Perhentian Islands

We woke at the crack of dawn to start the upwards journey to North Eastern Malaysia. Destination: the Perhentian Islands, 64 km from the Thai border. We left the hustle and bustle of Singapore's bus station, crossed the border to Malaysia and caught a taxi from the border town to Johar Baru. We then flew to Kota Bahru, followed by another taxi and a ferry before arriving in complete paradise. 

The Perhentians are made up of two main islands, Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) and Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian). We had done some reading and we decided the small island was for us. Famed to be the 'backpacker's island' it is filled with an abundance of cheap chalets and lively bars. Naturally, the 'Big' Island was filled with resorts and expensive wank.

On arrival to the crystal clear, aquamarine waters and white sandy palm fringed beaches, we knew we had made the correct choice! We arrived at Long beach which is known to be the livelier side of the island. Naomi found us a secluded bungalow for approximately $20AUD a night. There was not much to write about as it was quite basic but the view and the 100 meter's distance to the water was what made this so attractive. We set up home for the next two nights and spent the days with much deserved R&R. Upon completion of the two days we decided there was too much partying going on on this side of the beach for our liking. We were getting old? Maybe. But the decision was made - loud nights and partying were to be abandoned and we moved on up to the other side of the island.

Backpack back on we trekked through the guts of the island through the tropical, lush rainforest and discovered on the opposite side of the island a quaint, almost private stretch of beach. Sporadically dotted with restaurants and chalets we made a mutual decision this is exactly what we were searching for! We secured the last chalet left for the next few days at Butterfly Chalet, nestled at the end of the stretch of the pebbly beach perched on the side of a cliff with the most magnificent view of the bluest bay I had laid eyes on in a long time. This was heaven on earth!

There is not more to say, other than... relaxing, sun-baking, actually reading a whole book (a feat for me as Naomi says I have read about 2 books in a whole relationship!) eating, drinking cocktails, relaxing, sleeping, swimming, sun baking, relaxing! You get it! I have to say we were slightly disappointed with the food. Expecting amazing, tasty, flavoursome Malaysian cuisine, the island was full of dulled-down tourist-oriented food. The satay sauce needed more peanuts and the curry needed more chili! We managed to find one small family run restaurant that we called home for most meals after discovering its delights, but if the whole island produced amazing appetising, delicious food it would have been up there!! But who's to complain? This was just what we needed and yearned for! Being back home and facing reality was getting too much and after seeking a refuge... we found it!

August 2012