Perhentian package inclusions: what is standard

There is no single standard Perhentian package, so read each line as a question. Boat, room, meals, fees and activities are the lines that matter, and each one can sit inside or outside the price. Ask for inclusions and exclusions side by side.

Our Pulau Perhentian Besar guide gives the setting. This guide sits within our wider guide to choosing an island package.

What does the boat line cover?

Perhentian boats leave from Kuala Besut, and the crossing is reported at about 35 to 45 minutes, with about 40 to Besar ^[1]. A package may include the boat in both directions, or one, or none.

Ask these questions:

• Is the boat included both ways?
• Is it a shared speedboat or a private one?
• Which jetty time is on my booking?
• Who pays if the weather delays it?

Our guide on Perhentian shared and private boat transfers explains the choices.

Which fees sit around a Perhentian trip?

Fees are the lines people miss. The reported marine park rates are RM30 for an adult without MyKad and RM15 for a child, against RM5 and RM2 with MyKad ^[2]. A 2022 report also described an extra council charge of RM5 per visitor, whose current status is unknown ^[3].

These come from secondary sources. Ask the operator for the current figures and whether each is in the price or paid on arrival. Our guide on marine park fees shows how to read the line.

What about the taxi boat between the islands?

A blogger reported a taxi boat between Besar and Kecil at about RM20 ^[4]. If you plan to visit Kecil for a meal or a beach, add the cost of the ride to your sums. Ask whether any taxi boat ride is in your package.

What do I check for a standard Perhentian package?

Line	Ask
Boat	Both ways, shared or private?
Room	Type, beds, distance to beach
Meals	Which meals, drinks?
Snorkel trip	How many stops, shared or private?
Marine park and council fees	In the price or on arrival?
Taxi boats	Any included?
Season	Dates in writing

A quote that fills most of these is easier to compare than one that fills few.

How do I think about the season?

Heavy monsoon runs from about November to February, and most islands are essentially closed to tourists, though a daily boat still serves the Kecil fishing village ^[5]. Ask each resort for its dates in writing.

How do I compare two Perhentian resorts?

Pick two dossiers, for example Perhentian Island Resort and Arwana Perhentian. Send both the same questions, and compare the filled table above. Compare the lines, not the headline price.

What should I ask the agency?

• Please list inclusions and exclusions side by side.
• Is the boat from Kuala Besut included both ways?
• Are the marine park and council fees in the price?
• Is a taxi boat included if I want to visit Kecil?
• What is your season date this year?

A better fit if…

A full package may suit you if you want the boat, room and meals in one clear quote. A room-only booking with separate boat tickets may be a better fit if you enjoy comparing parts and have the time to arrange the crossing yourself.