Perhentian Islands Beach Guide

The Perhentian Islands offer a choice of pristine white-sand beaches that lie scattered around the islands of Besar and Kecil: some are shared by resorts while others lie untouched and can easily be visited by water taxi or by walking jungle tracks. There are no roads or cars on the islands.

Main Beach (Besar) – Fringed by jungle-clad rocky promontories and nestling beneath a 100m-high hill covered in virgin rainforest, Perhentian’s main beach offers a wide kilometre-long stretch of soft white-sand perfect for sunbathing, with views across to Perhentian Kecil. Snorkel the reef around huge boulders, relax with a cold drink in the shade and enjoy a choice of several beachside chalets.

Teluk Pauh (Besar) – Dip your toes into the soft powder-white sand of this gorgeous secluded beach, which faces a half-moon shaped bay framed by jungle-clad headlands. The beach is home to the Perhentian Island Resort, offering a range of amenities just a short stroll from the water’s edge. Snorkel the clean waters, spot parrot fish, black reef sharks and turtles or sunbathe on the soft sand.

Teluk Dalam (Besar) – Shared by several chalet-type beach resorts, this casuarina-fringed, wide stretch of fine white sand faces a shallow turquoise bay and is framed by lush, jungle-clad headlands.

Turtle Creek Bay (Besar) – Framed by jungle-clad hills, it’s easy to relax on this stretch of soft white sand that shelves into the deep turquoise waters of Turtle Creek Bay on the southern coast. The one resort on this beach offers diving and snorkelling excursions to the nearby reef.

Pasir Panjang (Kecil) – Known as Long Beach, Perhentian’s liveliest beach is shared by several budget chalets arranged beside a long white-sand beach that shelves into crystal clear water on the east coast of the island, with views to Perhentian Besar.

Teluk Aur (Kecil) – Also known as Coral Bay, this narrow white-sand beach is fringed by shady palm trees and shared by several budget chalets. Offering good swimming and snorkelling, the beach faces the turquoise waters of Coral Bay on the west coast of Perhentian Kecil.

Petani Beach (Kecil) – This gorgeous palm-fringed crescent of white sand, located on the south coast, is home to just two resorts, including the Watercolours Impiani Resort, which nestles beneath rainforest just metres from the warm turquoise-coloured sea. Perfect for swimming and snorkelling the jungle-clad rocky headlands.