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.
- 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.
