Coiba Divers

By: Dale Dickerson
The Pulau Perhentian Hotel is a special vacation spot for me after watching documentaries on the barrier reef and some movies like Finding Nemo. My fascination with the exquisite beauty of the reefs made this a prefect spot. I was not disappointed to find it all true.

From my room I could step out and into the warm waters. The wonder of watching fish swimming around my feet and legs just standing in the water. I took to snorkeling in the reefs and saw a whole new world of color and life we cannot see on land or even imagine.

The beaches are pristine and untouched - the water is clear and blue. Just looking at the transparent clear blue waters clears your head of sleep and the warm salty air soothes and relaxes you.

Only in this underwater world can you see such colors and brilliance in life. Swimming in the reefs is comparable to a weightless flowing rhythm of movements as you move through the sapphire waters. Palau Perhentian Hotel is in South China Sea on the Island of Perhentian Kecil. This Island off the Malaysia Coast, can be accessed from a village, Kelantanese of Kuala Besut. It is a eight hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.

The port Perhentian Besar is named so to mean, a large port, Perhentian Besar separates from a small port, Perhentian Kecil. The ports of the Islands have long been established by its history. The ports were along a trade route and used by the fishermen and the traders of Saim for their lively hood and a way to travel tht was easier and quicker.

Perhentian Besar does not have villages, the smaller Islands are home of the resorts and cottages such as Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. All the beaches have pristine sands than are as fine as any on earth. The most famous Islands on the south east edge are, Teluk Pauh, Teluk Dalam, and Pasir Panjang. These are small Island that also have beautiful beaches.

The Hotel is located on the beach surrounded by lush plants nurtured by the rain forest. Palm trees lean over the porches and chalets made of wood stand on tilts. These are clean and comfortable rooms with queen beds. The linens are changed daily and have the aroma of the fresh clean outdoors. The hotel washes the linens and lets them hang drying naturally outside in the sun and air which is where the unique aroma comes from. You can sleep under a canopy to keep mosquitoes form biting. The chalets are simple but offer the necessities, a fan, cupboard, an dressing table.

The entire resort is well kept in line with the pristine atmosphere of the islands. The finest restaurant on the island is the Panorama - besides good food it has very reasonable rates. Electricity is available from 7 in the evening to 7 in the morning - a nice way of reducing the carbon footprint on the atmosphere! Most of the day is spent outdoors - playing beach ball, sunning, snorkeling, and a choice for any age. For the best outside vacation try staying at the Pulau Perhentian Hotel.