Ah, planning a trip to the Perhentian Islands! You've chosen a truly magnificent destination. Getting to the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is an adventure in itself, a journey that sets the tone for your tropical escape. It's a two-part process: first, getting to the mainland jetty at Kuala Besut, and then, taking a boat to the island. Don't worry, we'll walk through this together, step by step, ensuring your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let's get started on this exciting trip!
Step 1: Getting to Kuala Besut Jetty (The Gateway to Paradise)
Your primary goal for the first leg of the journey is to reach the Kuala Besut Jetty in Terengganu, Malaysia. This is the main departure point for all boats heading to the Perhentian Islands. There are a few different ways to get here, each with its own advantages.
Option A: Flying (The Fastest & Most Popular Method)
This is the most common and fastest way to reach the vicinity of the Perhentian Islands, especially if you're coming from Kuala Lumpur or another major Malaysian city.
Fly to Kota Bharu Airport (KBR): This is the nearest airport to Kuala Besut Jetty. You'll find frequent flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL or SZB) on airlines like AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines. The flight itself is only about an hour.
From the Airport to the Jetty: Once you land at Kota Bharu Airport, you'll need to take a taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle to the Kuala Besut Jetty. The ride is approximately a 1-hour drive. A taxi will cost around RM90, and can fit up to four people, so it can be quite economical if you're traveling in a group.
Important Tip: Book your taxi or shuttle in advance if possible to avoid any haggling or waiting time, especially during peak season.
Option B: Taking a Bus (The Most Budget-Friendly Choice)
If you're looking to save money and don't mind a longer journey, the bus is a great option.
Depart from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS): In Kuala Lumpur, you can catch an overnight bus from the TBS terminal directly to the Kuala Besut bus terminal. The journey typically takes around 8-10 hours.
A Word of Advice: Taking an overnight bus is a great way to save on a night's accommodation and arrive fresh for the morning ferries. Most day buses will arrive after the last ferry has departed, forcing you to stay the night in Kuala Besut.
From the Bus Terminal to the Jetty: The Kuala Besut bus terminal is just a short 10-minute walk from the jetty. You can easily walk or take a quick taxi ride for a small fee.
Option C: Driving (For the Adventurous and Independent)
If you prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle, you can rent a car and drive to the jetty.
The Drive from KL: The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Besut takes about 6 hours. You can use Waze or Google Maps for directions.
Parking at the Jetty: There are safe parking lots available near the Kuala Besut Jetty for a daily fee of around RM10.
Just remember: This option requires a bit more planning and is best for those who are comfortable with long drives in Malaysia.
Step 2: The Boat Transfer to Perhentian Island
Once you've arrived at the Kuala Besut Jetty, the final leg of your journey begins. The boat ride is a scenic and exciting part of the trip, offering your first glimpse of the stunning turquoise waters.
Boat Transfers: Public vs. Private
You have two main choices for the boat ride to the island.
Public Speedboat: This is the most common option. The public speedboats operate from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A round-trip ticket will cost approximately RM70 per person. The journey takes about 45 minutes and the boat will make several stops at different beaches on both Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil.
Private Boat: For a more direct and exclusive experience, you can hire a private boat. This is more expensive (around RM350 one-way) but it offers the flexibility to depart at your preferred time and go directly to the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa without any other stops.
Important Pre-Boat Steps
Before you get on the boat, there are a couple of crucial things to do at the jetty:
Marine Park Conservation Fee: You'll need to pay a marine park conservation fee of RM30 per person at the jetty. This fee goes towards the protection of the island's incredible ecosystem.
Locate Your Operator: If you've booked your trip through the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, you should look for their specific counter or representative. They often have their own scheduled transfers. If not, you will have to find a public boat operator.
Be Ready to Get Wet: Keep in mind that there is no proper jetty on the island. You will likely have to disembark from the boat into shallow water, so wear appropriate footwear and have a waterproof bag for your electronics and valuables.
Step 3: Arriving at the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa
Once your boat docks, you're just moments away from the ultimate relaxation. The Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is located on Perhentian Kecil, the smaller of the two main islands.
The Final Stretch: After disembarking, the resort staff will be there to greet you. The Perhentian Marriott is a sprawling resort, and they provide complimentary buggy service to take you and your luggage to the reception area.
Checking In: Check-in time is typically from 3:00 PM. Have your booking confirmation and a photo ID ready. The friendly staff will get you settled in, and from there, your island vacation officially begins! You can immediately start exploring the beautiful grounds, the private beaches (Romantic Beach and Tranquility Beach), and the resort's many amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Perhentian Island? The most efficient way is to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu Airport (KBR), take a 1-hour taxi to Kuala Besut Jetty, and then a speedboat to the islands.
How to book a boat transfer to Perhentian Marriott? You can often book boat transfers directly through the hotel when you make your reservation. If not, you can buy a ticket from a public boat operator at the Kuala Besut Jetty.
How to find a taxi from Kota Bharu Airport to Kuala Besut Jetty? You can easily find taxis at the airport's taxi stand. It's also possible to pre-arrange a private transfer through your hotel or a local tour operator for a fixed price.
How to get around Perhentian Island? There are no cars or roads on the island. You get around by walking on jungle trails, taking water taxis, or using the resort's buggy service.
How to save money on the journey to Perhentian Island? The cheapest way is to take an overnight bus from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Besut, as it saves on both transport and a night's accommodation.
How to know which ferry to take from Kuala Besut? Public ferries run to both Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar. Make sure to tell the operator you are going to Perhentian Kecil and specifically to the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa.
How to handle luggage on the boat? It's best to pack your belongings in bags that are easy to carry and can handle getting a little wet, as you might need to wade in shallow water to get on and off the boat.
How to check the weather before traveling to Perhentian Island? The best time to visit is from April to September. The monsoon season is from October to March, when many resorts are closed and the seas are rough. Always check the weather forecast close to your travel date.
How to book an all-inclusive package at Perhentian Marriott? You can book all-inclusive packages directly on the Marriott website or through other booking platforms. These rates include onsite food and beverages, though some restrictions may apply.
How to get from the Perhentian Marriott back to Kuala Besut? The resort will arrange for your return boat transfer. The boats typically leave at scheduled times in the morning and afternoon.
