Perhentian Islands Group Snorkeling (Sept 2010)

click here 2:00 to see the giant turtle I am chasing after. I swam down quite deep with him. :)
click here 4:47 to see how the baby sharp spring away from me. She is fast. :)

The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian in Malay) lay approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) offshore the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of the Thai border.

South Beach, Perhentian BesarThe two main islands are Perhentian Besar ("Big Perhentian") and Perhentian Kecil ("Small Perhentian"). The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara (Virgin Milk), Serenggeh and Rawa lie off Kecil. The Perhentians belong to Pulau Redang National Marine Park, which means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited. Like Besut, people here generally speak Kelantanese Malay.
Both the islands have palm-fringed white coral sand beaches (that can be tough on the feet) and turquoise blue sea. One can have a number of activities on its beaches and forests. Scuba-diving, snorkeling, and swimming are the most popular tourist activities here. On most beaches, the water is shallow with lots of rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish. For diving, there are dozens of divesites around both main islands, as well as several off-shore sites. Apart from these, you could also enjoy activities like camping, canoeing, fishing, jungle trekking, and banana boat riding. As for accommodation, most of it can be found around both islands. Hotels are usually aimed at budget travelers.
Summer 2007, 2 wind turbines have been installed, nevertheless the island's electrical power is only available from 7.00pm to 7.00am. For some of the shop owner here e.g internet cafe have installed their own huge diesel generator set/room. The internet cafe rental fee per hour is around RM10.00 to RM 15.00. A third turbine is being built. They mentioned that electricity is 24-hour during high season but when I was there and most of the hotels are full, the electricity is not 24 hours, it is still 7pm-7am ??. Fresh water is provided by springs. In this respect, the Perhentian Islands are prized by tourists as an 'escape' from the modern world. Given the fact that the Perhentians do not have an airport and still have limited high-end accommodation, they have remained relatively better protected compared to Redang and Tioman Islands.

The only access to the Islands is by boat from the fishing villages of Kuala Besut Jetty. Local tourist operators run fishing boats and speed boats several times a day from Kuala Besut to Perhentian from 7.00am to 5.00pm sometime 4.00pm. Averagely hourly basis. Nevertheless when returning from Perhentian to Kuala Besut there are only 3 trips in a day, 8.00am, 12.00pm and 4.00pm.
From the main ferry terminal at Kuala Besut there are effectively three options:
1) Speed boats - usually small fibreglass boats with two or three outboards which take 30-45 minutes, charge RM70/person for to and fro and RM40/person for one way, and depart according to demand (4-5 times a day). Some are enclosed, some have a fabric roof, some are completely open. If the sea is choppy expect a bumpy ride and in the case of the latter two types expect to get very wet. There is no safe space for electronics, you might want to wrap anything that will not survive being wet in plastic beforehand. If you don't want back problems do not sit in the front part of the boat — large swells combined with the driver going as fast as possible will throw you up in the air and smash you down hard.
2) Air-condition ferry services= 45 seaters ferry with air-condition wchich take 35-45 minutes, charge RM70/ person return and RM40/person for one way. Depart according demand. Comfortable seat and less bumpy. (no more back problem...)
3) Slow boats - usually wooden fishing boats with some seats on the deck which take 2-3 times as long as the speedboats, only available if you book in advance at around RM300/boat/way. Maximum 12 pax per boat.
All ferries take their passengers directly to their destination, wherever it may be on both the islands. Passengers are charged an extra RM2 per head to get a small boat from the ferry to the beach at Long Beach. Elsewhere, jetties are springing up and enable people to get off the ferry without the need for an additional small boat ride to shore and without getting their feet wet.
All travellers to the islands must pay a marine park conservation charge of RM5, valid for the length of their stay.
Another additional info. Maxis broadband internet coverage is good by the beach and maximum speed can be obtained at the northern section of the islands e.g 1000-1500 kbps. and for some other beaches the average speed from 200-500 kbps.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• perhentian
• kecil
• besar
• redang
• trengganu
• malaysia
• east
• timur
• fishman
• fishman24
• travel
• tour
• trip
• richard
• backpack
• holiday
• rest
• peace
• snorkeling
• diving
• dive
• scuba

[fishman25]

@cathdesmontagnes I was using the famous Olympus Tough 8000 digital camera nevertheless for underwater filming it's better to use the 'Go Pro' camera with the underwater housing. It's better quality and cheaper also.

[cathdesmontagnes]

Hello, could you tell me what was your camera ? We went there in October (2 weeks ago) and it's great to view that wonderful "fishes-Ballet". I have "only" pictures !