Perhentian Island

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The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian in Malay) lay approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) offshore the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of the Thai border.

The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (“Big Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Small Perhentian”). The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara (Virgin Milk), Serenggeh and Rawa lie off Kecil. The Perhentians belong to Pulau Redang National Marine Park, which means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited. Like Besut, people here generally speak Kelantanese Malay.

Those who enjoy windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and deep sea fishing will also find these islands to be a paradise for such activities. Covered by virgin jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters, these islands are a sanctuary to fishermen, migratory birds and holidaymakers.

Sheer beauty of Pulau Perhentian makes it the destination of tourists. Both the islands have palm-fringed white coral sand beaches (that can be tough on the feet) and turquoise blue sea.  On most beaches, the water is shallow with lots of rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish. For diving, there are dozens of divesites around both main islands, as well as several off-shore sites. As for accommodation, most of it can be found on Perhentian Besar, the larger island. Hotels are usually aimed at budget travelers.

The Perhentian Islands are home to a significant turtle nesting population. The island was once home to hundreds of nesting Green and Hawksbill turtles but now the islands only receives 300 nestings per year partly due to frequent oil spills from oil production platforms and oil tankers owned by Petronas located not too far away. The Department of Fisheries http://www.dof.gov.my, are running a turtle hatchery on the islands to help readdress the declining turtle populations. The Great Marine Project http://www.greatmarineproject.com are complimenting the work done by the Department of Fisheries by protecting one beach on Perhentian Besar and educating visiting tourists. The Great Marine Project run an after-school marine club educating the local school children about marine conservation.