Guide to explore the Perhentian Islands when in Malaysia.

IN BRIEF

Arrive at Kota Bharu (Sultan Ismail Petra) Airport [Approx. RM 250]

Take a taxi from Kota Bharu to Kuala Besut Jetty [RM 80]

If it’s after 5pm, stay at Ila Homestay in Kuala Besut [RM 120]

Next morning at 9am, take a ferry to Perhentian Islands – one way ticket [RM 35]

Go Snorkeling at various spots in the Perhentian Islands [RM 45]

Head to Aina Garden Chalet in Perhentian Kecil, Long Beach Island [RM 150]

Relax for the rest of the evening

Spend the next day at the beach and relax under the sun umbrella and mat!

Take a ferry at 4pm from Perhentian Kecil to Kuala Besut – one way ticket [RM 35]

Take a taxi from Kuala Besut to Kota Bharu Airpot [RM 80]

Food costs for 2.5 days was around [RM 130]

INDICATIVE BUDGET

RM 1,000 or INR 17,000

HOW TO REACH AND TRAVEL AROUND

• I took a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu Airport: Flight [RM 250]
• In order to make my way through places from Kota Bharu onwards I used the following:
  • Kota Bharu to Kuala Besut: Taxi [RM 80]
  • Kuala Besut to Perhentian Island – roundtrip: Ferry [RM 70]
  • Within Perhentian Islands: Ferry [different costs based on places to visit]
  • Kuala Besut to Kota Bharu: Taxi [RM 80]
  • Taxi/Ferry: You can bargain with both the taxi and ferry drivers to get a better rate.
• For the return journey back to Kuala Lumpur I took a flight from Kota Bharu

WHAT AND WHEN TO DO

DAY 1

• Arrive at Kota Bharu (Sultan Ismail Petra) Airport [Approx. RM 250 from Kuala Lumpur]
• Take a taxi from Kota Bharu to Kuala Besut Jetty [RM 80]
• If it’s after 5pm, stay at Ila Homestay in Kuala Besut [RM 120]

DAY 2

• At 9am, take a ferry to Perhentian Islands – one way ticket [RM 35]
• Go Snorkeling with Aina Holidays at various spots in the Perhentian Islands [RM 45]
• Head to Aina Garden Chalet in Perhentian Kecil, Long Beach Island [RM 150]
• Relax for the rest of the evening [RM 50]

DAY 3

• Spend the next day at the beach and relax under the sun umbrella and mat! [RM 10]
• Take a ferry at 4pm from Perhentian Kecil to Kuala Besut – one way ticket [RM 35]
• Take a taxi from Kuala Besut to Kota Bharu Airpot [RM 80]
• You could do other activities during the day such as scuba diving, kayaking or snorkeling. I decided to relax.

WHERE TO STAY

• Day 1: Ila Homestay Kuala Besut Jetty (free Wi-Fi and breakfast) – [RM 120]
• Day 2: Aina Mohsin Garden Chalet at Perhentian Kecil – [RM 150]
• There are cheap accommodations available in both these places, however, that would mean that the rooms do not include air-conditioning. As it is extremely humid and hot in these area, I would spend money to sleep at a comfortable room.

WHERE TO EAT

• There are a number of places to eat in both Kuala Besut as well as the Perhentian Islands.
• Based on your budget, you could spend anywhere from RM 70 to RM 200.
• Some of the popular budget places include:
  • Dinie’s Cafe – On Corral Bay Beach
  • Ewan’s Cafe – Between Long Bech and Corral Bay
  • Panorama Divers – Close to Corral Bay
  • Matahari Chalets and restaurant: More expensive than others on the list but with a great variety of sea food and local dishes

SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR THE TRIP

• I booked my taxis, ferry as well as snorkeling trip with Aina Holidays travel agent. While it wasn’t easy conversing with them due to language barrier, they provided reasonable rates.
• There are a number of activities available in and around the Perhentian Islands. Based on your budget, you can attempt them. Some of the activities include hiking, travelling to other beaches, kayaking and scuba diving.

SOME PICTURES FROM THE TRIP

This Itinerary was Contributed by a Community Member!

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