The Coral View Island Resort on Perhentian Island is located right at the end of the western main beach of Perhentian Besar Island.
This beautiful resort is also run by a local Malay family, and the resort is cleverly located in between two beaches with a great view for anyone wanting a perfect beach holiday here in Malaysia.
Coral View Island Resort Perhentian Island Review
This beautiful resort is also run by a local Malay family, and the resort is cleverly located in between two beaches with a great view for anyone wanting a perfect beach holiday here in Malaysia.
Coral View Island Resort Perhentian Island Review
The Coral View Island Resort is also easily accessible from Kuala Terengganu via speedboat from the Kuala Besut Jetty. From the Kota Bharu Airport, it takes you about one hours taxi ride here.
A fibreglass speed boats takes about 45 minutes to get to Perhentian Island (Pulau Perhentian, pronounced Perhen-TEE-AHN), and the prices are usually around RM70 to RM80 (US$20) for a two way trip.
You also need to buy the Marine Park Conservation Charge of RM5. Once you reach the resort, smaller boats will come and pick you to take you the your resort as there is no jetty at most of the resorts in Perhentian Island.
A fibreglass speed boats takes about 45 minutes to get to Perhentian Island (Pulau Perhentian, pronounced Perhen-TEE-AHN), and the prices are usually around RM70 to RM80 (US$20) for a two way trip.
You also need to buy the Marine Park Conservation Charge of RM5. Once you reach the resort, smaller boats will come and pick you to take you the your resort as there is no jetty at most of the resorts in Perhentian Island.
When I got in to Perhentian Island, I was absolutely amazed with the clarity of the waters here, as it has been a long time since I saw some crystal clear waters.
I had booked my trip through the Coral View Island Resort office in Terengganu town, so my speed boat brought me straight to the resort from the Kuala Besut Jetty.
I had booked my trip through the Coral View Island Resort office in Terengganu town, so my speed boat brought me straight to the resort from the Kuala Besut Jetty.
On arrival, we went straight to the small reception of the Coral View Island Resort. Inside a young Malay lady had our room keys ready and spoke pleasant English.
I was also told that her boss was a local Malay man whose family ran the business. Looking around I could see that a lot of effort was put into the resort.
I was also told that her boss was a local Malay man whose family ran the business. Looking around I could see that a lot of effort was put into the resort.
We got a sea view chalet which was pretty decent. I mean if you are expecting 3 stars, don't bother. I would easily give this place a 2-star rating.
The sea view chalet was basic with a lot of local Malay influence to the exterior and interior. Sadly, due to land space, the chalets were pretty close to each other.
The sea view chalet was basic with a lot of local Malay influence to the exterior and interior. Sadly, due to land space, the chalets were pretty close to each other.
The sea view chalet was decent and clean with basic amenities like attached shower, hot water, air condition and a television. Decorations were minimal but the walls were nicely done.
However, there was a slight damp smell inside so we just opened the windows and doors and from past experiences, I usually bring along a can of air freshener.
However, there was a slight damp smell inside so we just opened the windows and doors and from past experiences, I usually bring along a can of air freshener.
Coral View Island Resort has a nice indoor restaurant which is tastefully decorated. The restaurant serves some reasonable food which is also a la-carte.
Also to add in, this resort caters to a lot of families, so expect children running around and also large groups which can get noisy at times.
Also to add in, this resort caters to a lot of families, so expect children running around and also large groups which can get noisy at times.
Outside the resort, there are two places for your outdoor dining. Breakfast, lunches, tea and dinners can be taken here which is much more nicer as the tables are located on the beach and are quite naturally shaded by the trees with sea breeze blowing in.
Prices of food at the Coral View Island Resort may be a little more that you expect so if you are on a budget, talk a walk down the beach as there are some cheaper alternatives there.
A recommended restaurant to try is at The Barat, just next door to the resort, which is notes as the best restaurant on Perhentian Island.
A recommended restaurant to try is at The Barat, just next door to the resort, which is notes as the best restaurant on Perhentian Island.
One one of the nights at the resort, we decided to have some fresh seafood sitting out by the beach tables. I asked the waiter about the fish and he told me it was freshly caught in the evening.
So without hesitation, we ordered a large grouper cooked with Malay style sweet and sour sauce, a small plate of mixed vegetables and two plates of white rice. I must say the fish was one of the freshest fish I had ever tasted.
So without hesitation, we ordered a large grouper cooked with Malay style sweet and sour sauce, a small plate of mixed vegetables and two plates of white rice. I must say the fish was one of the freshest fish I had ever tasted.
In the evenings, the locals come out to play beach volleyball and most of the time, they would invite the guests to join in for a game.
Apart from this, there are numerous activities available here. From snorkeling, diving to jungle trekking and island hopping around the other islands.
Apart from this, there are numerous activities available here. From snorkeling, diving to jungle trekking and island hopping around the other islands.
If you want to visit Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island) you can just book a water taxi from the reception or sports center at the Coral View Island Resort.
Snorkeling equipment is readily available for rent if you want to explore the corals around the resort. There is a good patch of coral garden just outside of the resort beach.
If you choose to do a jungle trek, there is a good chance to see some monitor lizards where some of them grow up to about five feet long.
Snorkeling equipment is readily available for rent if you want to explore the corals around the resort. There is a good patch of coral garden just outside of the resort beach.
If you choose to do a jungle trek, there is a good chance to see some monitor lizards where some of them grow up to about five feet long.
There are also snorkeling trips to various spots around the island where you can experience seeing turtles, rays, coral fishes and even sharks while snorkeling or diving.
For scuba divers, there is a dive shop here called Pro Divers World. This dive center caters to dive trips and also scuba diving classes in the event you want to take your PADI Open Water Course.
For scuba divers, there is a dive shop here called Pro Divers World. This dive center caters to dive trips and also scuba diving classes in the event you want to take your PADI Open Water Course.
In the evenings, you can just sit out on the beach and catch the beautiful Perhentian sunset while having your dinner at the outdoor restaurant or simply by just lying on the beach.
Unfortunately during my visit here, you can see from the photo above that it was the best sunset I could capture.
The resort is pretty well lit at night so walking around would give you the feeling of living in a local Malay Kampung (Village).
Apart from the resort, I took a walk to the other restaurants and cafes along the beach. Some of them are pretty cosy serving beers and coffee, just like in Bali or Phuket.
Most of the foreign travellers would be seen catching up here at the outdoor restaurants and cafes, as it is much more relaxed compared to Perhentian Kecil.
This means, many will take the water taxi and come here to wine and dine versus having it on the small island.
One of the days I was there, the weather was not too good as it looked like it was going to rain cats and dogs.
Going out to the beach, the clouds looked like a major storm coming. In the end, it just rained a little and blew over.
If you are adventurous, you can walk past the Coral View Island Resort and find the wooden walkway to the more expensive Perhentian Island Resort.
This wooden walkway doubles as a jungle walk as it runs through the mangrove and rocks. The length of this walkway is about 500 meters and very interesting.
Unfortunately during my visit here, you can see from the photo above that it was the best sunset I could capture.
The resort is pretty well lit at night so walking around would give you the feeling of living in a local Malay Kampung (Village).
Apart from the resort, I took a walk to the other restaurants and cafes along the beach. Some of them are pretty cosy serving beers and coffee, just like in Bali or Phuket.
Most of the foreign travellers would be seen catching up here at the outdoor restaurants and cafes, as it is much more relaxed compared to Perhentian Kecil.
This means, many will take the water taxi and come here to wine and dine versus having it on the small island.
One of the days I was there, the weather was not too good as it looked like it was going to rain cats and dogs.
Going out to the beach, the clouds looked like a major storm coming. In the end, it just rained a little and blew over.
If you are adventurous, you can walk past the Coral View Island Resort and find the wooden walkway to the more expensive Perhentian Island Resort.
This wooden walkway doubles as a jungle walk as it runs through the mangrove and rocks. The length of this walkway is about 500 meters and very interesting.
- Resort is closed from early November to late January for the monsoon season
- Peak season is from April to August
- 2N/3D Full Board Packages are available
- Snorkeling
- Scuba Diving/Classes
- Fishing Trips
- Canoeing
- Nature Walk/Trek
- Turtle Watching
- Beach Volleyball
PADI Instructor - Michael Lim and wife, Ann Lim
- Discover scuba diving (trial dive)
- Learning to dive for your Open Water License
- Continue your dive education all the way until dive master
- Refresh your diving skills
Walkway to Perhentian Island Resort |
Coral View Island Resort Office Address and Contact:
Coral View Island Resort
No.89A, Depan Stesen Bas Kuala Besut
22300 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
Telephone: 609-6974943 / 276
Fax: 609-6902600
Resort Telephone: +609-6911700
Resort Fax: +609-6911701
Conclusion
This resort is perfect if you have a family and are not too fussy. If you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway, this place will not suit you and definitely not for honeymooners.
The Coral View Island Resort in Perhentian is best suited for groups and families. There is no beer and pork sold here as it is a Muslim run business.
I stayed here for two nights but I spent a lot of time moving around Perhentian Besar and Kecil islands for my work. Would I stay here again? Yes I would.