We arrived at the Perhentian Islands on September 11th directly from the Cameron Highlands with a transfer organized by a minibus company. We traveled for 5 hours before arriving at the port of Besut, where a boat took us directly to the island, dropping us off at the pier right next to our accommodation. Everything was organized, including the return trip and the transfer to the airport for the 14th. They are well-organized. The island is small, and our accommodation is part of a structure that offers scuba diving. We arrived, they gave us the keys, which didn’t lock, but oh well, there’s no need for that, and they told us that if we wanted to eat, we had to go beyond that walkway because they only had tea or coffee. Fine, we organized ourselves. The room is large and inhabited by ants, geckos, and other animals whose appearance we ignore but are definitely there, moving the toilet paper rolls, knocking down the soap, and pooping in the sink.
It feels like camping. Oh well, the water is a dream, and I like the Spartan life, so let’s go, adventure! We took a bath and a walk and set off in search of food. The walkway is half-collapsed, almost eaten by the forest, it seems unreal, the contrast with the beautiful sea and beaches makes you think, we are the intruders. The forest is reclaiming the beach, the locals don’t even bother to organize a minimal breakfast for the guests of the accommodation where we are staying. We asked if they did a snorkeling tour, but they directed us beyond the walkway. In short, not exactly cordial hosts. We adapted, beyond the walkway there was everything the island could offer, which is not much but more than enough. To get back home in the evening, however, it takes a bit of courage and a flashlight because you can’t see anything, and there are noises of unknown animals, maybe monkeys.
We swam in turquoise waters with turtles and fish of every color, and I even saw a tiny little shark! They told us they aren’t dangerous, so we went into the water with our masks.
There is a minaret on the island in front of us from which a “chant” or call to prayer is broadcast five times a day, spreading to all the nearby islands. The official religion is Islam. Many people swim fully clothed, which makes me feel hot just looking at them, but if it works for them, I have no problem with it ;) They are tolerant towards tourists; you are not judged, at least not openly, and we felt comfortable in our swimsuits. We also took a trip to the smaller island, which has very beautiful beaches without infrastructure, accessible only by boat, but the larger island is more authentic. We moved around with a water taxi, and for two stops and back, a total of 5 hours, it cost us €26.
On the last evening, there was a beautiful storm. Clearly, all our clothes were damp, even those in the suitcase ;) We left on the 14th for Kota Bahru to fly to Kuala Lumpur and then to Hanoi.
Two days of travel, we are a bit tired.
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