Perhentian Islands hotels and lodging guide
Blue sky and crystal clear water all year long…
There is plenty of accommodation on both islands for all tastes and budgets. Pulau Perhentian Kecil (small) is generally considered the backpacker island and has the most developed nightlife scene. However, there is still plenty of cheap digs to find on the larger island of Pulau Perhentian Besar despite this being where the majority of high-end resorts are found. The atmosphere is certainly more tranquil on the big island, but there are still a smattering of hotel bars to wet one’s whistle.
Below is a guide to recommended hotels and resorts in the Perhentian Islands and some great discounts are available through our online booking partners, especially outside high season.
Pulau Perhentian Kecil hotels
Matahari Chalets: Longhouses and chalets just a couple of minutes walk back from the centre of Long Beach. There’s a lovely garden popular with monitor lizards plus a reasonably restaurants that shows evening films and laundry service. Long Beach, Kecil, Perhentian Islands, tel: (014) 836 2863. Rooms from US$15.
Panorama: By far the most popular budget choice on the island with large chalets in steep garden out back and nightly films and barbecues in good-value restaurant. There’s a pool table, laundry and internet service plus deals with dinner included. Long Beach, Kecil, Perhentian Islands, tel: (09) 697 75 42. Chalets from US$15.
Moonlight Chalets: A stretch of decent chalets which snake around the north end of the beach. The attached restaurant shows nightly films and its a good choice if you want to have a veranda right on the water. Long Beach, Kecil, Perhentian Islands, tel: (091) 985 8222. Rooms from US$15.
BuBu Resort: The stand-out choice on Pulau Perhentian Kecil for luxury hospitality with prices to match. The downstairs restaurant is fabulous and the rooms are decked out with all the latest mod cons with sea views. Rates from US$80 per night with discount packages available. Long Beach, Kecil, Perhentian Islands, tel: (03) 2142 6688. Rooms from US$80.
White sand beach at Tuna Bay Island Resort
Maya Resort: Great value wooden chalets right on the beach without a prohibitive price tag. Rooms are well laid-out and comfortable and there’s an attached dive operation. Coral Beach, Kecil, Perhentian Islands, tel: (017) 888 1809. Chalets from US$25.
Senja Bay Resort: At the far south end of Coral Bay is this lovely collection of chalets up on the hill all with spectacular views of the ocean. Rates include a simple breakfast and WiFi internet access. The restaurant serves up good food with nightly films. Coral Beach, Kecil, Perhentian Islands, tel: (019) 664 3105.
Pulau Perhentian Besar hotels and resorts
Tuna Bay: Sturdy bungalows on a lovely stretch of beach with air conditioning, cable TV and mini bars makes this a top standard resort with a range of fun activities thrown in. Main beach, Besar, Perhentian Islands, tel: (09) 697 7172.
ABC Guesthouse: All the rooms here face the sea making it a great budget choice. The facilities themselves are basic but relaxing on your private balcony watching the waves has never been better value. Main beach, Besar, Perhentian Islands, tel: (019) 920 2875. Rooms from US$25.
Coral View: Tastefully-decorated chalets connected by paths and bridges makes this the ultimate in luxurious living. Situated on a rocky outcrop, there are spectacular sea view from all angles. Perhentian Islands, tel: (09) 697 7427. Rooms from US$40.
