Pulau Perhentian

The two Perhentian Islands, Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar are two of the most beautiful islands in the world…a virtual paradise and haven for snorkelling and diving and also a haven for those who doesn’t want or for those who were almost pelt to Deaf by the incessant crazy techno beats being belted out from every Thai island.

Believe me that your first glimpses of the Perhentian islands will be pretty breath- taking (make sure you ready your camera first)



Perhentian Islands can be located 25 km from the coast of Kuala Besut in the South China Sea. It consists of two islands, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Both islands, which have white-lined shores, and are surrounded by beautiful coconut palm, which fringe the island’s white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise-blue sea.
Making trip to this lush and exotic tropical island is a must for all underwater photographers and nature lovers and a haven of virtual paradise for those who enjoy swimming, scuba and snorkelling, skin diving, Underwater diving, deep sea fishing, wind surfing, sailing, boating and kayaking .
“A lot of people especially tourist misunderstand that these two islands fall within the governance of Kelantan.... all because it is located at far northern of Terengganu and near the neighbouring state, Kelantan. Making its worst further more, the accessible point is through the jetty in Kuala Besut, a small Terengganu fishing village but with a lot ofKelantanese culture, therefore many people actually thought that they are in Kelantan as what more is that all of the people here speak only the Kelantaness malay dialect...sigh!!”
In those days during the old time ,The “Perhentian” or “Stopping post”they are called because of the role they played as a post for traders and fisherman from Siam and local (Today’s Thailand).Because they are only two island and are different size in the area, the people called its Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil ,where the “Besar” and “Kecil” stand for Big and Small to different which is which.
Both the“Perhentian” islands are separated by a very small and narrow strait that contain the most crystal clear water at the island. But!! beware as the current is quite strong andno swimming and Kayaking are allow!! There are a lot of different between those two islands. Perhentian Besar is more of a vocational island whereas the small one is an island with the mixture of vacation mood and with local lifestyle due to Kampung Pasir Hantu a fishing village which is resided by more than 2300 villagers with completed basic facilities and also resorts and chalet and bungalow guesthouses.

The home here are randomly distributed in Kampungn Pasir Hantu. All the house in this Kampung remain in their original plain wooden colour without colourful paint ,except for the white and blue marine police station, Red and Yellow Klinic ,assembly hall and the school. because the clear blue sea and sky and also the palm trees are the best contrast and complementary.
All the bungalows/chalets that are on Pulau Perhentian Kecil are not on the beach! Here you can find convenience shops, local coffee shops also souvenir shops and soon a cyber café and etc. in the village. There are a lot of T-shirt, caps and batiks hanging and flapping by the breeze outside the shop and coconut trees waving in the wind Here you can find tourists who do not go out for snorkelling or diving will hang around here in the village or lay in their hummock. 

It will be a waste if you come to Perhentians without paying a visit or have a glimpse to its abundance marine life.There are a lot of good diving or snorkeling points around Perhentian Kecil: like D’Lagoon, Gua Kambing, Panglima Abu, Batu Nisan, Tanjung Butung and etc which you can find a lot of Colourful crown fish, angle fish, shark, Christmas tree, Deer Horn Coral, Sea cucumber, sea urchin, squib, turtle and more
…..Colourful marine life in all shapes and size which will be fascinating the underwater world.

The crazy squire at action

The interior of Perhentian Kecil are surrounded by flourishing tropical rainforest with a wide variety of wild life especially the wild and Crazy Chip and Dale“Tupai” or squire who will steal and eats your lunch under your own very plated which will make many delight in your lazy day.

Here you can jouney on a long trekking or a short and simple one. The Trails break into several parts. along the track. There are flora and fauna and also some wild Crazy Chip and Dale .monitor lizards, monkeys, geckos, flying squirrels, butterflies and many other types of animals in the jungle- sometimes right in front of your chalet that might impress or bring you much surprises.

The track start at Pasir Panjang and head to Aur Bay at the west side which takes only about 10 minutes. Then if your are not satisfy and want to go further from just Aur Bay .Head down to beaches in front of a local run chalet, called Mira Chalet to a trail connecting Mira Chalet with the fishing village. This part of trekking involves some climbing up and takes nearly 1 hour for you to reach Kampung Pasir Hantu and 1 hour back or if you are tired you can always look for a boat to give you a lift back.
There are rocky caves hills in the jungle which attract swallows to build their nest in this area which also bring some side income to the villagers who collect the precious bird nest from the caves. The bird nest collected here is just enough to serve the local market which is the resort.
Other than several recently built resorts, the rest of the guesthouses are in small scale with only basic facilities that stretch along the beach.
Perhentian Besar has longer and wider beaches and finer sand than Perhentian Kecil. Most of the beaches are distributed to its western and south eastern side, Teluk Pauh, Pasir Panjang, and Teluk Dalam are the most famous and popular beaches here..
Though accommodation is distributed over the beaches, Perhentian Besar is still covered by a lush rainforest. To the end of the beaches, you can find coconut palm in the white fine sandy beach and the crystal blue sea. 
The island is gifted with turquoise water and many colourful fish, Standing in knee deep water u can witness many colourful fish swimming around your legs and little shark which sometime NIBBLE YOU TOE!! and small baby ray which may make u heart jump if you step on them :P.

To the south of the island where there is a beach separated by rocky edges. You can always find fantastic and colourful coral near the rock.If you want to snorkel there please bring a companion and stay far away and pay more attention when you swim near to the rock as the strong wave here can crash you to the sharp rock .
There are a number of trails leading from one beach to the next overland. you can choose to take the jungle trail. Anyway, all the treks are clearly marked. 


The jetty at Teluk Puah, near the entrance of Perhentian Island Resort is an ideal place to go if you want something different than to lay on the lazy chair listen to waves and watching the stars in evening. Here during the evening time, the jetty light attract many squib that u can join in with other tourist and local at the jetty in“candat sotong”or “Jigging for Squib“to fish for squib” as all you need is just a line or a small rope with a hook or a pin and then u can go and BBQ your catch.(pls refer to Pulau Kapas). Sometime there are small metal or rattan cages or “BuBu” in the water with blue sea crabs inside. The BuBu is simple traditional trap set by the islander to catch crab.
The jetty is an ideal place to go if you want more than just laying on the resort lazy chair listening to the crashing waves and watching the evening star
Getting there
First, you must arrive at Kuala Besut for you to take a boat to the islands. To get to Kuala Besut, you can arrive from Kelantan or Kuala Terengganu. If you come from Kuala Terengganu, take a bus or taxi to Jerteh then another to Kuala Besut, or a direct bus to Kuala Besut. The journey will take nearly one and half hour.
Alternately, you can choose to start from Kota Bharu. You can either take a taxi ride or take a bus (leaves every 30 minutes) to Pasir Puteh and then another bus to Besut. Overall, the journey by taxi will take about one hour from Kota Bahru to Besut.
There are direct buses from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Besut which take about 9 hours.OrFly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu Aiport (35 minutes) from then on take a airport taxi to the Taxi terminal(25 - 50 minutes of congest Traffic) or Bus terminal(35-45 minutes) and looked for ride to Kuala Besut..
Journey to the islands takes about 30 to 45 minutes by speed boat and one and half hours by slow boat. There are a number of boat operators in Kuala Besut offering boat services to Perhentian Island. The return boat ticket cost RM60.00 per person for speed boat and RM40.00 per person .
Make sure to put heaps of sunscreen and a big thick book for company. The journey are relatively stress-free, Except the bus ride from KL to Kuala Besut, and a 30 min boat ride (fast boat, expect to pay more than the 1 hour slow boat) to Perhentian Kecil..


Warning : 

Don't Wear Sunblock and Cream while Diving.This is becouse ,the chemical that are emitted from the Sunblock can kill THE CORAL and other MARINE life.
Please Help Save The Coral!
Spread The Word!!

Pasar Besar Kedai Payang

Pasar Besar Kedai Payang

Pasar Payang is a must-visit especially for the first-time visitors to this Sea turtle state (Negeri Penyu). Located just a few minutes walk north along the pier from the inter-city bus station and Located just by the Sungai Terengganu (Terengganu River).

Pasar Besar Kedai Payang (Payang ‘s Big Market Shop) or Pasar Payang in short (also known as Central Market) is the lifeline of KT. Located by the Terengganu River, it is one of the most popular tourist spots in KT, not only for shopping but also to have a taste of life in KT. It is also close to the Shabandar jetty, making it ideal for a short stop en route to the islands off the coast.The Pasar Payang is housed in 2 storeys building consisting of a wet market and a shopping arcade, it offers visitors a variety of items to purchase - from grocery items such as such fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, "keropok lekor" etc to traditional products and souveniers like batik, brassware, brocade and songket. Visitors to this market will have a delightful experience shopping in local fares at reasonable prices. 

Pasar Payang serves as both a wet market as well as a trade centre for the local community. There is a festive air as you approach the entrance of the market, with makeshift stalls lining the path, displaying trinkets of all kinds. In their loudest voice, these peddlers will impress you with the alleged magical powers of the amulets, the potency of their traditional medicines, or the quality of their precious stones.
On the ground floor, trading stalls are covered with fresh fish, meats and vegetables of all colour, many manned by kindly-faced old ladies, ever smiling, inviting you to their wares.

The Malayan Medical Green or Ulam

This is where you'll find the familiar lettuce and tomatoes and the unfamiliar and sometimes out of the ordinary like the “Durian”The King of Fruit (indigenous prickly-skinned durian that emit a pungent scent. But delicious and if u over eat more that 4 or 5 durian .... i can guaranteed that your air-cond room will be like a boiler room.( See Wiki for Durian) . Instead of, here you'll find a whole range of traditional greens Call "Ulam" Ranging from– pegaga, ulam raja, petai (Very strong pungent smell) – normally eaten raw and and cooked with chilli and are seldom found at conventional urban grocers. Each of these vegetables are certified to possess medicinal properties, which can keep check almost every ailment there is. Peria is good for kidney ailments, pegaga for high blood pressure.You can get fresh produce of local delicacies such as the 'keropok lekor', made of grounded fish and flour, and 'serunding', the spicy flavoursome meat floss.

Two of the many Beautiful Batik and Songket Shop at the Market

Terengganu is also known for its thriving batik industry. Some of the best batik and songket in Malaysia is hand made in Terengganu and a vast choice of this traditional textile can be purchased on the first floor of the Pasar Payang. A wide range of colourful silk handkerchiefs, batik shirts, scarves and kaftans are on display for you to choose from. A wide array of souvenirs. Silk garments, rattan baskets, brassware items and farmers’ hats are also popular items on sale here. Be sure to bargain for the best price when you're buying.

The Local Trishaw that can be found at the Pasar Payang-the best way to see the city

Tasik Kenyir

Tasik Kenyir or Kenyir Lake was ‘completed’ unexpected in 1991 ,When the area was unofficially inundated by mother earth with rain 1 year before the place were to be officially inundate. In just two weeks of the large down poring of rain had cause most of the area flooded into an immense lake with million of dollar in form of machinery like bulldozer, truck and such lay beneath the now calming and gleaming Tasik Kenyir.

Tasik Kenyir got her name from one of the former main river here, which was once known as Kenyir River. But now the river is beneath the lake when Kenyir Lake was filled by the surrounding river and especially the large rainfall during the monsoon that fill up the Empangan Tasik Kenyir which was finish constructed in 1989.Which laid the Sultan Mahmud Hydro Electric Power Station.

Here you will find about 340 islands where some of them are as big and bigger that Singapore. This islands were created when the hilly region area was inundated by water , most of the hill were above the water level thus creating the now beautiful and exotic 340 islands which is once the peak and hill area that survive the flooding during the dam first and early monsoon season.

The rain forest that cradle the area bestow the lake with an astounding and incredible assortment of flora and fauna including rare ferns, exotic orchids , hornbills, herd of elephants , panthers and animal that it is recorded that Tasik Kenyir which is surrounded by a lush tropical jungle is home for more that 8,000 species of flower , 2,500 species of plant and trees.800 species of orchid and 300 species of fungi.380 species of birds and more than 200 species of animal.

The lake is fed by 30 rivers with 24 waterfalls large tributaries that serve a breeding ground for fish had bless the lake with hundred of variety of fresh water fish such as Baung, lampan and many large size Game fish like Tapah, Toman (snake head Fish) ,ketutu, sebarau, and many species that are found in abundance , thus making the Kenyir Lake a popular and ideal retreat for nature lovers, anglers haven.

Pengkalan Gawi, Tasik Kenyir (Gawi Jetty)

Any angler that want to fish here are advised to arrange for special trips trough the many chalet , Private Boat operator ,Boat House operator for the best fishing spot and also to obtained a fishing permit with the Wildlife Department at Pengkalan Gawi

Cruising along Tasik Kenyir 

There are many interesting Place in Tasik Kenyir and to get there your first stop will be at Pengkalan Gawi,the Gawi jetty that was completed in 1991 serves as the main gateway to Kenyir Lake and there are also the Tourist Information Center located here for the conveniences of tourist. Here there are many boat that any transfers by boat can be made available to the resorts, chalets and lodges located at various parts of the lake. With the current and growing number of tourists to Kenyir Lake, the state Gov had plans and are afoot for another gateway like , the nearby Pengkalan Utama which will be equipped with bigger and better facilities.

Besides being the gateway to Kenyir lake. Pengkalan Gawi is also the nearest access point to Taman Negara. Should you decide to go to the National Park in Tanjung Mentong, it is best to remind to boughtfor a permit first at the entry point of Tanjung Mentong as like all National Park in the world, the Protected Area here are forbidden to any trespasser who doesn’t obtain a permit. The wardenhere are VERY VERY strict .There was a stories that I heard from my friend three year ago when I visited Tasik Kenyir in 2002.which is about a minister who brought a group of reporter to promote the national park but was kick out by the park warden for trespassing and was fine for not first obtaining a permit from the Wildlife Department office including all the reporter. 

There are one Tourist Information Center and Wildlife Departmen office in every entrance to the park including next to Pengkalan Gawi that can provide you with permit.

So please remember to obtain a permit from the Wildlife Department at Kuala Berang or at the Tanjung Mentong and the Tourist Information Center at Gawi jetty if you are heading to Taman Negara by Kenyir first, before u journey to the Taman Negara .The Tourist Information Center at Gawi jetty are opened from 9.00am - 5.00pm from Saturday to Wednesday, while 9.00am to 1.00pm from Thursday to Friday. 




Popular Destination in Tasik Kenyir

GUA BEWAH or BEWAH CAVE 
Bewah Cave is located in the towering limestone hills, the caves which provides spectacular sigh of towering limestone and stalactites and stalagmites. The Bewah cave are also know as Gua Tahi Kelawar (Cave of Bat Droppings) as the chamber of the cave is home to thousand of bats roosting upside down on the ceiling. This is one of the caves where many artefact was uncovered by a group of archaeologists in 1956 and 1970’s. the many artefacts that was found were kitchen utensil, axes and tools dating back in Neolithic era. Thus during that era this place was known as and been listed as a centre of civilisation .The best way to visit the cave is trough Ping Anchorage Tour Package by houseboat as the provide the best service to many guest for more info you can visit www.kenyirlake.com

Bewah Cave Taat Cave entrance

Taat Cave 
Inside this cave, an extraordinary sigh of stalactites and stalagmites wait the explorer.
It also holds many secret of the past and further excavations are now being planned to unravel its mysteries and secret. like Bewah Cave, the cave its self are located in a towering limestone caves that are abound with mysteries as this the site where archaeologists and historians from the state museum have uncovered many artefacts that dated to the Neolithic era. Both Bewah and Taat caves lie within Taman Negara. Therefore permits have to be bought in order to enter the Park .For more info you can visit www.kenyirlake.com

Waterfall in Kenyir.

There are about 14 waterfall around Tasik Kenyir. Among the 12 most beautiful waterfall here ,Lasir waterfall and Tembat Waterfall are the most popular as they are easily accessible by boat and have many camping site that are prepared with needed amenities.

Enchanting Lasir Waterfall

Lasir Waterfalls
The 150 meter high Lasir Waterfall located 16 KM or about 30 minuted boat ride to the south of Pengkalan Gawi is one of the many spectacular waterfalls within Tasik Kenyir.
The waterfalls drops gracefully at 500 feet trough into multi-tiered levels of boulders forming sprays of forming white.The Lasir waterfall are one of the most favourite picnic spot in Tasik Kenyir as ponds of water can be found at each of the 5 levels. Which provide the best place for watering experience and fun. The waterfall its self are well shade by the surrounding forest tress that offers an enjoyable and cold refreshing bath here. Here there are a large flat area which is perfect for camping site before following a hiking trail lead to the top.

Magnificient view of the Tembat Waterfall

Tembat WaterfallsLocated at the Tembat River, The 60 foot waterfall is beautifully amazing that you can be enchanted by its flowing water and its sound that calmly flow and cascade trough the ridge and many boulder into a big lagoon. The waterfall itself is a wonderful place for a swimming and picnic. For the most adventure type you can always rent a camping gear and camp here as there is camping sites by the fall which can be accommodate the large number of people that came here everyday. You must first inform the Tourist centre first if you wish to camp at any where in Kenyir Park .You can rent a boat from the many operator at the Pengkalan Gawi or through you chalet. The 50 minutes boat ride will lead you to many trail along the river that will magnificent you with its clean water and air.

There are actually more destination in Kenyir. The Information that can be obtained about Tasik Kenyir is from www.kenyirlake.com which is run by the most well know travel agencies in Malaysia. Which is Ping Anchorage , who had last year had won two Malaysia Tourism Awards by the Tourism Malaysia for two consecution year and are also Voted as Malaysia’s Best Tour Operator (Inbound) & Malaysian Best Tour Operator (Domestic) 2004 and 2005.

Travelling In Tasik Kenyir.
Well… Water transportation here is very important as most of the places ,chalet and resort can only be reaches by boat.

At The moment may 2006, there are 70 license boat operator proving their service within the Lake. Which is the 8 person fibre glass boat and also the double Decker boat house which can accommodated 12 person max.

For accommodation .

There are 10 resort chalets that can be found here all over the lake Which is the 

1. Kenyir Lake View Resort (a golf resort) 150 room.
2. Kenyir Sanctuary Resort. (40 chalets / Campsite).
3. Rumah Rehat Persekutuan. (Federal Government Rest house) 10 Chalets.
4. Lake Land Resort. ( 22 chalets)

Pantai Batu Rakit

Pantai Batu Rakit is situated about 30km from Kuala Terengganu and are about 14.7 Km from Merang in the north of Terengganu.. 

Pantai Batu Rakit is famous for its fresh sead food ,the famous keropok lekor , otak-otak and satar, is on the unspoiled shores dotted with colourful fishing boat, beautiful crystal clear water and surrounded by lush green forest. 

The scenery at the a lot of fishing villages adjoining to the beach can make you felt peace fully as , here you can see Fishing nets hung out to dry, rows of colourful batik sarongs lined washing lines – flapping in the gentle sea breeze with friendly fishermen

Its like a fiasta when large fleet of fishermen returning from they daily catch in the morning and in the evening.

In some sunny days, the famous Pulau Redang and former Vietnamese refuge island, Pulau Bidong are visible from the beach. 
Try seafoods tempura (goreng celup tepung ) at the Batu Rakit beach stalls, the stall serves varieties tempura such as fishes, crabs, squids,prawns, sting rays, bananas, kerepok etc.Batu rakit also famous for fried kew teaw with squid and chicken, try the stall opposite the mosque along the main road.

Pantai Batu Rakit is a popular place, among the folk in the city of Kuala Terengganu and my mother to catch the coming home of fishing boats in the morning for fresh fish, crab and Prawn.

Here also is the place to looks for the stalls by the road which sell the most delicious “otak-otak” and “Satar” in the whole Terengganu and I mean its because I once live here!!

Even though there are many stall here that sell The Famous Keropok Lekor..they keropok is sory to say but not very tasty..

NOTE : There are better place to buy it as The Keropok here cant beat all the Keropok at Kampung Mengadang Lekor which is on the main road to Pulau Redang Jetty and the Keropok Lekor in Losong, Kuala Terengganu.

Pantai Tanjung Jara

Tanjung Jara is an rocky beaches, which spread out on a generously landscaped acreage with a beautiful stretch of clean, The white sandy beach here is one of the most striking beaches in Terengganu with fascinating sand dunes that are created by Nature earth’s powerful waves from The South China Sea.

Tanjung Jara which is 14km from Kuala Dungun or 60 km south of Kuala Terengganu is also the home of Tanjung Jara beach resort.The timeless beauty and a serenity of this enchanting beach is like from a dream .Whereas the foreland and the sea here are bless by strong wing and a beautiful calm sea with many underwater treasure of flora and fauna. Thus creating an endless activity.

Most of the people who came to this private beach of Tanjung Jara Beach Resort are here because they want to get away from the madden crowd of people at Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang. 

A visit here to the beach will not be complete if you do not stay at Tajung Jara Beach Resort .Which is the most highly acclaimed Beach resort in whole Terengganu.It is the only resort which have everything from diving ,spa, till golfing and etc. 

By staying here you can indulge in many exciting array of water activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and diving that the beach has to offer .All these can be arranged at Tanjung Jara Beach Resort or have a relaxing stay at the Spa or go on for a golf or two with friend and family.

Many of people that stay here, speak highly of they resort that they always received a long reservation from loyal guest who will stay here when there are in Terengganu.The resort also was chosen by many local and international celebrites during important event or during the annual Moonsun Cup and most importantly this place is far from anybody.

Tanjung Jara Beach Resort is a 5 Star accommodation and service with a very attractive price.