The Perhentian Islands (Malay: Pulau Perhentian) are an archipelago of Malaysia situated in the South China Sea, around 19 km from the northeast coast of the Malay Peninsula and 64 kilometers south of the Thai border. They belong to the state of Terengganu.
Both major islands are Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) and Perhentian Kecil (Perhentian Small). The tiny unoccupied islands of Susu Dara Lait, Sernsgeh as well as Rawa are opposite Kecil. The Perhentian Islands now depend upon the Pulau Redang National Marine Park, which suggests that fishing, coral reefs removal, as well as throw out, are forbidden.
History
The name Perhentian methods “quit point” in Malay, and the islands have long been a stop for traders that update between Bangkok and Malaysia. In many maps of the NINETEENTH as well as TWENTIETH centuries, the islands Nigeria as “the Station Islands,” a translation of the name of Malay throughout British emigration.
The islands have been lived in by anglers for centuries, but tourist currently represents many financial activities.
Geography
White sandy coastlines border the two main islands. Reefs and crystal clear waters are houses to a wide array of corals reefs, sea turtles, jellyfish, reef sharks as well as tiny fish. The maximum elevation of the islands has to do with 100 m, and also are consistently covered with seaside rain forest, with some routes and also routes going inland. There are no roads on both islands as well as the only methods of Transportation is strolling and the boat-taxi1.
Permanent residents live in a fishing village in Kecil, while the ambassador and also the personnel of the many traveler bungalows leave throughout the gale season. The population of the islands, around 20002, usually speaks Malay of Kelantan. Except for a getaway from communication with the continent, there is no framework built on more than one plant.
It’s good to know that the Perhentian Islands, besides representing a paradise to lie in, relax in the splendid sun of Malaysia and dive in its turquoise waters; before the trip, it is essential to take into account aspects that will make our visit more pleasant.
Below we will review some of my tips after visiting these charming islands – and still little tourist-from the east of the Malaysian peninsula:
- Control your money
There’s not a single cashier on the Perhentian Islands. In resorts, you can pay by card, but everything else has to be paid in cash, so make sure you have enough money on you before you get to the islands. If you are in a hurry, you can always eat at your accommodation to avoid cash payments and increase the bill you will eventually pay by card.
- Book in advance
We only booked a few days earlier and had to rule out three places that we already had on our favorite list because they were all full. It was a real shame to watch backpackers bring their stuff down the main beach of the island of Kecil in search of accommodation outside what the price was. Depending on the season you’ll have more or fewer problems but if you can do this homework from home much better.
- Security
Don’t take valuables to the beach. As we were told, some locals hide in the jungle on the most unsuspected beaches. To go to the beach, you only need a small bag with a towel, water, and snorkel equipment. If you smoke, tobacco is a perfect ally to put a few bills in the pack.