Shari-la Island Resort

Assalamualaikum, wahai warga Terengganu! Are you dreaming of a breathtaking island escape right here in our own state, a place where turquoise waters meet pristine beaches? Shari-la Island Resort, nestled on the stunning Pulau Perhentian Kecil, offers a prime location for just such an adventure. While every island stay has its unique charm and challenges, Shari-la provides a direct gateway to the natural beauty and vibrant marine life that our Perhentian Islands are famous for.

Shari-la Island Resort presents itself as a hotel offering accommodation on one of Malaysia's most celebrated island destinations. For many, a trip to Pulau Perhentian Kecil is about immersing oneself in the natural environment – the crystal-clear waters, the soft sandy beaches, and the incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities. Shari-la aims to provide the necessary base for these experiences. It’s important to approach island resorts with a mindset that balances the allure of their natural surroundings with the practicalities of operating in a remote island setting.

Customer feedback indicates a mixed experience, which is not uncommon for island accommodations that often face unique operational challenges. One guest noted that "The room was perfectly fine for an island stay," highlighting that the basic comfort for a remote location was met. The "excellent" location is a consistent positive, emphasizing that the resort’s greatest asset is its proximity to the natural wonders of Pulau Perhentian Kecil. This means guests are ideally positioned to enjoy the beach, the sea, and the overall island vibe.

However, it is also important for potential visitors to be aware of the areas where the resort has received less favorable feedback. Issues such as inconsistent services like bed making and towel replacement, occasional pest concerns ("a few bugs"), and "moderately good" cleaning have been mentioned. More critically, recent reviews point to significant challenges, including frequent electricity outages, low water pressure, and concerns about room cleanliness, specifically "dusty, unclean, and felt completely neglected" rooms with "stale" bedsheets and visible dust. Staff responsiveness has also been cited as an area for improvement, with guests feeling "frustrated and disappointed" due to slow and unresponsive service.

Despite these points, the appeal of Shari-la Island Resort largely rests on its incredible setting. For those of us in Terengganu, the Perhentian Islands are a treasure, and having accommodation directly on the island simplifies access to its main attractions. It serves as a launchpad for snorkeling trips, diving excursions, and simply relaxing by the sea. The promise of "very good" breakfast, as mentioned by one guest, can also be a highlight, providing a pleasant start to an island day.

It's crucial for local users considering Shari-la to manage their expectations by taking into account recent reviews. While the location remains a strong advantage, understanding the current state of services and facilities, including potential construction on the grounds, is key to ensuring a satisfactory stay. An island resort experience often differs from a mainland hotel, and embracing the rustic charm, even with its imperfections, can be part of the adventure. The beauty of Perhentian, regardless of where one stays, is undeniable.

Located on Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malaysia, Shari-la Island Resort boasts an enviable position on one of Malaysia's most picturesque islands. Pulau Perhentian Kecil is renowned for its vibrant marine life, stunning coral reefs, and relaxed atmosphere, making it a highly sought-after destination for beach lovers, snorkelers, and divers alike. The resort's exact location on the island places guests directly amidst this natural beauty.

Accessibility to Pulau Perhentian Kecil is primarily by boat from Kuala Besut Jetty in Terengganu. From the jetty, speedboats regularly ferry visitors to various points on the islands. Shari-la Island Resort would typically be accessible via a short boat ride from the main drop-off points on Perhentian Kecil, ensuring a relatively seamless transfer from the mainland. While there are no roads or cars on the island, walking trails connect different beaches and resorts, offering a unique way to explore the island's landscape.

For Terengganu locals, getting to Kuala Besut Jetty is straightforward via road, and ample parking is usually available. The journey to the island itself is part of the adventure, offering scenic views of the South China Sea. Once on Pulau Perhentian Kecil, the resort's beachfront location means that the main attractions are often just steps away, whether it's swimming in the clear waters, sunbathing, or joining an organized island hopping tour. The secluded nature of an island resort means that local amenities beyond the resort itself might be limited to other small shops or eateries along the beach, but the focus is truly on the island experience.

Services Offered:

• Accommodation on Pulau Perhentian Kecil
• Breakfast included (noted as "very good" by one reviewer)
• Restaurant facilities (implied by breakfast service)
• Proximity to beach and snorkeling/diving spots
• Basic room amenities (e.g., bed, bathroom)

Features / Highlights:

• Excellent beachfront location on Pulau Perhentian Kecil
• Direct access to pristine beaches and clear waters
• Ideal base for snorkeling and diving activities
• Offers a genuine island escape experience
• Opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature
• Relatively easy access via boat from Kuala Besut Jetty
• Scenic views and tranquil surroundings (when not impacted by construction)

Contact Information:

Address: Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malaysia

Phone: 09-697 7500

Mobile Phone: +60 9-697 7500

In conclusion, for us Terengganu residents, Shari-la Island Resort on Pulau Perhentian Kecil remains an intriguing option for experiencing the unparalleled beauty of our very own Perhentian Islands. Its "excellent" location is undeniably its strongest asset, placing you directly in front of some of the most captivating beaches and marine environments our state has to offer. For those seeking an immersive island getaway focused on sun, sea, and snorkeling, being right on Perhentian Kecil is a significant advantage, simplifying access to all the island activities.

However, it is vital to approach a stay here with realistic expectations, particularly given recent customer feedback. While the fundamental promise of an island stay is delivered through its location, potential guests should be prepared for potential challenges related to basic room service, occasional pests, and notably, issues with electricity, water pressure, cleanliness, and staff responsiveness, as highlighted by multiple reviews. It also seems important to inquire about ongoing construction, as this could impact the peace and quiet.

Despite these points, if your priority is to be directly on the island to maximize your time in the water and on the sand, and you're comfortable with a more rustic island experience that might include some operational quirks, Shari-la Island Resort could still serve as your base. For locals, the convenience of reaching Pulau Perhentian and immediately stepping into an island paradise, even with its imperfections, holds considerable appeal. It's a chance to connect with one of Terengganu's natural crown jewels, but with an informed understanding of what to expect.

Shari-la Island Resort

Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malaysia