Perhentian Islands Guide | Snorkel with Sharks and Chill in Paradise
One of the best things about travelling in Malaysia is how effortlessly you can slip between buzzing cities and laidback island life. No need to choose between a beach escape or a city break, here, you can have both with ease. For our itinerary, we kept things loose and went wherever the wind blew… more often than not, it led us back to the sea. So after wandering Georgetown’s mural-covered streets and before heading to the rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands, we stole away to the Perhentians for a few sun-drenched days by the water.
Where to Stay
The Perhentian Islands — Kecil and Besar — float just off the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula and are loved by locals and travellers alike. Picture this: white sand, turquoise waters, and that sweet, slow island pace. Kecil, the smaller of the two, is where the party’s at — a favourite among backpackers and the young-at-heart, with beach bars that stay open late into the night. Besar, on the other hand, is larger, quieter, and more spread out; perfect if you're chasing peace over parties. Bonus points for Besar: it’s often the cheaper option, too.
When we stayed, we found a hostel that had elevated tents for rooms, and another couple of nights "roughing it" called to us. I believe the place has closed in the years since I visited, but the concept was incredible. Every night, they offered a communal dinner, they had cheap drinks, outdoor showers, a multi-tiered deck with seating for guests, as well as organized activities. It was simple and perfect.
Snorkelling
The islands are surrounded by clear blue water and coral reefs teeming with life. We signed up for a full-day snorkelling trip that took us to three different spots, where we swam with schools of fish and even spotted a few small sharks — a bit of a shock, then you realize they're just out minding their own business.
That said, some of the best snorkelling was actually right off the shore next to our accommodations. We rented some cheap gear from our hostel and, steps from our tents, found ourselves swimming with fish and spotting sharks without even trying.
If you do take the opportunity to explore the reefs, remember to avoid touching them. Not only can they cut you pretty badly, but it is also up to us to be responsible travellers, leaving these living things unharmed, and minimize the damage done to our oceans’ health.
Take a Walk Around the Island
If you choose to stay on Kecil, spend a bit of time walking the trails that wrap around the island. The trails, though beautiful, aren't well maintained, so take your time and enjoy the sounds of the jungle, views of the ocean and watch monitor lizards (the smaller cousin of the komodo dragon) scurry across your path.
