Perhentian Map

"The Perhentians are a very good base for diving and snorkeling. There are many good places in the vicinity of these two islands. Think of coral, fish, sharks, rays, etc. The water is very clear so you can look very far under water. Only around the inhabited islands you can just enter the water and find your coral. You can find several diving schools on both of the Perhentian islands."

You can say that Perhentian Kecil is for the backpackers and Perhentian Besar is for the middle class. The islands are very popular and the hotel prices are slightly higher than on the mainland.
As mentioned, the resorts on Kecil are maybe slightly less, although that's not always true. The stars of the resorts on both islands do not go beyond three. There are no roads on the islands; however, there are winding paths through the jungle. The shortest route is usually across the beach. In the evening there's a lot of fun on the beach. During day time everybody is in the water. You can go snorkelling above the sea turtles or you can go swimming among the small sharks. The only big shark that shows itself in the autumn is the big tiger shark. He's completely harmless. He eats only plankton and small fishes. Therefore he is also called whale shark.
There is a small fishing village, where a mosque is located. Here you can also little things for shopping. This village is also called: Fishermans Village. Furthermore, there are two windmills on Kecil.
The Perhentian Islands are small and therefore in some sense also somewhat primitive. First, you can not pin money anywhere. Credit cards are becoming more and more accepted, but also take sufficient cash in advance with you. In Kota Bharu, or Jerteh, on the way to Kuala Besut, you can stop at a ATM. Do not wait until in Kuala Besut.
Many find the islands idyllic and they are. But ... for those who want to do or see something more: sometimes the stay on the islands is monotonous. Snorkelling, sunbathing and partying can get bored after a few days. Keep that in mind with your booking. If you think that you find it tedious, book a short period..