Diving in Malaysia Around Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are ideal for snorkeling and diving in Malaysia and visitors are able to appreciate the natural beauty of the underwater world at some thirteen dive sites around the islands.

Sightings of stingrays, black corals, moray eels, reef sharks and colorful fishes are the norm.

There are numerous dive resorts on both the small and big islands that can organize diving in Malaysia trips and cater to the demands of divers. They offer affordable PADI or NAUI courses from beginner's up to dive master levels. In fact, those who wish to try out diving for the first time can opt for what's called the Discovery Scuba package - a diving experience for newbies!

Conservation efforts

The surrounding waters of Perhentian Islands have been designated as a Marine Park and therefore, efforts are ongoing to protect the area from fishing, over-pollution and littering in order to maintain a healthy and abundant marine life and coral environment. More and more chalet operators are showing their concern for the conservation of the islands and waters of Perhentian by educating visitors to the islands to respect the environment. Many have started to work with the relevant authorities to establish conservation efforts to protect the dwindling numbers of nesting turtles and address marine and coral protection issues.

Between April and September, turtles of the Green and Hawksbill variety come up to lay eggs. The Department of Fisheries runs a turtle hatchery on the islands, and visitors can volunteer to help with data collection, research and such.

Diving in Malaysia Around Perhentian Islands

Diving in Malaysia ; Tips and Advice Perhentian Island

* Bring plenty of cash before going to Perhentian Island as there are no banks at Kuala Besut and Perhentian Island

* In Kelantan & Terengganu states, offices are closed on Friday & Saturday. Their normal work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

* To get to Perhentian Islands, travel to Kuala Besut where boats await to take passengers to the islands. Kuala Besut is accessible via express coaches from major cities in Malaysia. Alternatively, fly to Kota Bharu or Kuala Terengganu (the main airports on the east coast), and hire a taxi to travel to Kuala Besut, which is around 45 to 60 minutes by car.

* At Kuala Besut, tourists have to pay a Marine Park conservation fee of about RM5.00/adult & RM2.50/child.

* Boat services at Kuala Besut are available for a fee of about RM70 return trip. There is no fixed boat schedule; they depart when there are enough passengers.

* The best time for diving in Malaysia and visiting the Perhentian Islands is between March and October when the weather is sunny and warm. Peak season is in June, July and August, so expect to pay slightly higher prices in accommodation. The islands are closed usually between November and February due to the monsoon season which brings rain and makes boat travel to the island difficult.

* Electricity - All resorts use their own generators, so some resorts/chalets provide 24 hours electricity and others, only 12 hours electricity. (Tourism Malaysia)

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