Perhentian Islands Hotels and Resorts

Keeping in mind that aside from the smattering of mostly uninhabitable islands, the gorgeous Perhentian Islands are made up of Perhentian Kecil (small) and Perhentian Besar (big).

Accommodation on these two islands vary somewhat and it bodes well to determine your holiday needs before booking a room prior to arriving. Kecil is more popular with the backpacker crowd due to the cheaper rates on offer, however the chalets and bungalows offer a lower-standard of quality for the cheaper price. Besar is slightly pricier with better and cleaner facilities and caters more to families or travellers wanting to enjoy a quieter and more laid-back beach scene. Fortunately one can hop fairly easily between the two for around MYR 20 for a water taxi. Be mindful of the fact that most resorts and restaurants completely close down during the monsoon season from December to February.

On Kecil Island

Kecil offers very little in terms of luxury accommodation with the fanciest option being an air-conditioned private chalet. Long Beach or natively known as Pasir Panjang is extremely popular with backpackers due to its affordability and its prime location in the hub of the action if you don’t mind a bit of late night noise. Sadly in June of this year (2017) the cheapest accommodation in Kecil, Moonlight Chalets on Long Beach has been sold and a new hotel is currently under construction.

Matahari Chalet on Long Beach is a basic, clean and affordable option for budget backpackers as well as those with a more generous budgets, families and honeymooners. Rooms range in variety from dorms, fan-rooms and air-conned wooden chalets. The resort is situated slap-bang in the middle of arguably the best beach in Kecil and with the good breakfast, tropical garden, dive/room packages and friendly staff, Matahari Chalets are a fine option for those looking for a convenient and comfortable place to catch some Z’s without fussing over any bells and whistles. Starting nightly rates begin from around MYR 40.

Another affordable option on Kecil would be the extremely well-located Panorama Chalets which are front row center to the stunning talcum shores of Long Beach. Ranging from around MYR 45 to MYR 150 per night, every chalet boasts a private sheltered bungalow complete with table and chairs perfect for enjoying a cold one over a game of cards in the evenings. Shared bathrooms and fan-rooms are naturally one’s cheapest alternative with air-con and en suites being more priced in more of the mid-range price bracket. With the onsite restaurant, diving packages and surrounding trees, this spot is a great accommodation option.

On the high-end side, D’Rock Garden is a fine spot spend a few nights for those with a bit more money to spend. This resort offers some of the best elevated views of the islands as well as an open-air restaurant on the premise. Fan-rooms as well as air-conned rooms are on offer and the majority of rooms have a pretty view overlooking the waves. Prices for a fan-room with a cold shower start from around MYR 100.

On Besar Island

For those in Perhentian Besar wanting to escape the noise should look into Bubbles Resort which is located on its own secluded beach. Boasting excellent turtle and reef conservation projects which guests can volunteer for, an onsite turtle hatchery, free canoes, restaurant and an exquisite beach this is the epitome of paradise and tranquillity. Rooms in low season start at MYR 250 and MYR 340 in high season. There is a minimum of two nights stay but upon arriving and seeing the reef sharks below right in the bay and the magic of sea turtles laying eggs under velvet skies, you may never want to leave.

A more affordable option and possibly the cheapest on Besar, would be Mama’s Chalet offering affordable, spacious and wooden, beachfront chalets with private bathrooms. An onsite restaurant, Wi-Fi and an easy 10 minute stroll to VIP Beach, these relaxed, family-run chalets are big hits with backpackers on a budget as well as families looking to save some cash. It’s MYR 110 for a standard garden room with a fan, air-con rooms start at MYR 190 and Family Sea View chalets start at MYR 390. Mama’s also offers various room packages with meals, boat trips and snorkelling activities included which may be helpful for travellers looking for all-inclusive deals.