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The Perhentian Islands consists of two isles, Perhentian Besar and Kecil (which translates to big and small), and rests on the east coast of Malaysia, near the isle of Redang. Lauded for its amazing picturesque beaches, the Perhentian Islands have a lot to offer travellers the world over. Remaining virtually untouched, the only way to travel between islands is by sea taxi. Traversing on the islands is done on foot through footpaths that cut through the jungle, since no roads exist on the islands. Perhentian, which translates as “place to stop”, offers stretches of white beaches and immaculate waters teeming with a rich underwater biodiversity, making it a perfect scuba diving spot. Although the island may only have some moderately luxurious resorts along with a plethora of simple chalets, it has a certain quaint charm that differentiates it from the other popular islands in Malaysia. Perhentian Islands is where gorgeous nature meets simplicity, and those do not require over the top lavish amenities to enjoy their island vacation will find that these isles the perfect place to stop over for unwinding and relaxing.

Tuna Bay Island Resort, Perhentian Besar Island

Located on the south west coast of Pulau Perhentian Besar, this beach resort occupies a quiet, unspoilt part of the island. Surrounded between tropical foliage, a broad white sandy beach, and blessed with clear aquamarine waters, the resort commands a wonderful view of Pulau Perhentian Kecil and the South China Sea. The resort offers 46 wooden chalets set either on the beachfront, shaded by coconut palms, or around a garden area. Rooms have an unpretentious laid back vibe, having white and beige tones to make it more homely and inviting to visitors, all while having simple bamboo furniture to keep in tone with the resort.

The resort comes equipped with a restaurant for those looking for in-house dining. The Tuna Café serves Asian and Continental dishes and is famous for their fresh seafood barbeque. Nearby, the Tuna Club awaits those in need of a drink, offering a range of cocktails, beers, tropical juices, and many other beverages for the thirsty and sociable traveller. Besides drinking and eating, the resort also offers a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified dive centre, the Universal Diver, for divers of all experiences. Each dive trip is fully customizable, with dive trips ranging from the Perhentian Islands’ surrounding waters to nearby Lang Tengah or Redang Island’s waters. Getting to Perhentian Besar Island is as easy as taking a boat ride from the small fishing town of Kuala Besut, which is situated between Kota Bharu, Kelantan and Kuala Terengganu, Tenrengganu.

While the resort might not be as luxurious as other famous beach resorts throughout the nation, it does have its own unique charms, with a blend of breathtaking beaches, views, and rich waters. That being said, this Perhentian resort can be a little steep for those travelling on a budget.

Tuna Bay Island Resort Price Range:
Rooms can range from RM250 to RM430 for single and twin beds, depending on the chalet and view. Family chalets start from the lowest price of RM480 for a family of four at the Garden Chalets, all the way up to the most expensive option, the Family Sea View Chalet that costs RM780. A bigger family would also mean a heftier price. Different packages exist at the resort’s website to fit a range of individuals needs. Checkout the website for more info.

BuBu Long Beach Resort, Pulau Perhentian Kecil

While Pulau Perhentian Besar is more developed, Pulau Perhentian Kecil remains more isolated and pristine, retaining more of the islands’ simplistic charms. BuBu Long Beach Resort aims to match the islands’ dazzling natural amenities by offering a casual island lifestyle and hospitality. Setting up shop on Long Beach, which the resort calls the “most popular spot on Perhentian Island”, the hotel incorporates local architecture with modern day facilities. They offer 38 rooms, either Sea or Side-Sea views, that each come with their own balcony, air-conditioning, and hot shower.

This Perhentian resort also has two restaurants, a bar, and a spa. Mahi-Mahi restaurant is situated by the sea and offers breakfast and lunch done buffet style. The other restaurant, Santai, similarly boasts views of the South China Sea but differs from Mahi-Mahi when it comes to food variety. Serving a variety of Western and Asian cuisine, with a “catch of the day” BBQ dinner speciality, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Those in need of alcohol to soothe the mind can visit the Terrace bar while those in need of physical relaxation can visit the Grape Tree spa.

As you can guess, diving and snorkelling remains the most sought after activities on the island and as such, the resort provides over 26 varieties of diving and snorkel sites within the Marine Park. Other activities include kayaking, fishing, island hopping, jungle trekking, visiting the turtle sanctuary, and many more.

BuBu Island Resort Price Range:
The cheapest rooms (Superior) start from RM300+ while the most expensive rooms (Honeymoon Seaview & Deluxe Garden) will fetch up to RM400+ per night during off peak seasons. Prices are seasonal dependent, so please refer to the resort’s website for additional information.

View Top Two Beach Resorts in Pulau Perhentian in a larger map