For hundred of years ago vessel sailing from the south coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Bangkok will stop-by for a rest and shelter at the Island. They all an ancient merchant carrying food, jewelry, vast and etc. As the activities of merchants, sailors and traders from the South of Chinese Sea have taken place, the island is getting popular for their 'one stop station', these Islands were named as
'Once Stop Island' so called 'Pulau Perhentian' in Malay language. It comprises of two islands; Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Both islands are surrounded by beautiful palm-fringed powdery white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise-blue sea. The two Perhentian Islands are rated as some of the most beautiful islands in the world; a virtual paradise for snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear water or just for lazing on one of the white sandy beaches waiting for the coconuts to drop …
The two main islands are heavily forested and ringed with sandy beaches, typical of tropical islands. Accomodation for visitors are predominantly aimed at budget travellers and is mostly on the larger Pulau Perhentian Besar, which not only has wonderful beaches but also forest trails over the hills. Both islands are separated by a very narrow sound but with strong current. The significant different between the two islands is, Perhentian Besar is more for a vocational island while the small one is an island with the mixture of vacation mood and reality life due to the fishing village, Kampung Pasir Hantu which is resided with more than 2000 villagers and completed with basic facilities apart from resorts and guesthouses. All manner of aquatic life is visible both near and far from the beach such as turtles, sharks, coral and thousands of tropical fish. The interior is covered by jungle with a wide variety of species. You can watch monitor lizards, monkeys, geckos, flying squirrels, butterflies and many other types - sometimes right in front of your chalet. There are no roads and not many paths, so the islands are mainly peaceful and untouched - so far. TIPS TO KNOW BEFORE TO PERHENTIAN ISLAND
Bring plenty of cash before to Kuala Besut and Perhentian Island, there are no bank on Kuala Besut and Perhentian Island. But some of the resort or chalet on Perhentian Island accept credit card or travelers cheques. You can pay by credit card at our sales office (Anjung Holidays) at Kuala Besut jetty. You can change your money with some of the resort or dive shop, but with poor rates. The nearest bank (Jerteh town) around 1/2 hour by taxi. In Kelantan & Terengganu state, office are closed on Friday & Saturday . Open on Sunday - Thursday. If you come by car, there are many car park available nearby Kuala Besut at RM5.00 - RM7.00 per day. Marine Park conservation charge RM5.00/adult & RM2.50/child that you have to pay before get The Perhentian Island (compulsory)
Best Time to come - The monsoon season (November and March). You can expect more rain and rough seas and most resorts are typically closed from end October through end-February. Peak season is between July and August and prices rise accordingly. During off-peak times, rates are negotiable. You may need to book well in advance during peak time and also for public holidays and weekends. Note that most budget resorts do not accept bookings and handle guests on a walk-in basis only
Currency - The Malaysian currency unit use MYR (malaysian Ringgit) or some use RM (ringgit Malaysia). You can check the currency here - Currency converter
Electricity - All resorts use their own generators, so some resorts/chalets served 24 hours electricity and some served 12 hours electricity. The connection is 220V, 50 cycles using a plug with three rectangular prongs similar to UK plugs. Adaptors for other plugs can be purchased at airports and some stores elsewhere. PASSPORTS & VISAS
Many nationalities, including the citizens of most European countries, Australia, Canada, South Africa and the USA, do not require a visa to visit Malaysia. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and a return ticket or onward travel arrangements need to be presented upon request at your arrival in Malaysia. These requirements are subject to change. Please check with the embassy or consulate in your home country before departure. Visa - Citizens from the following countries are required to have a visa to visit Malaysia : North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and the People's Republic of China. Nationals other than those stated will receive a visa upon arrival or are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month. However, it is recommended that visa enquiries are made at the Malaysian embassy or Malaysian consulate closest to you, as regulations are subject to change. Also check http://www.imi.gov.my/ for updated information.
