Perhentian Islands : Shari-La Island Resort

Hello everyoneeeee! Oh no long time no see! Yeah it's my fault since I was a little consumed with life and work (a.k.a lazy) to update hehe. Anyways.... I just got back (a few weeks ago hehe so not so fresh already) from my island trip to one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia.... PERHENTIAN ISLANDS in Terengganu, Malaysia. Yeahhhhh! This is my 3rd trip to this tropical island with very smooth white sandy beaches and clear blue waters with abundance of colourful and playful fishes. A perfect weekend getaway for some relaxing and splash in the sun.

Perhentian Islands consist of 2 islands. One bigger and one smaller. Thus called Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian Island) and Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island).

So I went to Perhentian Kecil  since there are more budget accommodations there and also since the most beautiful beach and spot for swimming in Perhentian Island is also located there, Long Beach. Below is the picture of one end of Long Beach... Ahhhh perfect!

How To Get There By Flight

Since I got there by flight so I'll just tell you about it. You have to book a local flight by Malaysian Airlines or AirAsia or FireFly (all have online booking) to Kota Bharu Airport in Kelantan. Do not go to Kuala Terengganu although Perhentian Island is in Terengganu...since it's further away from the Merang Jetty which is so much nearer to Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Once in the airport after taking your bags, just before the exit of the arrival hall you will see a few counters on the right. One of them says Taxi to Pulau Perhentian. Go there and take the RM78 one way per taxi to Merang Jetty in Terengganu just 1 hour away. They gave me a RM10 discount that day so I paid RM68. Maybe since it was still low season. So if you're there with a few friends its better since you can share the cost of the taxi. ;) Once you reach the Merang Jetty you'll have to go to one of the boat services company (there are a few there no need to book in advanced) and buy your RM70 per person for 2 way ticket to your resort. And before you board you boat do pay the compulsory Environmental Fee which is only RM5 per person. Keep the boat ticket for your return trip and you'll have to board the same boat from the same company. The speed boat takes only 30 minutes. Also once you reach you resort, tell the reception which time for your return boat that you want to take. I think there are only 8.30am, 12.00pm and 4.00pm for return trip.

Mr. Mon's Accommodation in Perhentian Kecil

This time I chose to stay at Shari La Resort at Coral Bay in Perhentian Kecil. One of the best choice I made in my traveling life. :) The resort's area was huge and they have so many types of chalet that are suitable to all types of travelers be it for honeymooners, a bunch of friends and even for family with small children. The resort has their own nice restaurant with breathtaking views of the beach and the sea. Thanks to their location at the edge of a low cliff; and the resort has many gazebos and places where you can just go and read your favorite novel or just listen to the breeze and the waves. The best thing that I could say about this resort is that it has its own private beach! Not to say it's private only for the hotel guests, but the beach is only accessible from the resort. Cool! :D Btw from Coral Bay you can just walk for around 8 minutes to cross to the other side of the Perhentian Kecil to get to Long Beach where the party is and where it's best to get a sun tan and for swimming. Coral Bay has too many corals at the seabed so its more suitable for snorkeling. Long Beach's seabed in the other hand has sand as smooth as silk!

The Shari La Resort view from the jetty at Coral Bay

Our chalet. Room no 301. Further inside the resort area. No view of the beach though.

Entrance of our chalet...

A small living area...

Once you step in the chalet...

Since there were 3 of us we took the 1 queen + 1 single bed room. Cost RM450 per room for 2 nights. Rates vary by season. We booked a little last minute. You can get RM350 for 2 nights if you book earlier.  Btw this resort is open all year round unlike majority of the resorts in Perhentian since it does not face the open sea. Other will close down during the monsoon season from November to March.

Very comfy beds and nice and cozy wooden deco throughout the resort...

Great way to disguise the air conditioning outlet. :P

Our living room.

Gazebo in front of our room.

Walkway to the rooms...

One of the 2 queen beds rooms. Recommended! Very nice and large rooms. I peeked inside the chalet when they left the door open hehe. Nice patio area too! :)

The chalet overlooking the sea which can fit up to 8 people I think. Its huge! And very very large balcony with perfect view of the sunset. Room numbers start from 7**.

The steps going down to the resort's private beach.

Nice area to hangout by the beach at the resort... They have a small bar here.

The resort's private beach...

The resort's outdoor dining area for BBQ nights.

The breakfast area...

Indoor breakfast area...

View outside the breakfast area...

View from breakfast area...

Outdoor breakfast area...

Outdoor breakfast area...

Outdoor breakfast area...

Okay that's all for my accommodation this time around. I really really recommend this Shari La Resort since its a perfect example of the term "value for money". You can just Google away to book your rooms or alternatively you can also call and book directly with the hotel at their website at : http://www.shari-la.com/en/index.html

I will tell a little about the rest of my trip on my next entry. Toodeloo! ;)