The ideal getaway resort

THE islands off the coast of Terengganu offer a great retreat for city folk.
And at the three-star Perhentian Island Resort on Pulau ­Perhentian Besar, guests can wake up to blue skies and the sound of the ocean or a view of luscious ­greenery bursting with nature.
The resort, encompassing an area of around 25 acres (or 10ha), has both sea- and hillview chalets offering a total of 106 rooms. There is also a convention centre, a dive port, restaurant, food kiosk, ­convenient store and spa.
What’s so special about ­Perhentian Island Resort, ­according to Hussain ­Ahmad Abdul Kader, is its beach.
The group chief operating ­officer of Inch Kenneth Kajang Rubber Plc which manages the resort states that guests can just walk straight to the sea from the beach and start ­snorkelling.
Hussain, who oversees the resort from its headquarters and sales office in Kuala Lumpur, says the resort is built next to the beach in a cove, so the waters remain calm even during monsoon season.
The sea facing the resort is ­protected by ­barrier reefs and cordoned off to prevent boats from disrupting the peace and serenity of those lazing on the beach or frolicking in the crystal blue waters, snorkelling or having an ­interactive scuba dive experience with the fishes.
To get to the island from Kuala Lumpur, fly to Kota Baru, then ­transit by taxi or van for a 45-minute ride to Kuala Besut before taking a 30-minute boat ride to the resort.
Guests can also take a five-hour drive to Kuala Terengganu via the Karak Highway before taking a boat ride to the resort.
In conjunction with the Matta Fair this weekend starting on Friday, Perhentian Island Resort is offering some super deals for stays from March 16 to Oct 31 (excluding the super peak period of July and August).
For more, check out the advertisement on this page or go to www.perhentianislandresort.net.