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Best cheap hotels in Perhentian ⭐ | Which is the best island?
The Perhentian Islands, off the east coast of Malaysia, are one of those tropical paradises that look like something out of a postcard. White-sand beaches, turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and a peaceful atmosphere, despite the fact that they are becoming an increasingly popular destination.
If you're looking for the best budget hotels in Perhentian, there's something you should know right away: the quality/price ratio is not always the best on the islands. Although there are budget options, the accommodations are often quite basic for their price, especially when compared to other areas of Southeast Asia or the cheap and luxurious hotels in Kuala LumpurStill, if you book early and adjust your expectations a bit, you can find something decent without breaking the bank.
Which is the best island in Perhentian to stay
Before choosing accommodation in Perhentian, the first thing to be clear about is on which of the two islands you want to stay: Perhentian Kecil o Perhentian BesarAlthough they are very close to each other, the atmosphere and type of accommodation they offer are quite different. All the hotels we will recommend have a pier nearby, so the ferry to get to Perhentian can drop you off next to the hotel.
Perhentian Kecil (small island)
It is the most popular island among backpackers and budget travelers. Here you will find some of the cheap hotels in Perhentian, beachside bars, dive centers, and a bit more atmosphere, especially in Long Beach. It also has other quieter areas, such as Coral Bay.
If you are looking for an economical option, want to meet people or simply move more freely, Kecil is usually the best option.
Perhentian Besar (the great one)
More relaxation-oriented And for those who prefer a quiet environment, accommodations here are a bit more... carYes, but there are still good budget hotels in this part of Perhentian. The main drawback is that it's more difficult to get around to other parts of the island and there are fewer affordable food options; you can practically only eat at hotel restaurants. It's ideal if you're traveling as a couple, with family, or simply want to disconnect without too many people around. It's not as backpacker-friendly as its neighbor, but it's still a paradise because It has the best beaches.
Better Cheap hotels in Perhentian
Before discussing each of the cheap hotels in Perhentian that we recommend in detail, we'll share a simple table so you can see at a glance what budget-friendly options are available.
You should keep in mind that if you're on a really tight budget, the cheapest hotels in Perhentian don't appear on online booking platforms. They're usually very basic cabins that you have to book via WhatsApp or directly upon arrival. Some belong to local businesses like dive centers. OhLaLa Divers, for example, has cabins for diving students who are training with them, but they also rent them out to other tourists at very good prices. If you'd like us to share their contact information, please leave a comment at the end of the article.
| Hotel | Isla | Price 2 pax | Nota | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B'first Chalet | Besar Island | 18-33 € | 8.0/10 | See hotel |
| Samudra Beach Chalet | Besar Island | 22-53 € | 7.7/10 | See hotel |
| Mamas Chalet | Besar Island | 43-51 € | 7.0/10 | See hotel |
| Ohlala Guesthouse | Kecir Island | €20 | 7.0/10 | See hotel |
| Senja Bay Resort | Kecir Island | 38-55 € | 7.4/10 | See hotel |
| Seahorse Diver Guesthouse | Kecir Island | 35-60 € | 7.6/10 | See hotel |
Best cheap hotels in Perhentian, Besar Island
Although Pulau Besar is best known for its resorts, there are also some simpler options for those looking for Cheap accommodation in Perhentian without sacrificing tranquilityHere are the best value accommodations on the Big Island.
B'first Chalet
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Perhentian Besar, B'first Chalet It's the most economical option but in a good location. It's right on Flora Bay beach, the same one as the photo above. It's a quiet area, free of crowds, and perfect for relaxing. Snorkeling throughout the bay is great, especially in shark point.
The basic cabins have a fan and the more carIt has air conditioning. It doesn't have a pool, but with the beach right in front, you don't miss it. a very popular own restaurant, especially for its nightly barbecues. The best thing about this place is its peaceful atmosphere, the attentive staff, and its proximity to the water. They also offer excursions and taxis to other parts of the islands.
Samudra Beach Chalet
Also on the same beach of Flora Bay is the Samudra Beach Chalet, another of the best budget hotels in Perhentian. It offers oceanfront rooms With air conditioning. The hotel has a restaurant serving local cuisine at a very good price, with fruit milkshakes being a highlight.
Flora Bay is a very quiet area with a truly wide and beautiful beach. Taxi boats are also available for island hopping or visiting other areas of Besar Island.
Mamas Chalet
Mama's Chalet it is an option a little more premium but without reaching the high prices of other resorts on the island. This establishment offers private chalets Built from wood, they have air conditioning and a private bathroom. Some have garden views, while others are located on the beachfront.
The hotel restaurant serves local and international cuisine, including late night barbecues, allowing you to enjoy dinners by the sea. Its excellent location allows you to walk to other beaches such as the Perhentian Island Resort and also go to the restaurants of the nearby resorts.
Best cheap hotels in Perhentian, Small Island
Pulau Kecil is the most backpacker-friendly of the Perhentian islands. This is where you'll find the widest range of cheap accommodation in Perhentian, especially in areas like Long Beach (livelier) and Coral Bay (quieter). Although the most basic and affordable accommodations can't be booked online.
Here are some that have fairly reasonable prices and have good reviews from their guests.
Ohlala Guesthouse
Located in the heart of Long Beach, on Perhentian Kecil, Ohlala Guesthouse It's a very popular choice for those looking for a cheap hotel in the Perhentian Islands. The rooms are so reasonably priced and have good reviews. They sell out well in advanceThis accommodation offers both private rooms at very good prices and shared rooms, all equipped with fans and shared bathrooms.
La beachfront location allows you to enjoy stunning sea views and easy access to the best restaurants for eat in PerhentianThis accommodation also belongs to Ohlala Divers, a diving center that offers diving courses and packages. These islands are an ideal place to get started in this hobby.
Senja Bay Resort
The hotel Senja Bay Resort is located in Coral bay, a quiet beach on the opposite shore from Long Beach. It's well connected to Long Beach via a fairly short path, as well as to other nearby beaches, so you don't need a taxi boat to get around the island. The resort offers simple rooms with fans or air conditioning, all with private balconies and bathrooms. Its beachfront location on the west side of the island allows you to enjoy the impressive sunsets over the sea.
The resort has its own restaurant, Senja Café, offering Malaysian cuisine with oceanfront seating. There's also a 24-hour cold water fountain available for guests, so you don't have to worry about constantly buying bottled water.
Seahorse Divers Guesthouse
Located in Long Beach, Seahorse Diver Guesthouse It's an ideal option for those looking for a budget hotel in Perhentian that's close to the restaurants and lively area. This property offers shared dormitories, private rooms with fans, and air-conditioning.
The hotel is in the heart of the beach, so many rooms have private balcony with sea viewsIn addition to its privileged location, Seahorse Diver is a renowned diving center on the island.
How to choose your Accommodation in Perhentian ideal
You'll have noticed that, as these are very small islands, the accommodation options are quite limited, making it difficult to find a good value, especially in budget hotels in Perhentian. When choosing the best place to stay in Perhentian, we recommend keeping these things in mind.
- Which island do I want to stay on? On Pulau Kecil, you have many more activities, beaches, and restaurants within easy reach. On Pulau Besar, you have more peace and quiet, but you'll need a taxi boat to get around.
- What is my budget?
- What type of accommodation do I prefer? Some people only stay in hotels to sleep, so they don't need great luxuries.
- Do I need air conditioning? Depending on the season and how hot it is, you must decide whether you need air conditioning or a fan.
These are all the tips and recommendations we can give you about the best budget hotels in Perhentian. As you can see, there are options on both islands with acceptable quality and reviews. To continue planning your trip, you can read our complete guide. Perhentian Islands Guide or our Malaysian itineraries. Happy journey!
