Perhentian Island

Perhentian Island

 

The Perhentian Islands or Pulau Perhentian (in Malay) lie approximately 20 km off north-eastern coast of  Peninsular of Malaysia, in the state of Terengganu. This Perhentian Islands  (pronounced Per-Hen-Tee-Ahn), is famous among travelers for its palm-fringed white sandy beaches, turquoise blue sea and a laid back lifestyle,  offers visitors an amazing vacation experience.

The name Perhentian means "stopping point" in Malay. This is because the islands became a staging point used by fisherman against storms and choppy waters.

The two main islands are Pulau Perhentian Besar ("Big Perhentian Island") and Pulau Perhentian Kecil ("Small Perhentian Island"). Perhentian Kecil has cheaper accommodation, and attracts more travelers especially backpackers, while Perhentian Besar a little more expensive and caters more to families and those who want to avoid the backpacker party scene.

The Perhentian Islands also comprise of the small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara, Seringgi and Rawa, which lie off Kecil. All the islands are protected under marine park status, which means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited. The islands are protected as part of the Pulau Redang National Marine Park. Owing to the islands' protected status, the main tourist activities have minimal environmental impact. This makes Pulau Perhentian famous in the region for its stunning preserved natural world and diverse marine life. As Perhentian Island is part of a marine park visitors have to pay a conservation fee of RM5.

Perhentian is most popular island because the island is great places for diving and snorkeling; some place you can enjoy the underwater world right in front of the resort. It is also very popular because the island is easy to reach.

Though during the monsoon season (October to February / early March) practically the whole island is closed to tourists.