Tuesday 12 October 2010

Girlz Trip...plus some Boyz - Perhentian Islands

In all my trips through all of Asia, THIS was a first - a Girl's Trip! If you follow my blog, you'll remember that the Perhentian Islands are one of my favorite destinations. It takes a bit of work to get there, the accommodations are only about one step above camping, but the view is priceless!
(Recognize me on the right?)

The Baker, the Chef, and I flew from KL early on a Wednesday morning and landed in Kota Bharu by late morning.  At the airport, there's a desk where you book your taxi and round trip speed boat ticket to get to the Islands. The boat is 70RM/pp round trip and the taxi is about 70RM one way. It's a set price so they do not negotiate. On the way back to the airport you'll have a little more flexibility with price. Try and get a newer taxi with aircon. There are a lot of clunkers waiting to pick up tourists at the dock.

The taxi ride to the water takes about forty-five minutes to an hour. The speed boat ride to the Islands is another thirty minutes.  Hold on TIGHT - it moves fast!!! You'll either stay on Perhentian Besar (Big) or Perhentian Cecil (Small).  Cecil is more fun and offer more to do! We booked in at the ShariLa Resort. It's a bit tough to call it a "resort" but it's the newest place on the island. The island gets booked up so make a reservation before you turn up, especially if you are traveling in August!

We had a grand time doing nothing other than soaking up the sun.

Eating.


Liquor is a little tricky to get here - but not milkshakes!!! Try the Snickers or Mars Bar flavors. The fruit shakes are also delish!

And sipping drinks!


After this photo we sent these Pina Coladas back. They were all foam! They got it right the second time. 

When the Boyz arrived, we got a little bit more aggressive and tried one of the island's amazing snorkeling tours.

If you visit, the snorkeling is not to be missed. As beautiful as the Perhentians are above the water, they are even more stunning below! Try the all day tour which takes you to five spots. You're guaranteed to see turtles, sharks, squid, a gog-zillion fish, and maybe some stingray!

I heart the Perhentians.


 And I heart our life here!



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