Plongée à Perhentian Islands — Malaysia

The Perhentian Islands are Malaysia's quintessential budget dive destination, where turtles glide over coral gardens just metres from powder-white beaches. Some of the cheapest PADI courses in the world draw backpackers, while Shark Point and Tokong Laut deliver genuine thrills. Closed November to February for monsoon.

Score
64.9
Visibilité
10–25m
Température
26–30°C
Meilleurs mois
March, April, May
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World Class
Beginner Friendly
Perhentian Islands
MalaysiaAsia-Pacific
64.9

SCORE

5.9128°N

102.7455°E

The Perhentian Islands are Malaysia's quintessential budget dive destination, where turtles glide over coral gardens just metres from powder-white beaches. Some of the cheapest PADI courses in the world draw backpackers, while Shark Point and Tokong Laut deliver genuine thrills. Closed November to February for monsoon.

Backpacker Diving in Crystal Waters

Visibility10–25 m
Temperature26–30°C
Max Depth25 m
Currentmild
2-Tank Dive$55
Best MonthsMarch, April, May, June
CertificationOpen WaterBeginner Friendly

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML65.0CH58.0VIS62.0SV62.0TMP88.0DA55.0OP65.0TS70.0GT52.0VAL85.0CRD55.0SP62.0

Marine Life

65.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
62
Megafauna Encounters
52
Reef Fish Abundance
68
Macro Life
58
Endemic Species
52
Marine Life Diversity
65.0
Coral & Reef Health
58.0
Visibility & Conditions
62.0
Dive Site Variety
62.0
Water Temperature
88.0
Depth & Access
55.0
Operator Quality
65.0
Topside Experience
70.0
Getting There
52.0
Value & Cost
85.0
Crowding
55.0
Social Proof
62.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Great news for traveling couples and families — this is a budget-friendly destination with plenty of affordable topside activities to keep non-divers happy while you explore below the surface.

Activities for Non-Divers

snorkelingjungle trek between beachesfirefly watchingkayaking

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Turtle conservation project

Non-Diver Score

8/10

Excellent for non-divers — they'll love it here.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber110 km — Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu
Nearest Hospital55 km

Speedboat to Kuala Besut then road to KT hospital; nearest chamber in KT

Skill LevelBeginner Friendly
Current Strengthmild

Top Operators

Quiver Dive Team

PADI

4.6
310 reviews

Perhentian Dive Center

SSI

4.4
200 reviews