Pulau Perhentian Kecil Warnings Or Dangers

There is no guaranty that the visibility is very good before mid-March and after mid-September because of the monsoon.

If you plan to go to the Perhentian islands especially for diving, make sure you avoid this period as you may be disappointed even though there is a lot to see under the water...

Due to the monsoon, the island is "opened" from end of February to end of October.

The rest of the year, the fast boat cannot access the island and even the slow boat is not regular... There is no precise "opening" date as the people running all the business live in the fishing village on the same island the rest of the year. They decide, depending on the weather, when they open and close for the new season...

The island is very very quiet at the beginning and the end of the season (in February and October) as some of the shops/restaurants/bungalows are closed, and sometimes the fast boat is cancelled because of an agitated sea...

At time of my visit (Oct 2005) on Perhentian Kecil there were no cash dispensers at all and credit and debit cards were not accepted. You will need cash and, if you run out, you won't have chance to refill. Note that also in Kuala Besut, the in-land small village where boats depart to Perhentian islands, is hard to get cash. Take enough cash with you when leaving the last city you are coming from.

Go To My Perhentian Home Page

For the Guys out there,
if you're going to Perhentian with your girlfriend and you don't know how to swim.
Please don't hang on to your girlfriend when you're in the water!
You will only drown her!
What you should do is to wear a safety jacket (available from your hotel or chalet), and just try to stay calm. Don't get all freaked out and flap around.

Alot of tourists don't think twice about the islamic religion in Malaysia. The fishingvillage on Perhentian Kecil is very muslim and if you visit - please wear something more than a bikini. Otherwise the village is worth visiting. The picture shows the clear water under the main bridge.

Everyone you speak to advises taking loads of cash out to the islands since you can't get any out there. The problem is, there are no safes etc. accept at some of the the posher places. This means either carrying it around with you or leaving it in your room. On some of the more secluded beaches, in particular turtle bay, people have had money stolen whilst they go snorkling. Kids hide in the jungle and nab your bag whilst your in the water. I'm not saying theft is rampant and don't let paranoia stop you enjoying yourself,
but be careful.

There are no ATMs at Long Beach and most of the shops, restaurants and chalets do not accept credit cards and only deal in cash.

However, most of the dive centers do accept credit cards for their courses. You can ask them before signing up for the course.

Make sure you have enough cash ready before you head on to the island. The nearest bank will be in the town of Jerteh, which is about 20 minutes drive from the Kuala Besut Jetty.

There are places in Long Beach such as Gen's Mini Mart which provide money changing facility but the rates might not be very good.

Check out my General Tips to have an idea on how much it'll cost you to go there.

Most accomodations provided at Long Beach are pretty basics.

Electricity is generated using generators and water supply are mainly sourced from underground wells.

Thus, please be warned that most chalets do not offer 24-hours electricity. Typically, electricity will be available from 6.00 pm til 7.00 am.

They also don't usually have power outlets in the rooms. So, don't expect to use your hairdryer or charge your phone in the room.

As for water, try to avoid chalets that are located at higher grounds coz they sometime experience water shortage.