Insider tip: Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Mask and snorkel set, a few steps in the crystal clear warm water, head down and some arm moves. In the field of view come the usual suspects in the Pacific Ocean: clownfish and colorful relatives.

Which nobody has counted about 50 meters from the beach, are giant sea turtles doing completely relaxed their laps in the crystal clear water and every few minutes coming up to the surface to catch some breath.

Pulau Perhentian or also the Perhentian Islands are even for experienced remote traveler often not a term. It may be that Malaysia does not count to the main destination in South East Asia, Besar and Kecil Islands are far from the mass tourism. Who needs no more than breathtaking water, simple accommodation and to eat some delicious curries or fresh-caught fish is here guaranteed arrived in personal paradise.

Already at the booking of hostels (there are also hotels on the two islands, but hostels are default) you realize that the Perhentian Islands are no ordinary archipelgo. The question of a free room is answered unusual "I don't know, just come over". Even the backpacker is reminded of his naturally strong sense of order, pauses a moment and consider whether he has chosen his goal really correct. But those who are equipped with the adventure gene, of course still go and are rewarded by a quiet oasis.

With small boats you have to drive from the coastal town Besut to the islands. With 20 people and little space that seems like an adventure in itself. The luggage will be placed in the front - 20 people in this mini-boat are the absolute maximum. Who has a queasy feeling in the stomach can look into the continuous turquoise water, the skepticism is totally unnecessary.

Of course everything goes smoothly, the Malays make these trips every day. Finally arrived at MAMAS CHALET. There's free room and by the way it is clear why here no one can say in advance whether it is really so. "You can stay as long as you want. Just let me know one day prior to departure.” An unlimited residence permit for the paradise is included.

The Perhentian Islands are a dream for those who are looking for seclusion and relaxation and do not want to pay the prices of luxury resorts in the Maldives. The rooms are simple and the prices low. Especially Pulau Besar is a haven of peace. There is only one village, not a single road, the road to other beaches and lodging will be covered either by a trail through the undergrowth or by boat.

The people are extremely relaxed and the beaches are beautiful. For those who like it more secluded can take one of the boats to the Turtle Beach. A long beach with only a single hut and less people. With a little luck you can see there, especially in the fall, a few turtles hatch on the beach. Who does not have this luck and missed the spectacle can swim at the main beach of the island, with almost a hundred per cent probability to see giant sea turtles. For all lovers of the underwater world, it is a spectacle to see these majestic animals. Slowly move their fins and seemingly weightlessly glide through the water.

That it remains so in the future, the Malaysian Government has placed the island more than a decade ago under conservation. Is being built here and there anyway, almost all 2,000 residents of the islands depend on tourism. But still no mega resorts disfigure the image. There are many small huts as hostels and terraces as restaurants. The conservation was a forward-looking view of the authorities, to obtain the secluded paradise as beautiful as possible.

Map

Mama's Chalet/Place

Accommodation (Agoda)

Accommodation (Booking.com)

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