Situated just off the northern coast of Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands are the ideal beach vacation destination. Underneath swaying palm trees on white sand beaches, it’s easy to forget your daily worries and simply relax in the sun.
Whether you’re just staying for a few nights as part of a larger trip or you’re looking for a spot for a longer retreat, finding a good hotel on the Perhentian Islands is the first step. Since the islands are small and still have a somewhat “undiscovered” feel, options can be a bit more limited.
To help you with your search, we’ve looked into some cool unique accommodation options on the Perhentian Islands. From high-end luxury to back-to-basics nature retreats, there’s a hotel for every traveler on this list.
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Perhentian Islands for One Night
Perhentian Island Jungle Villas
If you ever feel like getting away from it all, then the Perhentian Island Jungle Villas are the place to go. Just minutes from incredible snorkelling spots and surrounded by lush tropical jungle, it’s the perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature.
- Keranji Beach
- Long Beach
- Coral Bay
Is this amazing Perhentian Islands Hotel booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
Staying at a Hotel on the Perhentian Islands
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The Perhentian Islands haven’t quite reached the mainstream tourist scene, and they’re also a part of a protected marine conservation area. Although this is great news for people in search of a peaceful spot away from the crowds, it does mean that accommodation options are a bit more limited.
There’s still a good variety of hotels, although some aren’t exactly what you’d consider ‘traditional’. However, you can always count on a spectacular location by the beach for endless sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling.
Keep in mind that because the Perhentian Islands are more remote, electricity is often restricted to certain hours of the day, typically in the morning or evening. More modern hotels will typically have 24 hour electricity, but you might even enjoy the break from technology!
So long as you’re okay with more simplistic accommodation, it’s possible to find affordable hotels if you’re traveling Malaysia on a budget. And hey, you’ll always have the luxury of swaying palm trees and an amazing coral reef just feet away!
What to Look for in a Hotel on the Perhentian Islands
Keep in mind that hotel prices on the Perhentian Islands correspond directly with how modern the amenities are. If you absolutely need air conditioning and hot water showers, you’ll need to spend a bit more money than if you’re okay with mosquito netting and a fan.
Even the most basic hotels provide private rooms, although bathrooms are sometimes shared. Breakfast can also be included in the room rate, or there’s usually an onsite cafe or restaurant where you can purchase meals during your stay.
Nearly all of the best hotels are located right on one of Malaysia’s best beaches, or at least only a short walk away. Some properties will offer additional services like chartered boats, snorkelling or diving tours, or private beach areas.
Most hotels can accommodate two to three people per room, although some properties have rooms for families or larger groups. Be sure to check whether a hotel is child friendly before making a reservation if you’re traveling with younger kids.
A good way to compare options for hotels on the Perhentian Islands is by using search platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. Not only can you refine your search to fit your specific preferences, but you can also read reviews from past guests to get a better idea for what a place is like.
Perhentian Island Jungle Villas
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Solar water heater
- > 24 hour electricity
Perhentian Najmi Hotel
- > $
- > Friendly Staff
- > AC
- > Good Location
Ombak Resort Perhentian Island
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Onsite bar
- > Beachfront property
The Resthouse
- > $$
- > 8 guests
- > Shared kitchen
- > Beachfront
Mimpi Perhentian
- > $$$$
- > 2 guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Private balcony
Alunan Resort
- > $$
- > 4-5 guests
- > Breakfast included
- > Flat-screen TV
Beach Hut @ The Resthouse
- > $
- > Sustainable
- > Ocean Views
- > Good Location
The Top 10 Hotels on the Perhentian Islands
Without further ado, here are the best hotels on the Perhentian Islands! Pack your swimsuit and beach towel, because you’re about to be treated to the tropical beach vacation of a lifetime.
1. Perhentian Island Jungle Villas | Overall Best Hotel on the Perhentian Islands
Combining sustainability with modern comfort, these simple jungle villas are less than a five minute walk to the beach. You’ll feel completely removed from modern civilization, while still being able to connect to Wi-fi and enjoy hot showers thanks to the solar water heater.
There’s a simple restaurant onsite, and other local venues are just a few minutes away on foot. There are plenty of spots to go snorkeling nearby, as well as numerous jungle paths to explore the island. At the end of the day, you can relax on the private porch of your villa and listen to the sounds of the rainforest.
2. Perhentian Najmi Hotel | Best Budget Hotel on the Perhentian Islands
The rooms at Perhentian Najmi Hotel keep things simple, with good air conditioning, a comfortable bed, and a clean bathroom. There’s also space to hang clothes and towels to dry, which comes in handy after days on the island.
For the price, you really can’t complain. There’s no hot water, but the shower always ran lukewarm, so it still felt fine after being out in the heat. The location works really well, the place has a welcoming feel, and the price is fair compared to other spots nearby where the standards of cleanliness and service don’t match up. A hidden gem if you ask me.
3. Ombak Resort Perhentian Island | Best Hotel for Couples
Right on Coral Bay Beach, the Omak Resort offers the best of Perhentian Island scenery while providing modern comforts like A/C and Wi-fi. Start off each day with a breakfast included in the room price, and enjoy sunset views from the restaurant at the end of each day.
For ease of transportation, the hotel offers an airport shuttle for guests. You can also book other activities like snorkeling, hiking, and diving during your stay. There are often live music performances, movie nights or other fun activities for guests to enjoy.
4. The Resthouse | Best Hotel for a Group of Friends
It’s not a traditional hotel, but groups of friends will love this private lodge right on the beach. For a reasonable price, your group can enjoy its own space, as well as a shared kitchen and gorgeous views of the ocean.
Relying on solar power and built from salvaged wood, the Resthouse is also a super environmentally-friendly accommodation option. In addition to snorkeling and jungle hikes, you can learn about the Lang Tengah Turtle Watch program, which is largely supported by proceeds from the accommodation.
5. Mimpi Perhentian | Over-the-Top Luxury Hotel
Treat yourself to a luxury beach vacation at the Mimpi Perhentian, complete with a view of the ocean from your private balcony. There’s a swimming pool onsite, and a restaurant featuring both local and international cuisine.
Airport transfer are provided, and you can book other activities like snorkelling and diving at the front desk. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, you can get spa treatments and massages, or just lounge in one of the beach chairs with your favorite book.
6. Alunan Resort | Best Hotel for Families visiting the Perhentian Islands
If you’re bringing kids to the Perhentian Islands, then you’ll want a place that’s comfortable and fun for them to stay. Thanks to the beachfront location and modern comforts like air conditioning and TVs in each room, you’ll never be out of entertainment.
Not that you’d spend all your time indoors! There are plenty of activities to choose from, including snorkelling tours, boating activities, and day trips to nearby islands. A breakfast is included in the room price, and there’s a restaurant onsite with both local and international dishes offered.
7. Beach Hut @ The Resthouse | Best Hotel for Backpackers
This beach chalet is a solid alternative if you’ve had enough of hostels in Malaysia. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and set right on the sand, away from the busier resorts on the island. The spot feels peaceful, with plenty of character and a sense of history in the space.
The hut itself is built entirely from salvaged wood, so no rainforest trees were cut to make it. It runs on solar power, and the focus here is on keeping things as eco-friendly as possible in such a fragile marine environment.
8. Perhentian Island Resort | Best Hotel for Views
Although any hotel on the Perhentian Islands is going to have great views, this resort takes it to the next level. The private bungalows have their own balcony to enjoy the beach and jungle scenery of Teluk Pauh Beach.
You can enjoy dining right on the sand at the Pinang Seribu Restaurant or Beach Kiosk and try some local foods. During the day, you can book diving tours, boat rides, fishing trips, or schedule a massage at the spa for a relaxing afternoon.
9. Perhentian Sri Tanjung |Absolute Cheapest Hotel on the Perhentian Islands
This stay is ideal if you’d rather put your money towards snorkelling and diving while keeping accommodation simple. It’s not fancy, but it’s very clean and set right in the middle of the fisherman’s village – a quiet spot with plenty of local culture. From here it’s also easy to reach other parts of the island, including Long Beach.
The room comes with strong air conditioning, fresh towels, and bottled water, and it’s kept clean throughout. For one of the most affordable places on the island, it offers good value without cutting corners on the basics.
10. Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa | Amazing Luxury Hotel
The resort sits beautifully in its surroundings, with thoughtful design throughout that makes the whole place feel effortless. The facilities are excellent, and the staff go above and beyond to make everything run smoothly.
The villas are a real highlight. Spacious bedrooms with super comfortable beds, a private pool with views stretching over the jungle and sea, and a cosy living room to relax in after a day of exploring. The staff make the experience even better, always welcoming, genuinely kind, and ready to help with a smile. Every moment here feels a little elevated, from the quiet of the jungle to the energy of the sea right on your doorstep.
FAQ about Hotels in the Perhentian Islands
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Perhentian Islands.
Don’t Forget Your Perhentian Islands Travel Insurance
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Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels on the Perhentian Islands
Leave behind traffic-filled cities and escape to nature on the beautiful Perhentian Islands. This laid-back tropical haven gives you the chance to take a break from the daily grind and relax in one of Malaysia’s best places to stay.
Now that you’ve seen cool options for unique accommodation on the Perhentian Islands, all that’s left to do is make a reservation! Pack your swimsuit and get ready to explore one of the best coral reefs in Southeast Asia.
