What a non-swimmer does on a Perhentian holiday
One of you will not snorkel, and you want a Perhentian plan where nobody sits waiting alone.
A non-swimmer can enjoy Perhentian when the plan has more than the sea: shade, quiet beaches, long meals, a walk and a few separate hours that end with everyone together. Choose your base for how it feels on land, ask about shallow water and supervision, and split the swimmer’s day in two. The goal is that nobody waits alone.
For the islands themselves, see our Perhentian Besar guide and Perhentian Kecil guide. This page gives practical plans for the person who will not snorkel.
How far is it, and how do the islands connect?
Boats from Kuala Besut take about 35 to 45 minutes, with about 40 to Besar [1]. A taxi boat between Besar and Kecil was reported by one blogger at about RM20, so treat that as a guide [2].
Which base suits a non-swimmer?
The base shapes the holiday. Ask each resort what is in front of it, how shallow the water is and how far the walk to a meal is. Our guides on quiet vs social bases on Perhentian Besar and quiet vs social bases on Perhentian Kecil compare the options.
How can the day be shared?
A simple two-part day gives everyone what they like.
- Shared morning: breakfast, a short walk, time on the beach.
- Midday: the swimmer joins a snorkel outing, while the non-swimmer rests or enjoys a land activity.
- Late afternoon: meet again for photos, a drink and the sunset.
- Evening: a long dinner, where the swimmer shares the story.
Our guide on swimmer and non-swimmer travelling together: a daily split plan goes further.
What can a non-swimmer do?
Confirm each item with the resort before you build your plan around it.
| Option | What to ask | A better fit if |
|---|---|---|
| Beach time and shade | Is there shaded seating and calm shallow water? | You enjoy quiet time |
| Short walks | Are paths safe and shaded? | You like gentle movement |
| Viewing from a boat | Is a glass-bottom or viewing trip offered? | You want to see the sea without swimming |
| Boat ride with others | Can I stay on board while others snorkel? | You like being with the group |
| Reading, cards, long meals | Is there a covered common area? | You prefer low effort |
Our guide on glass-bottom boat and viewing options for non-swimmers explains what exists.
What if the non-swimmer wants to try?
Trying is an option, never a duty. Some operators offer flotation vests and a guide who stays close. Our guide on snorkel packages for non-swimmers: flotation and supervision lists the questions. Be honest about limits.
What should you ask a Perhentian resort?
Ask in writing:
- Is the water in front of the resort shallow and calm, and who watches it?
- Is there shade on the beach and a covered area for wet days?
- Which activities need no swimming?
- Can a non-swimmer stay on the boat while others snorkel?
- Are flotation vests available in adult sizes?
What about the season?
Heavy monsoon weather from about November to February means most islands are essentially closed to tourists, though a daily boat still serves the Kecil fishing village [3]. Ask each resort for its season dates in writing.
A better fit if…
Perhentian suits a non-swimmer who enjoys quiet, scenery and good company, and a swimmer who is happy to share the day. Another island may suit a non-swimmer who wants shops or a lively evening. Our guide on island holidays for someone who does not want to snorkel compares the options. When you are ready, tell us who is swimming and who is not on WhatsApp.
Common questions
Is Perhentian a good place for a non-swimmer?
It can be, if the plan has more than snorkelling. A non-swimmer can enjoy shade, quiet beaches, long meals and time with the group. Ask the resort about shallow water, shade and boat trips with supervision, since suitability depends on the base you choose.
Besar or Kecil for a non-swimmer?
It depends on the pace you want. Besar and Kecil differ in feel and in the choice of places to stay, and a taxi boat links them. Read our guides on quiet and social bases, and ask each resort what is nearby and how water access works.
How much is the boat between the islands?
One blogger reported about RM20 for a taxi boat from Besar to Kecil, so treat the figure as a guide. Confirm the current price and whether the boat runs on your day and in rough seas.
How do we avoid one person waiting alone?
Split the day in two: a shared morning, then separate activities that end in a meal together. Agree who does what before you leave. Our guide on swimmers and non-swimmers travelling together has a longer routine.
Sources
- FerryScanner and homeiswhereyourbagis.com (accessed 2026-10-16)
- homeiswhereyourbagis.com (blog) (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Wikipedia (accessed 2026-10-16)