8 days in Perhentian Islands & Johor Bahru Itinerary

The smaller of the two coral-tinged Perhentian Islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil remains more popular with the younger backpacker crowd due to more affordable living costs.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Thu): identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Perhentian Island Mosque, kick back and relax at Coral Bay (Teluk Aur), then enjoy the sand and surf at Long Beach, and finally get great views at Pulau Perhentian Kincir Angin.

To find maps, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Pulau Perhentian Kecil driving holiday planner.

Kuala Perlis to Pulau Perhentian Kecil is an approximately 11.5-hour combination of car and flight. You can also travel. In December, daytime highs in Pulau Perhentian Kecil are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) so you can ride a ferry to Pulau Perhentian Besar.

Pulau Perhentian Besar looks almost otherworldly with its blue waters, lush jungles, and white-sand beaches.

On the 5th (Sat), discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Turtle Sanctuary Beach.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Pulau Perhentian Besar visit planning app.

Traveling by ferry from Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar takes 2.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in December, and nighttime lows around 28°C. On the 5th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Johor Bahru.

A trip to Johor Bahru allows visitors to travel back to the colonial era and discover places of worship reminding visitors of the country's rich history and multicultural character. Explore museums preserving the stories of different communities from across Asia, and take time to get to know the city's charming streets, vibrant galleries, and growing cafe culture.

Change things up with a short trip to Johor Premium Outlet in Kulai (about 38 minutes away). Pack the 7th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Sanrio Hello Kitty Town. Pack the 9th (Wed) with family-friendly diversions at Thomas Town - Puteri Harbour. There's still lots to do: make a splash at Legoland Malaysia, buy something for everyone on your list at Paradigm Mall, admire the landmark architecture of Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To find where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Johor Bahru travel itinerary planner.

You can do a combination of ferry and flight from Pulau Perhentian Besar to Johor Bahru in 9 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry, taxi, and bus; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In December, daily temperatures in Johor Bahru can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) so you can drive back home.