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Where to Stay in Perhentian Islands

Where to Stay in Perhentian Islands

Perhentian Islands Terengganu, Malaysia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Lodging Options

  • Hostels/Budget Guesthouses

    Found mainly on Perhentian Kecil (Long Beach, Coral Bay). Dorm beds or basic fan rooms are available.

  • Mid-range Resorts/Chalets

    Scattered across both islands, having air-conditioned rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and resort facilities like restaurants and dive centers.

  • Luxury Resorts

    Limited high-end selections, focusing on comfortable chalets and boutique stays, like Bubu Long Beach Resort and Mimpi Perhentian.

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    Traditional Malay-style wooden chalets are common. A few spots present "treehouse" style rooms.

Other Options

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Very limited to non-existent. Most accommodations are resort or chalet-based.

  • Homestay & Community Tourism

    Some fundamental homestays exist in Fisherman's Village (Kampung Nelayan), offering an insight into the local way of life if arranged directly.

  • Camping & Outdoor Accommodation

    Some budget guesthouses on Long Beach might allow camping for a fee. Official campsites are rare.

  • Wild Camping

    Wild camping is not generally recommended due to safety and environmental considerations.

Neighborhood Guide

Explore the distinct character of the islands' different areas.

Long Beach Perhentian Kecil

Pros
  • Lively and social
  • Budget-friendly choices
  • Many dive schools
  • Easy access to food and drinks
Cons
  • Can be noisy, notably at night
  • Crowded
  • Less peaceful
  • More limited privacy

Coral Bay Perhentian Kecil

Pros
  • Beautiful sunsets
  • More relaxed than Long Beach
  • Good access to amenities
  • Walk to A Stretch of sand
Cons
  • Beach can be narrow
  • Nightlife is limited

Pulau Perhentian Besar

Pros
  • Quieter, family-friendly
  • Better snorkeling from resort beaches
  • More spacious resorts
Cons
  • Fewer budget options
  • Limited nightlife
  • Requires more boat taxis to move between bays or to Kecil

Additional Considerations

Safety

All these areas are typically safe. Standard precautions for personal belongings are advised, especially in crowded areas like Long Beach.

Proximity to Attractions and Noise

Long Beach/Coral Bay are central for social scenes and dive shops. Besar's resorts are isolated, requiring boat taxis. Long Beach experiences high noise levels at night, while Coral Bay and Besar remain much quieter.

Booking Strategies

Plan your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (April-August): Reserve several months ahead for popular resorts or specific room types. Walk-ins pose a high risk.
  • Shoulder Season (March, September, October): Book a few weeks to a month in advance. Better deals are often can be found on the internet.
  • Low Season (Nov-Feb): Most resorts are closed. The islands are largely inaccessible for tourism during the monsoon.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are higher during high season, Malaysian public holidays, or school breaks, and decline during shoulder season.

Policies and Customs

  • Deposit & Cancellation Policies: Policies vary by resort and booking platform. Always check terms before booking.
  • Negotiation for Walk-in Rates: During shoulder season or very quiet periods, some smaller guesthouses might be open to slight negotiation for longer stays.
  • Trusted Booking Platforms: Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are widely used for Malaysian accommodations.
  • Direct Booking: Many resorts feature their own websites for direct bookings, sometimes including boat transfer packages.

Recommended Platforms

Online Travel Agencies
Specialty Platforms
  • Vrbo: Vacation rental booking site (limited on Perhentian).
  • TrustedHousesitters: House/pet sitting exchange (if applicable).

Important Note

Monsoon Season

From From november To february, most resorts are closed, and boat access is often disrupted due to rough seas.

Public Holidays

Malaysian public holidays and school breaks see accommodation fill quickly and prices increase.

Direct Contact

For specific needs or packages, directly contacting resorts can be beneficial.

Accommodation Recommendations

Discover top picks tailored to various budgets and types of travel on Pulau Perhentian.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget Options Perhentian Kecil, Long Beach

For travelers on a limited budget.

  • Matahari Chalet (basic fan rooms or dorms)
  • Oh La La's Guesthouse (basic fan rooms or dorms)
  • Simpler chalets on Long Beach
Mid-Range Options Perhentian Besar

A balance of comfort and value.

  • Tuna Bay Island Resort
  • Coral View Island Resort
  • Perhentian Island Resort
  • Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort & Beach Chalet

Mid-Range & Luxury Stays

Mid-Range Options Perhentian Kecil

Comfortable choices on the more compact island.

  • Mimpi Perhentian
  • Bubu Long Beach Resort (deluxe rooms)
Luxury Options Perhentian Kecil

For a more exclusive and private experience.

  • Bubu Villas (more private and luxurious than Bubu Resort)

Family-Friendly Options

  • Perhentian Island Resort (Besar)

    A large property with spacious grounds, a pool, and a wide, calm beach. Ample space for children to play.

  • Tuna Bay Island Resort (Besar)

    Features a good house coral-friendly for snorkeling directly from the beach, fitting for children who enjoy water activities.

  • Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort & Beach Chalet (Besar)

    Another larger resort with a pool and family rooms, presenting amenities catering to families.

  • Overall Ambiente

    Pulau Perhentian Besar generally caters more to families seeking tranquility.

Solo Travelers & Long Stays

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Perhentian Kecil, Long Beach area, is most suitable for solo travelers due to its social atmosphere, numerous dive schools, and set access to other travelers. Dorms and budget chalets are abundant, fostering opportunities to meet people.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Most accommodations cater to short-term stays, typically a few days to a week. Some smaller guesthouses might extend discounts for longer stays during shoulder season, but extended stay apartments are not found.

  • Cultural or Historical Significance

    The islands mainly present nature-based tourism. No accommodations with significant cultural or historical significance are noted. The focus here centers on natural beauty and outdoor activities.

  • Special Notes

    Availability for long stays might be limited during peak season. Confirm directly with the chosen accommodation for specific terms.

Booking Tips

Early Reservations

Especially during high season, booking well in advance can secure your preferred lodging and potentially better rates.

  • Use reliable online platforms.
  • Check cancellation policies.
  • Consider package deals from resorts.
Flexibility for Shoulder Season

Traveling during March or September/October can offer fewer crowds and potential for slightly lower prices.

  • Some negotiation might be possible for walk-in rates.
  • Online deals are still common.
  • Enjoy a calmer island experience.

Other Considerations

Power Supply

Some budget places may have restricted electricity hours; confirm upon booking.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Wi-Fi can be slow or intermittent, especially in more remote areas. Consider a local SIM card for reliable data.

Environmental Awareness

The the islands are a marine park. Choose accommodations that prioritize eco-friendly practices if you can.