Hello there!
Today, I'll be sharing with you guys several things that you need to know when planning for A Day Trip to Perhentian Islands.
Okay, your journey will start at Kuala Besut, this is the departure point to Perhentian Islands.
Once you arrived at Kuala Besut, no need to look for ticket counters, guys on motorbikes will approach you selling boat/ferry tickets to Perhentian Islands. They're also always on the phone, communicating with the ferry/boat captain ^.^ informing them about their passengers and also, they will help you for the car park problems ^.^, be it overnight or just for the day.
One Way Ticket - 35 RM/pax
Round Trip Ticket - 70 RM/pax
Arriving at Kuala Besut, these are the things I've noticed:
⟹ Everywhere you look there's a Hotel/Inn for travelers.
⟹ Restaurants to feed your hungry stomach.
⟹ Grocery stores where you can buy stuffs you'll need on the island.
⟹ Parking areas with contact numbers.
⟹ And travel agencies offering different tour packages.
Things to remember once ferry tickets was purchased:
⟹ Secure your ticket.
⟹ Be very sure that you don't leave anything behind when alighting the boat, as you wouldn't have the time to get them until the ferry comes back.
⟹ Don't forget to inform/advise your driver as to which island you're going.
⟹ And lastly, ask as to where is the pick up point when it's time to go back(acquire the captains's contact number/contact on the island that you'll be alighting).
But then don't worry, they will inform you these things before leaving the boat.
Sorry, this is the only decent shot of the boat I got, we're a bit in a hurry during this time as we are the last passengers to jump in to the boat.
 |
| After taking this photo, we locked our life jackets for safety ^.^ YoursTruly & MyLove |
And enjoy the ride!
It's a bumpy ride, but you'll definitely enjoy the beautiful scenery, wide sea, vast cloud formations and the beautiful islands along the way. Don't forget to position yourself for leverage (or with your partner next to you) once the boat starts to depart.
There are two islands to choose from, and according to blogs I've read this is how they described the two islands:
1. Perhentian Kecil (Kecil means Small) - more on backpackers
2. Perhentian Besar (Besar means Big) - mostly resorts and fancy restaurants
We mainly chose Perhentian Besar for no reason at all, since it's only just a Day Trip.
This is it!
After～ 30 minutes boat ride, we arrived at Tuna Bay Island Resort ˂˂˂ this is the Perhentian Island Besar pit stop.
There are several resorts to choose from on this island. But I'll be focusing/covering only the two resorts namely Tuna Bay Island Resorts and Abduls Chalet.
Upon arrival, we had our lunch at Tuna Bay Island Resorts.
We chose this side of the restaurant, enjoying our lunch while our eyes feasts on the beauty of the sea right in front of us.
⇩⇩⇩
 |
| Tuna Bay Island Resort #RegenePhotography fancy restaurant |
By the way, we purchased our round trip ferry ticket for only 60 RM-we have no idea and plan to haggle, but we we're really surprised when the guy suddenly gave us this price after discussing about the ticket, well, lucky us!! we saved 10RM each ^.^
Our pick up time going back was 4PM, which is the last time slot returning to Kuala Besut.
Well, going back to the island.
Both Tuna Bay Island Resorts and Abduls Chalet have rooms/chalets facing the sea and the other rooms near the hills.
We started our walk from the left side of Tuna Bay Island Resorts.
 |
| Front of Tuna Bay Island Resort |
 |
Abdul's Chalet
not so fancy restaurant
Next is Abduls Chalet. Restaurant facing the sea. ⇧ |
 |
| Front of Abdul's Chalet |
 |
| Other side of the island after walking through the concrete stair. |
If your plan is to stay on this island just for the day, feel free to walk around and enjoy the beach. No need to pay for any entrance fee ^.^ Just don't forget to be on time for your pick up time going back to avoid any inconveniences.
During our day trip, we walked along the stretch of the beach, exploring the beautiful shoreline. Took several photos, then after we felt weary, we just sat on one of the empty beach chairs along Abduls Chalet. Took a power nap ^.^, we were so tired because of the long drive from the previous day, from Muar - KT (～550 KM) then KT - Kuala Besut (～ 100 KM)that day, then adding our boat ride going to this island. And to mention, it was quite hot that day which added up to the trips we did.
After relaxing for nearly an hour, we decided to walk our way going back to our pick up place.
Tips and Reminders:
1. Bring Sunscreen! Your skin will thank you for this. Though, there's a store on the island where you can purchase Sunscreen but they are a bit expensive and have limited choices.
2. If your on a tight budget, bring/purchase/prepare food like snacks, drinks and breads before heading to the island, these will definitely save you some bucks.
Remember you will always feel hungry after having a swim ^.^
Remember you will always feel hungry after having a swim ^.^
3. Bring along extra cash and credit cards, they don't have ATM machine on the island. But surely they accept credit cards for payments.
Activities on the island:
Took this photo for future reference ^.^ You can thank me later (*wink*)
Okay, so your weary of all these activities, worry not, because you can just chill on the beach. Several stores on the island offers books for rent. If you forgot to bring your fave books, then simply rent one or two on the nearest stores.
You can even buy a hammock, if you just want to spend hours of sleeping under the trees.
YoursTruly and MyLove, on our way going back to Kuala Besut. Together with all of these Europians. We're the only passengers who wore a life vest hehehe...
Another tip when going back to Kuala Besut.
Another tip when going back to Kuala Besut.
If you have booked a taxi/car to pick you up at Kuala Besut going to your next destination, for example the 4 PM schedule(which is the last trip for the day), don't buy a return ticket going back to Kuala Besut from Perhentian Island at exactly 4 PM as well, because most probably you will be late for your taxi/car. I noticed this scenario when we were on the boat going back to Kuala Besut. One of the passengers was trying to call his driver that was already waiting at Kuala Besut, informing him that he will be late, because the boat did several stops on different islands, making sure that all passengers who are going back that afternoon will not be left behind. Lucky for this guy, he was able to contact his driver while in the middle of the trip. Thinking we're already at sea ^.^
My thought about this island.
When I was trying to book a hotel resort in Perhentian Islands via online, almost all were fully booked which is understandable since it was Hari Raya Aidifitri. That's the reason why we only had a whole day to explore the island.
We are definitely going back again the soonest and this time we will stay for several days. Hubby and I have seen and experienced some of the best beaches/islands in our home country Philippines. And adding this place on our lists makes me more than excited.
We are definitely going back again the soonest and this time we will stay for several days. Hubby and I have seen and experienced some of the best beaches/islands in our home country Philippines. And adding this place on our lists makes me more than excited.
We had a great time exploring, unfolding its beauty through our own eyes, blogs I've read and even this blog will never be enough to justify it's beauty.
If you're looking for a place to just enjoy nature/sea and the sun on your skin. And just to have a laid back vacation, then this is the place to go.
Though you might consider snorkeling, scuba diving and island hopping to see beautiful corals/fishes, it's also the great place to visit. It's the best of both worlds, depending on which experience you prefer.
Though you might consider snorkeling, scuba diving and island hopping to see beautiful corals/fishes, it's also the great place to visit. It's the best of both worlds, depending on which experience you prefer.
But then again, there's a downside for this Day Trip. Having no reservations means no place to have a complete rest anytime you want, nor a chance to experience and capture both sunset and sunrise.
The great thing is that we're more prepared with details/information s that are needed for our next trip going back to this island
The great thing is that we're more prepared with details/information s that are needed for our next trip going back to this island
Still, this was indeed a great experience. And I must say Perhentian Islands are the MUST-SEE PLACES in KT.
For Hotel Reservations:
1. Tuna Bay Island Resorts - click here
2. Abduls Chalet - click here
Car Parking: I've mentioned earlier that there's a lot of car park signs with contact numbers at Kuala Besut. Luckily, we have taken a snap of them (just to be clear, we're not endorsing here, just helping out).
That's it guys! These are the things I've gathered while spending a day at Perhentian Islands. Hope this blog may be of help.
What's your Perhentian Islands story ? ^.^
We will see you again Perhentian Islands ^.^
Renelah
Klook
Hotels.com
Expedia
KKDay
Trip.com
Agoda
