Tuna Bay or Teluk Pauh on Perhentian Besar
You are choosing a bay on Besar and want to know how the stays differ.
Tuna Bay lists simpler stays, such as the mid-budget Suhaila Palace and Cozy Chalet, while Teluk Pauh lists a resort, Perhentian Island Resort [2]. Pick Tuna Bay if you want a chalet-style stay and flexibility. Pick Teluk Pauh if you want a resort that runs its own boat transfers.
Both are on Perhentian Besar, about 40 minutes by speedboat from Kuala Besut [4]. For the whole island, see our Perhentian Besar island guide.
What do the two bays offer?
Research lists Tuna Bay, Abdul’s Beach, Teluk Pauh and Flora Bay as the main areas on Besar [1]. Here is what is known for the two you are weighing.
| Tuna Bay | Teluk Pauh | |
|---|---|---|
| Stays listed | Suhaila Palace (mid-budget), Cozy Chalet [2] | Perhentian Island Resort [3] |
| Style | Chalet and mid-range | Resort |
| Boat | Ask each stay | Resort runs own transfers |
| Meals | Ask | Not stated on its site |
| Beach feel | Ask for photos | Ask for photos |
The empty cells are questions. We would rather show a gap than guess.
How different are the rooms likely to be?
Chalet-style rooms are usually simpler, and resort rooms add services. Do not assume either. Ask for photos of the exact room, and ask about fans or air conditioning, hot water, bathroom type and the distance to the beach.
Our guide on budget chalets versus mid-range resorts on Perhentian shows what each tier tends to include. Use the resort inclusion comparator to line up two quotations.
Can you walk between the bays?
A jungle path to Teluk Pauh begins at the north end of Tuna Bay, by Cozy Chalet [2]. That means you could stay in one bay and visit the other. Ask how long the walk takes, whether it is lit, and whether it suits children or older guests.
Which suits your group?
Tuna Bay may be a better fit if:
- you want a lower budget and a chalet.
- you like the idea of choosing meals yourself.
- you want to walk to another bay.
Teluk Pauh may be a better fit if:
- you want a resort and one place that arranges the boat.
- you travel with parents or children and prefer fewer decisions.
- you prefer a package you can compare line by line. See the Perhentian Island Resort page.
What should you ask before you book?
- Which room type am I booking, and can I see photos?
- Which meals are included?
- Does the boat from Kuala Besut come with the room?
- How far is the room from the sand?
- Is the path to the other bay open and safe?
For the wider choice, read quiet versus social bases on Besar and Teluk Pauh versus Tuna Bay for quiet. Share your dates with us and we will help you compare.
Common questions
What kind of stay is at Tuna Bay?
Research lists a mid-budget stay, Suhaila Palace, and a chalet, Cozy Chalet, at Tuna Bay. That points to simpler rooms than a large resort. Ask each place for room photos, bathroom details, air conditioning and meal arrangements in writing.
What kind of stay is at Teluk Pauh?
Perhentian Island Resort is at Teluk Pauh. It runs its own boat transfers, though its site does not state meal plans. Ask what the transfer covers and which meals come with your room.
Can I walk between the two bays?
Research notes that a jungle path to Teluk Pauh starts at the north end of Tuna Bay. Ask about the path condition, how long it takes and whether it is safe after dark or in rain, since we have not walked it.
Which is better for a family?
It depends on what you need. A resort with its own boat may suit parents who want fewer moving parts, while chalets can suit a tighter budget. Compare room type, meals and beach entry for your children's ages.
Sources
- Wikipedia and resort listings (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Travel blog (single source) (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Perhentian Island Resort (official site) (accessed 2026-10-16)
- FerryScanner and homeiswhereyourbagis.com (accessed 2026-10-16)