STOPPAGE ISLAND
- Yuv
- Apr 18, 2017
- 4 min read
Why go to Maldives when you have a paradise just like it, right in your homeland? #MalaysiaTrulyAsia
Just look at that view man. I can't even. I can't odd (i'm lame).
Ladies and gentleman, this is Perhentian Island, also known as 'Pulau Perhentian' or 'Stoppage Island'. Its located in Terengganu, Malaysia and there is basically two main islands; Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar.
"So Yuv, which island should I go to?"
Basically if you are young, socially NOT awkward, a night owl that loves party and booze or just looking for a romantic getaway with your partner (wink..wink), then Perhentian Kecil would be the perfect choice! Perhentian Besar would suit for those travelling with kids/family or just looking for some peace and quiet. If you are still indecisive, no worries, there is still a 'water taxi' service available between the two islands. But who am I to tell you where to go?! JUST DO WHAT YOUR HEART (and BRAIN) TELLS YOU! (lol)
How to get there?
We took a flight to Sultan Ismail Petra, Kota Bharu airport and then a taxi from the airport to Kuala Besut Jetty. Then a speedboat from there to the island!
We stayed in Ombak Resort in Perhentian Kecil and I wish i didn't have to leave. Instead of finding words trying to describe/write about how frigging gorgeous and beautiful the island was (cos I'm a lazy ass), I'm just gonna let the pictures do the talking now.
Crystal blue waters. When in Perhentian, you MUST snorkel or dive!
I got photobombed by a turtle...oh how rude!
Swam with sharks cos I'm a daredevil duh (jk..these Blacktip Sharks are harmless)
Oh! and I found Nemo y'all. You are welcome Marlin.
Did you know there are windmills at the top of the island? And did you also know, that its also a stunning viewpoint? Guys, you should NOT miss this when in Perhentian. Its a 10-20 minute hike from the foothill (depending on where you are staying) and if you are lazy or just too exhausted from all the snorkeling & diving, no worries! you can charter a boat to the windmill. But its more fun walking/trekking :P
Now you know what I'm talking about. Beautiful isn't it?
Yeap! definitely an Instagram worthy shot
*happy sighs*
Now, let's get down to the DO's, DONT's and TIPS so you can plan and make the most out of your time in Perhentian Island.
DO's
Bring A LOT of sunblock (the weather is sunny and scorching hot, especially around 12pm-4pm, so be prepared!)
Equip yourself with mosquito and insect repellent. They come in VERY handy during your walks around the island and even in your hotel room.
Survey around the island for the best snorkeling/diving package (more stops with an affordable price). YOU HAVE TO SNORKEL/DIVE!!
Bring along a waterproof camera/GoPro or just a waterproof casing for your phone cos DUH...there's gonna be a lot of water activity.
CLEAN UP after yourselves because no one likes a polluted beach and Mother Nature will love you.
DONT's
Touch or step on the corals
Litter (only brainless monkeys will litter..#sorryNotsorry)
TIPS
Don't easily be fooled by 'room + snorkel/dive' packages offered by hotels. The hotel i was staying in offered a package as well but i did my bookings individually for everything and it was RM 100 cheaper!
If possible, book a hotel along Long Beach, its one of the pretty side of the island and its more lively at night (there is a fire show every night). It is only a 10 min walk to Long Beach if you are staying in Coral Bay.
If you are planning to walk up to the windmills/viewpoint, go there EARLY MORNING or LATE EVENING so u can peacefully enjoy the view because trust me, you don't want to be roasted by the afternoon heat.
Popular snorkelling spots: Turtle beach, Turtle point, Shark point, Light house and Romantic beach.
For more information about the island and what you can see/do, I recommend you to check out Nomadic Matt :)
BUT WAIT...
Our trip didn't just end in the island. Oncewe got back from the island to Kuala Besut Jetty, we then stayed at Kuala Besut for a night so we could go for a short hike up Bukit Keluang the next morning.
"see the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me"
We stayed in Manor Beach resort just a 5-10 min walk/drive to Bukit Keluang and is situated right in-front of the beach. We rented a car for 2 days just to go about the town and get some Keropok Lekor for family and friends (there is a long stretch of shops along the road selling nothing but keropok lekor). Kuala Besut is a small & quiet town, so don't expect much.
I saw a ledge and naturally, I had to sit on the edge and dangle my feet. All for the gram! (LOL). I was nagged by fellow hikers thinking I was suicidal ha! Safety first kids :P
Ending my last day of vacay with a relaxing yoga flow by the beach. You don't get to do this everyday. (Well, unless you own a beach side bungalow. In that case, I hate you :P)
Hi guys! Meet Sea Bij. It's a mandatory thing we build every time we go on a beach vacay. She's sad I'm leaving and also because of all the rubbish in the ocean that has been washed up on the beach (as seen around her). PLEASE, DO YOUR PART IN KEEPING THE OCEAN & BEACH CLEAN. Be civilized human beings and clean up after yourself and dispose rubbish properly. You can't expect to visit clean pristine beaches & oceans if you aren't even taking the initiative to make sure they stay that way.
Peace out!
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