The cheapest way to get from Kota Bharu to the Perhentian Islands is by local bus to Kuala Besut. The only option from there to the islands is by speedboat.
The Bus From Kota Bharu to Kuala Besut
Bus number 639 leaves from Kota Bharu central bus station. The bus looks like a cross between a large minibus and a normal bus. It is red. There is no toilet on the bus.
The bus costs 6RM, which you can pay to the driver.
The Bus leaves at the following times: 6:15am, 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:30pm and 6:30pm.
The bus takes one and a half hours to reach Kuala Besut from Kota Bharu.
The Speed Boat From Kuala Besut to the Perhentian Islands
The standard cost is 70RM for an open return ticket. However, it is currently possible to purchase them for only 60RM at the Kota Bharu central bus station. The reason for this was apparently to promote the new bus service running to Kuala Besut. This offer is not displayed anywhere, but if you ask at the ticket window, which displays the timetable for bus 639, they should be able to sell you the ticket at this reduced price. These tickets are for the ‘Kuala Besut Travel & Tour Sdn. Bhd.’ company. Their office in Kuala Besut is located almost next to the ‘ferry’ terminal (i.e speedboat terminal) and the staff are very friendly and helpful.
The journey by boat should take 25 to 45 minutes depending upon sea conditions, which captain you have, where exactly you wish to be dropped off, etc. The slow boats ceased running about four years ago, according to locals.
Depending on where you wish to be dropped off, you may be required to transfer to a smaller boat for the last 100 metres or so. It is not clear if this is because the main boat is too big to go any further, the driver can’t be bothered to go any further or they want to make a bit more business out of you. The cost of the smaller transfer boat is only 2RM.
Overnight Accommodation in Kuala Besut
You could choose to stay overnight and then progress to the island on an early boat to maximise accommodation options on the Perhentian Islands if travelling during the high season.
The cheapest place is Yaudin Guest House, where a simple double room will cost 20RM. The room has a double bed and a fan and a window and is a reasonable size. Toilet and shower facilities are shared. The rooms are located around a couple of common areas either side of the reception. The side without the TV and with fewer chairs is likely to be quieter.
Another slightly more expensive budget option is the Nan Hotel, which is close by. Both places are only a five-minute walk at most to the jetty.
Other Information About Kuala Besut
The bus and taxi station are located in the same place in the centre of town.
There are no ATMs or banks close to the jetty.
There are a handful of small restaurants and shops by the jetty area. Prices are likely to be cheaper here than on the island.
There are a few drinking water machines around town where you can refill water bottles for only 10sens a litre, and help the environment at the same time.
Richard Milnes - Richard was born in London, England, but has since spent much of his life travelling the world and has visited nearly 50 ...
