Pulau Perhentian is located in the South China Sea 21 km from the coast of Kuala Besut, Terengganut. For hundred of years ago vessel sailing from the south coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Bangkok will stop-by for a rest and shelter at the Island. They all an ancient merchant carrying food, jewelry, vast and etc. As the activities of merchants, sailors and traders from the South of Chinese Sea have taken place, the island is getting popular for their 'one stop station', these Islands were named as 'Once Stop Island' so called 'Pulau Perhentian' in Malay language.
It comprises of two islands; Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Island and Big Island). Both islands are surrounded by beautiful palm-fringed, powdery white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise-blue sea.
Perhentian Kecil is a popular destination for backpackers, featuring long white sand beaches, dense jungle trails and excellent diving and snorkelling. The island is part of a Marine Park, and as such a protected from excessive development, though each year a little of natures paradise is replaced. On the positive side, a renewable energy center (wind and solar power) supplies the local village with electricity.
Long Beach is the liveliest area of the island, followed by Coral Bay, accommodation consists mainly of Beach Huts, but a few resorts operate concrete and air-conditioned units.
The two Perhentian Islands are rated as some of the most beautiful islands in the world; a virtual paradise for snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear water or just for lazing on one of the white sandy beaches waiting for the coconuts to drop.
The two main islands are heavily forested and ringed with sandy beaches, typical of tropical islands. Accomodation for visitors are predominantly aimed at budget travellers and is mostly on the larger Pulau Perhentian Besar, which not only has wonderful beaches but also forest trails over the hills.
Both islands are separated by a very narrow sound but with strong current. The significant different between the two islands is, Perhentian Besar is more for a vocational island while the small one is an island with the mixture of vacation mood and reality life due to the fishing village, Kampung Pasir Hantu which is resided with more than 2000 villagers and completed with basic facilities apart from resorts and guesthouses.
All manner of aquatic life is visible both near and far from the beach such as turtles, sharks, coral and thousands of tropical fish. The interior is covered by jungle with a wide variety of species. You can watch monitor lizards, monkeys, geckos, flying squirrels, butterflies and many other types - sometimes right in front of your chalet. There are no roads and not many paths, so the islands are mainly peaceful and untouched - so far.
