Complete Guide to Island Hopping on the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Malaysia is best known for its vibrant cities, diverse cultures and iconic landmarks. But did you know that it is also home to beautiful island getaways perfect for a Cuti-Cuti Malaysia trip? If you are planning a vacation to the Perhentian Islands, located in Terengganu, this guide will help you prepare for a memorable island-hopping adventure. The islands have become popular among foreign and local travellers for their crystal-clear blue waters and a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets.. Since island hopping is an outdoor adventure, it is a good idea to secure travel insurance for your trip.

Reading up on travel insurance reviews can help you find the right package that best suits your island-hopping escapade. Now, here are some quick tips to help you plan the trip:

1. How to Get to the Perhentian Islands

It will be advisable for you to take a plane, bus or train, depending on your point of origin. Once you reach the mainland, all routes converge at the jetty port of Kuala Besut in Terengganu, where ferries depart for the islands.

• By Ferry from Kuala Besut Jetty

Reaching the Perhentian Islands is done by taking a ferry at the jetty port of Kuala Besut in Terengganu. It takes approximately forty minutes to reach the islands, and you may land at either Perhentian Besar or Perhentian Kecil, which are the largest among the Perhentian Islands.

There are resorts, hotels and lodging houses located on both islands, while the rest of the island group have establishments but are not inhabited. You may then charter a water taxi to get to the other islands in case you want to go island hopping.

• By Air — Nearest Airport (Sultan Ismail Petra, Kota Bharu)

The nearest airport going to the Perhentian Islands is the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, located in Kota Bharu. The airport has scheduled flights from several destinations, including Singapore and Medan, Indonesia, as well as domestic flights from Malaysia cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Penang also land here.

• By Bus or Taxi to Kuala Besut

Travellers riding a bus may take routes going to Jerteh. From Jerteh, there are taxis going to Kuala Besut. Travel time varies depending on the area of origin. Bus rides are available to those coming from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Taman Negara, Cameron Highland and Cherating.

Meanwhile, if you are going to the islands from the Thailand border of Rantau Pajang, you may take a bus en route to Pasir Puteh and then ride a taxi going to Kuala Besut.

2. What to Expect When Visiting the Perhentian Islands

• Language and Local Culture

English is widely spoken among the locals in the Perhentian Islands, especially due to the number of visitors to the area.

• Weather and Best Time to Visit

The islands are generally sunny throughout the year, except between October and March, when the monsoon season is at its peak and most of the islands are closed to tourists during these months due to the unpredictable weather.

The most ideal times to visit the islands are between April and September, as the weather is warm and there is limited rainfall. You should note that the ultraviolet ray index on the islands is high throughout the year, so it is best to wear a strong sunscreen during your visit.

As for other amenities, most of the resorts in the island have a steady supply of fresh water and electricity. The Internet and the mobile phone signal can be intermittent, though, especially during bad weather.

3. Things to Do on the Perhentian Islands

There are plenty of activities that you can do on the Perhentian Islands. The true-blue beach bums may walk along the shores of the bigger islands or hop to the smaller islands via water taxis. There are also spots that are ideal for snorkelling and diving.

The water in most of the beaches of the islands is shallow, so it is easy to spot cuttlefish, parrotfish and sting rays. Sea turtles, black-tipped sharks and clownfish can also be spotted in the waters of the Perhentian Islands. Other activities that can be done on the islands are camping, fishing, jungle trekking and banana boat riding. These can be arranged at the resort you are staying or through separate service providers on the islands.

Ready to Explore the Perhentian Islands? Plan Ahead and Travel Protected

Going to the Perhentian Islands can be truly exciting Cuti-Cuti Malaysia experience. It is best to plan ahead so you have enough time to iron out your itinerary and other travel details. Securing travel insurance is also recommended for a worry-free vacation. Explore Chubb’s Travel Insure to find the plan that suits your needs.

This content is brought to you by Chubb Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Registration No. 197001000564 (9827-A) (“Chubb”) for general information/guidance purposes only and is not intended to constitute advice or recommendations upon which a reader may rely nor be viewed as a substitute to obtaining proper legal or other professional advice. Any references to insurance cover are general in nature only and may not suit your particular circumstances. Chubb does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and any insurance cover referred to is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions as set out in the Travel Insure policy wording. Please obtain and read carefully the relevant insurance policy before deciding to acquire any insurance product. A copy of the policy wording can be obtained from the website or by contacting any of the Chubb offices.