Emerald of the East

There's Perhentian Kecil (i.e. Long Beach) and there's Perhentian Besar.

Perhentian Kecil is much more happening, a hub for backpackers from all around the world with bars playing catchy music, serving drinks and even shishas by camp fire. Perhentian Besar is much quieter, (you can pretty much hear your next door neighbor snore at night) and is blessed with serene beauty, suitable for family holiday. We headed for the latter.

It was peak season when we went there, accommodations were more expensive than usual but we spent 4 days 3 nights at the island, ate with bottomless stomachs, went snorkeling, (attempted to) catch squids, took night boat to Perhentian Kecil and took out no more than RM500 from my pocket, I thought that's quite cheap! If you're interested in going I would recommend our dodgily named accommodation, Abdul's Chalet. And unless you're from North Pole and are TOTALLY heat deprived, do spend a bit more money for the air-conditioned chalet - you will need it when you're there!

First photo of Perhentian Besar

We went snorkeling and I thought I was going to swoon over the underwater beauty but to be honest I was quite disappointed to see a lot of the corals are dying.

Rest in Peace dear Corals :(

I was lucky to see a few beautiful corals, (please swim with a tour guide, saves you a LOT of time wondering around the wrong area!) and the water's crystal clear - I especially enjoy feeding loaves of bread to the fishes and watch them bite EVERYTHING that comes their way for a tiny bite of bread. Awesome determination they've got there!

Here's what you should do if you're going to Perhentian Besar.

Walk all the way down the beach, past Abdul's chalet, past JD Palace, as far as your feet could take you until you reach the corner of the island. It's quite a long walk but trust me when I say it's worth it. The most beautiful beach I've ever seen in ages lays there, a mere walking distance from the tourist spot. There is no one there, no chalet, no boat, no nothing. Just a beautiful beach nestled at the corner of the island.

I still can't get over how beautiful this place is (I have a feeling I'm coming again). This time perhaps I'll bring out the fun loving girl in me, pack fifteen bottles of sunscreens and head for Perhentian Kecil with my girlfriends!

Xx.