Travel

Perhentian Islands: How to Get There, What to Expect, & More

Published

4 months ago

January 20, 2025

Located on the northeast coast of peninsular Malaysia is a pair of islands known as the Perhentians. The name Perhentian translates roughly to “stopping place,” as it was a frequent stop for Malay traders heading north to Bangkok. The two islands are straightforwardly dubbed Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar – meaning Little Perhentian and Big Perhentian respectively. In mid-March, Emmett and I decided to head to these islands ourselves to see what the fuss was about. You see, we’d heard that the coral reefs were stunning and that we were pretty much guaranteed to see a sea turtle. We tried not to get our hopes up too high, though it turned out we had nothing to worry about. All the rumors were true and we were ultimately blown away by the natural beauty of the two Perhentians.

Visiting the Perhentian Islands

Before our trip, I found that a good amount of the information available online about traveling to the Perhentians was either outdated, incomplete, or both. Thus, while I was there, I soaked up as much info as possible to be able to provide the guide I wish I’d had. Fair warning: this will be a longer post, so I have broken it up into a table of contents. Feel free to skip ahead to whatever information applies to you & your potential Perhentian questions.

1. Packing for the Perhentians
2. How to Get There
3. Where to Stay
4. Where to Snorkel
5. More Things to Do

What to Pack

Beyond your standard clothes or other items you normally have with you, be sure to bring the following beach essentials:

+ Sunscreen
+ Sunglasses
+ Swimsuit
+ Snorkel & Mask & Fins
+ Mosquito/bug repellant
+ Hat
+ Quick-dry Towel
+ Dry Bag or other Waterproof Bag
+ Waterproof Camera – if you’ve got one

Beyond those essentials, I highly recommend that you also bring at least one book or playing cards or some other item with which to entertain yourself. WiFi is spotty at best and most often non-existent. Also, if your accommodation is of the budget variety (as ours was), you will probably want a mosquito net. The mosquitoes are everywhere (even in March!) and budget cabins don’t have mosquito nets. Make sure your camera, other devices, and any spare batteries are all charged up before you go. Most budget accommodation runs on generators and will often not even have an outlet for charging. If you’re a budget traveler who likes to cook their own food and avoid eating out: bring food with you. There are a few general stores selling things like ramen but at highly inflated prices. Even just a handful of granola bars can save you from having to eat every meal of the day out at the cafes.

Lastly: there are no ATMS available, so be sure to bring plenty of cash. Resorts and larger establishments will take cards but really: cash is king.

How to Get to the Perhentians

From Kuala Lumpur:

There is one bus a day, managed by Bus NKS, leaving Kuala Lumpur Sentral with a connection in Jerantut bound for Kuala Besut (port city for Perhentians). The journey will take at least 9 hours.
Other transportation possibilities from KL include a rental car, train to bus transfers, or short domestic flights.

From Penang/Langkawi:

You can take a bus from Butterworth (port city for Penang & Langkawi) to Kuala Besut (port city for Perhentians). Be warned though, since you’re going to the literal opposite side of the country, the bumpy bus ride will take 8 or 9 hours. We did this ride overnight when leaving the Perhentians to get to Penang.

From Cameron Highlands/Taman Negara:

Take a private shuttle. This is something I would recommend that you book a few days ahead of time at your accommodation in Taman Negara or the Cameron Highlands. That’s what we did – our hostel in the Highlands put us on a shuttle bus called “Golden Highlands.” The price of the ticket for the two of us was 250 MYR ($65 USD) and included not only the 6 hour shuttle ride but also the cost of the ferry transfer to Perhentian Kecil.

Ferrying to the islands from Kuala Besut:

As of our visit in March 2018, you needed to not only have paid for your ferry ticket (approx 35 MYR or $8 USD per person for open return tickets) BUT also pay a fee to enter the Pulau Redang Marine National Park. This fee was 30 MYR per person (about $7.50) at the docks prior to boarding and supposedly goes towards conservation initiatives on and around the islands.

A quick note about the fastboat “ferries” taking you to the Perhentian islands:

Make sure all of your stuff is secured in your bag and anything valuable is in a dry bag or plastic bag. The speedboats are so fast over the surprisingly choppy seas. Loads of spray will come in the boat onto you and your bag. Not to mention that the boat catches so much air that a) your butt will hurt from slamming into the seats and b) two backpacks nearly flew out into the ocean when our boat jumped a particularly huge wave. Luckily, those of us sitting in the front were alert and grabbed them by the straps just as they launched. The pack owners were very grateful. I’d hope someone would do the same for me but you never know – better to prepare for the worst.

Moments before some of these bags nearly flew off into the water.

Finding Accommodation

Budget

If you’re on a budget, your best bet is to just show up. Preferably mid-week before the weekend travelers arrive. Perhentian Kecil is the more backpacker-friendly island, so going there will be your best bet if you’re looking to save. Once you get off the fastboat, walk along Coral Bay or Long Beach and pop in a few locations to check availability and compare prices. Some of the places have dorms, others have private rooms with a fan, basically it’s worth an ask wherever you go. Try anywhere with the name “Chalet” (such as Fatimah Chalet, Amelia Chalet, Butterfly Chalet, etc.) for a cheaper option.

Quick side note: To get to Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil, get off the ferry at Coral Bay. There is a walkway that starts at Ombak Dive Resort and takes you fifteen minutes through the jungle in the center of the island. There are quite a few chalets along this path and even more once the path opens up onto the wide mouth of Long Beach.

Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil, just before the beach parties began.

Mid-Range to Luxury

After a few budget nights in a buggy chalet, we spent one night at Ombak Dive Resort ($50 USD or 150 MYR a night for a twin room) on Perhentian Kecil. Ombak had very clean, comfortable western-style rooms with en suite bathrooms and a very tasty breakfast buffet. Another Kecil resort option would be Shari-La Resort, which has it’s own private beach and is located just off of the main dock at Coral Bay.

For more luxury options, go to Perhentian Besar instead. The accommodation – and the general atmosphere – there is less backpacker-oriented and more like the kind of place someone might honeymoon. Places like Tuna Bay Island Resort or Flora Bay Resort may be the perfect place to have a quiet and luxurious stay.

Accommodation For Divers

The Perhentians are known for their marine life and thus there are numerous dive resorts sprinkled across each island. Some resorts also offer a package for divers to stay and take a course. On Perhentian Kecil, the resort with the best reputation is Ombak Dive Resort. As I mentioned above, we spent a night there and the facilities were lovely. On Perhentian Besar, Bubbles Dive Resort has the best reputation for dive & accommodation packages.

Snorkeling in the Perhentians

I really, really would like to become SCUBA certified some day – as would Emmett. However, the price wasn’t right for us in the Perhentians, so we opted to snorkel instead and had a FANTASTIC time. There are quite a few options for snorkeling around the Perhentians which I will outline below.

Snorkeling at Coral Bay

Whether you have your own snorkeling gear or you rent some from one of the many snorkel tour stands at Coral Bay, you’ll be delighted to find that you don’t need to hire a boat to see some beautiful underwater scenery. There are two places that are good for snorkeling just off of Coral Bay. The first one can be reached by getting in the water just off of the left of the dock when facing Shari-La Resort. The area is roped off with buoys for safe swimming away from boat traffic. The coral wasn’t too great there but there were quite a few anemones being guarded by cutely defensive clownfish. The second snorkeling spot is a bit further off and also buoy-roped off. Starting in front of Butterfly Chalet, swim towards the left over the shallow sand until the coast curves into a slight cove. Just around the bend, you will find lots of healthy purple coral (see above) as well as giant clams, parrot fish, and other tropical swimmers. Be forewarned: if the tide is going out, the currents can be a bit on the swifter side in this area.

If you’re on Long Beach, I do not recommend attempting to swim at all there – let alone snorkel. There is a lot of surf and the currents are strong. A friend of ours was nearly carried into some rocks and we watched another person get rescued after being swept out too far. Most tellingly, on the first day we visited, one of the cafes on Long Beach posted a sign near the waterfront that honestly said “No Swimming!! Danger!! Death!!”

Boat-Based Snorkel Tours

full day snorkel tour around the islands. There are many little shed-based snorkel tour companies lining Coral Bay. We chose the one in front of Amelia’s Cafe & Chalet. I don’t believe that it was any better than the rest of the choices available on the beachfront. Honestly, each boat will take you to the same 6 locations (4 if it’s a half day) for about the same price. The full day tour will take you to massive coral heads with tons of colorful fish, bait a black-tipped reef shark over towards your group, scout out green sea turtles grazing on algae for you to swim near, take you to dock-based cafés at Fisherman’s Village, drop you next to a small reef lighthouse, and end your tour on a gorgeous white sand beach called “Romantik Beach.” If you’ve got the time for a 6 hour tour… GO! It was about 50 MYR ($15 USD) per person.

That being said, if you have more than just a few days: take more than just one boat tour. Emmett and I were seriously considering chartering a boat out to Redang Island just to see if there was even better coral further out. I’m sure there is. There are other snorkeling spots in the Marine Park besides Redang as well – I’ll bet that there are so many wonders of the sea just waiting to be seen.

An Important Note About Snorkel Tours & Conservation

Emmett and I were disappointed to find that there was little education or discussion about reef health before or during our snorkel boat tour. We saw people from our own tour and others standing or sitting on live coral. Do not touch the coral or any other marine life. Touching the coral and especially STANDING on it will kill the coral. Coral reefs are already struggling to survive due to climate change, so don’t quicken the process by handling any marine life. Also, I heard a guide tell one of his clients that they could grab onto a sea turtle. Please do not touch sea turtles. Do not grab sea turtles. Swim a polite distance away from the turtles. They are wild animals who do not need the stress of being grabbed by a human.

Honestly, I recommend that you bring up these important points if you see fellow snorkelers misbehaving. In most cases, I think people genuinely don’t know they’re acting harmfully.

Beyond Snorkeling/Diving: Things to Do in the Perhentian Islands

1. Stroll the beach while looking at seashells and other beach treasures. ..Always one of my favorite relaxing beach activities!

2. Get a fresh fruit smoothie from one of the many cafés on a hot afternoon. Our favorites were at Daneila’s on Long Beach.

3. Watch an evening movie at Ombak Resort’s outdoor theater/restaurant on Kecil.

4. Go to Long Beach after dark for one of the many beach parties/bonfires held by local bars.

5. Walk Kecil or Besar’s jungle trails.

6. Keep an eye out for the resident water monitor lizards who proudly creep all over these islands.

7. Try the “best roti canai” from the stand outside of Fatimah’s at Coral Bay – you won’t be disappointed.

8. Buy a cheap beach read from Ewan Café’s stash of used books.

9. Relax after a long day of snorkeling by getting a massage at one of the many affordable massage parlors/mini spas on the islands.

10. Bliss out in the sunshine – just be sure to wear sunscreen.

There you have it: a guide to the Perhentian Islands. I hope that I covered any questions you might have. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!

Travel

Discover Family Adventure in Nuevo Vallarta at Aquaventuras Park

Published

3 days ago

May 19, 2025

Mark Rober

If you’re planning a vacation to Mexico’s Pacific coast, Nuevo Vallarta is a destination that blends coastal beauty with exciting attractions. Among the must-visit experiences for families is Aquaventuras Park—a water park designed for unforgettable fun.

From thrilling water slides and lazy rivers to dolphin encounters and kids’ splash zones, Aquaventuras Park offers something for every age group in an environment that’s safe, engaging, and full of energy.

What to Expect at Aquaventuras Park

This vibrant Parque Acuático Vallarta is more than just a water park. It’s a full-day experience packed with interactive attractions:

High-speed water slides for thrill-seekers
Relaxing lazy river and shaded pools
Aqua play areas designed specifically for kids
Zip line adventure with panoramic views of the park
Dolphin and sea lion encounters, guided by professionals

The park is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it an ideal outing for both large families and small travel groups.

Why Families Love It

Parents will love the balance of safety and excitement, while kids will be thrilled with the freedom to play, splash, and explore. The dolphin experiences in particular are a highlight, offering the chance to swim alongside trained dolphins in a secure, supervised environment.

There are also shaded rest zones, food courts with kid-friendly menus, and locker rentals for convenience—everything you need to enjoy a worry-free day in the sun.

A Great Addition to Any Nuevo Vallarta Itinerary

Aquaventuras Park is conveniently located within Nuevo Vallarta, making it easily accessible from major resorts and beachfront hotels. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or an extended vacation, it’s the perfect day trip to add variety to your schedule.

Looking for tips? Arrive early to beat the crowds, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and bring a waterproof case for your phone or camera—there will be plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Plan Ahead for Exclusive Perks

The park offers online booking, which includes access to exclusive discounts, early-entry perks, and combo packages for dolphin encounters and other attractions. By reserving in advance through the official aquaventuras.com.mx website, families can save both time and money.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to beat the heat, bond as a family, or enjoy a unique activity during your Mexican vacation, Aquaventuras Park delivers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. With attractions that cater to all ages and interests, it’s no surprise that this park continues to be one of Nuevo Vallarta’s top-rated family experiences.

Travel

Discover the Best Outdoor Adventures in Mexico: From Cliffside Thrills to Temazcal Tranquility

Published

3 days ago

May 19, 2025

Mark Rober

Looking for a destination that blends thrilling outdoor activities with moments of peace and cultural tradition? Just off the coast of Cancún lies a hidden treasure: Garrafon Natural Reef Park on Isla Mujeres.

From breathtaking cliffside views and vibrant coral reefs to the rejuvenating experience of a traditional temazcal ceremony, Garrafon Park delivers a balanced escape into Mexico’s natural and spiritual richness. Learn more or plan your visit here: Garrafon.

Why Visit Garrafon Park?

Located on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, Garrafon Park is a nature and adventure park renowned for its turquoise waters, reef formations, and cliffside landscapes. Unlike most tourist spots, this park offers a little bit of everything—snorkeling, zip-lining, kayaking, and temazcal, all in one place.

It’s ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers who want to enjoy a blend of adrenaline and serenity without sacrificing comfort or accessibility.

Outdoor Activities for All Adventure Levels

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual traveler, Garrafon offers experiences tailored to every comfort zone.

Snorkeling: Swim among colorful fish and coral just a few meters from the shore.
Zip-lining over the sea: Feel the rush as you soar across cliff edges with the ocean far below.
Kayaking: Paddle over calm waters with panoramic views of the Caribbean.
Hiking and Biking: Enjoy scenic trails that take you through lush landscapes and lookout points.

Everything is well-organized and family-friendly, with safety equipment and guides provided.

Temazcal: A Unique Wellness Experience

What truly sets Garrafon apart is its offering of a temazcal ceremony—an ancient Mesoamerican steam bath guided by local shamans. It’s more than a sauna; it’s a deeply meditative, cultural ritual designed to cleanse the body and spirit using heated volcanic stones and herbal steam.

Many visitors find it to be the perfect balance to the park’s more intense activities—a way to reconnect with nature and themselves.

To experience this authentic wellness tradition during your visit, check out: Garrafon Temazcal

Comfort, Views, and Convenience

When you’re not diving into the water or relaxing in a temazcal, you can lounge in seaside hammocks, enjoy the infinity pool, or grab a bite with a panoramic view of the Caribbean. The park is designed to keep you engaged or relaxed, depending on your mood.

And with online booking options, Garrafon Park makes planning your visit simple. You’ll find perks like flexible payments, early-bird discounts, and easy scheduling—especially helpful during busy travel seasons.

Isla Mujeres may be small, but its experiences are anything but limited. At Garrafon Natural Reef Park, you’ll discover a destination that celebrates both Mexico’s natural wonders and its cultural heritage.

So if you’re planning a trip to Cancún or the Riviera Maya, make sure to carve out a day for Garrafon—you won’t regret it.

Travel

Reasons to Pick Lamborghini Urus Rental Dubai: A Detailed Look

Published

5 days ago

May 17, 2025

Mark Rober

A Lamborghini Urus is a car of great metal and pedigree. Being a model of such a luxurious brand, it automatically becomes historically significant. With so much historical significance behind it, the Lamborghini Urus has transcended the status of just a car. It has become a symbol of reliability, a cultural icon, and timelessness. It is a dream car for anyone who knows about cars. It has become a part of popular culture. Everyone wants to have a ride in a Lamborghini at least once.

On the other hand, when you witness Dubai for the first time and are exposed to its majesty, certain words come to your mind. These words are luxury, panache, finesse, modernity, and excellence. When you witness a Lamborghini Urus for the first time, the words that come to mind in order to explain your first impression of the car are not far from the above-mentioned adjectives. This makes Lamborghini Urus Rental Dubai a more suitable choice.

Advanced Technology of The Car System

The Lamborghini Urus vehicle encapsulates cutting-edge technology that enhances the quality of driving tenfold. Systems like infotainment set a new precedent for user experience with the use of augmented reality and AI technology. The driver assistance systems provided by Lamborghini are also of the highest order. They elevate the safety of the car to new heights. These systems, namely, Active Distance Assist and Active Steering Assist, set the bar high for safety. Furthermore, many more technological attachments, such as aerodynamics, LED intelligent light systems, and alloy wheel systems, demonstrate Lamborghini’s commitment to providing the best experience to its users.

All these technological advancements come in handy when you navigate through the high-flying roads of Dubai. Such technologies enhance your tourism experience by providing you with the ultimate experience in every sense of the word.

Wide Range of Models

Lamborghini Urus provides a large number of models across various segments. This variety gives you the independence to choose any car that tickles your fancy, whether you are with your family or with your friends, whether you are on a school trip or a long drive. There is always an option available that is suitable for your situation. Here is a list of some of the different versions of the Lamborghini Urus.

Urus SE (2025)

Urus Performance

Urus S

Urus Pearl Capsule

Prestige & Luxurious Feelings

Prestige and luxurious feelings are the hallmarks of driving a Mercedes. It is such an exclusive car that you feel like you are a part of the Billionaires Club. Its interior is made of the finest leather, engulfing you in a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity. You are surrounded by the best atmosphere possible when you step inside a Mercedes.

Every ride with Lamborghini becomes a statement of style, substance and wealth. The Lamborghini holds its own and commands respect wherever it goes, hence offering you a status where no one can touch you or drag you down. Lamborghini is the second name of comfort. Whether you are in a high-speed race or on a bumpy road, it never lets you unsettle and feel the brunt of the situation. Hence offering you the ultimate luxury.

Exploring Dubai in Style

Another benefit of driving a Lamborghini Urus is that you get to explore the magnificence of Dubai in terms of style and poise. Whether you are crossing Burj Khalifa or grazing through the territory of Palm Jumeirah, your composure and style is never compromised. You always navigate at your own speed. Whether you arrive at conferences or Michelin-star restaurants, if the Lamborghini Urus is accompanying you, you are the most suave person around.

Suitable For Long Trips in Dubai

Dubai, in its entirety, is a theme park. Nothing here is without a purpose. As Dubai is a modern metropolitan, there are no alternative means of transportation to a car. So, it is evident that you need a vehicle to explore Dubai. But Dubai is also very scattered. It is not a small city that can be explored in a jiffy. So you need a car that is suitable for long drives. Lamborghini Urus is your best option for this. It is highly compatible and essential. It can hold its own in a long drive. So it is our suggestion that you choose a Lamborghini Urus in Dubai.

The Go-To Rental House for Lamborghini Urus Rental Dubai

Dubai has no shortage of quality rental houses that offer state-of-the-art cars and luxurious vehicles. But in our opinion, if you are going for a Lamborghini Urus, then there is no better option than Luxury Car Rental Dubai. This rental company is known for having an enormous inventory of luxury cars, specifically Lamborghinis. You are bound to find the Urus of your dreams here. Plus, you will get various deals and discounts on the Urus. So, if you have locked in the Urus as the choice of car, it is high time you locked in Luxury Car Rental Dubai as the place to get it.

Safety & Privacy

Safety and privacy are at the forefront of every predicament. Whether you are on a family trip or a business outing, your safety holds the utmost value. The use of equipment such as airbags, ESP, ABS, adaptive brake assist, blind spot assist, etc., ensures that no stone is unturned when it comes to your safety.

In addition to safety, the Lamborghini Urus also provides privacy. The use of privacy glass, electric roller sunblinds, rear seat privacy screens, etc., ensures your safety in the highest order.

In conclusion, it is safe to say that renting a Lamborghini Urus would make your tour far more memorable. And you will cherish these memories for the rest of your life. That is why we recommend Lamborghini Urus Rental Dubai.