I recently spent several unforgettable days on the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia, and it turned out to be one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Between learning diving and exploring the island with my friends, this tropical getaway offered everything I could ask for: crystal-clear waters, colorful marine life, and an easygoing island vibe that makes you never want to leave.
The highlight of my trip was completing my Open Water Course with Anti-Gravity Divers. The instructors (Skunk and Keiran) were super friendly and patient. Since my brother and I were picking it up quickly, they took us to a lot of dive sites instead of teaching us on the shore.
The underwater view was amazing; each dive introduced me to a new world: vibrant coral gardens, schools of fish swirling like silver clouds, and even the occasional turtle gliding by as if in slow motion. The visibility was incredible, often over 20 meters, with warm, calm water that made every dive effortless. It's like I was in Nemo! My only diving experience before this was a try-diving session in Dubai. It was fun, but the visibility was no more than two or three meters, so diving in Perhentian genuinely blew my mind.
I would definitely recommend Perhentian as a dive trip. We saw lots of turtles, nudibranchs, blacktips, barracudas, boxfish, and even triggerfish (among plenty more). We also kept an eye out for whale sharks, but unfortunately we didn't spot any during our dives.
My stay at Sha-Ri La Resort was perfect for a balance of comfort and island simplicity. The resort sits right by the beach with easy access to its own private beach, the dive shop, restaurants, and snorkelling spots.
When I wasn’t diving, I spent time snorkelling just off the beach. The marine life was rich and diverse: parrotfish, clownfish, rays, and even baby reef sharks. The water was so clear that visibility was nearly perfect from the surface. The beaches here are pristine, and the calm, shallow lagoons make it ideal for swimming.
Nights on the Perhentian Islands were mellow and full of charm. After sunset, the beaches come alive with music, laughter, and amazing fire shows. Most of the action happens around Long Beach, where a handful of laid-back bars set up beanbags in the sand and serve ice-cold drinks under the stars. It’s the kind of nightlife that fits the island: casual, social, and scenic. A few places stay open late with beats and acoustic sets. It’s a great place to slow down, meet new people, and enjoy the moment.
If you’re dreaming of a laid-back tropical escape with clear blue water, friendly people, and world-class diving, Perhentian Malaysia should be at the top of your list.
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