Perhentian Private Snorkeling · Mat & Man
The questions I get on WhatsApp every day
We are boatmen and snorkeling guides living in Kampung Nelayan, Pulau Perhentian Kecil. There is no agent and no middleman — when you message us, you are talking to Mat directly. I have put every common question here with a straight answer, so you know exactly what you are booking before you message me. Clear on both sides makes the day easier for everyone.
Read this first
How booking works
- Trips and departure times are fixed. We run set routes at set times, listed in our catalogue. We cannot build a custom itinerary or a custom departure time — the boats have to work around each other across the whole day.
- Ask me for the catalogue on WhatsApp. It shows every trip we run, sharing and private, with times and prices. Pick the one closest to what you want.
- Send me four things: your date, how many people, where you are staying, and which trip from the catalogue.
- I confirm, and that slot is yours. Once confirmed I hold a boat for you and turn other customers away, so please only confirm a date you are sure about.
If you tell me what you are hoping for, I will tell you honestly which trip fits. But the trip itself has to come from the catalogue — that is how we keep every guest's day running on time.
Booking & PaymentDeposits, cancellations, and how to reach us
How do I book a trip?
WhatsApp is the best way. Mat is out on the boat with guests most of the day, so walking up to the booth may mean you miss him.
Send us four things and we can confirm quickly:
- Your travel date
- Number of guests
- Where you are staying (resort or beach)
- Which trip you are interested in
We also keep a trip catalogue on WhatsApp that we can send you straight away.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
For most bookings — couples, families, small groups — no deposit is needed. You pay in cash on the day of the trip.
For large groups, company trips, and peak season dates, we agree a 50% deposit at the time of booking so the boat is held for you.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash on the island is what we accept right now. PayPal and Wise are being set up and will be announced when ready.
Is there an ATM on Perhentian Island?
No. There is no ATM on the island, and card payment is not widely accepted.
Withdraw all the cash you need before you board the ferry at Kuala Besut. Budget for your trip, marine park fee, food, accommodation, and boat taxis. Running short on the island is a genuine problem, not a small inconvenience.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can for June, July and August — these are our busiest months and boats fill up well ahead. Weekends, public holidays and school holidays also go fast.
Outside those periods, a few days' notice is usually enough, but earlier is always safer.
Is there a day of the week I should avoid?
Saturday, if you can help it — especially during super peak season.
Saturday is when domestic weekend traffic arrives all at once. Local tour groups, day trippers and weekend visitors are all on the water at the same time, so the snorkeling spots get crowded and the boats stack up at the same stops. You will still have a good day, but it will not be a quiet one.
There is also a Saturday surcharge on trips. Message us on WhatsApp for the current rate.
If your dates are flexible, a weekday trip gives you clearer water, fewer boats, and a much calmer experience for the same route.
Can I book a trip for today or tomorrow?
Sometimes yes — it depends entirely on whether we have a boat and crew free at that moment.
Message us and we will tell you straight away what is possible. If we are already out with another group, or the boats are fully booked, we will say so rather than leave you waiting.
Last-minute is easier outside peak season. During June, July and August, weekends and school holidays, same-day trips are often not available at all.
What happens if the weather is bad on my trip day?
We reschedule you to another day. We do not take boats out when the sea is not safe — that decision is not negotiable, no matter how disappointing it is.
Am I dealing with an agent or a middleman?
Neither. When you send a WhatsApp message, you are talking to Mat directly — the same person who will be driving your boat and guiding you in the water.
Nothing goes through a booking platform, a resort desk, or a third party taking a cut. If you have a question about the sea, the route, or the price, you are asking the person who actually knows the answer.
What if I cancel my booking?
Cancellations made by the guest are not refunded.
We are not trying to be strict. We are a small operation with a limited number of boats, and a cancelled slot is a day of work lost for the crew. Please only confirm a date you are sure about — and if your plans are still uncertain, tell us honestly and we will hold off until you know.
What if I am late or miss the boat?
No refund is given for a missed departure. In practice this almost never happens — we message you the meeting point and time beforehand, and we will wait a reasonable few minutes.
Can you handle large groups or company trips?
Yes. We regularly take company outings, extended families and friend groups. Book well in advance so we can arrange enough boats and crew for your numbers.
Can I ask for a discount?
We would rather you did not, and here is the honest reason.
This work exists for only part of the year. From February to the end of October we run trips; once the monsoon arrives, the boats stop and the income stops with them. What we earn in those months has to carry our families through the ones where there is nothing.
Our prices are already set low and straight — there is no inflated figure sitting there waiting to be bargained down, and no agent commission built in for us to shave off. What you see is what it costs.
What we can do is help you get better value: tell us your budget and how many people you are, and we will suggest the trip that fits. Sometimes that means a shorter route, sometimes it means gathering a few more people to share a private boat. That is a conversation we are always happy to have.
Do you expect tips?
No. Tipping is not part of how we work and it is never expected. If you feel like giving something at the end of a good day, we accept it gratefully — but please do not feel obliged.
Prices & What's IncludedWhat you pay us, and what you pay elsewhere
How much do your snorkeling trips cost?
These are our sharing boat rates per person:
| Trip | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Short Snorkeling Trip | About 3 hours | RM60 |
| Long Snorkeling Trip | 10:30am – 4/5pm | RM70 |
| Rawa Island Trip | About 3 hours | RM80 |
| Special Trip | 10:30am – 4/5pm | RM120 |
| Day Trip Snorkeling | Full day | RM150 |
| Redang Island Trip | 9:00am – 4/5pm | RM180 |
Private boat trips are priced per boat, not per person. Message us with your group size and date for a quote.
Why is the private boat price not listed?
Because it genuinely depends on your group size, where you are staying, which route you want, the date, and sea conditions. Publishing one figure would mislead most people who read it.
For groups of eight or more, a private boat often works out close to the sharing rate per person — with the whole boat to yourselves.
What is included in the trip price?
- The boat and fuel
- Your local boatman and guide
- Snorkeling mask and snorkel
- Fins
- Life jacket
What is not included?
- Marine Park conservation fee — RM30 per person, paid at Kuala Besut jetty
- Ferry to and from the island — around RM70 per person return
- Lunch — on long trips we stop at Fisherman Village where you order and pay for your own meal
- Underwater photography and drone footage, if you want them
How much is the Marine Park fee and where do I pay it?
RM30 per person, paid at the Kuala Besut jetty on the mainland before you board the ferry. It is the same rate for Malaysians and foreign visitors.
This is a government conservation fee for the Pulau Redang Marine Park, not something we collect. Keep your receipt.
How much is the ferry from Kuala Besut to the island?
Around RM70 per person return between Kuala Besut jetty and Perhentian. This is run by the ferry operators at the jetty and is separate from our service — we are based on the island, not at the mainland jetty.
Do children pay full price?
Children under 2 have a special rate — message us with their age and we will confirm.
Do you offer underwater photos?
Yes — RM100 to RM150, depending on water visibility on the day. On clear days the photos come out sharp and bright. When the water is stirred up, they will look softer, and we will tell you honestly before you decide.
We send the photos through WhatsApp, Telegram, or a Google Drive link after your trip.
Do you offer drone footage?
Yes, as an optional extra — RM200 to RM400 for a full session, depending on your trip and how much flying is involved.
Drone footage gives you the view you cannot get from in the water: the boat crossing the reef, the shape of the bays, and how blue the shallows really are from above. It works well for honeymoon trips, family groups, and anyone making a travel video.
You receive the raw footage, unedited. We film it and hand it over as it comes off the drone — we are boatmen, not video editors. Most guests prefer this anyway, since it gives you the full clips to cut however you like.
Flying depends on wind and weather on the day. If conditions are not right we will say so rather than take your money for unusable footage.
Files are sent through WhatsApp, Telegram or a Google Drive link after your trip.
Bringing your own drone? That is fine with us — just tell us beforehand so we can plan a safe take-off and landing from the boat. Do check the rules with your resort and for any restricted areas, as those are set by others, not by us.
Where to Find UsWe are on the island, not at the mainland jetty
Where exactly are you based?
We operate from inside Pulau Perhentian Kecil — currently from Kampung Nelayan (the fishing village), and from our booth at Coral Bay.
Message us before your trip and we will confirm exactly where to meet on the day.
Why has the meeting point moved to Kampung Nelayan?
Following the fire, we are running operations from Kampung Nelayan for the time being. This is a temporary arrangement while things are rebuilt.
Because it may change, please always confirm the current meeting point with us on WhatsApp rather than relying on an older listing or an out-of-date map pin.
What time do you open?
From 9:00am. Trips depart at different times depending on the package — long trips and Redang trips leave earlier, so we will confirm your departure time when you book.
Can you pick me up from my resort?
Yes. We arrange pickups around Coral Bay, Long Beach (Pasir Panjang), Kampung Nelayan, and resorts on both Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar.
Tell us where you are staying when you book and we will sort the pickup point.
Can I just walk up and book on the spot?
You can try, but WhatsApp is far more reliable. Mat is on the boat with guests most of the day, so there is a good chance nobody will be at the booth when you arrive.
Trips & RoutesHow the day actually runs
Private or sharing — which one is actually better?
Honest answer: private, for most people.
The real difference is not comfort or space. It is time. On a private boat, the pace of the day belongs to you. Want to stay longer at Turtle Point because you finally spotted one? We stay. Want to head back early because the kids are tired? We go. The route still follows the trip you booked from the catalogue, but how you spend it is yours.
On a sharing boat none of that is possible. You are on the group's schedule, and I cannot adjust the timing for one family without holding up everyone else. You may also find yourself on a boat with local tourists on a different rhythm to yours — nothing wrong with that, but it is their pace as much as yours.
Sharing works well when: you have your own friends filling the boat, you are travelling on a budget, or you do not mind following a fixed schedule.
Private is worth it when: you are a couple, a family with children, or anyone who would rather not spend the day in a crowd.
For groups of eight or more, a private boat often works out close to the sharing rate per person anyway — with the whole boat to yourselves.
How many people are needed for a sharing trip to run?
We need a minimum of 4 people for a sharing boat to go out. If numbers do not reach four on your date, we will let you know and offer alternatives.
Private boats have no minimum — a solo traveller or a couple can charter one.
How many people fit on a private boat?
Up to 12 guests per boat. Larger groups are still welcome — we simply arrange more than one boat, which is why we ask big groups to book ahead.
Can I choose my own route or make my own schedule?
No — we run the trips listed in our catalogue, at the times set for them. Departure times are fixed because the boats have to be arranged around each other across the whole day.
What you can control on a private boat is the pace within the trip: staying longer at a stop, moving on sooner, or heading back early. That flexibility is real and it is the main reason to book private.
What is not possible is building a custom itinerary from scratch, inventing your own departure time, or adding destinations that are not in the catalogue. Ask us for the catalogue on WhatsApp and pick the trip closest to what you want — we will tell you honestly which one fits.
Can I switch between private and sharing after booking?
No. Once a booking is confirmed, we arrange the boats around it — particularly during busy periods when every boat is accounted for.
Switching one booking means moving other guests who have already been slotted in. Please decide which one you want before you confirm. If you are unsure, ask us first and we will talk you through it.
Which areas do you cover?
We operate around Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar only, following the routes in our catalogue.
We do not run trips from Merang jetty or Redang jetty. If you are starting your journey from those jetties, you will need a different operator.
Is there a toilet on the boat?
No — these are open snorkeling boats with no toilet on board.
Toilets are available at our stops on the longer trips, including Fisherman Village. On short three-hour trips, use the facilities at your resort before departure.
What about lunch?
On long trips, Special trips and day trips, we stop at Fisherman Village where you can buy lunch at the local warungs. You order and pay for your own meal — local Malaysian food, halal, and reasonably priced.
Short trips do not include a meal stop.
Safety & Who Can JoinThe answers that matter most
I cannot swim. Can I still join?
Yes. A good number of our guests cannot swim, and many have never snorkeled before.
Everyone wears a life jacket — this is not optional on our boats. Your boatman will show you how to fit the mask, how to breathe through the snorkel, and how to stay calm and float. We stay close to nervous guests in the water.
Tell us when you book if you are not confident swimming, so we can plan for it properly.
Can pregnant guests join a trip?
Pregnant guests are welcome, but please tell us in advance so we can plan a calmer route and keep the boat speed gentle.
We recommend checking with your doctor first, particularly for the longer trips or on days when the sea is rough. Boat travel over waves can be jarring, and we would rather you make that decision with proper advice.
Are your boats registered and licensed?
Yes. Our boats are registered and we operate as licensed local boatmen from Pulau Perhentian Kecil.
We have taken around 250 guests out this season — families, first-time snorkelers, honeymooners and groups. Every trip runs the same way: life jackets on, a first aid kit on board, and no departure when the sea is not safe.
If you would like to see our documentation before your trip, ask us on WhatsApp and we will show you in person on the day.
Is there a first aid kit on board?
Yes, every boat carries a first aid kit. The most common issues we deal with are jellyfish stings and sea urchin spines, both of which we can treat on board.
If you have a medical condition — asthma, heart condition, ear problems, allergies — please tell us before the trip rather than after something happens.
Do you have life jackets for children?
Yes, we carry children's sizes. Let us know the ages of the children in your group when you book so we bring the right fit — an adult jacket on a small child is worse than useless.
Are the sharks at Shark Point dangerous?
No. The sharks at Shark Point are blacktip reef sharks — small, shy reef fish-eaters that have no interest in people. They typically swim away from snorkelers rather than towards them.
The real difficulty is getting close enough to see one properly. Stay calm, stay still, and do not chase them.
Equipment & What to BringWhat we provide and what you pack
What equipment do you provide?
Mask, snorkel, fins and life jacket are all included in the trip price. Children's life jacket sizes are available.
Do you rent rashguards or wetsuits?
No, we do not have rashguards or wetsuits for rent. Bring your own if you want one — some shops on the island sell them, though the choice is limited.
A rashguard is genuinely worth packing. Your back and shoulders are exposed to full sun for hours while you float face-down, and this is where most sunburn on snorkeling trips happens.
Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?
Of course. If you have a mask that fits you well, bring it — a well-fitting mask makes a bigger difference to your day than almost anything else.
What should I bring on the trip?
- Towel and a change of clothes
- Sunblock — reef-safe if you can find it
- Rashguard or a t-shirt you can swim in
- Waterproof bag and phone case
- Drinking water
- Cash for lunch and any extras
- Seasickness tablets if you are prone to it
- Action camera, if you have one
Season, Sea & Marine LifeWhen to come and what you will actually see
When does Perhentian close for the monsoon?
We stop taking trips around the end of October, when the northeast monsoon arrives. Rough seas make boat trips unsafe, and many of the island's smaller businesses close for the season.
We are back open in February. A lot of travel advice online says the island is shut until March or April — that is out of date. February is a genuinely good month: the sea has settled, the island is quiet, and prices are lower than peak season.
Is the whole island closed during monsoon season?
No, and this is one of the biggest misunderstandings about Perhentian.
Several of the larger resorts — including Marriott Perhentian — now stay open through the monsoon and operate year round. What changes is the sea, not the island itself.
During the monsoon months, boat trips and snorkeling are not running because conditions are unsafe. If you are visiting at that time of year, plan for a resort stay rather than a snorkeling holiday.
When is the best time to visit?
Our season runs from February through to the end of October.
- February — the quiet reopening. Calm sea, very few visitors, and the island feels like it belongs to you. Fewer places open for food and drink.
- March to May — our favourite months. Clear water, good visibility, comfortable crowds.
- June to August — peak season. Busiest and warmest, book well ahead.
- September to mid-October — quieter again and still good, though the weather becomes less predictable towards the end.
Will I definitely see turtles?
No, and anyone who promises you otherwise is not being straight with you.
These are wild animals in open water. On most trips to Turtle Point we do find them, and some days we see several. Other days they simply are not there. Water clarity, tide, time of day and luck all play a part.
What we can promise is that we know where they usually are, and we will give you the best chance we can.
Can I touch or feed the fish and turtles?
No, and we will ask you to stop if you try.
- Never touch, chase, or block a turtle. A turtle that feels cornered will use energy it needs, and repeated harassment drives them away from the reef entirely.
- Do not feed the fish. Bread and scraps damage their health and change their natural feeding behaviour.
- Do not stand on or hold coral. Coral is a living animal — a moment of contact can kill growth that took decades.
These reefs are how our families make a living. We would like them to still be here for our children.
Does sunscreen harm the reef?
Some ingredients in conventional sunscreen are linked to coral damage. Reef-safe sunscreen is better where you can get it.
The most practical alternative is simply to cover up — a rashguard or t-shirt protects you better than any lotion and puts nothing into the water at all.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly. We answer between trips, so give us a little time if we are out on the water.
WhatsApp Mat → Perhentian Private Snorkeling by Mat & ManPulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malaysia
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