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The Perhentian Islands (Malay: Kepulauan Perhentian) are islands in Besut District, Terengganu, Malaysia.
The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (“Greater Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Lesser Perhentian”). The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara (Virgin Milk), Serengeh and Rawa lie off Kecil.
Like Besut, people here generally speak Kelantanese Malay, however English is widely spoken and understood to accommodate the growing tourism market. The Perhentian Islands have become a popular travel destination for families and backpackers alike due to the many lodging options that accommodate almost any budget.
Two main islands
Nature tourism provides the economic base for the islands. Both the islands have palm-fringed white coral sand beaches (that can be tough on the feet) and turquoise blue sea. Popular tourist activities include scuba-diving, snorkeling, and swimming. On most beaches, the water is shallow with many rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish. For diving, there are dozens of dive sites around both main islands, as well as several off-shore sites. Apart from these, activities like camping, canoeing, fishing, jungle trekking, and banana boat riding are also available.
The tropical waters around the Perhentians are clear with turquoise hues.
The designated marine park in the island has corals and fish life is quite excellent. During peak season, the waters are calm which is excellent for learning to dive with one of the dive centres on the island. In contrast to the neighboring islands of Lang Tengah and Redang, the Perhentian islands have a wide assortment of accommodation, ranging from budget to mid-range. Most of the accommodation can be found on both the Perhentian Besar, the larger island and Perhentian Kecil, the smaller island. The Perhentian islands has a tropical climate with temperatures steadily around 30 °C and frequent but brief thunderstorms.
Further more, a rise in tourism in Kuala Besar has led to the expansion of many different resorts and many options for snorkelers and divers alike. It is possible to get PADI certified at various locations and take advantage of the various wrecks and coral reefs. The Perhentian islands are home to numerous different species of monitor lizards, poisonous spiders, and geckos. In the water and on the coral reefs, sea turtles, clownfish, cuttlefish, blue spotted rays, and black tipped sharks swim freely among many others.
Five uninhabited islands
Except for two main islands of Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, there are five more islands in the archipelago. All these five islands are uninhabited. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving spots around it. The amazing sandy beaches are on Rawa, Serengeh and Tokong Burung islands.The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara, Seringgi and Rawa lie off Kecil. The islands is belong to a protected marine park, it means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited.
Aside from walking, the only means of transport are water taxis. Eventually, the prices are negotiable but figure on RM 12 for most hops from one beach to another, and a little more when crossing from one island to another.
The Perhentians offer some great diving and excellent snorkeling. In addition to coral and fish, the Perhentians are home to sea turtles and many species of shark. Hence, most popular dive sites include the Pinnacle and the Sugar Wreck, an easily accessible 3500-ton sugar hauler. Please make perhentian island like your Home.
Eastern monsoon, the season in the Perhentians is effectively limited to the period between the beginning of March until late October. Hence, outside this period the seas can be very rough and choppy, skies overcast. However, many of them located on Coral Beach start on beginning of Feb. While on the Long Beach usually a month later. Do not believe the travel-agents when they claim the accommodations are open. However, in the village cheap meals and shops are available year-round.
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