Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu
Malaysia East Coast Beach Destination
This island sight is located in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. For travel information to this region of Malaysia, read the East Coast Travel Guide. To prepare for a trip to Malaysia, review the travel tips at Malaysia Travel Guide. Looking for accommodation in the East Coast? Find a nice clean room using the Budget Accommodation Guide from AsiaExplorers.
Pulau Perhentian Besar is the bigger of the two major islands in the Perhentian archipelago which also includes Pulau Susu Dara, Pulau Rawa and Pulau Serenget. It is accessible by boat from Kuala Besut. Most of the major resorts on Pulau Perhentian Besar are located on two main trips of sandy beaches, at Teluk Pauh in the north side of the island, and Teluk Dalam in the south. The Perhentian Island Pier is located at Teluk Pauh.
White sand of Teluk Pauh in Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu.
Pulau Perhentian Besar has a wide range of accommodation. The main ones include the 3-star Perhentian Island Resort at Teluk Pauh. A forest trail links Teluk Pauh with Teluk Dalam, and can be negotiated in 30 minutes each way.
Getting to Pulau Perhentian Besar
Most boats to Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil leave the jetty at Kuala Besut, a town on the Terengganu mainland. You can book your trip to the Perhentian islands from the tour agencies upon arrival at Kota Bharu airport. Taxi from the airport to the jetty is around RM60 for four persons. Take note that you also have to pay a RM5 marine park fee, valid for three days. This can be obtained at the jetty - keep the receipt in case you need to show it.
The fast boats to Perhentian costs RM30 one day, and departs at 9:00am, 11:00am and 2:00pm. The slow boats cost RM20 per journey, and leaves between 10:00am and 2:00pm.
You will find that it is cheaper to book a package to Perhentian than to go there independently. Packages typically include accommodation as well as boat transfers, with some, all or no meals, and at least one snorkelling trip. Gear such as snorkelling equipment is either provided or available for rent at an additional cost.
Pulau Perhentian Besar Photo Gallery
(above) View at Perhentian Island Resort, Teluk Pauh.
(left) The pier at Teluk Pauh.
(above) Fruit of the pandanus palm, also called the screw pine.
(right) Tree against the clear waters of Teluk Pauh. (below) Like icing on a cake, sand covers a rock at Tanjung Genting, Teluk Pauh.
(left) Log on the beach at Teluk Dalam.
(below) A boat brings provisions to Pulau Perhentian Besar.
(above) A beach volleyball court ready for play.
(right) Boatman at Perhentian Besar. (below) This is the bay where fishermen stop for fresh spring water, giving the island its name as Pulau Perhentian, or Stopover Island.
Midnight fishing: lights from the Perhentian pier illuminating the sea off Teluk Pauh.
About the Author: AsiaExplorers is researched and written by Timothy Tye. We take reasonable care to check and verify the accuracy of the content. However, we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at the following email address for your enquiries:
