location.beaches.beaches_subtitle

Coral Bay is the quieter beach on Perhentian Kecil island, located on the western coast directly opposite Long Beach. Stretching about 400 meters of soft sand facing west, it is perfect for watching spectacular sunsets. The soft coral near the shore provides excellent snorkeling with frequent baby shark sightings around the jetty. The atmosphere is more relaxed than Long Beach with fewer visitors and quieter music. A 15-minute jungle trail connects both beaches. Several dive schools and mid-range accommodation options are available here.

Long Beach is the most popular and vibrant beach on Perhentian Kecil island, stretching over one kilometer of soft white sand along the eastern coast. Locally known as 'Pasir Panjang', it is the hub for budget travelers with diverse accommodation, restaurants, and lively beachfront nightlife. The water is perfect for snorkeling - you can spot schools of fish, turtles, and baby sharks right from the beach jetty area. Multiple dive schools offer affordable PADI certifications. Kayaks can be rented to explore hidden beaches, or you can walk 15 minutes to Coral Bay through a jungle trail.
faq.subtitle Perhentian Kecil
March to October. The island closes during monsoon season (November-February) due to rough seas. Peak season is July-August.
Fly to Kota Bharu (KBR), then 45-min taxi to Kuala Besut Jetty, then 40-45 min speedboat. Boat costs RM80 return. Boats run 8AM-5PM.
No! No banks or ATMs on the island. Bring enough Malaysian Ringgit. Some resorts accept cards with surcharges but machines are unreliable.
Yes, very safe. Low crime. Watch your belongings on the beach. Be cautious of jellyfish and currents when swimming in monsoon shoulder seasons.
Long Beach is livelier - parties, bars, restaurants. Coral Bay is quieter and great for snorkeling right off the beach. 20-min walk between them.
Recommended for July-August and holidays. Other times you can arrive and look around. Many places are not on booking sites - contact directly for better rates.
Useful tips for visiting Perhentian Kecil
Bring enough cash! No ATMs or banks on the island. Exchange money in Kuala Besut before going.
Island is closed November-February (monsoon season). Plan your trip for March-October only.
Marine park fee: RM5 for Malaysians, RM30 for foreigners. Pay at Marine Park Office at Kuala Besut Jetty before boarding.
Rent snorkeling gear for RM20/day. Snorkeling trips RM30-40. PADI Open Water course around RM1100-1300.
Use backpack, not suitcase. Sandy beaches and narrow paths make wheeled luggage impractical.
Electricity is limited at budget places. Many cheap accommodations have no power during daytime. Charge devices at night.
Walk between Long Beach and Coral Bay (20 min) through jungle trail. Beautiful views. Bring water and flashlight if walking at night.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of insect repellent. Sun is intense and mosquitoes are active in evenings.
Карты МИР не работают в Малайзии. Visa и Mastercard принимаются в крупных отелях с комиссией, но на острове лучше наличные.
Из России: перелёт через Дубай, Доху или Стамбул до Куала-Лумпура, затем внутренний рейс до Кота-Бару (KBR). Виза не нужна до 30 дней.
Average temperature by month
location.transport.subtitle
| location.transport.title | location.transport.price | location.transport.app | location.transport.note |
|---|---|---|---|
location.transport.ferry | 40 RM ~10.2 $ | — | Ferry from Kuala Besut: 40 RM one-way, 80 RM return. Children 3-11: 25/50 RM. Travel time 30-45 minutes. Private boats from 450 RM (up to 10 pax). Season March-October, no ferries during monsoon |
location.transport.taxi | — | — | — |
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Hotels and rental prices
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.subtitle
Bring enough cash! No ATMs on the island. Some resorts accept cards with surcharges but machines are unreliable.
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Exchange in Kuala Besut before going to island. No money changers on island.
Tipping not expected in Malaysia. Rounding up the bill is appreciated.
Attractions and points of interest