Marine Park (Perhentian Islands) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The gateway to the Perhentian Islands is Kuala Besut Jetty on the Malaysian mainland, easily accessible by road from major cities. From Kuala Lumpur, the journey to Kuala Besut takes approximately 7-8 hours by car or bus, while travelers from Kota Bharu can reach the jetty in just 60 minutes. Regular shuttle services connect Kota Bharu Airport to Kuala Besut, with journey times of about an hour. Upon arrival at the jetty, secure parking facilities are available for those traveling by private vehicle. From Kuala Besut, speedboats make the crossing to the Perhentian Islands in 30-45 minutes, with services running frequently during daylight hours.

The Perhentian Islands rise from the azure waters of northeastern Malaysia like emerald jewels, offering a pristine marine sanctuary that feels worlds away from mainland bustle. This protected Marine Park encompasses two main islands, Perhentian Besar (Big Island) and Perhentian Kecil (Small Island), each fringed with powder-white beaches and crystal-clear waters. As one of Malaysia's premier ferry destinations, the Perhentians blend untouched natural beauty with a laid-back atmosphere that instantly puts visitors in vacation mode.

The Perhentian Islands operate seasonally, with the prime visiting window falling between March and October when calm seas and sunny skies prevail. July and August mark the peak season, bringing perfect weather but also larger crowds and higher prices. For an ideal balance of good weather and tranquility, aim for the shoulder months of April-May or September-October when you'll enjoy sunshine with fewer fellow travelers. The monsoon season (November to February) brings heavy rainfall and rough seas, during which most resorts close and ferry services become limited or cease entirely. Water visibility for snorkeling and diving is particularly exceptional during April and May when the waters are at their clearest.

The Perhentian Islands serve as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Malaysia's northeastern coastal treasures. Lang Tengah Island lies just a 45-minute boat ride away, offering exclusive resorts and untouched beaches with remarkable snorkeling conditions. The larger Redang Island can be reached in about an hour by boat, featuring more developed tourism infrastructure alongside stunning marine life and a turtle conservation center. For a truly unique experience, day trips to Pulau Kapas deliver peaceful, less-visited shores just 90 minutes from the Perhentians. The journey between these islands often provides opportunities to spot dolphins and flying fish, making the transfers between destinations an adventure in themselves.

The marine wonderland surrounding the Perhentians offers world-class snorkeling right off the beach, with the chance to swim alongside blacktip reef sharks, gentle sea turtles, and kaleidoscopic reef fish. Shark Point, Turtle Bay, and Coral Garden stand out as must-visit snorkeling spots accessible by short boat rides. On land, follow the jungle trail connecting Long Beach to Coral Bay for stunning viewpoints and potential encounters with monitor lizards and monkeys. The islands' culinary scene centers around fresh seafood barbecues on the beach, with Malay and Thai influences dominating the flavor profiles. For a memorable evening, head to Perhentian Kecil's Long Beach where beachfront cafés transform into relaxed bars with fire shows after sunset.

The name 'Perhentian' translates to 'stopping point' in Malay, reflecting the islands' historical role as a resting place for traders traveling between Malaysia and Thailand. Despite their popularity, the Perhentians remain free of roads and motorized vehicles, with jungle pathways and water taxis serving as the only transportation options. The islands host a successful green turtle conservation program, with hatcheries that have helped increase the local population significantly over the past decade. Perhaps most remarkably, the Perhentian Islands' waters contain blue-ringed octopuses and bioluminescent plankton that create a natural light show in the water when disturbed after dark.