Explore Perhentian Kecil

Perhentian Kecil is a tropical paradise island which lies in Terengganu, Malaysia, in the South China Sea. Perhentian Kecil is one of two islands, the other is Perhentian Besar, and Kecil is the island which is more visited by the backpacker tourists who also enjoy the nightlife of this island. It is still the definition of tropical with white sandy beaches, turquoise sparkling waters, an abundance of palm trees and a variety of flourishing life to see underwater. These islands are known to be one of the best diving locations in Malaysia due to the different types of diving; there are wrecks, there are boulder rock formations, there are thriving reefs and there are many different marine species to admire. There is always something revel over with dive buddies when surfacing after a dive here.

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    • Dive Activity

    Diving in Perhentian Kecil

    Perhentian Kecil, due to its ideal conditions and pristine waters, this is a top diving destination for divers of all levels, especially for novice divers as the conditions here are perfect for courses. For the divers wanting to just do fun dives and explore the area, there are multiple wrecks to explore, there are multiple rock formations, including canyons, swim-throughs and boulders, and there are many flourishing reefs to enjoy. Some dive sites are located just offshore for shore dives, and others are done from boats. Luckily the dive sites are all close to shore so the longest boat ride is 20 minutes. 

    Dive Centers

    Ombak Dive Resort

    Ombak Dive Resort

    Lot 406, Teluk Aur, Pulau Perhentian Besut, 22300 Terengganu, Malaysia
    Turtle Bay Divers

    Turtle Bay Divers

    Lot 21 Longbeach Pulau Perhentian kecil, 22300 Kuala Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
    Below The Surface Divers

    Below The Surface Divers

    MIMPI SALES OFFICE, NO 3B PERKEDAIAN 2 TINGKAT MERPATI, MDB KUALA BESUT, 22300 KUALA BESUT, TERENGGANU, AGS - Malaysia
    Chomel Dive Center, Chomel Perhentian Resort

    Chomel Dive Center, Chomel Perhentian Resort

    Lot 67 Pasir Karang, 22300 Terengganu, Malaysia

    Perhentian Marine Research Station

    22, Jalan Setia Impian U13/4f, 40170 Selangor, Malaysia

    Dive Sites

    Mares
    Kampung Beach Front <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Kampung Beach Front (★4.6)

    Right in front of Nemo Chalet is the Kampung House Reef. This dive site is a simple shore entry, and is welcoming to snorkelers and divers alike. The sandy bottom stretch into 10m deep, and has an abundance of Clownfish and Anemones.
    Aqualung
    Vietnamese Wreck <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Vietnamese Wreck (★4.2)

    The Vietnamese Wreck, aka Pasir Tani Wreck, was a US Troop Transport boat used by Japanese Navy during WW2, and used by Vietnamese asylum seekers in the 1970s. It ended up sunk in Malaysia Waters, and is now a Marine life haven laying at 24m depth. Penetration is possible for overhead certified divers.
    Mares
    Sea Bell Rock <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Sea Bell Rock (★4.3)

    Sea Bell owes the name to the lighthouse. Beneath the lighthouse sits a massive boulder cluster, with extensive growth of corals and marine life on it. The dive site extends to Sea Bell Reef, where hard corals cover the sea bed, extending into 18-20m depth
    Mares
    Batu Nisan <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Batu Nisan (★4.2)

    Batu Nisan is an easy dive in a protected zone off the northern edge of long beach. The dive site offers calm and clear water with a sandy bottom, which is perfect for learners and divers alike to practice skills and buoyancy control. The site also offers decent night dive with easy shore access.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Romantic Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Romantic Reef (★4.2)

    Romantic Reef is a rocky slope that divides Romantic Beach and Teluk Aur. Extending from the surface to 15m deep, this dive site is an easy slope for beginners to dive.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Batu Nisan Laut <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Batu Nisan Laut (★4.2)

    Extended out of the shallow shore of Long Beach, Batu Nisan Laut is a rocky slope that extends to 10m, before transitioning into a sandy bottom. It is a relatively easy dive site for students and divers alike to practice skills and buoyancy control.
    Aqualung
    Romantic Beach <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Romantic Beach (★4.6)

    Perhentian Romantic Beach is a dive site well suited for beginner training. Sheltered from longshore current in the bay, the reef starts from the shore, extending all the way to down south into a rocky slope.
    Mares
    Panglima Abu <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Panglima Abu (★4.5)

    Panglima Abu reef is located off the beach of the same name. It is located off the Northwest of Pulau Perhentian Kecil. The site extends from the shore, and consists of a mixture of hard and soft coral patches. It it a good dive spot during pre and post monsoon times, being sheltered from the eastern wind.
    Scubapro, Stephen Frink
    D’Lagoon <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    D’Lagoon (★4.4)

    D’lagoon is a reef overlooking the Perhentian windmill. Blessed with clear water and a shallow and majestic reef, it is the embodiment of beauty itself. D’lagoon is located in a bay, also protects it from wind and current. The Reef starts from the shoreline into 12m depth, where it transitions into a sandy bottom.
    Mares
    Teluk Kerma <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Teluk Kerma (★4.3)

    Teluk Kerma is separated into Kerma Darat, and Kerma Laut, meaning Kerma by the land, and Kerma by the sea respectively. The site owes it’s name to the beach of the same name. The site is a shallow reef, that extends into 15m. The site is a combination of boulder and corals.
    Aqualung
    San Choi Wreck <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    San Choi Wreck (★4.6)

    San Choi are 3 fisherman wrecks sunk in 2018 to form an artificial reef. Sitting at 18m depth, the wreck is now teeming with fishes, to the extent that it blocks the sunlight. The wreck is also a cleaning station, with plenty of cleaner pipefish and cleaner shrimps offering their service to the fishes.
    Scubapro, Stephen Frink
    Sand Ray Alley <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    Sand Ray Alley (★4.1)

    The Sand Ray Alley offers a stingray galore underwater. The rocky outcrops extends 10m underwater, where the sandy bottom starts. Between the Rock and the sandy bottom, a plethora of stingray species dwells and prosper. Do watchout for the occasional triggerfish presence though.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Tanjung Butong <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Tanjung Butong (★4.2)

    Tanjung Butong is located at the northern point of Perhentian Kecil, and is a rocky slope. Due to it’s exposed located, current can be strong occasionally.
    Scubapro
    Batu Tabir <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.7)</span>

    Batu Tabir (★3.7)

    This underwater pinnacle is located north of Tanjung Butong. It is located in a current zone, and the top of the pinnacle is about 5m underwater, and the bottom is surrounded by boulder formations.

    The best Months to Dive in Perhentian Kecil

    There are two seasons in Malaysia; the rainy season and the dry season. The good thing is that the rainy season is significantly shorter than the dry season, the rainy season only lasts from December to February, and then the rest of the year has ideal diving conditions. The water temperature here is pleasantly warm throughout the year, with the coldest being 27°C and it reaches up to 32°C in the midst of the dry season. The visibility ranges between 10 metres in the rainy season up to 35 plus metres in the dry season.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Perhentian Kecil

    One of the highlights of diving in Perhentian Kecil is the high abundance of marine species, meaning something exciting to see on every dive. The coral reefs here are also a spectacle on their own; made up of soft corals, hard corals, Sea Fans, Barrel Sponges, Giant Clams, Anemones, and large Table Corals. The reefs inhabit numerous species including Nudibranchs, Coral Banded Shrimp, Scorpion Fish, Lion Fish and Squid. Some dive sites have large schools of fish including Trevally, Snapper, Great Barracuda, Wrasse, Parrot Fish and Clown Fish. The larger species which make an appearance here include Giant Pufferfish, Giant Moray Eels, Green Sea Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles Blue Spotted Stingray and the really unique and beautiful Bamboo Sharks. On the luckiest days, divers could spot Blacktip Reef Sharks and Whale Sharks.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    826 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    22
    M
    32
    A
    103
    M
    107
    J
    106
    J
    173
    A
    123
    S
    127
    O
    33
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    676 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    1
    M
    15
    A
    87
    M
    90
    J
    96
    J
    111
    A
    130
    S
    119
    O
    25
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    296 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    0
    M
    2
    A
    16
    M
    31
    J
    53
    J
    87
    A
    53
    S
    47
    O
    4
    N
    0
    D
    0
    Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle
    108 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    13
    J
    24
    J
    30
    A
    12
    S
    27
    O
    1
    N
    1
    D
    0
    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    107 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    8
    M
    12
    J
    16
    J
    23
    A
    18
    S
    15
    O
    12
    N
    0
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    2.2k Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    24
    M
    81
    A
    268
    M
    360
    J
    276
    J
    389
    A
    375
    S
    300
    O
    87
    N
    1
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    2.1k Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    13
    M
    82
    A
    245
    M
    310
    J
    305
    J
    406
    A
    327
    S
    342
    O
    87
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    1.6k Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    4
    M
    66
    A
    171
    M
    231
    J
    247
    J
    337
    A
    252
    S
    244
    O
    75
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    1.4k Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    9
    M
    59
    A
    166
    M
    177
    J
    210
    J
    329
    A
    215
    S
    208
    O
    66
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    1.2k Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    24
    M
    50
    A
    152
    M
    167
    J
    170
    J
    214
    A
    187
    S
    141
    O
    55
    N
    0
    D
    0
    Show More

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    922 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    7
    M
    53
    A
    86
    M
    115
    J
    151
    J
    202
    A
    141
    S
    140
    O
    27
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    915 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    4
    M
    22
    A
    109
    M
    108
    J
    154
    J
    178
    A
    161
    S
    132
    O
    45
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
    Boxfish

    Boxfish
    847 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    18
    M
    30
    A
    76
    M
    119
    J
    134
    J
    178
    A
    128
    S
    115
    O
    44
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    791 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    4
    M
    27
    A
    68
    M
    94
    J
    106
    J
    194
    A
    150
    S
    107
    O
    37
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    710 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    24
    A
    62
    M
    83
    J
    105
    J
    174
    A
    116
    S
    113
    O
    31
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    700 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    5
    M
    23
    A
    84
    M
    99
    J
    92
    J
    138
    A
    104
    S
    114
    O
    37
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    iStock-Rainer von Brandis
    Snapper

    Snapper
    597 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    20
    A
    66
    M
    66
    J
    85
    J
    163
    A
    117
    S
    80
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 20

    iStock-stephankerkhofs
    Porcupinefish

    Porcupinefish
    573 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    0
    M
    2
    A
    89
    M
    79
    J
    63
    J
    134
    A
    86
    S
    99
    O
    19
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    440 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    0
    M
    17
    A
    36
    M
    65
    J
    75
    J
    129
    A
    58
    S
    55
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    440 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    15
    A
    19
    M
    37
    J
    61
    J
    132
    A
    100
    S
    73
    O
    3
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    398 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    12
    M
    17
    A
    51
    M
    53
    J
    74
    J
    79
    A
    58
    S
    36
    O
    18
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    390 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    2
    M
    26
    A
    37
    M
    30
    J
    48
    J
    113
    A
    67
    S
    64
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    iStock-Christian von Mach
    Pipefish

    Pipefish
    382 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    16
    A
    68
    M
    64
    J
    40
    J
    74
    A
    62
    S
    44
    O
    14
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shutterstock-Shane Gross
    Shrimp

    Shrimp
    326 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    36
    M
    55
    J
    44
    J
    59
    A
    55
    S
    49
    O
    27
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    234 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    2
    M
    2
    A
    16
    M
    41
    J
    30
    J
    66
    A
    31
    S
    43
    O
    1
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 15

    Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
    Garfish

    Garfish
    204 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    5
    M
    36
    J
    27
    J
    44
    A
    44
    S
    32
    O
    13
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 2

    AdobeStock-hakbak
    Nurse Shark

    Nurse Shark
    186 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    14
    M
    32
    J
    22
    J
    27
    A
    52
    S
    39
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish
    169 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    11
    A
    16
    M
    12
    J
    3
    J
    58
    A
    40
    S
    26
    O
    2
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    140 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    10
    M
    32
    J
    0
    J
    30
    A
    35
    S
    27
    O
    4
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Crab

    Crab
    136 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    16
    M
    35
    J
    3
    J
    34
    A
    29
    S
    17
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish
    94 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    4
    M
    0
    J
    3
    J
    38
    A
    27
    S
    22
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    80 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    14
    A
    7
    M
    15
    J
    12
    J
    15
    A
    17
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Stonefish

    Stonefish
    78 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    13
    M
    10
    J
    0
    J
    17
    A
    21
    S
    17
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 120

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Cuttlefish

    Cuttlefish
    59 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    1
    A
    1
    M
    11
    J
    1
    J
    20
    A
    10
    S
    14
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0
    AdobeStock_cherylvb
    Garibaldi Damselfish

    Garibaldi Damselfish
    57 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    0
    A
    4
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    16
    A
    18
    S
    19
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0