great learning experience, and one would have an opportunity to meet the locals and other travelers who take an interest in its conservation.
Conclusion
While the Perhentian Islands favor a slice of paradise that is perfect for thrill-seekers and fun lovers alike, beautiful beaches provide a haven for non-enthusiasts. The Perhentians are home to vibrant coral reefs perfect for exploration, scenic trails for hiking, and pristine beaches that beg to be soaked in perfect for whatever it is you need to take that break from daily life and give more time to the beauty of nature. Remember also to try fresh seafood, join a beachside fire show, and capture the sundown moments that make a trip here unforgettable.
Don’t forget to check out the most things to do in the Perhentian islands. Laid-back charm in a host of activities makes Perhentian Islands one of those places you would not want to leave off your list. If you are planning for a further tropical getaway, then pack your bags for the Perhentian Islands Malaysian paradise that is still begging to be explored!
