Ferries Perhentian Islands

The ferry companies traveling to the Perhentian Islands often offer age-based discounts: infants and toddlers up to 2 years old typically travel free of charge, while children aged 3-10/11 years old are usually entitled to a discount (around 40%).

The best time to book your ferry to the Perhentian Islands mainly depends on the season, demand, and how flexible your travel plans are.

We recommend booking in advance, especially if you are planning to travel during the busy months of July and August. During this peak season, ferries run daily and can fill up quickly at popular departure slots. Therefore, booking 1-2 months in advance ensures you can secure your prefered trip date and time.

As for trips during the shoulder season (April, May and September), you can normally book a few weeks or days in advance and still find good availability. During these months, you can normally enjoy pleasant weather with fewer crowds and slightly lower prices than the high season.

Between November and February, ferry services may be less frequent or suspended due to monsoon conditions, so it’s best to check availability.

The Perhentian Islands are a tropical paradise in northeastern Malaysia, located off the coast of Terengganu. Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar are famous for their turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and marine biodiversity. The 2 islands are part of a marine park, making them an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving.

Perhentian Kecil is popular among backpackers and young travelers, thanks to its lively beach bars, budget accommodations, and social atmosphere. Perhentian Besar, on the other hand, offers a more peaceful getaway, with family-friendly resorts, tranquil beaches, and more mid-range resorts, perfect for couples or visitors seeking relaxation.

Beyond the beaches, you can try trekking on jungle trails where you can observe rich wildlife, such as monitor lizards, macaques, and tropical birds. Other popular activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sunset watching from secluded coves.

Note that the season on the Perhentian Islands lasts only from March to October and that they are accessible exclusively by boat from Kuala Besut jetty.

Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind for your trip to the Perhentian Islands:

• We recommend arriving at the port of Kuala Besut at least 45 min in advance to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.
• Prepare for choppy seas; if you are prone to seasickness, we recommend carrying travel sickness tablets.
• You'll need to pay environmental fees (e.g. around RM30 for foreigners) and local charges at the jetty before boarding, so it’s recommended you carry some small bills.
• Find out all about the Kuala Besut - Perhential Islands ferry route (availability, prices, trip duration, etc.) and plan your trip with ease.

Ferry routes to the Perhential Island are typically served by smaller speed boats. Seating is basic and typically unassigned. You can find benches indoors or on the open decks.

Pets are normally not allowed on the boats, nor are vehicles (cars, bikes, bicycles); the vessels accommodate only foot passengers.

Boats from Kuala Besut arrive at the 2 islands’ main jetties, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, both very close to beach resorts and local amenities.

On arrival, you’ll find boats and organized shuttles so you can easily get to your accommodation.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Perhentian Islands, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.