I spent one of the nicest beach holidays I’ve ever had on Kecil about 5 years ago, though from what I hear it hasn’t changed much.
We dived with a divemaster called Tracey who was fantastic and very knowledgeable. She was based at a shop at the far end of the small beach (other side of the island through the jungle path) though I forget it’s name. It’s the smallest diveshop on the island and cheap.
A friend who visited a few months ago tell’s me Tracey’s still there, so worth asking around - highly recommended!

he Perhentian Islands (Kecil(small) & Besar(big)) are so worth the effort. Crystal clear water, no bikes, no roads, no hassle. The perfect place to wind down for the travel weary! Might get pretty busy though so there before the rush! We snorkeled with sharks, turtles and massive parrot fish. Take some rum with you if you like a drink and remember there is no ATM so take plenty of cash.

The Perhentian Islands are getting more and more developed (building Government office and concrete pier on Long Beach, Pulau Kecil), however stilll worth the visit. Alcohol sometimes hard to come by so best take some from mainland. Most reasonable accommodation starts at RM60 per night (no roaches with fan/ac). Really nice rooms can be found at Moonlight (along near where they are building the concrete pier) with top the range sear view rooms for RM100-200. Don’t stay at Bubu - cheapest room RM250 and not worth it! However the do have best internet… although can lose connection when stormy weather.
Things to remember:
- no ATMs although Bubu and some dive schools take cards
- RM2 water taxi to get from speedboat to beach (you have to pay)
- not all accom have 24h electricity and water!

The Perhentian Islands (Kecil(small) & Besar(big)) are so worth the effort. Crystal clear water, no bikes, no roads, no hassle. The perfect place to wind down for the travel weary! Might get pretty busy though so there before the rush! We snorkeled with sharks, turtles and massive parrot fish. Take some rum with you if you like a drink and remember there is no ATM so take plenty of cash.

Jodie & Graeme (Scotland)
(Guests at , Hostel Kuala Lumpur)

FYI - There is no cash point on the Perhentian Islands. Either take lots of cash with you or go to Jerteh, 10min by taxi from Kuala Besut before you go to the Islands.

But it seems that credit cards are readily accepted at resorts (if you don’t mind putting food/activities on your room).

If your skin is not used to the hot sun try to take it easy on the first days when you go to the islands. You might even wanna wear a light shirt when you go snorkeling as the sun slames on your back. I had to learn it the hard way when snorkeling on Perhentian Island the first day. The rest of the time I had to stay in the shade looking at the water from a distance…

The best diveshop at Perhentian Besar, http://www.bubblesdc.com. Run by very nice people who make you feel at home. Located at a very secluded and private beach with house reef. Nice accomodation, very good food, the best diving experience.