PERHENTIAN & REDANG
These Malaysian jewels are paradise epitomized, boasting some of the world’s most pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Located off the coast of Terengganu, they offer an idyllic escape from the mainland bustle.
This subregion is an aquatic wonderland renowned for crystal-clear turquoise waters and extraordinary marine biodiversity. It is a premier destination for diving, snorkeling, and unspoiled tropical relaxation.
Most Popular Attractions
Perhentian Islands (Besar & Kecil) Core:
Long Beach (Pulau Perhentian Kecil): The most popular and lively beach, famous for its white sand, clear water, and nightlife.
Coral Bay (Pulau Perhentian Kecil): Known for beautiful sunsets and excellent snorkeling right off the beach.
Perhentian Besar Beaches: Quieter, family-friendly resorts and beaches offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
Arwana Beach: A secluded and peaceful beach on Perhentian Besar, great for swimming and tranquility.
Fisherman Village (Kampung Nelayan): A charming local village on Kecil, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.
D’Lagoon: A small, picturesque bay on Kecil, accessible by a jungle trail or water taxi, known for its serenity.
Turtle Beach (Pantai Penyu): A secluded spot where sea turtles come ashore to nest, often visited during boat trips.
Redang Island Core:
Pasir Panjang: The main, crescent-shaped beach on Redang, famed for its long stretch of powder-soft white sand and numerous resorts.
Teluk Dalam: A peaceful, protected bay on the northern side of Redang, featuring two smaller beaches and high-end resorts.
Marine Park Centre (Taman Laut Pulau Redang): Located on Pulau Pinang (near Redang), this is the main sanctuary and a fantastic spot for snorkeling among colorful fish.
Coral Reef: A must-see snorkeling and diving spot near Pasir Panjang, teeming with marine life.
Redang Kalong: A smaller beach with limited development, offering a tranquil escape.
Berjaya Redang Beach: A private beach area known for its calm waters and natural beauty.
Aquatic & Nature Attractions (Shared):
Shark Point: A popular diving site near Perhentian where blacktip reef sharks are often spotted.
Tiga Ruang: A deep diving site near Redang with strong currents and large pelagic fish.
Terumbu Tiga (Three Rocks): A renowned dive site near Perhentian with underwater pinnacles covered in soft corals.
Snorkelling at Rawa & Serengeh Islands: Day trip destinations known for exceptional coral gardens and clear waters.
Turtle Bay Snorkeling: A designated area where you can observe green and hawksbill sea turtles feeding on seagrass.
Jungle Trekking: Marked trails on both Perhentian Besar and Kecil connecting different beaches, offering views and wildlife spotting (monitor lizards, flying foxes).
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Available at most beaches for exploring the coves and calm waters.
House Reef Snorkeling: Many resorts have excellent house reefs right in front of the accommodation, perfect for easy access to marine life.
Night Diving/Snorkeling: A unique opportunity to see nocturnal marine creatures, like bamboo sharks and cuttlefish.
Duyung (Dugong) Sighting: While rare, these gentle marine mammals occasionally visit the protected waters.
Activities & Experiences
Snorkeling Day Trip: Book a boat to explore multiple designated Marine Park spots. Key sites often include Turtle Bay, Shark Point, and the various islands’ house reefs.
Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): Take an introductory course for beginners. The clear, calm waters are ideal for getting certified or just experiencing your first dive.
Visit the Turtle Sanctuary at Perhentian Besar: Witness the conservation efforts, and if you are lucky, see the protected sea turtles swimming or nesting.
Jungle Trekking: Hike across Perhentian Kecil, from Long Beach to Coral Bay, or tackle the longer trail on Perhentian Besar for scenic views and local wildlife sightings.
Sea Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle around the islands, discovering secluded coves and hidden beaches at your own pace.
Watch the Sunset/Sunrise: Find a spot on Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil) for the sunrise or Coral Bay (Perhentian Kecil) for the sunset.
Go Island Hopping to Redang Marine Park: Take a day trip (or stay overnight) to Redang for a different, often quieter, snorkeling or diving experience, and visit the iconic jetty.
Beach Volleyball: Join a casual game on the wide, white sands of Long Beach, a popular social activity in the late afternoon.
Underwater Photography: Hire an underwater camera or bring your own to capture the vibrant coral, reef sharks, turtles, and diverse fish life.
Try a Local Cooking Class: While less formal than in cities, some local warungs (eateries) or resorts offer classes in preparing Malaysian and Malay-Thai influenced dishes.
Relax in a Hammock: Simply spend an afternoon doing nothing but reading a book or listening to the waves from one of the many beachfront hammocks.
Local Tips & Transport
Boat Taxis are Essential: There are no roads or cars on the islands. Travel between beaches and resorts is done via small, motorized water taxis. Negotiate the fare before boarding, especially for longer trips.
Getting to the Islands: All access is via a speed boat transfer from the mainland jetties (most commonly Kuala Besut for Perhentian and Shahbandar Jetty or Merang Jetty for Redang). Ensure you book your round-trip ticket in advance, especially during high season.
Ferry Schedule and Weather: Boat transfers are weather-dependent. Heavy rain or strong winds may delay or cancel crossings. Always check forecasts and allow for a buffer day if you have a tight flight connection.
Luggage Handling: Prepare to get your feet wet! You will usually have to wade through shallow water to get on and off the boat at the jetties and beaches. Use waterproof bags and keep electronics accessible for a quick transfer.
Internal Walking: On Perhentian Kecil, paths connect the main beaches (Long Beach and Coral Bay). On the other islands, walking is generally limited to the immediate beach areas and jungle trails.
Respect the Marine Park: Both islands are part of a Marine Park. Do NOT touch, stand on, or remove any coral or marine life. Fishing is strictly prohibited near the islands. Follow the “Leave Only Footprints” policy.
Dress Code & Culture: Terengganu is a state with strong Islamic customs. While swimwear is fine on the beaches and in resorts, cover up (shoulders and knees) when visiting the local villages, walking the main paths, or dining in mainland towns.
Dry Season is Key: The islands are subject to the Northeast Monsoon. The main tourist season is March to October. Most resorts and transport services completely close down from November to February due to heavy rain and rough seas.
Power & Wi-Fi: Power cuts are relatively common, particularly on Perhentian Kecil. Wi-Fi is often slow or unreliable, especially outside the main resorts. See it as an opportunity to truly disconnect!
Accommodation Varies: Perhentian Kecil is known for budget to mid-range options and a backpacker atmosphere (Long Beach). Perhentian Besar and Redang offer more mid-range to luxury resorts. Book well in advance for peak season (June-August).
No Alcohol on Redang: Redang is much stricter than Perhentian regarding alcohol sales. Expect prices to be much higher, and availability may be limited to specific resorts. Perhentian has more options, especially on Long Beach.
Cash is King: While larger resorts on Redang may accept cards, most water taxis, small shops, and local eateries (warungs) on both islands only accept cash (Malaysian Ringgit, RM). Bring enough cash with you, as ATMs are rare or non-existent and often out of service.
Top Restaurants
Mama’s Place Restaurant [$5-$15] – Located on Perhentian Besar, this is a long-standing, very popular spot known for its delicious and extensive nightly seafood BBQ and excellent traditional Malay dishes like Nasi Goreng (fried rice).
Tuna Cafe [$5-$15] – Part of Tuna Bay Island Resort on Perhentian Besar, this beach-front café is known for its excellent fresh seafood BBQ and highly-rated Malaysian dishes, and it’s open to non-guests.
Watercolours Resort Restaurant [$5-$15] – A popular option on Perhentian Besar, praised for its fresh, well-prepared, and surprisingly affordable seafood, as well as refreshing fruit smoothies.
The Barat Perhentian Restaurant [$8-$20] – Located on Perhentian Besar, this restaurant offers both tasty Asian food and international dishes, with friendly, efficient staff and a reasonable price point for a resort restaurant.
Amelia Cafe n Chalet [$5-$15] – A favorite on Coral Bay (Perhentian Kecil), popular for its hearty portions of seafood BBQ, tasty curries, and fried rice, all with a great view. Try their banana cake.
Hazeme Seafood Restaurant [$5-$15] – Situated on Perhentian Kecil, this spot is highly recommended by locals and travelers for its quality seafood and fair pricing.
Paradise restaurant [$5-$10] – A simple, highly-rated spot on Perhentian Besar, offering great value Asian cuisine and a lovely sea view.
Summer Point [$5-$15] – A beach bar at Redang Beach Resort on Redang Island, known for its focus on typical Malaysian and Chinese food, including tasty Thai-style chicken and chicken noodles.
Ombak Cafe Perhentian Island [$5-$15] – Located on Coral Bay (Perhentian Kecil), this café offers a diverse menu with stunning sunset views, and is part of the Ombak Dive Resort.
D’Pirate [$10-$20] – A simple beach stall/bar on Redang Island’s Long Beach offering a variety of food and a great spot for a casual meal or snack.
Santai Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located at BuBu Resort on Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil), offering a diverse menu, including fresh BBQ, and is a good option for a slightly more upscale resort dining experience.
Abdul’s Chalet BBQ [$8-$20] – Found at Abdul’s Chalets on Perhentian Besar, their nightly BBQ is a popular, laid-back choice at the quieter end of the beach.
Keranji Cafe [$5-$15] – Situated at Keranji/Mira Beach on Perhentian Kecil, this charming spot offers a relaxed atmosphere and satisfying food.
The World Cafe @ BuBu Villa [$10-$25] – Located at BuBu Villa on Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil), this spot offers a mix of Malaysian and Western cuisine with a focus on good quality, especially their breakfast buffet.
Pelangi Bistro [$10-$20] – Part of the Pelangi Resort on Redang Island, this beach bar is perfect for typical finger food like pizzas, nachos, and great smoothies, often with live music at night.
Ewan’s Café [$3-$10] – A hotspot for backpackers on Perhentian Kecil, famous for its delicious and wallet-friendly local food like Nasi Goreng Pattaya (fried rice) and Tom Yum.
Awatif Cafe [$3-$10] – Located near Awatif Campsite on Perhentian Kecil, this popular café offers excellent local dishes for all meals, including their specialty Nasi Kukus and Roti Canai.
Warung Pak Jokong [$3-$10] – A hidden local gem on Perhentian Besar offering authentic Malay dishes, like Sweet & Sour Fish, and Western-style breakfast options with a beautiful sea view.
Sharizal Cafe [$3-$10] – Located on Redang Island’s Long Beach, this is a great spot for very affordable, tasty local dishes like Pad Thai and Satay, and they make excellent homemade smoothies.
Asmadi Cafe & Restaurant [$3-$10] – An inexpensive and local favorite on the Perhentian Islands known for its Asian cuisine and great value.
Tiara Cafe [$3-$10] – A small, unassuming spot on Perhentian Kecil that is highly recommended for affordable, traditional local food.
Panorama Restaurant [$5-$15] – Part of Panorama Chalets on Long Beach (Perhentian Kecil), it’s a casual spot serving Asian and international fare, and is known for decent Wi-Fi and movie screenings.
Blue Paradise [$5-$10] – Known for its delicious and affordable home-cooked style meals and very warm hospitality, offering great value for money on Perhentian Kecil.
Belinda Cafe [$5-$10] – A simple, charming café on Perhentian Kecil that is a popular choice for cheap, local eats.
Nia Cafe [$5-$10] – Another popular option for budget-friendly meals on Perhentian Kecil, serving local favorites.
Local Food Stalls (Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil) [$2-$8] – Numerous rustic beach shacks and stalls on Long Beach that serve affordable and tasty native cuisine, including roti canai, local snacks, and barbecued corn.
Kopitiam [$5-$15] – A beach bar at Redang Beach Resort on Redang Island, a good alternative for those tired of rice and noodles, offering great burgers and fries, as well as tasty rotis.
Chillout Cafe [$5-$15] – A cozy spot on Perhentian Kecil where you can relax in hammocks and enjoy sandwiches and other delicious snacks.
Yellow Station Café [$5-$15] – Located on Coral Bay (Perhentian Kecil) with tables on the beach, offering a buffet style or a la carte menu, with the seaside seafood BBQ being popular in the evenings.
Bintang Restaurant [$5-$15] – A simple restaurant on Perhentian Kecil known for its good value and local dishes.
Bayu Restaurant [$15-$30] – Part of Alunan Resort on Perhentian Besar, offering international cuisine and a mix of local and Western dishes with excellent service.
Crocodile Rock Bistro [$10-$20] – Located in a tranquil area on Perhentian Kecil (part of Crocodile Rock Villas), known for its delicious vegetarian options, homemade sausages, burgers, and Italian dishes, in a secluded setting.
The Barat Perhentian [$8-$20] – Offers a mix of local Asian and international dishes, ensuring there’s something to please everyone in a modern setting on Perhentian Besar.
Matahari Restaurant [$10-$25] – Located on Perhentian Besar, offering a wide range of Asian, Malaysian, and seafood dishes, but also good Western options like burgers and pizzas.
Oh LaLa [$10-$25] – A Western-style food option on the Perhentian Islands that offers a change of pace from the local cuisine.
Daniela Cafe [$5-$15] – A well-regarded café on Perhentian Kecil known for its diverse menu and relaxed atmosphere.
Long Beach Stalls (Western) [$5-$15] – Various small businesses, particularly on Long Beach, offer Western-style favorites like pancakes, sandwiches, and simple pasta dishes.
Luna Bar [$10-$20] – Situated near Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa on Redang Island, this bar offers great sea views and a menu of cocktails, pizzas, and snacks.
Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort Restaurant [$10-$25] – The main dining option at this resort on Perhentian Besar, offering a mix of local and Western food for guests and walk-ins.
D’Lagoon Cafe [$5-$15] – Located at D’Lagoon on Perhentian Kecil, offering simple, satisfying meals and a focus on sustainability.
Flora Bay Resort Restaurant [$10-$25] – The primary restaurant at Flora Bay Resort on Perhentian Besar, serving a varied menu of local and international dishes.
Coral View Island Resort Restaurant [$10-$25] – Located at the resort on Perhentian Besar, it offers a small but great menu overall, catering to international tastes.
Redang Beach Resort Restaurant [$10-$25] – One of the larger resort dining options on Redang Island, known for well-cooked meals and cuisine.
Redang Reef Resort Restaurant [$10-$25] – A casual dining option on Redang Island that provides standard meals for guests and visitors, focusing on easy island fare.
Taaras Beach & Spa Resort Dining [$30-$60] – The high-end option on Redang Island, with multiple dining venues offering refined international and local cuisine for a fine dining experience on the island.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
PIR Restaurant & Bar: Located at Perhentian Island Resort (PIR) on Teluk Pauh, Perhentian Besar. This is a higher-end resort bar offering classic cocktails and a quiet, romantic atmosphere right on one of the most beautiful beaches.
The World Cafe: Found at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, Redang Island. This chic lounge offers a sophisticated setting with a wide selection of drinks, including tropical cocktails, making it one of the most upscale options on the islands.
Cactus Bar: A popular and chilled-out spot on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. Known for its friendly vibe, cheap drinks, and comfortable floor seating, it’s perfect for a relaxed evening.
Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort Beach Bar: Located at Arwana Resort on Perhentian Besar. This resort bar has a great sea view and is known for serving ice-cold beer and basic mixed drinks in a tranquil setting.
Redang Pelangi Bar: Found at Redang Pelangi Resort, Redang Island. A simple, friendly spot that provides a laid-back atmosphere for enjoying a drink after a day of diving.
Bubu Long Beach Resort Bar: Situated on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. This bar is part of one of the more upscale resorts and offers a refined beachside experience with premium cocktails and sun loungers.
The Reef Dive Resort Bar: Located on Pulau Aur, a smaller island nearby (but often associated with the Redang region). This spot offers a very secluded, rustic bar experience with basic drinks for divers.
Tuna Bay Island Resort Restaurant Bar: Found on Tuna Bay, Perhentian Besar. While primarily a restaurant, its outdoor area is a great place to enjoy a beer or a simple mixed drink with a stunning sunset view.
Impiani Beach Bar: A casual, simple beach shack on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. It’s known for its colorful lights and basic drink options, popular with backpackers.
Coral View Island Resort Bar: Located on Coral Bay, Perhentian Kecil. This is a simple, no-frills resort bar offering a quiet place to relax with a drink while watching the sunset.
Bayu Beach Bar: A small bar on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil, famous for its cheap beer, great music, and friendly service, often starting the evening’s activities.
A-Rahman Restoran: Found near the main jetty on Redang Island. While a local eatery, they often serve basic packaged drinks and provide a social atmosphere for budget travelers.
Palm View Cafe: Located on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. A relaxed spot known for its fresh fruit shakes that can be spiked with spirits, creating a popular daytime/early evening cocktail.
Samudra Bar: Situated at the Murex Camp area on Redang Island. This is a very basic, rustic bar aimed at divers and backpackers, offering simple drinks and a great spot for stargazing.
The Barat Perhentian Beach Bar: Located at The Barat Resort on Perhentian Besar. This bar provides comfortable seating and a more modern ambiance than many other spots on the island, with a wider drink selection.
Ombak Divers Beach Bar & Bistro: Located on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. This is a popular nightlife hub, often hosting a DJ or live music. It’s one of the best places to find a lively crowd and dance floor on the islands.
Ayu-Wang Beach Bar: Situated on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. Known for hosting spectacular fire shows every night, this is a central gathering point that turns into a lively, albeit sand-floored, “club” scene as the night progresses.
Captain’s Corner: Located on Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil. This is another key location known for its beach parties, loud music, and a high-energy, backpacker-friendly atmosphere, often competing with Ombak and Ayu-Wang for the nightly crowds.
Matahari Chalet Bar: Found on Coral Bay, Perhentian Kecil. This is the main social spot on the quieter side of the small island, attracting a more mellow but still lively crowd for late-night chats and drinks.
Redang Lagoon Dive Resort Bar: Located on Pasir Panjang, Redang Island. This resort often has the most active nightlife on Redang, hosting parties and evening activities focused on its diving clientele.
The Taaras Beach Party Area: The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort on Redang Island occasionally hosts formal beach parties or themed nights, offering a more upscale club-like experience than the other spots.
Pasir Panjang Social Spot: A collective term for the cluster of bars and restaurants on Pasir Panjang beach, Redang Island, which becomes a busy social hub after dinner, often with music and a buzzing atmosphere.
Long Beach Fire Show Area: The entire stretch of Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil, where several spots (including Ayu-Wang and Captain’s Corner) host fire shows and the crowd spills out onto the sand, making the whole beach a single, large party zone.
D’Lagoon Perhentian Bar: Located in a quieter bay on Perhentian Kecil (D’Lagoon). While more remote, this spot attracts a specific crowd and often has music and a bonfire for a cozy, late-night gathering.
Teluk Kalong Beach (Perhentian Besar): While no single establishment dominates, the resort restaurants in this area (like those at Abdul Chalet or Samudra Beach Chalet) transform into quiet social spots with music and lighting, providing the most ‘club-like’ experience on the bigger, quieter island.