Perhentian Terengganu @ 2Day 1Night
The Perhentian Islands is a popular destination among divers, keen snorkelers and beach-dwellers. Located off the north-eastern coast of Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands are in fact two islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil (small island) and Pulau Perhentian Besar (big island). The big island has more resort-style accommodation and is known to be more expensive and family-orientated, whereas the small island has a reputation of being cheaper and is more popular among budget travellers and backpackers. Naturally, since this blog is about traveling on a budget.
Pulau Perhentian Kecil has two main beaches, Long Beach and Coral Bay, connected by a jungle 10 minute walk over the hill between them. The Perhentian Islands are known for being one of the cheapest places in the world for staying with very affordable rates. To get to the island you would have to take a 30 minute speed boat ride from the mainland to the island. The ride would cost you approximately Rm 50. The scheduled of the boat rides are very limited per day. So if you miss the last ride in the evening you’ll have to wait till the next morning.
Once you reach the island, you’ll need to get a room. For a basic double room at the Senja Bay Resort with a fan, mosquito net, cold shower, dim lighting and a rather rusty toilet we paid a rather astronomical 55 ringgit a night. The down side about this island is that electricity are only available in the evenings and nights. Making this tropical beachside very warm with no air condition and fan during the day. On the other hand, though the place may not be very comfortable, the beautiful beaches,long coconut trees and crystal blue water makes the island look like paradise on earth.
There are many activities you can do like snorkeling, jet skiing, canoeing, and parasailing. There are many packages that are offered by tunabay.com for rooms and snorkeling activities that start as low as RM 380 per person. Snorkeling is something everyone should do in Perhentian Islands as their beautiful crystal waters and riffs are so beautiful and don’t let me get started on the unique fish and sea creatures that live in the sea.
Food here can get a little pricy than the average price around Malaysia, a Nasi Goreng here would cost you around RM 15 and fruit juices here would cost you RM 8. The food taste bad and is advised to bring your own food to cook or bbq here as most resorts allow you to cook and bbq your own food. Instant noodles and water is also a must as most of the restaurants and shops are close when its near the monsoon season.
Overall the Perhentian Islands is great place to visit and is the best place for money.
For more infomation on how to get to the island from mainland, you may visit this site. http://www.perhentianisland.info/getperhentian.php
