Words: Gentleman's Journal
If the over-populated beaches of the Med appear too daunting this coming summer, why not travel a little less off the beaten track. Malaysia possesses some of the world’s most impressive settings, from the metropolitan skyline of Kuala Lumpa to the dense green jungles in the North, but little known to most are beautiful beaches enclaved within The Perhentian islands.
The option to charter a private transfer from Kuala Besut (mainland Malaysia) to The Perhentian Islands, is undoubtedly your best choice. If the commercial speed liner simply doesn’t cut it and a taste of the high life is what your after, then for a comparatively small price you can hire an array of motorised private boats that make your twenty four kilometre trip all the more luxurious. But when your arrive on the sun kissed paradise ten miles off the coast of Malaysia boasting an amazing tropical setting and some of the worlds best diving, your transfer will seem all but irrelevant.
As you approach long beach you are greeted by pristine white sand and warm turquoise water. A short walk through the shallows and up the beach invites you to your limited but charming selection of accommodation. Set just behind the beach as you climb the gentle incline into the green jungle, is where you’re most likely to come across anything resembling basic western hygiene facilities. Closer to the beach, running water is a treat and asking about air conditioning will only get you a smug chuckle from the patron.
On the western tip of the beach however leading picturesquely onto the pontoon is situated the Bubu beach huts and hotel offering quaint and comfy accommodation. 85 pounds secures you 12 hours of air conditioning (the maximum) in your deluxe garden room with sea views and breakfast.
If your tastes are better suited to something more simple, any number of beach-front huts and hammocks can be found for close to nothing, and which are arguably a far more authentic embodiment of the island.
As the sun sets, the islands best food is to be found in only the small handful of buzzing beach bars and restaurants that hug the sea. If the home comforts of blighty are becoming seemingly more elusive, a traditional beef wellington can be found at the most unlikely spot in Oh Lala’s. Accompanied by an ice cold Tiger served in a frosted glass completes the already impressive scene.
If its night life you’re after then this may not be the spot for you, though the late night beer sipping and shisha pipe smoking can be equally as enjoyable. Sat on your straw mats on the sand, your table lit by the sheer power of the stars and moon, I challenge you to find a more a perfect place in the world.
Throughout the diving world, the Perhentians are considered a Mecca. Thirty degree water and 40 metre visibility play testimony to this reputation. Once underwater the likes of turtles, eels and white tip sharks can be spotted at close proximity which are guaranteed to impress. The Matahari Dive Resort, established in 2008, offers great rates and incredibly friendly instructors that cater to whatever your standard of diving.
The feeling on the island is one of unspoiled delight. Large-scale tourism and western greed hasn’t yet had a chance to pervert this blissful corner of the world. Physically the islands can be compared to those off the coast of Thailand such as Koh Tao or Koh Phi Phi. However the Perhentians are a far cry away from the tacky brashness that has unfortunately enveloped the Thai islands. No doubt that within 20 years the huts that front the beach and provide the island with so much of its character will have been replaced by high rise resorts catering to the masses.
For the time being however, Pulau Perhentian remains to be disputed as one of the most beautiful, enticing places on the planet. Just don’t tell anyone…
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