For over 30 years, tourists have been travelling to the Perhentian Islands for a piece of its paradise. Unlike Langkawi, Penang and other west coast islands in Malaysia, it has resisted the erection of flash hotels and maintained its local feel. Whilst this is part of its attraction, there’s generally a large disparity between the quality of its accommodation and the price you pay to be there.

In contrast to Thailand, which in my opinion, offers much better hotels for a fraction of the price, many hotels on Malaysia’s east coast islands still have a way to go when it comes to quality versus cost.

I’ve stayed in much nicer beach huts in Koh Lipe, that offer better food, service and boast the same enchanting sea views. They were also significantly cheaper than most resorts in the Perhentians.

But don’t give up just yet.

Most East Coast Malaysian islands are less touristy than Thailand and relatively underdeveloped. They haven’t [yet] been spoiled by mass construction or by abolishing the very thing that makes them the paradise they are today- it’s nature. On the Perhentians for example, there’s no other way to get around than by taking a boat taxi, or by trekking through the lush jungle as they have no roads. It’s utter bliss.

The Perhentians also offer better value for money when compared to other East Peninsula islands like Redang or Tioman, and are said to have far better snorkelling. 🙌

Thankfully, it has maintained its relaxed, local charm and managed to resist the presence of huge 5-star resorts. That was until last year, at least.

Which island should you stay on?

The Perhentians are made up of two islands: Kecil on the west (aka small island), and Besar on the east (aka big island).

If you prowl the internet, then Kecil is written heavily as being a backpacker island with budget accommodation. Besar is also portrayed as more of a luxury destination for families or honeymooners.

Although I think this is only party true.

What to expect from Pulau Kecil

This small island undoubtedly has many budget lodgings that line the middle, off Long Beach and Coral Bay. Most appear to have been constructed in the 80s with minimal maintenance since then. But some are highly recommended by budget bloggers.

For many of the cheaper stays, bookings must be made over the phone or via a form on their website, rather than through platforms like Booking.com. But this article isn’t recommending dorms, I left that behind in my 20s. 🙂 However, stick around if you want those value-for-money finds.

While Kecil used to be regarded as the backpacker island, nowadays it attracts all types of travellers with its growing number of mid to high-end resorts. Interestingly, Kecil is still dubbed ‘the backpacker island’, but it accommodates the only three high-end resorts between both islands, Alunan Resort, Bubu Villa and its newest kid on the block.

In 2024, Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa opened on Kecil. Some people have commented that it has taken away a significant portion of the jungle to accommodate it, which is sad to hear. Interestingly, however, I’ve noticed that many other hotels on the islands are reviewed more favourably since then, which may be because it has provided a fresh injection of healthy competition. While I hope the development here doesn’t turn into another Koh Lipe, I can only hope that a resort of this size will give back to the community in more ways than just jobs, and perhaps lead the way with sustainable initiatives.

What to expect from Pulau Besar

Much of Besar’s resorts sit along the west coast, from Abdul’s chalet at the end of Tuna Bay to Perhentian Island Resort. There’s also some family-run/flashpacker-style accommodation along the Teluk Dalam Beach on the south coast.

You’ll find a few budget resorts on Besar, but on the whole, it’s mid-range. It generally attracts a more mature crowd giving it a chilled, laid back vibe. Due to the lack of high-end resorts and eateries I wouldn’t call it a honeymoon island, unless you’re after rustic and low-key.

Both Kecil and Besar are just as beautiful as each other, and I’d therefore recommend splitting your time between them to give you the best of both worlds.

But if you had to choose one, then I’d recommend Besar. I’ve twice had a wonderful stay at Tuna Bay and liked the crowd, vibes and impressive snorkelling conditions from just off the beach, which Long Beach lacks.

If you’re struggling to decide, then don’t stress! You’re bound to spend a decent amount of time on both islands anyway. There are plenty of water taxis that can take you cheaply to the other side in 5-10 minutes.

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Value For Money Hotels & Resorts in the Perhentian Islands

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Nature-wise, the Perhentians are beautiful. Hotel-wise, they’re generally aging and basic. But there are a few you’d be happy to stay in. However, you’ll probably want to lower your expectations a tad. You’re mainly paying for the sea view or proximity to a great beach.

I don’t boast to have stayed in all of the hotels and guesthouses, but I have slept in a handful, eaten at many and researched Booking.com to get an idea of what they offer.

Firstly, booking a sea-view or beachfront room is always my recommended option to get the most out of your Perhentian experience. So don’t be stingy, it’ll be worth it, I promise!

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1. Abdul’s Chalet

Location: Tuna Bay, Perhentian Besar (west coast)

Abduls is by far the best value-for-money you’ll get on the islands. It’s very basic and rustic, but has everything you need. Rooms are clean and have air-con, a fridge, as well as a private balcony.

Cost: A beachfront chalet will set you back a very reasonable RM200 (price remains the same in the low and high season).

It’s situated on one of the island’s nicest snorkelling beaches, where you can get up close and personal with a range of sea life from just in front of your chalet. Waking up each morning and sipping coffee overlooking a sunrise, or stepping down a mere 2 feet from your bed into the soft, white sand, is priceless. (Well, a bargain at least!)

What’s also lovely about Abdul’s is that it’s at the end of the bay, so there’s less people traffic. It appears to be family-run, and the staff are pleasant. Breakfast is very simple, so don’t expect much from it.

Internet in general on the island is very lacking, but at Abdul’s it’s okay (note, if you have a Mac, then I needed to use a Firefox browser for it to work).

Overall, we had a truly enjoyable stay and knowing we grabbed the biggest value for money find on the island added to the satisfaction.

Booking: Check out their website and send them an email to reserve a room (they are not on Booking.com or Agoda.. it’s back to the 80s people!) One of the nicest things about staying here was being right on the beach, so be sure to book their ‘Sea View’ chalet!

To confirm the booking, they will ask you for a 50% deposit, which can be made via bank transfer.

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2. The Barat Perhentian

Location: In between Tuna Bay and Perhentian Island Resort, on Besar (west coast)

This resort stayed off our radar until we ate at their restaurant after a jungle hike. There aren’t many places I’d recommend eating at on Besar Island, but The Barat would be on the list.

Staff were really friendly and efficient (a bit rare on the island), and the Asian food was tasty. They also sold beer (it’s one of the few places- if not the only one- above Tuna Bay that sells alcohol.) They have international dishes to please some foreign guests too, all at a reasonable price.

Our great lunch experience and its locality put this place on our list of recommended stays. The beach right in front isn’t really fit for swimming, but go 2 minutes around the corner and you’re on perhaps the best snorkelling beach on the island at Teluk Pauh (in front of Perhentian Island Resort.) It is meant to be one of the best spots to swim with turtles.

Cost: A Deluxe Room with Sea View (looks to be the nicest room) costs RM460 (up from RM360 last year), or you can bag a standard Chalet or Room for RM310. (Note, this is the low season cost. Their rates increase in the high season, and fluctuate depending on he time of week.)

It appears that teh Barat have renovated the rooms recently and ditched some of the 1-2 occupancy pads for more family-sized options.

Booking: For the best rates, bookings can be made via Booking.com.

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3. Tuna Bay Resort

Location: Tuna Bay beach on Besar (west coast)

Apart from our recent restaurant find at the Barat, I ate every other dinner on Besar at Tuna Bay. They offer a decent breakfast buffet for guests in the morning with good coffee, and have a tasty menu for all-day dining.

But the best bit is heading there for a sunset whilst sipping on a cocktail, and then ordering a fresh seafood BBQ. 🦐 It has the kind of ocean proteins that you’d expect from an island resort- including enormous, straight-out-of-the-ocean jumbo prawns and a catch of the day cooked a few different ways. You don’t have to stay here to enjoy the food, but it’s nice to have it on your doorstep.

Food aside, the resort staff are friendly and the room we had was spacious, with everything we needed (except perhaps a kettle… gotta love a coffee on the balcony first thing without needing to pop out).

We went for their Super-Deluxe Sea View Chalet. Although it was far from what you would consider ‘super deluxe’ (it was a basic double room at best), it overlooked one of the best beaches on the island, which was the deluxe part. But I thought it was worth it. I came here for the nature, not to be stuck in a hotel room, and having a stunning ocean view with a morning brew or a sundowner was priceless.

Although Abdul’s is on the same beach, it’s the little perks that make the difference, like having decent sun loungers in front of your room. When I stayed at Adbuls, I did find myself wandering to Tuna Bay Resort for a lie on their beds!

Cost: We paid RM420 per night in October for a ‘Super Deluxe’ Sea View Chalet, although prices have now risen to RM560. There are cheaper rooms available, like the ‘Hill View’ Chalet for RM470, Garden Chalet for RM420, or Standard Chalet for RM390.

Booking: You can check out Booking.com to read their reviews. However, now you can only book via their website by filling out a contact form.

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4. Bubu Villa

Location: Long Beach on Kecil (east coast)

Bubu Villa is at the higher end of the pricing scale but if your budget can afford, it probably offers the best resort on both islands combined.

At the other end of the beach, it also has a sister resort called Bubu Long Beach Resort. Unfortunately both times I’d visited the Perhentians, BLBR had already closed for the season so I didn’t get a look in.

But Bubu Villa looks to be the better option. Although it’s slightly higher in price, it offers a better location at the southern end of the beach, which is the nicest part for swimming. The rooms also look more secluded (you can’t even see them from the beach) and are set in smart-looking white cottages, with thatched roofs and wooden furnishings.

Added niceties are the beach-front massage options (I’ve personally had a ‘Beautiful Dream’ massage there that sent me to heaven!) and the restaurant in front, aptly named ‘World Cafe’, is delightful.

This semi casual, al-fresco eatery offers the best food I’ve eaten in the Perhentians, which would make it the only honeymoon hotel I would consider here. A tell-tale sign of the delicious Italian food coming from the kitchen is the Italian chef you can see in the kitchen. The service is also attentive.

Cost: Prices here have risen significantly over the past few years. A Garden Villa now costs RM1’380, up from RM680. A Beach Villa will set you back RM1,580

Booking: Visit their website for the best rates and more details, or check out their reviews on Booking.com.

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5. Alunan Resort

Location: Petani Beach on Kecil (south coast)

As you arrive at Alunan resort to the small jetty in front, it definitely has coast appeal. It’s one of those resorts that you pull up to with a boat full of holidayers, where everyone looks at you with gazes of admiration, because you seem to have chosen the nicest-looking resort on the island.

Alunan Resort itself is nestled at the end of Petani beach in a semi-remote location. You won’t have to worry about people traffic or noise here, which it holds superior to Bubu.

Although a downside is that the beach in front isn’t the best for swimming or snorkelling. But you can always rent a kayak to find nicer ones, or boat taxis are quick and cheap.

I haven’t seen the rooms personally, but from the pictures online they appear to be modernly decorated and furnished, complete with a tempting double hammock on the deck.

I have eaten at the restaurant a couple of times though, which serves good Asian food (and offers international options), and it has a dreamy view too.

Cost: Prices here have also risen quite a bit over the past year, but dinner has also been added to the price. Now starting at RM1,320 (up from RM740) for a 70 square meter double room with a balcony/deck, including breakfast.

Booking: Visit their website for more details, or check out their reviews and book via Booking.com.

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My view on a couple of other places

Here are my two cents on a couple of hotels that I personally wouldn’t part cash for.

• Perhentian Island Resort (PIR) (Besar)

Price: Price is between RM500 and RM830 for a beachfront chalet.

This resort is right in front of Teluk Pauh (one of the best snorkelling beaches in Besar), but it seems grossly overpriced for what it is.

The chalets look run-down and in need of an upgrade. Considering the high price tag, it’s charging solely for access to the beautiful beach in front, which you can easily walk to from any other resort on the west coast.

The restaurant at this dry resort (no alcohol) is also dark and uninviting, with the staff seeming a little too nonchalant. According to Booking.com reviews, the breakfast is subpar, the internet is unreliable, and the chalets require maintenance.

But, if you don’t mind the price tag, then this is deemed the most ‘high-end’ on Besar. Although I’d personally head to Tuna Bay Resort instead. I’m sure the food is better, and at least you get a sundowner, or a glass of wine with dinner.

• Mimpi Perhentian (Kecil)

Price: The ‘Ocean Deluxe King’ room that we stayed in here costs RM1,840 in the high season.

Although newer than Perhentian Island Resort (and it looks a little better), Mimpi is essentially a slightly sterile, paper hotel, which sounds good on paper. Personally, I prefer the local vibe at Tuna Bay or Abdul’s Chalet, which feels more traditional and is less busy.

For me, the only perk here was the sea view. Some things I struggled with were the paper-thin walls and no soundproofing, so I was kept awake at night from the noise (although perhaps it was in part the location of our room, which was near the elevator). The place had clearly been built to maximise profit, with the rooms densely built on top of each other, so it felt more confined and could get loud on the balcony with the neighbours out too. It was less of a far-flung, remote island vibe.

We booked partly for the pool, but it was tiny for the number of people staying and always busy, with just a few sun loungers that were occupied. To be honest, you don’t need a pool when staying on the island, as the ocean here is so lush! However, the beach at the far end, near Bubu Villa, is much better for swimming, so we always ended up walking down there.

There is a jetty right next to Mimpi, but when we arrived from the mainland by boat, we were dumped on the other side of the island. Although unprepared for the change in destination, we understood at this time of year the water can be a little choppier for the bigger boats. However, it wouldn’t have hurt for the hotel to warn guests of this. We ended up hauling our luggage through the jungle to get there.

The staff were polite, but not particularly well trained on our visit, and it lacked the personal touch of a family-run place.

I’m nitpicking now, but there were other little things you wouldn’t expect for that price, like stained bedcovers, a poor shower, very basic breakfast, and an air-con extractor on the balcony.

Anyway, I didn’t feel that this place warranted the price, and we ended up leaving earlier than intended. Considering you can have a gorgeous snorkelling beach just in front of you at Abdul’s Chalets, and pay a quarter of the price, it’s a bit of a no-brainer for me.

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So there you have it folks, my recommendations on places to stay in the stunning Perhentian Islands. I’m stoked that this article has remained relevant and helpful since I first wrote it six years ago. I’m definitely due a return visit soon, which is easier now that I’m based in Saigon.

While I’m updating the post every year to keep it current, I’d love to hear about your experiences at some of the stays featured in this article. Likewise, if you think there’s a place that should be included, then don’t be a stranger, share your thoughts and comment below.x