Most would have to agree that Pulau Perhentian offers some of the best diving spots in all the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is located off the coast of Kuala Besut (in the northern state of Trengganu) and is comprised of 2 main islands – Pulau Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian Island) and Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island). All dive sites are a short speed boat ride away. With a simple back-roll entry, you’ll be fining through beautiful seascape bustling with myriad of marine life. A definite have-to is the very aptly named Tokong Laut (Temple of the Sea); it is truly a phenomenal and awe-inspiring dive site. Tokong Laut is a pinnacle just off the northwestern tip of Pulau Perhentian Kecil.

Descend down the buoy line pass 18m and you’ll find bamboo sharks huddled up underneath rocks and boulder crevices everywhere!! As you ascend up the rocky slope, the mesmerizing colors of the hard and soft coral formations will put you in a dreamlike state of mind. To top that off, the multitude of fishes schooling around is all too surreal; just don’t forget to breath!!

There is also “Shark Point” where you can simply snorkel to catch a glimpse of the black-tip reef sharks that come around quite often enough. And, of course, “Sugar Wreck” – a 90m ship carrying sugar cargo that sank in December 2000. Dive this wreck and you might start to believe its water actually tastes sweet!

Pulau Perhentian dive sites
(click map to view enlarged)