9 things to expect and bring at Pulau Perhentian Kecil

Perhentian Islands are situated in the state of Terengganu. Just 30 minutes away from Kuala Besut by boat. The Island is called 'Stopping Point' in Malay to convey the original purpose of the Island which was as a stopping point for Bangkok and Malaysia traders before it became one of the hot Tourist destination in Malaysia. 

To Besut by flight

The closest airport to Besut is Sultan Ismail Petra airport in Kota Bharu Kelantan which situated only 1 hour 5 minutes drive away from Besut than Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu that is about 1 hour 31 minutes drive from Besut. The 1 hour low cost flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Kota Bharu (KBR) is only RM57 provided that the ticket is purchased in advance. Last minute flight will cost more up to RM 400. So better plan your vacation wisely peeps. Click here to compare available flight ticket prices at Skyscanner.net

To Besut by car

Another way to reach Besut is by driving which could be tiring and bothersome as the drive from Kuala Lumpur to Besut could take about 10 hours the most. Sufficient fuel should be planned ahead as no Petrol Pump or Petrol Station is available in Grik (mountainous area). Another option would be through Lebuhraya Pantai Timur (LPT). I would suggest driving for people who enjoys it and could bear the long hours journey. Not to worry, the closest parking lots available before boarding the boat to Perhentian Island is at Kuala Besut Jetty.

Before going to Perhentian Island, it is best that all travelers know what to expect and what to bring to have a better traveling experience at Pulau Perhentian Kecil.

1. Small Boat (From Jetty to the Island)

From Kuala Besut Jetty to Perhentian Islands, you will have to travel by boat for about 20 minutes. The ride could be a bit bumpy which is not recommended for individuals with faint heart. The size of the boat is just like the picture above and any huge wave could cause it to sway heavily. Usually, you will be given life jacket but they might not give you any on the way back from Perhentian Island to Kuala Besut Jetty because of the boat maximum capacity. Please do request for it if you can't swim.

Best position in the boat

The best seating position in the boat would be sitting in the front or the nose of the boat. Just like any other speed boat, the nose will rose higher in position when the boat is in full acceleration. Therefore just like a roller coaster ride, the thrill would definitely get to you. 

Suitable attire to board the boat.

I will not suggest for travelers to board the boat when you use skirts or 'baju kurung'. They don't have special plank or any means that you could board the boat comfortably. You do however have to jump / leap into the boat therefore, wearing comfortable trousers will put yourself to ease. Please do remember that this is not a cruise. It is a boat with no high-end entrance to it.

2. Bring along canoe waterproof bags

Canoe waterproof bags are work of miracles. The bags are waterproof and could also be sand proof provided that you fold it tightly in a correct manner. Pretty good investment if you ask me. but why invest for such bags?

You could always store your

1. phone

We are all from a generation that bring along phone to any occasion. Including to snorkeling, kayaking or to scuba diving. We put our electrical devices on the boat hoping that it will not get wet but without any protection it will suffers with at least some splash of water to it. I strongly suggest that travelers bring along waterproof canoe to store your phone so that you could record and store the exciting memories without it getting wet.

2. vape or electric cigarette

I would not suggest that you bring your cigarette along to such activities but please do carry along your electric cigarette or vape if you need that puff of nicotine in your system after snorkeling or scuba diving.  Electric cigarette or vape does not carry any waste therefore it is environmental friendly plus gives you more relaxation feels during kayaking (to those who need it). Cigarette however will have to be thrown away after smoking. It is not a good choice because you can't throw it anywhere when you in the middle of the ocean.  

Gentle reminder though, please do not throw any waste such as plastic rings into the ocean. Any waste will retard the growth of coral and fish population. It will be unfortunate to have from colorful coral and ocean bed to barren ocean bed after pollution. Be a responsible tourist and travelers.

3. sunblock

Canoe waterproof bag is one of the best mediums to store your sunblock. Doesn't matter whether your sunblock is in a plastic tube or in an aluminum can. Canoe waterproof bags can store many items according to it sizes. Sunblock is one of the most important items that you should always carry it with you. Lacking of sunblock could cause irritation due to the scorching sun. I always apply sufficient sunblock to my skin and bring along on the boat or on the kayak so that I could reapply after swimming. 

I don't mind having darker skin but I do mind if I have irritation. The irritation could make my experience on the island very uncomfortable.

4. sunglasses / glasses

I'm a person that needs reading aid all the time. I mean glasses. I need my glasses all the time and it is easier to store the glasses in the waterproof bag. Snorkeling gear does not allow glasses user like me to swim with my glasses on therefore store it in a casing and in the waterproof bags definitely an added bonus. 

5. caps

I always bring along my cap with me. Just to help me reduce the effect of the hot sun on my head. However before snorkeling I have to take it off and store it somewhere where it is not wet. Small boat again have tendency to get wet especially when 5 - 10 people board in after snorkeling. It definitely a hustle to clean it off or washing it off after it get wet with sea water. Cloth especially easily worn out after several dip in saline water. It doesn't have to be a cap, any type of cloth actually could bear the same consequences. Expensive hats / caps will definitely last longer if you store it in waterproof bags.

6. medicines if necessary

Medicine is necessary. No matter what you say. Always have a pack of panadol (paracetamol) or tablets / pills that could help you with sea sickness. The swaying motion of the boat could promote sea sickness. Unless you on a yacht or big boat. This kind of boat does not have or have minimal swaying effect that could 

Click here to shop canoe waterproof bags at dickssportinggoods.com. 

3. HOT and HOT and HOT

Perhentian Islands have the average temperature of 34 degree Celsius. To those who can't bear the heat especially when you originate from a much colder country must at least have certain ways to protect your skin from the scorching sun. Thank god, nowadays we have miracle lotion, sunblock. Sunblock has the miracle properties that could help you from burning literary. I'm just kidding. It however definitely, help prevent irritation that could develop when exposing oneself under the sun. 

There are varieties of types of sunblock with varieties SPF value. I've been kayaking around Pangkor Island before and founded out that SPF 100+ will definitely help reduce the irritation due to sunburn. SPF 50++ will help only if you are not exposed to the open sea water. Individuals that actively involve with water activity should definitely go for SPF 100++ instead.

Another property that everyone should look out for is the non-greasy, water and sweat resistant. Non-greasy property will you the non-sticky feel which will definitely be a more comfortable choice as compared to any other conventional creamy and lotion based sunblock. Another important property would be the water and and sweat resistant. The function of the sunblock is to protect you even when you swimming in the water. That way you don't have to reapply it every time. But not to worry, proper flush your skin with soap and water will wash the sunblock away. 

Bear in mind that there is limited store in Small Perhentian Island. Therefore bring it along beforehand and you could purchase the sunblock as the picture above at a normal drugstore such as Watson or Guardian at Jerteh Town. It cost only RM 48 and will last for a long time.

4. More Activities at Long Beach

Pulau Perhentian Kecil or Small Perhentian Island have a few of beaches such as the Coral Bay, Romantic Beach, and Long Beach. However peeps, the only beach that has night activities are at Long Beach. If you happen to live somewhere other than Long Beach, then acquire some information from you Hotel / Hostel / Chalet / Villa reception about Long Beach and how to get there.

From Coral Bay, you could however, hike the hill behind 'Ombak Diver' hotel. Small alley will lead you all the way to Long Beach. Bear in mind that the whole trekking journey will not be lighted by street lights cause there aren't any. Therefore bring along your phone or your torchlight to light the way. For peeps that have a paranoia of getting robbed in the middle of the dark, then don't flash your phone. Simple bring torchlight to light the way instead.

RM 25.00 of grilled seafood complete with choice of carbs (rice of potato), fruits and gravy

5. ALL restaurants are overpriced!

Remember peeps, Island's food are always overpriced. Imagine the boatmen have to bring their supply all the way from mainland to the island just to operate their restaurants. It just common sense that they sell their food overpriced to the point it is scary. Normal fried rice with egg would cost RM 10.00 ($ 2.45). Rice with side dishes such as Chicken Paprik or Sweet and Sour Fish would cost RM 15.00 ($ 3.67). 

If you want to go even fancier with seafood. you can order up some grilled seafood such as squid, prawns, shark, king fish and many more. Bare in mind though that grilled seafood doesn't come cheap. It cost about RM 25.00 ($ 6.12) per piece of fish or squid. Additional grilled dish will cost RM 15.00 ($ 3.67) without rice or anything.

RM 15.00 for additional 4 prawns

There are existing package with the local hostel / hotel / villa. All you gotta do is ask the reception about the food package available and what type of food they will prepare for you. Now that you know grilled seafood cost about RM 25.00 ($ 6.12), if you been charged RM 30.00 ($ 7.35) for buffet including grilled seafood will be more than fantastic.

The most expensive grilled seafood is at World Cafe at Perhentian Island Long Beach Resort where one piece of King Fish can cost up to RM 45.00 ($ 11.02) per piece. It really depends on what you after either a good food or simply a normal stall food along the beach. However to save up some money, you can also bring along some snacks to eat in your hotel room as a substitute to expensive meals.

The best snacks to bring to Perhentian Island in order to save up some money

1. Bread and jam or flavored tuna chunks.

2. A lot of minerals water bottles.

3. Instant Noodle Cups

4. Mint Candy to avoid sea sickness

5. Chips / Pringles

6. Snorkeling and Kayaking

Snorkeling RM 30 per person  for short trip. Destinations are Shark Point, Fish Point, Turtle Point and Light House. Bring your own snorkeling gear for a better experience. The one that they provided is sort of used and you can clearly see bite marks around the mouthpiece. YIKESS!!! Gross right. But if you don't mind and want to save up some more money without buying any gear, you can do so.

Kayaking at Perhentian Island is about RM 60 per day for one Kayak only. It is a fixed rate around the island. So don't bother to hunt for a cheaper price unless you bargain for it. More money can be saved if you rent it for the whole day instead of renting it within the desired hour. One thing to be considered is the Spring and Neap Water Level. You can observe that High Spring Water Level occurs during New Moon and Full Moon. This is the best time to avoid kayaking as it has the highest water level and tidal wave could be a little extreme. The type of wave you looking for kayaking is the Neap Water Level as it has the lowest water level and tidal wave might not be so extreme. The type of kayak available at Perhentian Island is as below.

7. NO ATM machines 

There are no ATM Machines or whatsoever at the Island. The only way to survive is to prepare a lot of money beforehand but it also means you are exposed to the possibility of being robbed. So always be aware of the surrounding and keep them to a minimum when going out. 

Always also be aware that food doesn't come cheap in the island. Therefore bring along sufficient money. Withdrawing money might be a hustle as you have to go on a boat ride to the mainland.

8. Unstable Generator

Some hotels do have its own generator. The island used to have light blackout between 9 pm till the morning. However, nowadays is not the case. Tourists can now enjoy 24 hours of available lights and energy. However, some hotel keeps on facing problems with their generator. Therefore once happen that way, just go out and enjoy the island instead of loitering around in the room without electric supply.

9. BETTER sunny than not. BETTER calm than windy.

The best weather for any water activities especially in the sea is when it is hot and calm. You might think windy is the best weather condition however, the wind actually promotes the development of wave. This definitely will not help you when you snorkeling and this will lead to potential seasickness. Calm sea is the best option for kayaking as development of big waves will lead to possible capsizing of your Kayak. It could be rough sometimes, therefore, planning you trip within the best weather condition will definitely lead to a more exciting travel experience.

All photos are sourced and obtainable at Google Image.

Other article that might interest you

Suitable Snacks to bring at Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Island)

Average food price at Small Perhentian Island (Pulau Perhentian Kecil): Expensive!

Ways to go to Pulau Perhentian

6 Items to store in you Canoe Waterproof bag while snorkeling

Zaza Zahidah