Pulau Perhentian

Located off the coast of Terengganu, Perhentian is one of the best islands I have been to.
My sample is quite biased though due to the small sample size. But one thing for sure, I prefer it to Phi Phi Island in Thailand.

With the crystal clear south china sea water, it boasts live corals, turtles, sharks and much more.
See: Long beach view

I went there once with my friends. They went there for diving. I have no idea how good the diving is but the snorkelling was beyond my expectation.

We went there on a 3D2N trip. Stayed at Rock Garden Chalet on Long Beach.
The chalet was very basic; located up the hill and requires climbing, no toiletries provided and old mattresses but the view was fantastic.
See: View from chalet.

 I didn't manage to take any pictures from the snorkelling trip. However, it was awesome!
We were swimming next to reef sharks.
I saw a turtle briefly. Well, the place was supposed to be a turtle point but the people swimming around and shouting around was scaring off the turtle.
The corals.... the corals.. they were breathtaking..
I was speechless and singing with the colourful giant clams, feeling like little mermaid. Yes, I am not joking.

When we came back to Long Beach, there were corals even near the island! I just need to swim off about 10mtrs from the beach to see the corals. Again.. breathtaking.

Food is just ok on the island. It took them very long to serve food. SO.. be prepared with snacks.

It is good to bring your own bottled water.

Long Beach is on Perhentian kecil. It is less commercialised compared to Perhentian Besar. It is supposed to be the only happening area on the island. With hut bars selling beers and fire shows at night. It's quite pleasant.

I would definitely come back.

Tips to go to perhentian:

1. Make your booking on the accommodation early. Especially during peak season. You can go to the following website. I used it and it worked fine.
http://www.pulauperhentian.org/booking.html

2. Bring enough cash. There is no ATM on the Island. Following is the rough estimation of prices:
Food : 15 for breakfast&lunch and 20 for dinner.
Snorkelling: 40-100
kayak: 20

3. Do not bring too many things as you will need to go there by speed boat and possibly walk inside the water.. Mobility will be good.

4. Bringing your own snorkelling mask will be good as their mask is well.. used everyday and for many times.

5. Bring your own towel. At least one.

6. Bring bottled water.

7. For the snorkelling trips, you can either make bookings with the agent or do it once you reach there. There will be many people offering snorkelling trip services by the beach. Just approach them and negotiate.

8. There are many diving centres on the island. The ones that I saw:
a. Turtle Dive Centre
b. Matahari













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