How To Get To The Perhentian Islands, Malaysia – A 2025 Guide (By Freedive AndRasa)

AndRasa Studio
Aug 5
3 min read

Breathe in. You’re almost here.

The Perhentian Islands aren’t just a beach destination — they’re a slow, salty exhale from city noise, a place where jungle meets reef, and where time moves like a tide — gently, and in its rhythm.

At Freedive AndRasa, this is where we teach, dive, and reset. And if you’re planning your journey here, we’ve created this local-backed, step-by-step guide to help you arrive smoothly, dry(ish), and maybe already feeling a bit freer.

🛣 Step 1: Getting to Kuala Besut Jetty

All boats to the Perhentian Islands leave from Kuala Besut Jetty, a small port town on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

🚍 From Kuala Lumpur (KL)

By Bus: Overnight buses from TBS terminal to Kuala Besut Jetty take about 7-9 hours. Book online via Easybook or Redbus. Tickets are around RM 40-60.
By Flight: Fly from KLIA/KLIA2 to Kota Bharu (KBR) or Kuala Terengganu (TGG). Both are 1-hour flights.

🚕 From Kota Bharu (KBR)

Take a Grab or pre-arranged taxi from the airport to the jetty (1.5 hours).
Fare: Around RM 60-90.
This is the fastest and most common route for most tourists.
Contact Khayalan Perhentian for the airport shuttle bus service.
Most boat service operators can also arrange airport shuttle service.

💡 TIP: Aim to reach the jetty before 4pm — most boats stop operating after that. Unless it is high season.

🚤 Step 2: Boat to the Islands

Once you arrive at Kuala Besut Jetty, you’ll find many boat counters offering transfers to Perhentian Kecil (Small) and Perhentian Besar (Big).

Return boat fare: RM 70
Boat schedule: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Travel time: 30–45 minutes

There are no night boats, and bad weather might delay service. So, plan your arrival time accordingly.

Ask your hotel for its exact location, because each beach on the island is quite isolated from the others. Walking from one to another isn't always easy (or dry).

At AndRasa, we’re based on Perhentian Kecil, on the Long Beach, where the jungle trail ends, and the underwater journey begins.

🧘‍♂️ No cars. No chaos. Just ocean.

🎒 What To Pack (And What NOT To)

Must-bring:

Reef-safe sunscreen
Mosquito repellent & coils
Quick-dry clothes
Cash (many places don’t accept cards)
Locals can pay by QR Code
A curious mind and open heart

Leave behind:

High heels
Stress
Your corporate self 😌
Bagpack instead of a suitcase!
📅 Best Time To Visit

🌞 March to October: Diving season
🌧 November to February: Monsoon season (islands mostly closed)