Perhentian Island, located 77km from Kuala Terengganu, is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy clean beaches and clear waters. The island, which can only be visited from February to October, attracts many for activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, island hopping, hiking, turtle watching, and many more. The monsoon season usually occurs between November and January, prohibiting any activities and no vacations are allowed on Perhentian Island during that time. For those who want to visit Perhentian Island and do not know what activities can be done, this article may help you make a choice.

Snorkelling
Snorkelling is a must-do and interesting activity to do when visiting the island. You will be watching colourful coral reefs and various species of tropical fish in these clear waters. Tourists will surely be amazed by the vibrant marine life, as if diving in the Maldives islands. Some of the popular snorkelling spots include Turtle Point, Shark Point and Coral Garden. Snorkelling is the most popular activity on Perhentian Island because its clear, shallow waters with full of marine life such as clownfish, sea turtles and colourful coral reefs. The three most famous locations are Turtle Point, Shark Point and Coral Garden. 

Kayaking
Kayaking around the Perhentian Islands offers a different perspective of the beauty of the beaches and the sea. It provides you with a unique experience while paddling a kayak through calm waters and enjoying the vast blue sea. Kayaks can be rented for as low as RM50. For tourists who prefer a more relaxed experience, you can rent a kayak and paddle around beautiful bays such as Coral Bay, Romantic Beach, and Teluk Pauh.

Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is one of the most thrilling activities on Perhentian Island and visitors can try diving at 30 different locations across the island. The scenery at each diving point is different and you will surely be excited to see manta rays that can be found near the wreck of the Sugar Ship in the waters of Perhentian Island. Each visitor who wants to dive needs to pay around RM250 only.

Swimming in the Sea
Tourist may enjoy swimming in the clear sea of Perhentian Island. Tourists can engage in this activity at any time as there is no specific schedule for sea swimming. However, the experience during the day is different from at night. Tourists are advised to wear UV-protective clothing while swimming during the day or at least apply sunscreen on exposed skin to prevent sunburn.

Local Food Experience
You may enjoy up to 30 East Coast-style local dishes offered by the residents of Perhentian Island. Among the popular foods here are nasi dagang along with traditional Malay kuih and they can be enjoyed while breathing in the fresh air amid the beach atmosphere with its white sand, clear waters, and blue sky.

Floating Mosque
A place that can be visited by Muslim tourists is the Perhentian Island Floating Mosque. This mosque provides a peaceful prayer space as well as a soothing sea view and is located on the water.

Watch Turtles Lay Eggs
If you’re lucky, tourists have the chance to see turtles laying eggs at night, making it a great family activity while also raising awareness and teaching about the natural ecosystem on Perhentian Island.

Visit the Fishermen’s Village
The Fishermen’s Village on Perhentian Island is a real local village that serves as the main hub for the island’s residents. You can experience the customs, culture and traditions of the local people of Perhentian Island here, which have cultural influences from the states of Terengganu and Kelantan.

Hiking at the Windmill
You may enjoy the best views on Perhentian Island by hiking to the windmill on the hill (Windmill Viewpoint and Lover’s Viewpoint). The hiking trail, surrounded by green trees and clear sea panoramas, is a moment you are unlikely to forget.

Watch the Sunset and Sunrise
Watch the sunrise at Long Beach and sunset at Coral Bay on Perhentian Island are unique as the sky seems like a perfect painting with a combination of light blue, orange, red, and purple colours.  

Lata Air Berani
Bathing in the waterfall at Lata Air Berani can provide long-lasting refreshment, helping you sleep soundly at night. Lata Air Berani remains a well-preserved waterfall, and you need to take a boat to access this location.

Island Hopping
Visit nearby islands such as Pulau Rawa, Pulau Susu Dara, and Tokong Burung by hiring a boat at reasonable rates.

Watching the Fire Show
From 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM at night, you may watch mesmerizing fire shows at Long Beach which is perfect for entertainment after a full day of activities. The atmosphere is very relaxed with fire performances, juggling, and lively music while enjoying soft drinks by the beach.

Photography:
Capture the beauty of the underwater world and sunsets. Make sure to use a waterproof camera to photograph the coral reefs and schools of fish.

Educational Activities:
Edu-Tourism: Participate in marine awareness programs such as briefing sessions, tours with marine biology experts, or beach cleaning programs together with tourists.

You will surely visit Perhentian Island again in the future after enjoying the activities available here. In fact, there are international tourists who are willing to spend money to enjoy the fun experiences on Perhentian Island.

Perhentian Island is located on the east coast of Malaysia, also known as a Paradise Tropical, boasting natural beauty that is still well-preserved. There are two main islands, namely Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, which are popular among tourists throughout the year. The beaches, with clear sea waters, coral reefs, and various species of fish, are often a favourite spot for local and international divers.

The tranquil atmosphere on Perhentian Island surely beckons tourists to return to the island. Every year, Perhentian Island is temporarily closed from the end of the year until March due to monsoon changes and will reopen to visitors beginning in April. The closure is because no activities can be conducted during this period as poor weather conditions could endanger visiting tourists.

For those who wish to visit Perhentian Island, they can plan their trip to ensure it goes smoothly. There are several ways to get to Perhentian Island, either by driving a car, taking a coach bus, flight or traveling by train.

1. By Car
For traveling by car, you can use one of the following routes depending on your current location.

A. From the southern Peninsular Malaysia:
• Use the Endau-Rompin road directly onto the East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2). Then, exit the highway at the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza and continue your journey to Kuala Besut Jetty; or
• Take the PLUS Expressways and exit the highway at the Yong Peng Toll Plaza, then follow the old route Muadzam Shah – Gambang. After that, enter the East Coast Expressway (LPT) and exit the highway at the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza, then continue your journey to Kuala Besut Jetty.

B. From Klang Valley:
• Take the Karak Expressway via Gombak Toll Plaza and enter the East Coast Expressway (LPT) and continue to East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2). Then, exit the highway via Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza and continue the journey to Kuala Besut Jetty.

C. From the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia:
• Take the Plus Expressways and enter the Baling – Grik road until Ayer Lanas. Then, follow the road to Machang and continue the journey to Kuala Besut Jetty.
• From Perak, take the Simpang Pulai – Gua Musang road. Then, follow the road to Kuala Krai – Machang and continue the journey to Kuala Besut Jetty.

For those driving, you can park your car at the parking available around Kuala Besut Jetty at a rate of RM10 per day.

3. By Plane
   • Buy a plane ticket (MAS Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air) to Kota Bharu
   • The distance from KLIA to Kota Bharu is around 1 hour and 10 minutes
   • Flight times depend on the respective airline
   • Taking a plane is a time-saving mode of transportation since it only takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to fly from KLIA to Kota Bharu
   • The journey from Sultan Ismail Petra Airport to Kuala Besut Jetty takes up to 1 hour, but depends on current traffic conditions
   
   4. By Train
   The train is also a transportation option to Kota Bharu if you prefer a more relaxed journey. You can continue your trip by taking a bus or taxi to Kuala Besut.

FROM KUALA BESUT JETTY TO PERHENTIAN ISLAND
Boat
• You need to take a boat from Kuala Besut Jetty to Perhentian Island, which takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes depending on the weather conditions
• Make sure to arrive at the jetty early for registration and safety procedures
• Boat services operate from 8 AM to 5 PM, with the last trip around 5:30 PM
• If you are visiting Perhentian Island on a day trip, you should be at the Perhentian jetty around 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the return trip to Kuala Besut Jetty
• The boat to Perhentian Island is a speed boat that can accommodate 10 to 14 passengers along with 2 boat drivers and an assistant at one time
• Taking the boat is recommended as it is faster and more efficient
• Boat timings do not change except during school holidays

Ferry
• If you want to take a ferry to Perhentian Island, the ticket price is around RM35 per person for a one-way trip and takes 45 to 60 minutes depending on the tide and weather conditions
• The ferry schedule to Perhentian Island from Kuala Besut Jetty does not have fixed times, but usually operates from 8:00 AM to 4:00 or 5:00 PM
• Ferries depart every hour or when there is a sufficient number of passengers, so departure times depend on current condition
• It is recommended to check the latest schedule online or book your tickets in advance
• To avoid long queues at the ticket counter and sold-out tickets, it is advised to purchase tickets online
• Some of the ferry service companies to Perhentian Island include Perhentian Trans Holiday Sdn Bhd and Seven Seas Holiday Sdn Bhd

Boat and ferry services usually do not operate during the monsoon season.

Pulau Besar was once very popular with mystical stories and became a historical place in the state of Melaka. It was one of the locations where Islam was spread in the archipelago in the past. However, now the island has its own uniqueness and has become one of the tourist centres for the public. Pulau Besar is also known as an eco-expansion island located about 3 nautical miles from Bandar Hilir, Melaka and borders of the Sulawesi Islands and the Tebrau Strait. The Malacca Islands Development Council is a state government agency that has been appointed to coordinate development, programs and activities in the Pulau Besar area. Visitors can come to this island in the morning and return in the evening. For those who want to stay overnight here, there is a resort that can be rented, namely Putera Island Resort.

Activities in Pulau Besar

For those who want to vacation in Pulau Besar, it certainly won’t be boring because there are various activities that can be done while being here. Among the activities that can be done are island hopping, jungle trekking, kayaking, camping, picnicking, fishing, archery and visiting the surrounding areas.

Attractions in Pulau Besar, Melaka

Pulau Besar has its own attractions that can be visited by the public, including:

• Pulau Besar Museum

This museum stores various treasures and can be visited with a ticket price of RM 5 for adults and RM 3 for children.

• Gua Yunus  

Gua Yunus was once a place of hermitage and was named after the saint of Allah SWT, Sheikh Yunus. He was the first individual to find this cave.

• Makam Sultanul Al – Arifin  

Makam Sultanul Al – Arifin can be visited and is located near the mosque. The late Sultanul Al – Arifin was a traveller who was highly knowledgeable in the field of religion.

• Istana Bunian

This area was once a rather mysterious g village, but has become a resort, namely Marina Resort.

• Batu Tengkorak

Batu Tengkorak is located near the beach and Pandanusa Gold Club. It is shaped like a human skull which also has its own myth.

• Pulau Besar Jetty and Beach

The view at this jetty is very interesting because visitors can enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset here.

• Pokok Disula

The Pokok Disula looks like someone’s left hand hugging their partner under a tree and it is located at the golf club.

• Tasik Biawak

• Tasik Biawak is a man-made lake located on a golf course and is filled with large lizards that eat fish in the lake. In this lake there is also a stone shaped like a human skull.

• Batu Belah

This Batu Belah is 3 meters high, 35 cm wide and also has a depth of 1.5 meters. This stone was split by the warriors of Panglima Lidah Hitam, which shows the greatness of the knowledge he possesses.

• Keramat Ular

This Keramat Ular is said to be a saint of God who can transform into a python.

• Makam Nisan Satu

This Makam Nisan Satu is located near Batu Tengkorak which only has one tombstone, belonging to a young man aged 18-19 years.

• Perigi Nenek Musallimah

This Perigi Nenek Musallimah is named after an old grandmother who was a village shaman and midwife. The water from this well can be used as a flower bath and can also be used as a pelaris and can heal the body. Located next to Chalet 007 and in the IMM Training Centre area.

• Makam Syarifah Rodziah  

This Makam Syarifah Rodziah is located near the entrance to the courtyard to the surau and the Makam Sultanul Aarifeen. She is said to be the guardian of a woman named Syarifah Habsah, the daughter of Sultanul Aarifeen As Sayyid Ismail. She is the biological sister of Syarifah Rodziah and her tomb is located in the city of Melaka.

• Batu Lesung

Batu Lesung is shaped like a stone mortar and is also known as Batu Putih.

• Sultanul Aarifeen’s Footprint

In addition to the tomb, there is also a right footprint that is said belong to Sultanul Al-Arifin, located in the D’Puteri Kurnia Resort area, while the left footprint is said to be on Pulau Serimbun.

• Perigi Dikaki Pulau

This well was once used by the Japanese army to behead Chinese people, and the heads were thrown into this well. It is not used until now.

• Batu Belayar

Batu Belayar is a medium-sized stone shaped like a horse’s head. Originally, this stone was in the sea, then floated on the seabed and finally got stuck on this island. This stone is also said to be the tying of ship ropes used by 7 siblings when anchoring in Pulau Besar. Now the stone is located near Pulau Besar Jetty.

• Keramat Masin Tawar

Keramat Masin Tawar is a water puddle resembling an old well and is located near the beach. The water will feel fresh during low tide and has its own benefits. This sacred place is guarded by a fairy princess named Puteri Nilam.

• Perigi Bunian

This Perigi Bunian is located near the beach and in the Marina Beach Resort area. It has a mysterious story that is difficult to explain. The water in this well is said to be the cleanest and clearest.

How to Get to Pulau Besar

Visitors can choose to take a ferry or a boat to get to Pulau Besar. If they want to take a ferry, visitors can go to Jeti Anjung. Meanwhile, for a boat trip, visitors can take a rented boat at Muara Sungai Umbai.

Jeti Anjung

Ferry services are available at a rate of RM 14 for adults, RM10 for children aged 5-12 years and RM3 for children under 5 years (round trip).

Muara Sungai Umbai

Visitors can also rent a speedboat at Muara Sungai Umbai for only RM 120 (round trip), maximum 10-25 people per boat.

Campers are certainly excited to try various interesting places to experience different experiences. For campers, why not try to explore the Janda Baik area which is famous for its nature that is still preserved until now. Most camping locations offer almost the same services for visitors. However, these locations certainly have their own uniqueness and beauty.

Each campsite usually charges a site rental fee at a reasonable price. The basic facilities provided are also very satisfactory and the important thing as campers, we should together make the best use of the facilities. Camping sites are usually provided in a comfortable space to ensure that all campers are satisfied with the services.

Camping areas are usually surrounded by large trees and forests that provide a sense of comfort for nature enthusiasts. It feels so quiet and private when away from the hustle and bustle of the city. As campers, various activities can be done together such as picnicking by the river, bathing in the river, fishing, jungle trekking and so on. Campers are certainly calm listening to the chirping of birds that can rarely be heard in urban areas.

Here are the camping spots located in Janda Baik that you can explore and feel a different experience:

1. Relax Riverside
2. SIR Camping Site
3. Aur Glampcamp and Campsite
4. Crony Forest Campsite
5. Campsite shade
6. Mak Lang Campground
7. Jungle Zen
8. Dinda Chalet & Campsite
9. Show Glamping
10. Nomad JB 3.0 Campground
11. Pangkin Janda Baik Campsite
12. Woodstock Camp Good Widow
13. Raw Rice Camp
14. Camp ABC Janda Baik
15. Chalet Kuala Tampit
16. Dinda Chalet & Campsite
17. Frieden Campsite
18. Crony Jungle Campsite
19. Tahza site
20. Radiant Campsite
21. Rimbun at Janda Baik
22. Relax Riverside
23. Sir Campsite Place JB
24. Show Glamping
25. Tanjung Hills
26. Teratak Kak Ju

Some camping places also provide equipment for activities such as archery, water tubing, cycling, board games and many more depending on the owner of the campsite. However, campers can also bring their own game equipment that they feel is appropriate to implement with family or friends. The important thing is that safety must be prioritized.

For those who really like this camping activity, it is not wrong to try spending the night in the suggested places and locations because each of these places has its own beauty and uniqueness. Happy exploring the best camping areas in Janda Baik.