Do you want to relax on the beach? Or do you want to go scuba diving or snorkeling? Or both? Then you should visit Perhentian Kecil. The Perhantians are located in the northeast of Malaysia, close to the Thai border.
Perhentian Besar is the large island and Perhentian Kecil the little brother. You’ll have to take a small speedboat to the Perhentians from the charming harbour village Kota Besut.
The jetty in Kota Besut to Pulau Perhentian 
The view when you arrive at Perhentian Kecil
Perhentian Kecil
The captain will drop you at the beach you want to go. I’ve been to Perhentian Kecial twice: the first time I stayed with my family at Senja Bay Resort at Coral Bay (the “small beach”) and the second time I returned as a backpacker with friends. We booked a private room in a hostel at “Long Beach”. Senja Bay Resort has a couple of houses on poles with very basic rooms. The rooms have a balcony with a sea view and you can watch the beautiful sunsets from your hammock. The jungle starts at the other side of the houses.
Coral Bay is smaller and more ‘protected’ than long beach, so it’s perfect for families. Long Beach is a backpacker’s heaven. If you want to enjoy the sunset, you’ll have to go to Coral Bay. Both beaches are connected by a jungle trail. Both beaches are great at night; the restaurants put their plastic chairs and tables out on the beach and they serve fresh fish from the BBQ. You eat with your feet in the sand. And all this is accompanied by guitars, torches and fire shows.
Locations:
Senja Bay Resort and Kembara Dive Centre
Coral Bay, Pulau Perhentian Kecil,
22300 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
Tel: +6 09 691 1799
Mobile: +6 019 280 0801, +6 019 664 3105
Email: reservations@senjabay.com
Website: https://www.senjabay.com/There are many similar, nice but simple, hostels to stay at Long Beach.
Senja Bay Resort located at the end 
Coral Bay
Diving and snorkeling
You should definitely take a snorkeling trip or go scuba diving! Except from plenty of colourful fish, you could encounter turtles and reef tip sharks. And if you’re véry lucky, you might spot a manta ray (unfortunately I didn’t see them here, but I did see them in Mozambique and Indonesia).
I achieved my Open Water PADI-certification at Kembara Dive Centre (located at Senja Bay Resort) and I took the Advanced Open Water Course at Spice Divers located at Long Beach. Both diving schools are professional and the prices for fun dives or a course are very affordable (75 RM, so about 20 euro for a fun dive!).
Location:
Spice Divers
Long Beach (between Rock Garden and Bubu Village), Perhentian Kecil, 22300, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spicediver
Website: https://www.spicediversperhentian.com/
My first scuba diving experience in “the pool”
No ATMs!
There are no ATMS’ at the Perhentian islands, so bring enough cash for your stay! At most diving schools and some restaurants they do accept credit cards.
Tip: Put you valuables in a water resistant bag when you take the boat to the Perhentians, because your bag will get wet!
Packing list:
- Cash money;
- (Head)torch;
- Mosquito repellent;
- Water resistant bag;
- Snorkelset;
- PADI certificate and logbook.
More travel inspiration for a round trip in Malaysia will be posted soon. Did you like this post or do you have any questions, please leave a comment at TeppieTravels.com.
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