Terengganu is blessed with captivating island retreats of soft white sand, breathtaking blue waters and dazzling undersea gardens... Pulau Perhentian Island, an unforgettable paradise in the South China Sea.
Pulau Perhentian Island meaning 'stopover island' is not to be missed. Some 21 km from the coast of Terengganu, it comprises the islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar Island and Pulau Perhentian Kecil Island. Covered by virgin jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters. Pulau Perhentian is Island a sanctuary to fishermen, migratory birds and holiday makers.
Pulau Perhentian Island is renowned as Malaysia's watery paradise. We can use the word "paradise" unabashedly when talking about this pride of Terengganu state. This is because Pulau Perhentian Island incorporates all those wonderful tropical island qualities which have inspired travellers for years - white sandy beaches, swaying palms, warm, turquoise coloured water...
in this haven of quietude, lush tropical greenery and colourful coral gardens, you'll find not only scenic splendours but also recreational diversions.
The waters around Pulau Perhentian Island offer some of the best dive sites in the country. Fusiliers, Scorpion fish, Rabbit fish and Christmas Tree Worms are among the sights which will leave snorkelers spellbound.
The glassy, turquoise water is simply superb for water-sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and sailing. For those who don't take to water, Pulau Perhentian or Perhentian island has a large tract of virgin jungle, walking trails are plentiful and its natural beauty is full of colours and splendours to offer
as an alternative.
Fine coral reefs fringe the islands and the beaches are long and clean. Explore the underwater world in crystal clear waters and see fishes of various hues and sizes flirt in and out of the colourful corals at Pulau Perhentian Island. So put on your diving gear and be thrilled by the beauty of undersea corals and marine life that abound here.
For the ultimate, relaxing dive, a night-time shore dive from the north end of Pulau Perhentian Kecil's Island Long Beach is recommended. You will encounter blue-spotted stingrays, cuttlefish and plenty of reef fish.
As you surface for shore, fin gently on your back and gaze into the starry night. The sound of faint music beckoning from the seaside cafes is a magical welcome back
to land. Suffice to say, the relatively shallow depths here allow you to maximise your diving time.
Arrangements can also be made for island cruise and boats can be hired to look for small bays and secluded coves in which to swim. A trip to these tropical islands is a must as well for those who enjoy
windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and deep sea fishing.
Pulau Perhentian Besar Island has ample accommodation and several dive centres. It has a more sedate lifestyle, with chalets only a few metres away from the shore.
Pulau Perhentian Kecil Island offers wider beaches and an even wider range of accommodation. Its vibrant nightlife is renowned. Along the famous Long Beach, visitors can enjoy their evenings at the many rustic cafes and bars that open till early hours.
MARINE PARK
Capped by tropical rainforest and blessed with golden sandy beaches as well as clear blue waters, the Perhentian Islands are great for water-based activities like swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating, canoeing and of course, diving. The best and most popular beach in Perhentian Kecil Island is Pasir Panjang, which dazzles with its white sand and clear, shallow water. On Perhentian Besar Island, the best beach is Teluk Pauh, a beautiful half-moon bay that, like Kecil’s Pasir Panjang, has white powdery sand and shimmering, crystal-clear water.
The Perhentian islands have about 20 dive sites featuring gardens of giant soft corals, some as tall as a metre. In addition to coral and fish, these islands are also home to sea turtles and many species of shark, which are not dangerous unless provoked.
