🌴 Our Next Family Adventure: Discovering Malaysia’s Hidden Gem — The Perhentian Islands
Smiths On Tour take a spontaneous trip to Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands — crystal-clear water, coral reefs, and family snorkelling paradise moments.
By Emma – Smiths On Tour
When we left Penang for a spontaneous road trip to Malaysia’s east coast, we had no idea where we’d end up. That’s kind of how our full-time family travel journey goes — a mix of adventure, chaos, and laughter, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
We’d heard so many great things about the Perhentian Islands, known for their crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and slow island vibes. As a family who loves snorkelling and exploring nature, it sounded like the perfect place for us.
🚗 The Spontaneous Start
When we set off from Penang, we didn’t have a single plan — no bookings, no idea where we’d stay. We ended up driving through the night and finally arrived in Besut (the mainland gateway to the islands) around 1 a.m., completely unprepared but full of excitement.
Road Trip!
Stopping off at a local Cafe for Malaysian food and meeting the locals!
Luckily, we managed to find a small hotel last minute. Sometimes, those unexpected moments turn out to be the best memories.
The next morning, we spotted a little poster advertising Sunny Travels’ snorkelling tours. They offered a five-point snorkelling trip around the Perhentian Islands, including return boat transfers, for no more than £30 per person — and we had the entire boat to ourselves! It felt so spontaneous, luxurious, and totally us.
It turned out to be one of the best snorkelling experiences we’ve had so far in our travels!
🐠 The Magic of the Perhentian Islands
There are actually two main Perhentian Islands — Perhentian Besar (the bigger and more family-friendly island) and Perhentian Kecil (smaller and more popular with backpackers). Both are part of Terengganu Marine Park, which helps protect the coral reefs and marine life.
Our snorkelling tour took us to five breathtaking spots — from vibrant coral gardens and turtle bays to shallow waters where small reef sharks peacefully swam by. The water shimmered in endless shades of blue and turquoise, and the beaches were soft, golden, and untouched — the kind of beauty that makes you pause and breathe it all in.
We went at the start of Malaysia’s monsoon season (October), which meant fewer tourists and quieter beaches. Luckily for us, the skies were clear, the water was calm, and the whole experience felt like something out of a movie (top tip- check the weather before you set off).
🏝️ Finding a Place to Stay
After our snorkelling trip, we realised we didn’t want to leave the island — but we had nowhere to stay. Our guide kindly dropped us off at the main marina on Perhentian Besar, and we started asking around for accommodation.
Most hotels were closed because the island shuts down for three months during the rainy season (from late October onwards). Thankfully, we came across Tuna Bay Island Resort, one of the few places still open.
It wasn’t cheap (around £108 per night with breakfast included), but as soon as we arrived, we understood why. It felt like our own private island paradise.
The best part? You could snorkel directly from the beach in front of the resort. We walked straight from our room into a coral reef teeming with tropical fish. It was magical.
We spent hours swimming and exploring — spotting colourful fish, waving coral, and even a few turtles. In the evening, we had fresh grilled fish for dinner, listening to the sound of the waves as the sun set over the water. It was simple, peaceful, and perfect.
🇲🇽 Comparing it to Mexico
When we arrived at the Perhentian Islands, I remember thinking — this is exactly what we expected to find in Mexico.
Back when we were travelling through Mexico, we visited the famous Xel-Há Park near Tulum, hoping for that same kind of natural snorkelling experience. Don’t get me wrong — it was beautiful and fun — but it didn’t have the same untouched, raw feeling that Perhentian did.
In Mexico, the water was often a bit murky and the excursions more commercialised. But here in Malaysia, it was pure and natural — no crowds, no noise, just us, the ocean, and endless coral reefs to explore.
It felt like the kind of tropical paradise we’d been searching for all along — one where you can step right into the water from your hotel room and feel completely connected to nature.
☀️ Tips for Visiting the Perhentian Islands as a Family
If you’re thinking about visiting Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands with your family or teenagers, here are a few things we learned along the way:
Protect your skin! Even on cloudy days, the UV levels are strong. Bring rash vests, leggings, and eco-friendly sunscreen.
Stock up before you go. There’s a small shop near Tuna Bay Resort where you can grab snacks and water, but options can be limited.
Mind the season. The best time to visit is March to early October — most resorts close after that for monsoon season.
Budget accordingly. The islands are a bit pricier than the mainland, so plan for higher food and accommodation costs.
Plan your stay. We stayed two days and one night — perfect for a short, adventure-filled getaway. If you want to relax more, stay three nights.
💭 Reflections from the Island
As I sat on the beach watching the sunset, I felt such a deep sense of gratitude. These are the moments that remind me why we chose this full-time travel lifestyle — to be free, to explore, and to live in the moment together.
It’s not always easy travelling with a teenager — we have different energy levels, moods, and interests — but moments like these make it all worth it. Seeing Tilly snorkelling through the coral reef, completely in her element, made my heart full.
Would I recommend the Perhentian Islands to other families? Absolutely. If you love nature, marine life, and slow island living, this is a must-visit destination in Malaysia.
We only stayed for two days and one night, but it was enough to fall in love. Next time, we’d love to explore Redang Island, which is just a short boat ride away.
Until then, we’ll hold onto the memory of white sands, turquoise seas, colourful coral, and the feeling of swimming through a dream.
✨ Final Thoughts
Have you ever travelled to Malaysia’s east coast islands?
Would you visit during monsoon season for a quieter experience?
What’s your must-have for a family snorkelling trip?
Share your thoughts in the comments below — I love connecting with other travelling families who are chasing a life full of meaning, freedom, and exploration.
This trip reminded me once again that the best adventures often come from the unexpected — and that’s exactly what makes them unforgettable. 🌺
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