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Perhentian Islands

Malaysia · Island · MYR · 5.920000, 102.730000
Family friendly 7/10 · Rank 786 of 2 709
Best season: March-October (dry season)

Best for

Suitable for divers, snorkelers, beach lovers, backpackers and adventure seekers.

Best season

March-October (dry season)

Daily budget
$77.00 (≈ 6 462 ₽ · ≈ 354 MYR)
For 7 days
$539.00 (≈ 45 233 ₽ · ≈ 2 479 MYR)
The Perhentian Islands are two scenic islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, considered some of the best places for diving and snorkeling in Southeast Asia. The islands are famous for their turquoise waters, coral reefs, and the opportunity to encounter sea turtles and nurse sharks. A relaxed atmosphere with budget bungalows and cozy beachfront restaurants prevails here. The Perhentian Islands are the perfect place for those seeking an affordable nature getaway with a magnificent underwater world.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
23.0°C
Sea
30.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, traditional, working in tourism and fishing.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Crystal clear water
  • White sand beaches
  • Rich marine life
  • Budget accommodation
  • Quiet atmosphere

Cons

  • Monsoon season (November-March)
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Few entertainment options
  • No ATMs
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
28.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
28.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
23.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
30.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
30.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
November-March (monsoon, closed)
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
white coral sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Long Beach (Kecil) and Coral Bay
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Water shoes recommended due to corals and sea urchins. Sharks are safe.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins found on reefs and rocky areas

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs along the coast, possible cuts

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish occur in warm months

Sharks — details

  • Blacktip reef sharks, safe for humans
Attractions

Snorkeling at Shark Point

Famous snorkeling spot to see blacktip reef sharks.

Snorkeling at Turtle Point

Snorkeling spot with green turtles in their natural habitat.

Long Beach (Pulau Kecil)

Main beach with white sand, bars and nightlife.

Coral Bay

Quieter beach with excellent snorkeling conditions.

Jungle Hiking Trail

Trail connecting Long Beach to Coral Bay with scenic views.

Best areas

Long Beach (Pulau Kecil)

Main area with hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Coral Bay (Pulau Kecil)

Quieter area with excellent snorkeling conditions.

Pulau Besar

Quiet area with more expensive resorts and secluded beaches.

Must-try food

Ikan Bakar

Fresh fish grilled with lemongrass and turmeric.

Nasi Goreng

Fried rice with seafood and vegetables.

Roti Jala

Lace pancake served with curry.

Where to go next

Redang

Neighbouring island with white beaches and a marine park, ~2 hours by boat.

Kota Bharu

Mainland town with an airport, ~1 hour by boat.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
March-October (dry season)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 69 MYR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$57.00
≈ 4 783 ₽ · ≈ 262 MYR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 552 MYR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽ · ≈ 1 150 MYR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$300.00
≈ 25 176 ₽ · ≈ 1 380 MYR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 368 MYR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 23 MYR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 55 MYR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 9 MYR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 12 MYR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 5 MYR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 37 MYR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 28 MYR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 18 MYR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 23 MYR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 92 MYR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 5 MYR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 23 MYR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 138 MYR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 46 MYR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 69 MYR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 115 MYR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 230 MYR
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 92 MYR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 46 MYR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 46 MYR
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Frequently asked questions
Perhentian Islands: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is March-October (dry season). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Perhentian Islands: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Perhentian Islands: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +23.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Perhentian Islands: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +30.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Perhentian Islands: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on November-March (monsoon, closed). During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Perhentian Islands: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "white coral sand" surface, white sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Long Beach (Kecil) and Coral Bay. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Perhentian Islands: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Perhentian Islands: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals, jellyfish, sharks. Water shoes recommended due to corals and sea urchins. Sharks are safe.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Perhentian Islands: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $77.00 (≈ 6 462 ₽ · ≈ 354 MYR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Perhentian Islands: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $57.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $120.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $80.00 per night, a villa — $300.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Perhentian Islands: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Perhentian Islands: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $30.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Perhentian Islands: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Snorkeling at Shark Point — Famous snorkeling spot to see blacktip reef sharks.; Snorkeling at Turtle Point — Snorkeling spot with green turtles in their natural habitat.; Long Beach (Pulau Kecil) — Main beach with white sand, bars and nightlife.; Coral Bay — Quieter beach with excellent snorkeling conditions.; Jungle Hiking Trail — Trail connecting Long Beach to Coral Bay with scenic views.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Perhentian Islands: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Ikan Bakar — Fresh fish grilled with lemongrass and turmeric.; Nasi Goreng — Fried rice with seafood and vegetables.; Roti Jala — Lace pancake served with curry.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Perhentian Islands: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Long Beach (Pulau Kecil) — Main area with hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife.; Coral Bay (Pulau Kecil) — Quieter area with excellent snorkeling conditions.; Pulau Besar — Quiet area with more expensive resorts and secluded beaches.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Perhentian Islands: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Perhentian Islands: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (code KBR). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Perhentian Islands: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — MYR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $77.00 (≈ 6 462 ₽ · ≈ 354 MYR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Perhentian Islands: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Perhentian Islands: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Perhentian Islands: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Redang — Neighbouring island with white beaches and a marine park, ~2 hours by boat.; Kota Bharu — Mainland town with an airport, ~1 hour by boat.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7/10
Overall rank: 786 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 525

Best season

March-October (dry season)

Useful information

Currency: MYR
Coordinates: 5.920000, 102.730000