Without a doubt the single most memorable thing for me about the Perhentian Islands was the intensity of the colour. When the sun was shining down on the rocks, water, or clouds everything was taken to extreme. I loved it.
The reason we travelled to the Perhentian Islands was for diving. During our time on Langkawi Island whenever we mentioned to someone we were looking for a place to possibly go diving, everyone suggested the Perhentian Islands. The embarrassing part for me is I had never heard of them. But after some frantic internet education we decided to check it out for ourselves.
Admittedly, we did not see much of the islands. Our main purpose was diving and quite frankly, it was so damn hot that going for a stroll was a bit punishing. However this little bay just down the beach from our place was heaven. After diving one day we spent the better part of an afternoon relaxing here.Several times a day we were reminded where we were by the loudspeakers from the mosque on the other island broadcasting prayers. It is interesting how quickly you acclimatize to these things.On our last day the Coastguard (I believe) did a cruise between the two islands.
During our visit we stayed at Tuna Bay Island Resort, which is located on the larger of the two islands. The food was excellent and the rooms were simple but clean and comfortable. As well, probably the best shower we have experienced since coming to Asia.
The beach out front of the resort was very nice. A small coral reef has been fostered within the swimming area so snorkelling was excellent right off shore. You did have to watch for the little black and white reef fish as when you stopped moving they liked to bite your legs. Nothing serious, just a hell of a surprise.Universal Diver was right next door to the resort and handled their scuba package deals. I found it a little confusing the first day figuring out their routine. However once I had that down the diving was great.The gear was first class and the dive masters helped solve the problem of ill fitting fins immediately which made the rest of my dives very comfortable.
The diving was great. Visibility was between 2 and 18 metres, most of the time in the 10 – 12 metre range. We visited a variety of sites which kept everything interesting.
This porcupine fish did not have the most welcoming face, but it was cute the way he was tucked into his little hole.Crown of Thorns Starfish. Unfortunately these are best known for having a great appetite for coral.Several Giant Clams in the area.I have no idea what type of clam this is, but I loved the cartoon nature of the opening. The white worm just added to the effect.Just so you don’t think we ever have so/so dives. This wreck needed more time for coral to grow and fish to move in. Due to a head cold Karen had to miss this dive, which she wasn’t that sorry about.
Check out the short video I did of our diving here:
One of the interesting things to observe here is the mixture of cultures. The majority of guests here are either Asians or Europeans. Seeing a lady in her bikini walking by a group of girls in their hijabs snorkelling causes no excitement whatsoever. Everybody just does their own thing. Rather refreshing.
And did I mention the colours?
Karen relaxing by the bay.Couldn’t help but get this shot as I was laying on the beach.
If you get the chance, come visit the Perhentian Islands. Beautiful, reasonable, and did I mention the colour? Love it here.
Peter sure enjoy the videos.
The way you follow the contours eg. around the out crops and ocean floor. The stills are a nice mix as well. Nice camera control “steady and smooth”.
Such a nice spot you found.
Like to check with you as which exact place is the one with rocks in the photos and on which particular of the two islands Perhentian Besar or Perhentian Kecil?
Peter sure enjoy the videos.
The way you follow the contours eg. around the out crops and ocean floor. The stills are a nice mix as well. Nice camera control “steady and smooth”.
Such a nice spot you found.
Love Kev and Karin
Hi,
Like to check with you as which exact place is the one with rocks in the photos and on which particular of the two islands Perhentian Besar or Perhentian Kecil?
It was on Perhentian Besar near the southeast corner at the north end of a small bay. On Google maps the bay is labeled as Telus Keke.
Sorry, that should read southwest corner.