Perhentian Island Resort

Pros: - The glass-like sea and beach right at the entrance are absolutely beautiful. - There's a wide variety of small animals, adding to the charm. - Not too crowded, making it quiet and pleasant. - The sea-view rooms have foot-washing taps right outside, which is a thoughtful touch. - The restaurant is decent, but you can also explore dining options at other hotels. - Overall, it's perfect for a relaxing getaway, not ideal for those who prioritize "activities" or families with young children. Cons: - Too few power outlets in the room and poor wet/dry separation in the bathroom. - The room key is an actual key, not a card, and there's a noticeable gap under the door. - The tap water is yellowish, which I assume is common on the island. - Staff motorcycles drive around noisily early in the morning (around 6 AM) and late at night (around 10 PM). - Unstable power supply; there's almost always a power cut once every morning, and sometimes it affects the air conditioning's cooling function.

Honestly, the hotel is a bit rundown. It's not the resort concept you'd expect. The room felt old; a quick fix-up, tightening some screws and boards, would make a big difference... but hey, at least the bed is comfortable. Everything felt very basic. It would have been a bad stay, but the location makes up for everything. It's the best beach in the area, with turtles just a few meters from the shore and blacktip sharks close to the beach. You can also spot stingrays and juvenile Napoleon wrasses. I highly recommend taking the excursions offered at the hotel's dive club. If you don't do those, you can also see coral past the harbor at Coral View beach. The hotel is quiet, no noise at all. Don't expect any kind of atmosphere. If you're looking for a party, this isn't for you, but if you're seeking tranquility, this is your place. Good service from the staff.