Perhentian diving guide

About diving at Perhentian

The Perhentian Islands — Besar ('big') and Kecil ('small') — sit in the Terengganu Marine Park and are one of Malaysia's most popular places to learn to dive. Kecil has a backpacker buzz around Long Beach, while Besar is calmer with more family resorts.

Over 20 dive sites are within a short boat ride, mixing gentle coral slopes, rocky pinnacles and a sunken cargo ship. Turtles are seen so often that they become part of everyday diving here.

What makes Perhentian special

• Temple of the Sea (Tokong Laut)A pinnacle rising from deeper water, covered in soft corals and fish. It can have current and suits divers with some experience.
• The Sugar WreckA cargo ship that sank near the islands, now a popular wreck dive full of fish life, at a depth suited to Advanced-level divers.
• Shark PointKnown for blacktip reef sharks patrolling the reef.
• Turtle-filled shallowsGreen and hawksbill turtles are regular companions on Perhentian reefs and even while snorkelling.

Marine life to look for

• Green turtles
• Hawksbill turtles
• Blacktip reef sharks
• Bumphead parrotfish
• Barracuda
• Moray eels
• Soft corals
• Nudibranchs

When to dive

Around March to October. Most resorts and dive centres close during the north-east monsoon, roughly November to February.

Getting there

Speedboats run from the jetty at Kuala Besut in Terengganu. Kota Bharu airport is the nearest airport.

Who it suits

Beginners — the Perhentians are one of the region's best-value places for SSI Open Water Diver — through to Advanced divers for the wreck and pinnacles.

Local tips

• Bring enough cash; banking facilities on the islands are very limited.
• A marine park fee is collected when you arrive.
• Pick your island to match your mood: Kecil for social, Besar for quiet.

Learning to dive at Perhentian

Visiting divers usually join an SSI centre for guided dives or courses such as SSI Open Water Diver and Advanced Adventurer. Check each centre’s dates and what its packages include.

Part of our guide to scuba diving in Malaysia.