Perhentian Island Resort

Are you, as a local from Terengganu, dreaming of a serene island escape where nature takes center stage? Pulau Perhentian Besar has always been a gem in our beautiful state, and Perhentian Island Resort offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its untouched beauty. This resort is often chosen for its incredible beachfront and the direct access it provides to the vibrant marine life that defines the Perhentian Islands. This article aims to give you a comprehensive and honest look at Perhentian Island Resort, from its idyllic location and accessibility to the services and features that define a stay here, all seen from the perspective of a local user considering their next island getaway.

Pulau Perhentian Besar is celebrated globally for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich biodiversity. Perhentian Island Resort, with its charming 'kampung' (village) vibe, aims to provide a relaxed and close-to-nature experience. While reviews highlight both its captivating natural surroundings and areas where maintenance could be improved, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a genuine island adventure. We understand that choosing the right resort for your precious time off involves weighing various factors, and this guide is designed to help you decide if Perhentian Island Resort aligns with your desire for an authentic Terengganu island holiday.

Our goal is to furnish you with all the necessary information, drawing from the experiences of real guests. We'll delve into the unique aspects that Perhentian Island Resort brings to the table, including its renowned beach, opportunities for direct wildlife encounters, and dining options. Let's explore what makes this resort a significant option for your next memorable stay in Terengganu, especially if nature is your priority.

Perhentian Island Resort is ideally situated on Pulau Perhentian Besar, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia. This address places it on the larger of the two Perhentian Islands, a renowned cluster of islands off the coast of Terengganu, famous for their stunning natural beauty and rich marine life. The resort is specifically known for having one of the best beaches on Pulau Perhentian Besar, offering soft, cotton-candy-like sand and incredibly clear seawater.

Access to Pulau Perhentian Besar is primarily by speed boat from Kuala Besut Jetty on the mainland. The boat journey typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, providing scenic views of the open sea as you approach the island. Upon arrival, boats usually drop guests directly at the resort's private jetty or beachfront. The resort's location means that guests have immediate access to this beautiful beach, which is ideal for swimming, relaxing, and, as highlighted by a customer, excellent for snorkeling directly off the shore, where fish, small sharks, and even turtles can be spotted.

The resort is also conveniently located adjacent to other resorts like Coral View Island Resort, which means guests have options for exploring different areas and dining. As with all island resorts on Perhentian, there are no roads or cars; transportation around the island involves walking along jungle paths, designated boardwalks, or utilizing water taxis (boat taxis) to travel to other bays or beaches, such as Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil (which incurs an additional cost, as noted by a reviewer). The natural, secluded environment is a significant part of the resort's charm, encouraging a relaxed pace and a deeper connection with nature.

Perhentian Island Resort, while focusing on a natural island experience, offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable stay. Based on customer feedback and typical resort offerings, here's what guests can generally expect:

• Accommodation: Offers various room types, including Superior Classic Double Rooms, designed to provide a comfortable base for exploring the island. Rooms generally include air conditioning and private bathrooms.
• Dining: Features an on-site restaurant that provides buffet breakfast, often included with the room rate. The restaurant serves other meals as well, though customer opinions on food quality and pricing vary.
• Beach Access: Direct and extensive access to one of the most beautiful beaches on Pulau Perhentian Besar, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• Snorkeling & Marine Life: The resort's beachfront is excellent for snorkeling, allowing guests to spot fish, small sharks, and turtles directly from the shore. Snorkeling gear is likely available for rent.
• Wildlife Encounters: Due to its jungle-surrounded location, guests frequently encounter friendly squirrels, and other wildlife like monkeys, adding to the natural experience.
• Basic Amenities: Rooms are equipped with essential amenities, though some may be dated, like door knobs and lighting. Clean towels are provided.
• Front Desk Services: A reception area is available for check-ins, check-outs, and general inquiries, though the level of professionalism has received mixed reviews.
• Security: Standard security measures for a resort setting are likely in place.
• Additional Activities (Likely Available): While not explicitly detailed in reviews, most island resorts offer or can arrange activities like diving, island hopping, and jungle trekking.

Perhentian Island Resort offers several compelling features and highlights, primarily centered around its natural environment, which makes it attractive to many visitors, particularly those who prioritize direct access to nature's wonders:

• Spectacular Beach: The resort boasts one of the best beaches on Pulau Perhentian Besar. Guests consistently praise its soft, cotton-candy-like sand and clear seawater, making it ideal for swimming and relaxation. This is arguably the resort's strongest asset.
• Exceptional Snorkeling from Shore: A major highlight is the ability to spot diverse marine life, including fish, small sharks, and even turtles, directly from the resort's shore with snorkeling gear. This provides an unparalleled accessible marine experience.
• Abundant Wildlife Encounters: Surrounded by lush jungle, the resort allows guests to interact with friendly squirrels, and observe other wildlife such as monkeys. This immersive natural setting adds a unique charm to the stay.
• Charming Kampung Vibe: The resort's surroundings evoke a pleasant 'kampung' or village atmosphere, which many guests find enjoyable and relaxing, offering a more rustic and authentic island feel.
• Included Buffet Breakfast: The provision of a buffet breakfast, often included with the room rate, is a convenient feature for guests, ensuring a good start to their day.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The natural attractions and spacious beach make it a suitable choice for families, offering plenty of outdoor activities for children.
• Potential for Improvement in Rooms: While some rooms are noted as dated, this also implies a potential for ongoing renovations or, for some, an appeal to those who prefer a less modernized, more rustic island experience.

However, it is crucial to address the areas that customers have highlighted as needing improvement:

• Room Maintenance & Cleanliness: Recurring comments indicate that rooms can be quite dated, with issues like old door knobs, peeling paint, dim lighting, and, significantly, reports of bed bugs and general dirtiness in various areas of the resort, including the reception. Plumbing issues have also been mentioned.
• Food Quality & Pricing: The restaurant food has received strong negative feedback for being "trash," lacking flavor, and being "outrageously overpriced."
• Staff Professionalism: Some reviews suggest that staff are not professionally trained and appear indifferent, impacting the overall service experience.
• Mosquitoes: Guests should be prepared for large mosquitoes due to the natural, jungle surroundings, necessitating insect repellent and mosquito coils.
• Lack of Modern Amenities: No TV in rooms and potential for a general lack of modern conveniences expected by some travellers.

For inquiries, bookings, or further information regarding Perhentian Island Resort on Pulau Perhentian Besar, you can use the following contact details:

Phone: 03-2144 8530

Mobile Phone: +60 3-2144 8530

Address: Pulau Perhentian Besar, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

It is highly recommended to contact the resort directly using the provided phone numbers for the most accurate and up-to-date information on room availability, pricing, and specific services. Given the mixed reviews, direct communication can also allow you to inquire about any recent renovations or improvements that might have been made, particularly regarding room conditions and cleanliness.

Perhentian Island Resort offers a unique proposition for us locals in Terengganu, especially for those who prioritize immersing themselves in the unparalleled natural beauty of Pulau Perhentian Besar over modern luxuries. For families seeking an authentic island experience, the resort's exceptional beach is a huge draw. The soft sand and clear, shallow waters provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children to play, while the easy access to snorkeling directly from the shore, with opportunities to spot fish, baby sharks, and turtles, is an incredible educational and recreational benefit.

Locals who appreciate a rustic 'kampung' or village ambiance will find the resort's surroundings charming and relaxing. The frequent sightings of friendly squirrels and other wildlife contribute to a truly immersive nature experience that is a hallmark of Terengganu's islands. If your primary goal is to disconnect, enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, and revel in the island's biodiversity, then Perhentian Island Resort could be a very suitable choice.

However, it is crucial for locals to manage expectations regarding room conditions and dining, as highlighted by some reviews. If you are accustomed to basic island living and are prepared to bring your own insect repellent and possibly consider dining options outside the resort or bringing some snacks, the incredible natural assets of the resort will likely outweigh these concerns. For us, the allure of directly accessing a pristine beach, observing marine life, and experiencing the genuine island vibe often makes these minor inconveniences worthwhile. Perhentian Island Resort, at its heart, offers a genuine connection to Terengganu’s stunning marine environment, making it a valuable option for an authentic island getaway.

Perhentian Island Resort

Pulau Perhentian Besar, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia