Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Another jewel on Malaysia’s east coast, the Perhentian Islands offer affordable scuba diving and laid-back island living amidst some of the region’s most crystalline white-sand beaches. The two Perhentian islands offer something for almost every budget—the value-minded tourists go to Perhentian Kecil while families, big spenders and flashpackers prefer the creature comforts of Perhentian Besar.
Despite the influx of foreign tourists, the Perhentians have kept things simple—no motorized vehicles, electricity provided by generators, and no buildings taller than two floors. In fact, there’s little to do that doesn’t involve the sea: swimming in it, diving under it, or skipping from island to island over it. You’ll get Wi-Fi at only the poshest resorts, while cellular signals are hard to come by on most of the budget establishments.
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That forces you to get to know the island intimately by diving, snorkeling, island-hopping, or just taking in the local atmosphere from a hammock on the beach.
To get to the Perhentians, take a long bus trip from Kuala Lumpur to the small town of Kuala Besut, where you’ll ride a speedboat to your preferred Perhentian island stop.