So you’re taking the kids to the Perhentian Islands – how exciting! I had wanted to go here for like forever before we finally got around to going. The Perhentian Islands are such an amazing place for a family holiday in Malaysia, particularly for those that love nothing for than relaxing on the beach and snorkelling.
So I guess now you’re trying to figure out the best places to stay in Perhentian Islands. Well you are in the right place because in this guide I’m going to share with you some of the best Perhentian Islands accommodation for families.
Unlike other island holidays, there are not a heap of resorts to choose from when it comes to where to stay in Perhentian Islands. But first, you’ll need to decide which island, and second you’ll need to find one of the Perhentian Islands hotels and resorts that can comfortably accommodate your entire family as well as your budget.
Don’t have the time to do your own research for a family friendly Perhentian hotel? Well I’ve already researched for you and found the best options for Perhentian Island hotels and resorts for a great family holiday. I’ve included some of the more popular resorts as well as some options for cheap accommodation, Perhentians Islands offers.
So let’s find you an awesome Perhentian Island resort!
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The Best Places to Stay in Perhentian Islands – A Quick Overview
Below is a super quick overview of all the Pulau Perhentian hotels and resorts that reviewed in this guide. You can use the below table to quickly determine if the accommodation is the best resort in Perhentian Island for you. For a more comprehensive review of these hotels, Perhentian Islands offers, keep reading below.
| Hotel | Island | Room Amenities | Hotel Amenities | Price Guide | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bubu Resort | Kecil | Family room with 2 large beds which includes breakfast | 2 Restaurants, wifi & various recreational activities | $$$$$ | Check Price |
Senja Bay Resort. | Kecil | Family room with 1 double & 4 single beds | Restaurant, wifi & various recreational activities | $$$ | Check Price |
Ombak Resort  | Kecil | Family room with 2 large beds which includes breakfast | Restaurant, wifi & various recreational activities | $$$$ | Check Price |
Chomel Chalet | Kecil | Family room with 1 double & 2 single beds which includes breakfast | Restaurant, wifi & various recreational activities | $$$$$ | Check Price |
Nemo Chalet | Kecil | Room with 5 single beds | Restaurant & various recreational activities | $$$$ | Check Price |
Perhentian Island Resort | Besar | 2 x Rooms with double and single or 2 single beds | Restaurant, wifi & various recreational activities | $$$$ | Check Price |
Tuna Bay Island Resort | Besar | Room with 2 large beds | Restaurant, wifi & various recreational activities | $$$$ | Check Price |
Flora Bay 1 | Besar | Room with 2 large beds | Restaurant & various recreational activities | $ | Check Price |
Suhaila Palace | Besar | Room with 2 large beds | Restaurant, wifi & various recreational activities | $$ | Check Price |
Samudra Beach Chalet. | Besar | Bungalow with 2 large beds | Restaurant, wifi & various recreational activities | $ | Check Price |
Where to Stay in Perhentian Islands
The first thing you’ll need to decide before booking your Perhentian hotel is which island you’d like to stay on. Kecil Island or Besar Island? Both islands offer something a little different for families. Below I’ve provided a brief overview of both so you can choose the best place to stay in Perhentians Islands for your family.
Kecil Island is referred to as the small island and Besar as the big island. Kecil is also said to attract more backpackers due to its cheaper accommodation and more bars, while Besar is said to be more expensive and best for families. In my research, though I found Besar offering more of the Perhentian budget accommodation.
The main beaches on Kecil Island are Long Beach (Pasir Panjang) and Coral Beach (Teluk Aur). Long Beach is the most popular beach and where you will find a few more options in terms of places to eat. Coral bay is just behind Long Beach (on the opposite side of the island) and a little quieter. Long Beach is the nicer of the two beaches, but Coral Bay has killer sunsets.
If you prefer your own slice of heaven and not too fussed about having different eating and drinking options, then Besar is the place for you. You’ll find a range of accommodation options here from lovely resorts as well as some great cheap options too.
Both islands have gorgeous beaches and are perfect for snorkelling and diving. Plus no matter which island you decide to stay on, you can always take a boat and explore the other, as they are very close together.
The Best Family Friendly Perhentian Islands Accommodation
Below I’ve listed my top picks for the best family friendly hotels and resorts in Perhentian Island. The map below shows the location of the various accommodation listed in this guide. Zoom the map in and out for a better view.
Bubu Resort
If you’re looking to stay in modern, hotel room style accommodation and want to be in the heart of all the action on Kecil, then Bubu Resort is definitely one to consider.
At this Pulau Perhentian Resort, family accommodation can sleep a maximum of four guests in two large double beds and includes breakfast. All family rooms are fully air conditioned and come with a balcony or terrace with seating, an en-suite bathroom with a shower and tea and coffee making facilities.
This Perhentian Kecil resort is right at the northern end of Long Beach and is a stunning spot for a family holiday. Sun loungers are provided on the beach and guests can book activities and excursions through the front desk. The resort has two restaurants onsite, breakfast is included at one, and the other serves a mix of seafood and western dishes. All guests can enjoy free evening cocktails at Bubu Terrace, and there is free wifi throughout the property.
What’s to love?
This Long Beach Perhentian Hotel is located on a stunning stretch of beach and has great facilities including two restaurants, wifi & various recreational activities.
What’s not to love?
There is no swimming pool at this Pulau Perhentian hotel which is a shame, especially considering the slightly higher price. However I doubt you’ll even notice given the gorgeous beach.
Summary
If you don’t mind spending a little bit more to ensure you get a relaxing break in a gorgeous location, Bubu Resort, Perhentian Island, is a perfect option. It’s an excellent spot for families who love the beach and want some quality time together.
Click here to check current prices and availability.
Senja Bay Resort
Larger families who are looking for budget Perhentian Kecil accommodation should take a look at Senja Bay Resort.
Family accommodation at Senja Bay is in the form of a raised bungalow in the hillside with one large studio style room. Family bungalows can sleep up to 6 guests with one double bed and four single beds. All these air conditioned rooms are quite spacious and come with a small dining area and plenty of floor space for the kids to spread out a bit. There is also an en-suite bathroom with a shower and even a small balcony with extra seating and ocean views.
The resort is simple, but there is a restaurant on site which looks out over the ocean and is the perfect spot to enjoy sundowners and catch a pretty special sunset. The property also offers all guests use of the free wifi throughout their stay.
What’s to love?
This cheap hotel in Perhentian Island has four single beds (as well as a double for parents) which is a bonus for fussy kids who hate sharing with siblings as most hotels in Perhentian Islands have double beds.
What’s not to love?
The Perhentian Island bungalows are a little dated but still perfectly comfortable and clean.
Summary
Senja Bay Resort provides excellent Pulau Perhentian cheap accommodation, which is perfect for large families. These lovely basic family bungalows have great ocean views, and an onsite restaurant perfect which is for catching that beautiful Coral Bay Beach sunset.
Click here to check current prices and availability.
Ombak Resort Perhentian Island
This Perhentian Island beach resort is at the northern end of Coral Bay Beach and, although there are no sea views, the rooms at Ombak Resort are spacious and well equipped.
Family rooms at this Perhentian Island, Kecil, accommodation can sleep up to four guests in two queen size beds. Every room is air conditioned and has a modern fit out with a wardrobe for storage and a small desk. The rooms have an ensuite bathroom with a shower and a small fridge to store water and snacks. There is also a small balcony area if you need to escape the kids for a few minutes and room bookings include breakfast.
Like most Perhentian Island Kecil hotels, there is an on site restaurant that overlooks the water and serves a mixture of Malay and western dishes. The resort has free wifi in all common areas for guests, but with the great entertainment, you probably won’t need it. You can enjoy an evening movie night in the restaurant as well as fire dance shows and live acoustic on other nights.
What’s to love?
The rooms are spacious and have good storage.
What’s not to love?
No ocean views is a little disappointing when so many other of the budget options do have them.
Summary
Ombak is a Perhentian Kecil Island resort which offers spacious rooms for families who want somewhere with a little bit of entertainment in Coral Bay Beach and a restaurant with sunset views.
Click here to check current prices and availability
Perhentian Chomel Chalet
If you like the idea of a resort with a private beach but are on a tight budget, Perhentian Chomel Chalet is a good resort to consider.
A family room at this best resort in Pulau Perhentian can sleep up to four guests in one double bed and two single beds. The room is technically two interconnecting rooms, which allows parents a little privacy. All the rooms are air conditioned and have an en-suite bathroom with a shower, television, tea and coffee making facilities and a balcony with extra seating. Room bookings also include breakfast.
This Perhentian Kecil hotel has a great private beach area which is a lovely, quiet way to relax after some hiking along the jungle treks next to the property. There is an onsite restaurant offering both local and western dishes, and guests have use of the free wifi throughout their stay.
What’s to love?
If you’re after spacious hotels in Perhentian Island, this is a great option as the rooms are interconnecting bedrooms. This gives parents space to relax, even if with young kids that have early bedtimes.
What’s not to love?
A bit of a walk from other spots, like Long Beach, and quite remote.
Summary
For families wanting spacious accommodation while on a tight budget, the Perhentian Chomel Chalet is a good option. With Interconnecting rooms for families in a remote area of the island and a private beach to enjoy, this is a lovely hotel to consider.
Click here to check current prices and availability.
Perhentian Nemo Chalet
Nemo Chalet is another one of the Perhentian Islands hotels that offer basic but comfortable accommodation. The hotel is located on a great stretch of the beach though, just perfect for snorkelling in the shallow water right out the front.
Family rooms at this property are fully air conditioned and can sleep up to five guests in five single beds, so there will be no kids fighting over who is stealing the sheet. The rooms are basic but do have a private bathroom with a shower and a small seating area on the balcony.
This cheap hotel in Perhentian Island is perched in the rocks above the beach so there are a lot of stairs (something to keep in mind if you have particularly young children). The private beach has some great snorkelling in the shallow waters, and like any of the best hotel Perhentian Islands has, there is a restaurant on site with views out over the ocean.
What’s to love?
Great snorkelling opportunity just a few steps from the property.
What’s not to love?
The beach here is relatively busy with boats passing by and not as nice as some of the other resort beaches. If you want the perfect beach – choose another of the other resorts in this Perhentian Island Resort review.
Summary
Nemo Chalet offers Kecil, Perhentian Islands, accommodation which is basic but comfortable. The rooms that can fit slightly larger families which is great and has access to a lovely beach and great snorkelling within a few steps of the property.
Click here to check current prices and availability.
Perhentian Island Resort
This Perhentian Besar Resort is an excellent choice for those who love the beach but also have kids who enjoy a swim at the pool.
As with most Perhentian Besar hotels, rooms here are small bungalows. Unfortunately for families, they will need to book two rooms as each room only accommodates two. Roms available come with either one double bed or two singles. Rooms are all modern, hotel style and fully air conditioned with a private bathroom that has a shower. Each room also has a small fridge for essentials, like water, and a balcony with extra seating.
The property itself has a swimming pool with a shallow children’s area, tennis courts, karaoke rooms, beach volleyball and soccer facilities, so there is plenty to keep active kids happy. There is a restaurant overlooking the beach as well as a beachfront snack bar during the day. Guests also have access to free wifi throughout their stay.
What’s to love?
This is one of the better hotels in Perhentian Besar Island in terms of facilities for kids, like the swimming pool and karaoke rooms.
What’s not to love?
Unfortunately, this Besar Perhenitan accommodation doesn’t have rooms that accommodate a family together, so you will need to book two rooms, which makes this resort only ideal for families with older children.
Summary
The Perhentian Island Resort is one of the more popular resorts among families looking for the best hotel in Perhentian Island. Given families will need two separate rooms; this resort provides lovely accommodation for families with slightly older children and some extra facilities within the resort that is sure to please adults and kids alike.
Click here to check current prices and availability
Tuna Bay Island Resort
This Perhentian Island, Besar, accommodation is a gorgeous resort with spacious bungalows, great snorkelling and a restaurant which its guests and visitors rave about!
Tuna Bay Island Resort doesn’t have all in one family bungalow; instead, a family will need to book two bungalows. Bungalows come with either a double bed or two singles, and there is the option of having an additional single bed with the double bed – so perfect for families of three. All of the rooms are spacious and have air conditioning, a storage area for luggage, a small fridge, a private bathroom with a shower and a small balcony area with seating.
The resort itself is right on the beach with some excellent snorkelling available in the marine park just out the front. There is also a restaurant on site, which guests rate highly, serving a mixture of local, western and Chinese dishes.
What’s to love?
There is a great marine park snorkelling area directly in front of the property in shallow water that is great for kids of all ages.
What’s not to love?
Unfortunately, this resort doesn’t have bungalows that can accommodate more than three people together, so you will need to book two rooms which makes this Pulau Perhentian beach resort ideal for families with older children or with just the one little one.
Summary
Tuna Bay Island Resort is Perhentian, Besar accommodation is a stunning resort with excellent facilities. Due to room configurations, the resort is best for families with older kids and/or just the one little one.
Click here to check current prices and availability.
Flora Bay 1
If you’re looking for budget accommodation in Besar, Flora Bay has typical bungalow style accommodation but has all the basics that a family needs to enjoy their stay.
Family bungalows at Flora Bay Resorts, Perhentian Islands can sleep a maximum of 4 guests in two double beds. All of the family rooms have air conditioning, a small fridge, a small seating area, a private bathroom with a shower and a small balcony with extra seating.
The property has a restaurant on site that serves local and western dishes. Guests can rent snorkelling equipment or kayaks from the hotel, which can be used right out the front of the property.
What’s to love?
The price is low, and yet the rooms are still perfectly comfortable.
What’s not to love?
Rooms are a little dated and could do with an upgrade, but it’s still suitable for budget accommodation.
Summary
Flora Bay 1 provides budget friendly accommodation for those families just looking for somewhere to sleep while they spend the majority of their days enjoying the beach.
Click here to check current prices and availability.
Suhaila Palace
Accommodation at Suhaila Palace is in a lovely setting in the rocks above the ocean and rooms are affordable and comfortable.
These family rooms can sleep up to four guests in two double beds and are small but comfortable. Keep in mind that family rooms don’t actually have any windows which may be an issue for some. Every room is air conditioned though and comes with a private bathroom with shower facilities.
The property itself is quite basic, and there is no restaurant on site, but there are plenty of other resorts and restaurants just a short walk along the beach. Guests have access to free wifi throughout their stay.
What’s to love?
Cheap and comfortable accommodation.
What’s not to love?
The family rooms have no windows making them a little dark and claustrophobic. Not such a big deal if you plan on spending most of your time out and about but also could be a positive for young children who still take day naps!
Summary
Suhaila Palace provides basic but comfortable accommodation that won’t break the bank and is ideal for those families who like to get out and try different dining options in the area.
Click here to check current prices and availability.
Samudra Beach Chalet
If you’re looking for where to stay in Pulau Perhentian that is super cheap – you would struggle to find anything better than Samudra Beach Chalet.
Bungalow accommodation at Samudra can sleep a maximum of four family members in two double beds. Rooms are very basic but functional and great for the incredibly low price. All family bungalows come with air conditioning and a private bathroom with shower facilities. There is also a small balcony area with some extra seating.
The property, again, is simple and functional but set right on the beach in a great location that you usually wouldn’t get without paying a higher price. There is free wifi throughout the property and a small restaurant on site.
What’s to love?
The price is hard to beat for what you get – certainly a good option when it comes to the best place to stay in Pulau Perhentian Islands on a budget.
What’s not to love?
Rooms are dated and well worn, but we wouldn’t expect much more for the price point.
Summary
Samudra Beach Chalets offer cheap accommodation that is functional and no fuss but still comfortable enough for families to enjoy their holiday and in a great location, right on the beach.
Click here to check current prices and availability
Where to Book Resorts in Perhentian Island?
Mostly I prefer to use Booking.com as I find they not only offer a good range of the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia hotels but in most cases, you don’t need to pay anything upfront AND you can cancel if you change your mind or find a better deal elsewhere.
Plus, if you open an account and use them regularly, many of the hotels and resorts on booking.com offer a “genius” discount where you really can make some great savings.
I have provided links to Booking.com for the above Perhentian Islands places to stay, or you can click here.