For many of us, the beautiful resorts in Perhentian Island are already on our minds now that Merdeka Weekend 2026 is getting closer. 

We don’t know about you, but we’ve been dreaming about soft white sand, crystal blue waters, and those glorious island mornings where the only thing on the agenda is deciding which beach to head to next. Ah, such bliss!

And honestly, only a few places in Malaysia hit the spot quite like the Perhentian Islands.

The Perhentians still feel wonderfully untouched compared to many other island destinations around Southeast Asia. You’ll find jungle-covered hills, tiny beach trails, colourful coral reefs, and water so blue it almost looks edited in photos. 

Part of the charm in the Perhentians is the slower pace. There aren’t huge shopping malls or flashy developments everywhere. Life here revolves around sunrise boat rides, beach cafés, snorkelling trips, and sunset walks by the sea.

Sea turtles are super common here too, especially if you’re snorkelling or diving around the marine park.

Still, choosing where to stay can be surprisingly tricky. 

There are two islands, plenty of resorts, and every spot has a different vibe. Some are peaceful and luxurious. Some are lively and social. Some sit right beside incredible snorkelling spots.

So we’ve rounded up our favourite resorts for the ultimate long weekend escape. 

We’ve included some resorts that are more upscale, while some are comfortably mid-range, but all of them give you access to the real luxury here: those unreal Perhentian sea views.

So let’s get to it! Here are the top 9 best resorts in Perhentian Island in 2026!

Staying on Perhentian Kecil vs Besar

Before booking your stay, it helps to know the difference between the two islands.

Perhentian Kecil is the livelier option. This is where many backpackers, younger travellers, and divers stay. Long Beach is especially energetic at night, with beach cafés, music, and a more social atmosphere. 

If you’re looking for chalets in Pulau Perhentian and more budget-friendly stays, you’ll find plenty of those here.

However, if you’re looking for high-end boutique resorts, there are some great options as well.

Perhentian Besar feels calmer and more relaxed. Families, couples, and travellers looking for a quieter beach holiday usually prefer this side. Resorts here tend to be larger, with more spacious beaches and a slower pace overall.

Neither island is better. It really depends on the kind of trip you want. 

If your idea of a perfect Merdeka getaway involves beach bars and meeting people, Kecil might suit you better. If you want peaceful mornings and quiet beaches, Besar is probably the dream.

1. Alunan Resort

Among the more stylish resorts in Perhentian Island, Alunan has built a strong reputation for couples and travellers who want something a little more polished without losing the island feel.

The resort sits on a hillside at Petani Beach, away from the busier parts of Perhentian Kecil. That location gives it amazing sea views, especially during sunset. The whole place feels so peaceful.

We also loved how eco-conscious the resort tries to be. They actively support marine conservation efforts and encourage responsible snorkelling and diving.

Alunan is known for its house reef activities too. Their snorkelling and diving packages are popular, especially during peak island season. 

If you’re planning a short, long-weekend escape, you can stay busy here without ever leaving the resort area.

Address: Petani Beach, Perhentian Island Kecil

Rooms start from: RM 1319 (All inclusive package for 2 adults + Return boat transfers)

2. Bubu Villa

We loved Bubu Villa because it feels intimate and exclusive in the best way.

Located near Long Beach, Bubu Villa is a boutique-style stay that gives you easy access to the lively side of the island while still feeling private once you step inside. 

The villas are surrounded by greenery, and some rooms come with outdoor bathtubs that make the whole stay feel extra relaxing.

Service here is one of the reasons guests keep returning. Staff are known for being warm and genuinely helpful, especially when arranging island-hopping trips or snorkelling activities.

If you want a romantic long weekend with beautiful beachfront dining and quieter evenings, this is a strong pick.

Address: Pulau Perhentian Kecil

Rooms start from: RM 1599

3. Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa

One of the newer luxury Perhentian Island hotels, the Marriott brought a more modern resort experience to the islands while still blending nicely into the natural surroundings.

The property is large, polished, and packed with facilities. You’ve got multiple pools, spa treatments, fitness facilities, and private beach access. 

For those of you who love island scenery but still want full-service comfort, this place checks a lot of boxes.

The rooms are spacious and contemporary, with huge windows looking out toward the sea or jungle.

It’s also a great option for families because there’s more structure and convenience compared to some smaller island stays. 

You can easily spend an entire long weekend here without running out of things to do.

Address: Pulau Perhentian Kecil

Rooms start from: RM 1297

4. Bubu Long Beach Resort

If you’ve heard people mention Bubu Resort in Perhentian, this is probably the one they’re talking about.

While Bubu Villa offers a more secluded private experience, Bubu Resort, its sister, is much closer to the lively beach action.

Right on the famous Long Beach, this resort places you in the middle of all the fun. Step outside and you’re immediately on soft white sand with turquoise water stretching out in front of you.

The vibes here are buzzing, but still comfortable. It’s especially popular with couples and groups of friends looking for a fun island getaway.

One thing we really liked was how convenient everything felt. Restaurants, snorkelling trips, dive shops, and beach cafés are all nearby. 

Address: Long Beach, Perhentian Island Kecil

Rooms start from: RM 1274

5. Mimpi Perhentian

Mimpi has become one of the most talked-about newer resorts in Perhentian Island, especially among local travellers looking for something stylish but approachable.

Located near the jetty on Perhentian Kecil, the resort is extremely convenient for arrivals and departures. You won’t need to drag luggage across jungle trails or hop between multiple boats.

The infinity pool overlooking the sea is easily one of the highlights. You can easily end up spending hours here just splashing in the water between snorkelling sessions.

Mimpi has a strong dive centre, making it popular with beginner divers and returning diving enthusiasts alike.

If you’re looking for Perhentian Island packages that include diving and snorkelling, they’ve got plenty of options, including one with a PADI Diving Certification course.

Address: Long Beach, Pulau Perhentian Kecil

Rooms start from: RM 720 (Room with Breakfast)

6. Perhentian Island Resort

No list of resorts in Perhentian Island would feel complete without the classic Perhentian Island Resort itself.

This resort has been around for years and remains one of the most iconic stays on Perhentian Besar. A big reason is the beach. Honestly, it’s stunning.

The stretch of sand here is wide, quiet, and incredibly scenic. We also spotted baby sharks and turtles near the shore during snorkelling sessions, which tells you how healthy the marine life still is around this area.

The resort has a slightly older charm compared to some newer luxury properties, but many people actually love that relaxed island atmosphere, because it feels authentic.

Families especially tend to enjoy staying here because the beach is calmer and the surroundings are peaceful.

Perhentian Island Resort also offers several diving and snorkelling packages.

Address: Pulau Perhentian Besar

Rooms start from: RM 300

7. The Barat Perhentian

The Barat has become increasingly popular with local travellers over the years, especially during holiday weekends.

It’s located along a quieter stretch of Perhentian Besar, which gives the resort a calmer atmosphere compared to Long Beach stays.

One thing that stands out is the variety of room options available. You’ll find everything from simpler rooms to larger beachfront suites, making it suitable for different budgets.

The resort also has its own dive centre and regularly arranges snorkelling activities around nearby reefs. 

If you want comfortable Perhentian Island accommodation without going fully luxury, this is a nice middle-ground option.

Address: The Barat Perhentian, Lot 136, Pulau Perhentian Besar 

Rooms start from: RM 380 (Dom Rooms start from RM 240)

8. Tuna Bay Island Resort

Tuna Bay has long been a favourite among returning Perhentian visitors.

The beachfront setting is beautiful, and the atmosphere feels relaxed from the moment you arrive. 

It’s not overly fancy, but that’s part of the appeal. You come here for island life, sea views, and easy access to the beach.

The house reef nearby is great for snorkelling, especially for beginners. You don’t even need to travel far to see colourful marine life.

Their beachfront restaurant deserves a mention too. Sitting there during sunset with grilled seafood and ocean views is honestly hard to beat.

Address: Tuna Bay Resorts, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Kampung Pulau Perhentian

Rooms start from: RM 410

9. Ombak Dive Resort

For divers, Ombak Resort Perhentian is a name that comes up constantly.

Located on Long Beach, Ombak is especially popular among travellers who want easy access to diving courses, fun dives, and island activities. Their dive centre is one of the main reasons people stay here.

The vibe is social and energetic, particularly during diving season. 

It’s easy to meet fellow travellers here, whether you’re taking your first Open Water course or heading out for turtle spotting dives.

The rooms are comfortable and modern enough for a beach holiday, while the beachfront location keeps everything convenient.

If your ideal Merdeka weekend includes diving during the day and beachside dinners at night, Ombak fits the brief perfectly.

Address: 406, Coral Bay, Pulau Perhentian Kecil

Rooms start from: RM 500

Final Thoughts on Resorts in Perhentian Island

As Merdeka Weekend 2026 gets closer, we honestly can’t think of many better Malaysian getaways than the Perhentian Islands.

The beaches are beautiful, the water is unbelievably clear, and the whole atmosphere encourages you to slow down properly for a few days. 

Some of us come to Perhentian for the diving, some for the peaceful beaches, while some of us just want a break from city life.

Whatever your reason, these resorts in Perhentian Island give you a great starting point for experiencing one of Malaysia’s most special island destinations.

Here are a few more fun reads:

• Best Island in Malaysia For Getaways – TREVO Stories
• What to Do in Tioman: Our Top 10 Picks – TREVO Stories
• Best Beach Resorts Near KL for Getaways – TREVO Stories
• Best Spots For Solo Travel in Malaysia – TREVO Stories
• 10 Best Holiday Destinations in Malaysia This 2026 – TREVO Stories

FAQs on Resorts in Perhentian Island

What is the best month to visit Perhentian Island?

The best time to visit is usually between March and October, when the weather is sunnier, and the sea conditions are calmer. Many divers especially love visiting from April to June because underwater visibility tends to be excellent.

Which is better, Perhentian or Tioman?

Both islands are beautiful, but they offer slightly different experiences. Tioman is often praised for larger marine life sightings, while Perhentian is famous for turtles and vibrant coral reefs. If seeing turtles is high on your wishlist, Perhentian is honestly hard to beat.

Is Pulau Perhentian Kecil expensive?

Perhentian Kecil is generally more budget-friendly compared to Besar. You’ll find more affordable stays, cafés, and diving options there, although there are still plenty of comfortable and stylish resorts available too.

What are the best beaches in Pulau Perhentian?

Long Beach and Coral Bay are two of the most popular spots. Long Beach is lively and social, especially during peak season, while Coral Bay feels quieter and more relaxed with beautiful sunset views.

Do I need cash in the Perhentian Islands?

Yes, carrying some cash is definitely a good idea. Larger resorts and some dive centres may accept cards, but smaller cafés, boat taxis, and local shops often prefer cash payments.

Start Your Island Escape with TREVO

Before heading off for your long weekend trip, having a reliable car makes the whole journey much smoother. 

TREVO lets you book cars easily through the app, with plenty of vehicle options depending on your travel style and group size. 

Whether you need something compact for a couple’s trip or a bigger car for family luggage and beach gear, it’s super convenient.

TREVO is available across many locations in Malaysia too, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Negeri Sembilan, Langkawi, Klang Valley, Melaka, Ipoh, and Kedah. 

Perfect if your Merdeka holiday plans start with a road trip before hopping onto the boat to paradise.