Perhentian Island *( Pulau Perhentian ) * perhentianisland * pulauperhentian * perhentianisland * pulauperhentian Treangganu Malaysia

If you love nature, a jungle trek up the hills will add a wonderful twist to your sun, sea and sand holiday on Pulau Perhentian, 21kms off the coast of Terengganu.

Even an inexperienced trekker will enjoy walking under the shady canopy of giant meranti trees; for the lucky ones, wild magpies may just welcome you as you start your nature walk.

Giant fruit bats are a common sight though the flapping of their webbed wings may startle first-time visitors. These bats usually fly to the higher branches in flocks and the sight of so many of them in flight is guaranteed to leave visitors amazed.

Pulau Perhentian is also a stopover for the Nicobar pigeon. This migratory bird can often be seen flying low through the forest, foraging for seeds on the jungle floor.

One common reptile frequently spotted on the fringes of the forest is the monitor lizard. The bigger ones are somewhat “domesticated” and they seem oblivious to the presence of humans but the smaller ones prefer to seek refuge on tree branches.

The island is also known as a sanctuary for the mousedeer. However, the shy animal is seldom seen in the open. But if you happen to see something moving fast in front of you, rest assured that it could just be a mousedeer.

The nearest jungle trail is at the rocky outcrop about 100 metres from Perhentian Island Resort, one of the premier resorts on the island. To see the most that nature has to offer, bring along a pair of binoculars. This is important especially if you want to observe the many species of birds.

When you are tired of bird watching, the panoramic view of the island from the top is breathtaking and it’s well worth the climb.

Pulau Perhentian is among the most beautiful and best-preserved (environmentally speaking) of the many emerald islands of Terengganu. Its rich marine ecosystem is well documented and held in high regard by snorkellers and scuba divers.

Snorkelling and diving are some of the many services provided by Perhentian Island Resort which is strategically located at the farthest stretch of the island fronting coral-rich bay and where the lush tropical rainforest meets the sea.

The outcrop of boulders at the far end of the beach is one of the best places to view the sunset or just to gaze upon the stars at night.

The best activity after dinner is turtle watching. Pulau Perhentian is the nesting ground of green turtles. The nesting season is usually from June to late August.

The turtles will normally land to nest between midnight and dawn and to ensure that one does not miss the rare opportunity, guests should drop a note at the reception for a wake-up call if the turtles are spotted at the beach. The resort staff can then arrange to take you there by boat. The journey will take about 20 minutes.

Such sighting will make your stay at Perhentian Island Resort even more memorable.

Pulau Perhentian is 21km off the Terengganu coast. Catch a boat at the Besut Tourism Terminal Jetty at Kuala Besut. The ride is 45 minutes via speedboat and almost two hours via fishing boat (also operates as tourist transportation). Perhentian Island Resort arranges boat transfers for its guests from its office in Kuala Besut. This seaside town is two hours by road from Kuala Terengganu and an hour from Kota Baru. To get to either Kuala Terengganu or Kota Baru, travel by road or fly Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia which operate daily flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Malaysia Airlines also have flights to both towns from most other cities in Peninsular Malaysia.