Pulau Perhentian Besar

Travel Guide

Pulau Perhentian Besar showing landscape views, tropical scenes and swimming
Pulau Perhentian Besar showing general coastal views and landscape views
Pulau Perhentian Besar which includes landscape views and a beach
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia

Pulau Perhentian Besar Travel Guide Video

Enjoy the stunning natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere of these Malaysian islands covered with lush jungles and surrounded by crystal-clear water.

If you’d like to swim, camp and explore an island wonderland, head to the Perhentian Islands. The white-sand beaches here are fringed by lush coastal jungle, and lead down to clear waters inhabited by turtles and reef fish.

The waters and islands are part of a National Marine Park and fishing is prohibited. This makes the area a snorkeling and diving paradise. For divers, there are several sunken police boats in shallow water to explore, as well as an older sugar cargo hauler, a Japanese ship that served in World War II and underwater geological formations, such as the world-renowned “Pinnacle.”

Perhentian Besar is the larger of the two islands and offers accommodation within a medium price range. Perhentian Kecil’s accommodation caters to those on a tighter budget, and is the busier of the two islands. Accommodation is seasonal, with most places closing down from September to February because of rough seas and monsoonal weather, so plan your visit from March to October.

The islands are fairly undeveloped, so pack some good books and a Frisbee, and enjoy the gorgeous tropical outdoors. Relax in one of the many spas that offer traditional massages and beauty treatments. Dine at one of the resorts, or explore the village restaurants and cafés offering both local and western dishes. If you’re feeling ecologically minded, join the turtle conservation program, which accepts volunteers every Monday.

Once you’re done exploring the water and lazing on the beaches, check out some of the jungle trails for a close encounter with dusky leaf monkeys, who live high in the trees. This greyish brown monkey has white markings like spectacles, and babies that are born bright orange!

The Perhentian Islands are just over 12 miles (20 kilometers) off Penisular Malaysia’s northeast coast. The only way to get to the islands is from the mainland villages of Kuala Besut and Tok Bali by speed boat.

Perhentian Island Resort

Perhentian Island Resort

3 out of 5
Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Pulau Perhentian Besar. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions ...
7.4/10 Good! (342 reviews)
Would definitely stay again
"So, I loved this place. It was definitely worth splashing out for the ocean view room. The beach in high season was not busy at all. Best beach I’ve ever seen. Snorkling right on your own beach. Food was barely passable. Take a water taxi across to Long Beach to eat. They could improve this and it ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Perhentian Island Resort
Arwana Perhentian Eco & Beach Resort

Arwana Perhentian Eco & Beach Resort

2.5 out of 5
Lot 181, Teluk Dalam, Besut, Perhentian Island, Terengganu, Pulau Perhentian Besar
The price is ₩156,989 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
₩156,989
₩188,495 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach lodge in Pulau Perhentian Besar. Enjoy a beach locale, 2 meeting rooms, and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Turtle ...
7.6/10 Good! (101 reviews)
"Beautiful pool and landscaping"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Arwana Perhentian Eco & Beach Resort
Empire Hotels & Resorts

Empire Hotels & Resorts

2.5 out of 5
Lot 174, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Teluk Dalam, Pulau Perhentian Besar
The price is ₩95,618 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
₩95,618
₩116,076 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Pulau Perhentian Besar. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Flora Bay beach ...
5.6/10 (75 reviews)
"Dirty hotel, the matress was very old and the room was very dirty. Seems that wasn't cleaned before the arrival. It's sad because it has the best spot on the beach. If the hotel changes and take care of the costumers it will be top but sadly, not now"

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2025

Empire Hotels & Resorts
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Perhentian Cabana

Perhentian Cabana

1 out of 5
Pulau Perhentian Besar Besut, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu
Book a stay at this beach campground in Pulau Perhentian Besar. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge), and airport pick-up service (surcharge). Popular ...
"For experienced campers, this place is ideal to set up and get local!"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2022

Perhentian Cabana
The Reef Bluestar Perhentian

The Reef Bluestar Perhentian

2 out of 5
teluk keke, pulau perhentian besar, teluk keke, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Terengganu
Book a stay at this beach chalet in Pulau Perhentian Besar. Enjoy a beach locale. Popular attractions Tuna Bay and Flora Bay beach are located nearby.
The Reef Bluestar Perhentian
DNAMIE GLAMPING - LUX TENT

DNAMIE GLAMPING - LUX TENT

2 out of 5
Coral Bay/Long Beach, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu
Stay at this cabin in Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Enjoy dry cleaning or laundry services, concierge services, and patios. Popular attractions Golden Sand Beach and ...
4/10 (1 review)
"La cama era cómoda pero la tienda en sí no. Nos llovió una noche y la tienda se llenó de agua. Se mojaron nuestras cosas. Hay poco espacio. El aire acondicionado no funcionaba bien: echaba aire congelado durante 5 minutos y hacia calor durante otros 15."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

DNAMIE GLAMPING - LUX TENT
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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