Islands in Terengganu, Malaysia
Perhentian Islands
Two small islands with clear water, cheap snorkeling and diving, and basic beach chalets. Relaxed and social, but closed for the Nov–Feb monsoon with no alcohol sales to speak of and limited facilities.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$930–1,350Comfortable, one person · RM3,800–5,500Details
- Value for money85/100Better value than 84% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–AugWarmest: May, 31°CDetails
- Internet179 MbpsFixed broadband, Malaysia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledNo safe tap water; buy bottled water or use refill stations at hostels.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$10–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundSpeedboat from Kuala BesutWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashMostly cash; bring enough ringgit from Kuala Besut or Kota Bharu, as ATMs are scarce and cards are accepted only at larger resorts.Details
Where to stay in Perhentian Islands
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kecil: Long Beach | Backpackers, hostels, dive shops and the social scene |
| Kecil: Coral Bay | Quieter beach with sunsets, small resorts |
| Besar: Teluk Pauh and Teluk Dalam | Family resorts and calmer beaches |
Apps that work in Perhentian Islands
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Touch 'n Go: Card for trains, buses and tolls
- Taxis: No cars, taxis or apps on the islands. Use shared boat taxis and agree fares before leaving.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Malaysia.
- Mostly cash Mostly cash; bring enough ringgit from Kuala Besut or Kota Bharu, as ATMs are scarce and cards are accepted only at larger resorts.
- Currency: Ringgit (MYR). US$1 ≈ RM4.08 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many bank ATMs add no local fee for foreign cards; your own bank's fees still apply. Decline currency conversion offers.
- Tipping: Not expected; many restaurants add a 10% service charge plus SST. Round up or leave small change for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay widely accepted; DuitNow QR works with linked apps like Alipay+ and some Asian banking apps.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Submit the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before arrival; Singaporeans are exempt. Fake MDAC sites charge fees.
- Passports need six months' validity; officers can ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds.
- Sabah and Sarawak run their own immigration control, so you are checked again flying in from the peninsula.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 994 · All emergencies 999
Plugs
Type G · 240 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs with large data plans; passport registration required. eSIMs are widely available. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Malaysia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.