PRIVATE SNORKELING PERHENTIAN ISLAND 2026 | MAT & MAN PRIVATE BOAT CHARTER: Kuala Lumpur to Perhentian Islands (Jetty Kuala Besut)

Kuala Lumpur to Perhentian Islands (Jetty Kuala Besut) – 2026 Travel Guide

Hi Guys! Planning a trip from Kuala Lumpur (KL) to the Perhentian Islands in 2026? This leisure-friendly guide covers all your options – bus, train, or flight – along with tips on bus terminals, best travel times, and even snorkeling and island-hopping once you’re there. Enjoy an easygoing read with all the essential info (and a few insider tips) to make your journey smooth and memorable!

"Kuala Lumpur to Perhentian Islands (Jetty Kuala Besut) – 2026 Travel Guide"

Quick Travel Options Overview

Bus: ~7–8 hours journey by express bus (overnight options available), costs around RM40–RM50 per person. Buses depart from KL’s major terminals and arrive at Kuala Besut Jetty (the gateway to Perhentian). Great budget option if you don’t mind the long ride.
Train: ~13–16 hours total (including connections). A scenic “Jungle Train” route via Gemas and Wakaf Bharu – only for the adventure-loving traveler, as it’s the longest and least convenient option . Expect multiple transfers and an overnight schedule.
Flight: ~1 hour flight + 1–2 hours transfer. Fly to Kota Bharu (KBR), then take a taxi or shuttle ~1 hour to Kuala Besut. Often the fastest (and surprisingly affordable if you snag promo fares – sometimes as low as RM40 one-way . Perfect if you value speed and comfort.

Below we break down each mode in detail, plus how to get to the bus terminals, the best time to visit Perhentian, and some tips for snorkeling and island hopping. Let’s dive in!

By Bus from KL to Kuala Besut (Perhentian Jetty)

Traveling by bus is a popular and budget-friendly way to get from KL to the Perhentian Islands. Express buses head directly to Kuala Besut (the jumping-off point for ferries to the islands) and typically take around 7–8 hours, depending on traffic busonlineticket.com Many travelers opt for a night bus, leaving KL in the late evening and arriving at the jetty by dawn – perfect timing for the first morning ferries to Perhentian.

Where to catch the bus: In Kuala Lumpur, buses to Kuala Besut usually depart from major bus terminals like:

Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) – the main southern hub in KL (easily reached by LRT/KTM Komuter to Bandar Tasik Selatan station). Many bus operators use TBS, and the buses will list “Kuala Besut Jetty” as the destination.
Terminal Bersepadu Gombak (TBG) – a newer integrated transport hub in the Gombak area, convenient for east-coast routes. TBG is actually connected to the Gombak LRT station (Kelana Jaya line) for easy access tbg.com.my. Just take the LRT to Gombak, and you’ll find the bus terminal next door. Alternatively, you can grab a Grab ride or taxi straight to TBG – it’s right off the Karak Highway, about 20–30 minutes from KL city center (depending on traffic)

Bus companies & tickets: Several reputable bus companies serve the KL–Kuala Besut route (e.g. Perdana Express, Queen Express, E-Mutiara, etc.), with one-way fares usually around RM40–RM50. Buses are comfortable coaches with reclining seats – great for an overnight snooze. You can book tickets online in advance for peace of mind; check platforms like BusOnlineTicket or Easybook for schedules and e-tickets (these sites often have the latest timetables and let you compare operators). Booking ahead is wise during school holidays or weekends, as buses can fill up.

Duration: Expect roughly 8 hours on the road. Most buses make a pit stop at a rest area for toilets and snacks if the journey is long (usually at least one stop since it’s over 2 hours) If you depart KL around 10:00 PM, you’ll reach Kuala Besut by 6:00 AM – just in time for breakfast at the jetty and the first ferry to the islands. Daytime buses are available too (morning and afternoon departures), arriving in the evening. Keep in mind traffic out of KL or holiday jams (especially around festive seasons) can add an extra hour or two .so plan some buffer if you’re catching a ferry connection.

Arrival: Buses will drop you at the Kuala Besut Bus Terminal, which is essentially in the small town next to the jetty . From there, it’s a quick walk to the ferry ticket counters and boats to the Perhentian Islands. Easy!

Tip: If you’re staying in central KL, using TBG Gombak as your boarding point can save time. Since it’s on the city outskirts near the highway, buses from TBG avoid inner-city traffic. Plus, getting to TBG is simple via Putra LRT (Kelana Jaya Line) – just ride to the end of the line at Gombak station and you’re there. . TBG is a 24-hour terminal with food outlets and facilities, so waiting for a late bus is no problem. Of course, if you’re closer to TBS or prefer its amenities, that works too – both terminals serve the route. Either way, grab some snacks, carry a travel pillow, and enjoy the overnight ride!

By Train from KL to Perhentian (Kota Bharu route)

Taking the train is the slowest but most scenic route. There’s no direct train to Kuala Besut, but you can travel towards Kota Bharu (the closest city) via Malaysia’s famous “Jungle Railway.” This option is for rail enthusiasts or backpackers who cherish the journey as much as the destination – it’s long and requires a bit of planning.

Route & duration: From KL, you’ll first take an ETS or intercity train from KL Sentral to Gemas (about 2.5 hours). At Gemas, you connect to the East Coast line train that goes all the way up to Wakaf Bharu (the nearest station to Kota Bharu). The Gemas–Wakaf Bharu leg takes roughly 11 hours on a slow overnight train, with basic sleeping berths or seats. In total, expect around 13–15 hours of travel by rail, plus layover time. Indeed, this “jungle train” journey is often cited as one of Southeast Asia’s most interesting train rides, winding through rural villages and lush rainforest scenery.

However, be aware the schedules can be odd – one of the main east-bound trains leaves Gemas after midnight (around 1:18 AM) . This means you might have to wait late at night in Gemas, or plan to arrive there just in time. It’s an adventure, but not the most convenient timing!

Getting to Kuala Besut: Wakaf Bharu is about 5–6 km from Kota Bharu city. Once you arrive (likely late morning if you took the night train), you’ll need to cover the final stretch to Kuala Besut Jetty (approximately 54 km to the south-west). There are a couple of ways:

Taxi/Grab: The easiest is to hire a taxi or Grab car directly from Wakaf Bharu station to Kuala Besut. The ride takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. If coming from Kota Bharu city, a taxi to the jetty costs roughly RM70–100, so from Wakaf Bharu it should be similar or a bit less (you might need to negotiate).
Bus: Alternatively, get from Wakaf Bharu into Kota Bharu town (about 15 minutes drive) and catch a local bus or minivan to Kuala Besut. There are usually local buses or shuttle vans from Kota Bharu’s main bus terminal heading to Besut, but they may be infrequent. If you have time, this is a cheaper way – just inquire locally for the latest schedule.

Is it worth it? Honestly, the train route is only recommended for die-hard train lovers or those with extra time. It’s significantly longer than the bus and can be a bit complicated with transfers. Even travel experts note that the train journey is “by far the longest” option and not practical unless you specifically want the experience . On the upside, if you do choose it, you’ll get to see a side of rural Malaysia that you’d miss by flying or taking the highway. The slow chug through verdant jungles and rivers can be relaxing and nostalgic – just be prepared for a very long haul. If you go this route, consider breaking the journey with a stopover (for example, spend a day in the quaint town of Kuala Lipis or Gua Musang along the way). Otherwise, the bus is easier, quicker, and cheaper for most travelers .

By Flight from KL to Perhentian (Kota Bharu Airport)

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the Perhentians is by flying to the nearest airport and then transferring to the jetty. The closest airport is Kota Bharu’s Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Kelantan. Flying is a huge time-saver – the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu takes just about 1 hour, compared to 7–8 hours by road.

Flight options: You can fly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA/KLIA2) with airlines like AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, or Batik Air. These flights are frequent (several per day) and can be very affordable. In fact, one-way tickets from KLIA to KBR start around RM40 during promo sales – yes, sometimes flying can cost the same as a bus! More typically, you might pay RM80–150 one-way depending on how early you book and the season . . There are also flights from Subang Airport (SZB) on Firefly or Batik Air, which might be convenient if you’re nearer to KL city, though those tend to start around RM100+ one-way

Getting to the jetty: Once you land at Kota Bharu, you’re about 1 hour’s drive (55 km) from Kuala Besut Jetty. Taxis and Grab rides are readily available at the airport. A typical GrabCar fare from Kota Bharu Airport to Kuala Besut might be roughly RM80–RM100 (you can split with travel buddies if you have a group). Many hotels on Perhentian or local operators also offer airport transfer services – you can pre-book a car to meet you on arrival. There’s no direct public bus from the airport to Kuala Besut, but you could take a taxi into Kota Bharu city and look for a bus from the central terminal (as mentioned earlier). However, most travelers find it easiest to just take a direct taxi from the airport to the jetty for convenience.

Timing: If you catch an early morning flight from KL (say 7 or 8 AM), you could land in Kota Bharu by 8–9 AM, and be at Kuala Besut Jetty around 10–10:30 AM – in time to catch a late-morning ferry to Perhentian. Ferries to the islands run frequently from about 9 AM until 4 PM, so a morning flight works well. Even an afternoon flight can get you there by evening, but if you arrive too late for the last ferry (usually around 4 or 5 PM), you’d have to stay a night on the mainland.

Cost vs benefit: Flying is obviously more expensive than the bus on paper, but if you book in advance or during a promo, it can be quite reasonable. For example, AirAsia often has RM50-100 fares which, when you factor in the time saved and comfort, are fantastic value.

. If you’re short on time or just prefer not to endure a long bus, the flight+taxi combo is the way to go. You’ll swap an overnight road trip for a quick hop over to Kelantan – more time to enjoy the beach!

Best Time to Visit Perhentian Islands

Timing your trip right can make a big difference. The Perhentian Islands have a dry season and a monsoon (rainy) season, and this affects accessibility and enjoyment.

Dry Season (Best Time): Late March through October is the ideal time to go
During these months, the weather is sunny and seas are generally calm – perfect for beach time, snorkeling, and diving. July and August are peak season – expect the biggest crowds and higher accommodation prices then (especially around school holidays and summer). If you prefer a slightly quieter vibe, consider going in April, May, June, or September, which have great weather but fewer tourists than the absolute peak . Early March can be a bit touch-and-go as the monsoon winds die down, but late March onward usually sees resorts reopening and normal boat schedules resuming
Monsoon Season (Avoid): November through February is the northeast monsoon period. During this time, the islands get heavy rain, rough seas, and many resorts totally shut down . In fact, from about late October until early March, boat services are limited or even halted – it can be very difficult to reach the islands . Most tourist activity pauses, so you’d find almost no restaurants or tours operating. In short, avoid the monsoon months for Perhentian. Not only is your beach time spoiled by rain, but you might literally get stranded if boats can’t run! The official season really starts in March; by late March to April, everything is in swing for visitors.
Shoulder Months: Late October can occasionally still have a few good days before things fully close, but it’s risky. Conversely, early March might still see some rains. Always check the latest weather and confirm that your accommodation is operating if you plan to go right at the edges of the season.

In summary, aim for April–September for the best experience. June is typically hot and sunny, July–Aug the busiest (book accommodation early!), and September often lovely with a slight lull in crowds as the season starts winding down. Whenever you go in the dry months, you’re in for that postcard-perfect tropical island experience: turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and plenty of sunshine.

Snorkeling in Perhentian – Why Book a Private Trip?

One of the must-do activities in Perhentian is snorkeling. The coral reefs around the islands are teeming with colorful fish, turtles, reef sharks, and more. While you can join group snorkeling tours easily (many resorts organize daily trips to popular spots), consider booking a private snorkeling trip – especially if you’re traveling with a small group or family. Here’s why a private snorkel tour can be awesome:

Escape the Crowds: A private boat with your own guide (for example, local guides like “Mat & Man” who are known around the islands) means you won’t be competing with 20 other people in the water at each spot. On public tours, some sites can get a bit crowded with multiple boats. With a private trip, it’s just you and your crew, so you can enjoy the reef without bumping fins with strangers. It feels more like an adventure with friends, not a tour herd – much more relaxing and not crowded at all.
Custom Itinerary: With a private charter, you decide the schedule. Want to spend extra time floating with a turtle you spotted? No problem. Feel like skipping a common spot and instead visiting a quieter beach or a secret snorkel site the guide knows? You got it. Local guides like Mat & Man (who have been around for years) know the best hidden gems – they might take you to less-visited reefs or a special area to see baby sharks, etc. You get a flexible, personalized experience tailored to what you want to see.
Better Timing: You can choose the best time of day. Perhaps go early in the morning before the big tour groups head out, or in the late afternoon when the sun is gentler and day-trippers have left. A private trip gives you that freedom to avoid peak times at snorkeling spots. And if you want to pause for a picnic lunch on an empty beach cove, a private tour can make that happen too.
Local Insights: Smaller private tours often come with super friendly local guides who love sharing stories – about the marine life, island culture, and their own adventures. You’ll likely learn more and have a few laughs, rather than the more “scripted” commentary some larger tours give. It’s like heading out with a local friend, which can make the day more memorable.

To arrange a private snorkeling trip, ask your resort or chalet – they often know trusted boatmen/guides (you can request folks like Mat if you’ve heard of them, or whoever is recommended). Prices for a private boat will be higher than joining a group tour, but if you split among 4–6 people it often evens out. And the experience – having the reef to yourselves and moving at your own pace – is well worth it for many. Safety tip: Always ensure the boat has life jackets and that you’re comfortable with the guide. The seas around Perhentian are usually calm, but it’s good to have an experienced person with you who knows the currents and can keep an eye out while you snorkel.

In short, if your budget allows, treat yourself to a private snorkel trip. It’s one of the highlights of Perhentian, and you’ll come back with epic memories (and maybe a newfound friendship with your guides!).

Island Hopping: Going from Perhentian to Redang

Fallen in love with Perhentian and thinking of visiting Redang Island next? Good news – you can combine Perhentian and Redang in one trip. These two paradise islands are not terribly far apart, and there are ways to travel between them without going all the way back to the mainland. In fact, if done right, heading to Redang via the sea route from Perhentian can be quicker and potentially more economical (especially for groups) than the overland route.

Direct boat from Perhentian to Redang: There is no large ferry that shuttles between the islands on a fixed daily schedule, but you can hire a speedboat (or join others in one) to go directly from the Perhentian Islands to Redang. Many travelers do this by coordinating with local boat operators. Often, there’s a morning departure around 8:30–9:00 AM from Perhentian to Redang . For example, some operators advertise a 9:00 AM daily boat from Perhentian to Redang in peak season. The ride takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours across the open sea, depending on conditions .

If you can team up with other travelers to share the boat, the cost per person becomes reasonable. (As a ballpark, a private charter might be around RM600–800 per boat, which split 6–8 ways is not bad. There are also agencies that sell individual tickets in the RM140–RM180 range , so look around for “island transfer” services). The beauty of the direct boat: you leave one island and arrive straight on the other, saving a whole day of transit time . No buses, no mainland taxis – just hop from one slice of paradise to the next!

Overland route (if not by direct boat): The alternative is to go back to the mainland and travel south to Redang’s ferry port (which is at Merang Jetty for most Redang-bound ferries, or Shahbandar Jetty in Kuala Terengganu for the public ferry). That means: Perhentian to Kuala Besut boat, then a few hours drive down to Merang or KT, then another ferry to Redang. It easily takes most of the day and involves multiple transfers. It can be cheaper if you’re solo (public transport and ferry tickets), but it’s quite a slog. That’s why many people say if you can afford it, the sea transfer is worth it for the time saved.

Cost considerations: While a private boat is expensive if you’re alone, it becomes more economical if you have a group. For instance, a group of 6 splitting RM600 comes to RM100 each – not far off from what you’d spend on a combo of taxi + bus + ferry anyway. Plus, you get the benefit of a way shorter journey and a scenic ride. If you’re backpacking and on a tight budget, you can try to find others heading the same way (ask around on Perhentian – many travelers are doing similar circuits). Sometimes resorts or dive shops can match you up with other guests to share a boat. And if you’re lucky to find an existing boat transfer with spare seats, you can just pay per person.

How to arrange: Check with your accommodation on Perhentian; they often can help arrange a direct transfer to Redang. Also, the Perhentian boat operators at the jetty or the village might have information on scheduled island-hopping boats. It’s usually easiest to organize on the spot, a day or two in advance. On Redang’s side, larger resorts can also arrange pickups (for example, you might contact Redang resorts to see if any boat can fetch you from Perhentian). In our experience, asking locally is key – island folks are used to these requests and will point you right.

To sum up, yes, you can hop from Perhentian to Redang by sea, and it’s a fantastic way to maximize your island time. It’s faster (about an hour vs. a full day via mainland). By pooling together, it can be cost-effective (“lebih jimat”, as we’d say) in addition to the time saved. Just remember it’s usually a small speedboat, so pack your bags water-tight and be ready for a bumpy (but exhilarating) ride over the waves. On arrival in Redang, you’ll likely be dropped at the main beach or jetty, and from there your Redang resort paradise begins!

📲 Contact for Private Snorkeling (Recommended)

To arrange private snorkeling in Perhentian Island during your stay at Marriott Perhentian Small Island, contact:

Private Snorkeling Perhentian by Mat & Man
📱 WhatsApp (Mat): +60 19-917 9257
🔗 Book here: https://bit.ly/MatPerhentianPrivateSnorkeling
✅ Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons and weekends.

Services by Us

Perhentian Island

Perhentian Private Boat (Charter)
Boat Taxi Service / Private Boat Transfer

Rawa Island

Rawa Island Private Snorkeling Trip
Rawa Island Shared Snorkeling Trip

Redang Island

Redang Island Private Snorkeling Trip
Redang Island Shared Snorkeling Trip

We hope this guide makes your 2026 trip planning easier. Whether you choose the wallet-friendly bus, the slow and scenic train, or the speedy skies to get to the Perhentian Islands, you’re in for some incredible experiences. Safe travels, enjoy the crystal-clear waters, and don’t forget to catch a sunrise or two on the islands – they are truly magical. Selamat bercuti (happy holidays)!