The Perhentian Islands are made up of 2 main islands which are the Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil Islands. The name “Perhentian” means “stopping point” in the Malay language. This refers to the role of the Perhentian Islands as a waypoint for traders between Bangkok and Malaysia. Both islands have beautiful white sandy beaches and are popular tourist destinations for diving and snorkelling. There are plenty of dive sites around both main islands as well as several offshore sites.
Between November and February, it would be monsoon season in the Perhentian Islands. Most resorts and facilities would be closed off to tourists by then. The islands are also famous for their freshly caught seafood which is then barbecued or fried. The traditional Malay cuisine is equally delicious as well. The locals on the island are friendly and helpful and will make visitors feel right at home. Read on to find out the 8 best things to do in the Perhentian Islands.
Why is it a great idea to plan a staycation in the Perhentian Islands?
A trip to the Perhentian Islands will leave you in awe of its amazing natural beauty and colourful marine life. During your visit to the Perhentian Islands, take an Open Water Diving Course with the Turtle Bay Divers and swim in the crystal clear waters of Turtle Beach with green sea turtles. Visit Lata Air Berani and make a wish while bathing in the cool waters of the underground spring. Then hike up Wind Farm and marvel at the magnificent view of the ocean from above and take photographs with the gigantic wind turbines at the peak of Wind Farm.
In the evening, enjoy stir-fry dishes at Ewan’s restaurant and take a walk along the sandy beaches of Coral Bay while basking in the brilliant rays of the setting sun. At night, have a tasty cocktail or join your friends and family for a game of cards at the open-concept kitchen and bar at Joe’s Perhentian. The warmth and peacefulness of your stay at the Perhentian Islands will be a delightfully memorable one for you, your family, and your friends.
8 Best Things To Do in the Perhentian Islands 2025
1. Hike Up Wind Farm
The Wind Farm was built in 2007 in Pulau Perhentian Kecil and 2 units of wind turbines and a solar system were set up for RM12.6 million. This was funded by the Federal and State government, however, to date, the power station is no longer in operation. The hike to the top of Wind Farm takes under an hour and you will be greeted with 2 towering wind turbines and a beautiful panoramic sea view. If you follow the trails up the rocky path a little further, you will be rewarded with the sight of a secluded and lesser-known lagoon. The best time to visit would be around 9am to 2pm as the uneven paths would be brightly lit by sunlight and safer for trekking.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Wind farm, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Besut, Terengganu
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2. Dive With the Turtle Bay Divers
The experienced diving instructors at the Turtle Bay Divers will take you on an unforgettable diving adventure. Those with no prior diving experience can take the Open Diver Course, a full certification course where the instructors will teach diving basics, equipment setup, and other necessary diving skills. The main dive sites would be at D’Lagoon, Fisherman’s Wreck, T3, Pinnacle, and Batu Nisan. While diving, you can catch glimpses of various types of marine life and sea creatures such as the hawksbill turtle, the blue-spotted stingray, jellyfishes, or even a shark.
Operating Hours: 7am to 7pm daily
Address: Turtle Bay Divers, Pasir panjang, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, 22300, Terengganu
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Website: https://turtlebaydivers.com/
3. Catch A Glimpse Of Sea Turtles At Turtle Beach
Turtle beach has sparkling blue-green water and soft fine white sand. It is a great snorkelling site and provides you a good opportunity to swim with sea turtles and take underwater photographs of colourful corals and marine life. This beach is a popular nesting place for green turtles and it is protected by the Department of Fisheries and the Perhentian Turtle Project which has a camp and hatchery within the area that aims to preserve the sea turtle population at the Perhentian Islands by monitoring them and increasing awareness amongst the Perhentian community.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Turtle Beach, Kuala Besut, Terengganu
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4. Visit The Masjid Ar Rahman Pulau Perhentian
Masjid Ar Rahman Pulau Perhentian boasts a majestic sea view and in the wee hours of the morning, you can enjoy the golden sunrise from its intricately carved corridors. The Masjid is a beautiful “floating” white mosque with elegant architecture set upon Pulau Perhentian Kecil and is surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters. The mosque can be seen on the west coast of Perhentian Besar island and the beautiful monument is accessible by boat. There is also a quaint cafe nearby where you can have a hearty breakfast while watching boats arriving and departing at the jetty.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Masjid Ar Rahman Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Besut, Terengganu
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Website: http://alrahmanmasjid.com/
5. Make A Wish At Lata Air Berani
The legend has it that if you bathe in the cool waters from the spring at Lata Air Berani and make a wish, it might just come true as it is believed that the fresh underwater river water brings courage, good health, and good luck. Although Lata Air Berani is a lesser-known attraction on the Perhentian Islands, the crystal clear waters at the beach make it an excellent location for snorkelling, and the white sandy beach provides a great picnic spot as well.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Lata Air Berani, Pulau Perhentian
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6. Enjoy Local Dishes At Ewan’s Restaurant
Ewan’s Restaurant is one of the more popular restaurants in Pulau Perhentian. Located at Pulau Perhentian Kecil, this quaint eatery is set amid lush greenery and provides delicious food at reasonable prices. The staff is very friendly and helpful and the seafood dishes are freshly caught and prepared. Their menu includes noodles such as Mee Bandung and Mee Kari, Chicken, Prawn, Squid, and Beef Stir Fry dishes, soups, and salads. While you are there, do try the Mango shake as it is a popular drink at Ewan’s.
Operating Hours: 8am to 10.30pm daily
Address: Ewan’s Restaurant, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Besut, Terengganu
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7. Bask in The Sunset At Coral Bay
Walk over from Long Beach to Coral Bay and feel the white sand flow slowly through your toes as you happily walk along the shoreline. Coral Bay is a more secluded and quiet beach as compared to the crowded Long Beach. As a result, there is more marine life at Coral Bay which makes for a great snorkelling experience. Located nearby Coral Bay are several cafes and restaurants where you can dine while having a front-row seat to view the sunset and relax peacefully while watching the warm orange tinge of the sky slowly dissipate into the horizon.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Coral Bay, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Besut, Terengganu
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/coralbaypulauperhentiankecil/
8. Have A Cocktail At Joe’s Perhentian
All Perhentian Island visitors are more than welcome to dine at Joe’s Perhentian which is located in Long Beach. Joe’s is a hidden gem in the Perhentian Islands and is a great place to relax, listen to good music and have some finger food while mingling with the guests and the friendly staff. This open-concept Kitchen and Bar provides great western food such as Spaghetti Aglio Olio, Creamy Butter Chicken, And Classic Hot Dogs. The bartender at Joe’s also serves delicious cocktails and cold beer as well.
Operating Hours: 5pm to 2am daily
Address: Joe’s Perhentian, Long Beach, Kampung Pasir Panjang, 22300 Besut, Terengganu
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Website: https://joes-perhentian.business.site
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
