Great for

• Wreck diving, underwater photography, shark spotting, huge seafans, huge variety of nudibranches

Not so great for

• Wall diving

Currents

• Can be strong at a few dive sites

Experience Level

• All levels

Recommended length of stay

• 5 days.

Perhentian Island consists of two islands with endless stretches of palm-lined beaches, clear water sea and coral reefs. The lush rain forest on the island is just an ideal for jungle trekking. Ping Anchorage package will offer you snorkelling trip with mask, snorkel and float to explore the reefs.

Located at South China Sea east coast of Malaysia, the Perhentian group of islands consists of Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. Situated 108 km from Kuala Terengganu (1.5 Hours) and 54 km from Kota Bharu (1 Hours). The boat journey of about 30 minute by speedboat and 1.5 hours by slow boat. Pulau Perhentian promises interesting holidays destination with white sandy beach, jungle interior and interesting diving are a sure combination to attract the diver and non-diver. Best month for diving is between March to September. Dive equipment is readily available for rent at almost all dive centers.

Situated 20 km off the coast of Terengganu, the Perhentian group of islands comprises of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Serenggeh, Pulau Susu Dara Besar and Pulau Susu Dara Kecil.

'Perhentian' when translated from the Malay language means stop over. Dive operators and resorts are located on both Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil offering various styles of accommodation to suit the visitor's budget and dive packages.

A hop over to these enchanting islands will reward every visitor with the breathtaking view of their natural beauty - countless coconut trees lining their un-spoilt and pure white sandy beaches.

Perhentian Besar
As most of Perhentian Besar's interior is covered by virgin tropical jungle, hiking and trekking are there possible recreational pursuits. A luxury resort here can be booked for accommodation .At trip to this lush and exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing.

Perhentian Kecil
Claimed to be one of the best getaway beaches in the world among travellers and tourist. Long beaches (locally known as Pasir Panjang) prides itself with long stretch of sandy beach of fine sand with crystal clear water up to a depth of 20ft. Calm waters make you feel as you are in a very large swimming pool !

All manner of aquatic life is visible both near and far from the beach such as turtles, sharks, coral and thousands of tropical fish. The interior is covered by jungle with a wide variety of species. You can watch monitor lizards, monkeys, geckos, flying squirrels, butterflies and many other types - sometimes right in front of your chalet. There are no roads and not many paths, so the islands are mainly peaceful and untouched - so far

www.florabaydivers.com , www.florabayresort.com

Getting There

Coach and Boat

The Transnasional Express runs a service from and to Singapore and Kota Bahru but you stop at Jerteh bus stand.

Buy your tickets from Kallang Basin Interchange, opposite the Singapore Casket. Book a one-way ticket to Kota Bahru at around SGD 50.

Be sure to book a day in advance. Bus leaves at the evening daily around 7.30pm, and you have to request to stop at JERTIH, 15 kilometers from KUALA BESUT before the journey's final stop - Kota Bahru.

You will reach JERTIH at 5.30 am in the morning. Catch a taxi transfer to Besut.

Catch a speedboat from Besut jetty for about RM60 for two ways upon arrival.

Airplane and Boat

The nearest airport to Perhentian Island is Kota Bharu airport, just around 1 hour journey to Kuala Besut jetty. The flight is available either from Kuala Lumpur International airport (KLIA) or from Senai airport (Johor Bharu).

You can get Malaysian Airline System (MAS) or the alternative flight is Airasia

From Kota Bharu airport to Kuala Besut jetty by taxi at RM55/taxi/way and by mini van at RM25/person/way.

Catch a speedboat from Besut jetty for about RM60 for two ways upon arrival.

Train and Boat

By train either Singapore, you can stop at Tanah Merah train station and get the taxi around RM40.00 to RM45.00/taxi/way to Kuala Besut jetty

Catch a speedboat from Besut jetty for about RM60 for two ways upon arrival.

Bring your own toiletries and bathing towel. Pulau Perhentian is a very basic island with no frills.

On the way up to the islands by the bus, it can get pretty cold, so we will advise you to bring along a jacket. If you own an iPod Video, bring it along. The journey is quite long, approximately about 11 - 12 hours ride on a bus.

Pulau Perhentian is about 45 mins speed boat ride away from mainland. We would suggest you bring along some medication in case you fall ill or you might be suffering from motion sickness.

Visa requirements