Perhentian

Ilse Leyssen

 

The wind in my hair, the sun on my face, the speed of the boat and the view on the Perhentian islands. This is my favourite holiday feeling. 

8 Years ago we went to Pulau Perhentian Besar for the very first time. We selected the island because we couldn't find much information about it at that time, meaning it is not the most touristic place. And we were right. Now we come back to this special place every year to relax and enjoy nature  at it’s best. The islands getting a bit more developed, but in the meantime we found our favourite place to stay in paradise: Bubbles Dive Centre and Resort.

After a half day trip from KL via plane, car and boat we arrive around 1.30 hrs at the island. Our private beach Tanjung Tukas. The waters are so clear that we can see the housereef. The staff of Bubbles is waiting for us on the beach. They help with our bags and welcome us. It feels like coming home.

Bubbles Resort and Dive Centre is very laid back and has it’s private beach. This part of the island can only be reached by boat, so there won’t be other guests at this beach, meaning it is now “our” private beach. The A-frame bungalow which we always have is basic but all what we need for these 11 days. They even have hot water. Before that time we always tried to be at the shower first after diving and a day at the beach because the first shower of the day had warm water as its was warmed up by the sun in the pipelines. The one who went second had a less nice shower, brrr.

Our typical day at Bubbles starts with a relaxing breakfast. Then to the dive shop to prepare our dive gear. What I like from Bubbles is that we setup our own gear, it helps us in getting familiar with it. After a nice and detailed briefing we head to the boat. Although Bubbles is located on a isolated part of the islands they always go to the best dive sites, even though it’s the furthest away. They want their guests diving at the best dive sites. This is completely different from what other Dive Centres at Perhentian do. Other Dive Centres look at the number of divers, are there only 2 or 4 divers, then to bad, you will go to a dive site nearby. With Bubbles we always go the best dive sites, and if you like you can even tell them where you want to go and they will try to fit that in. Diving with the Bubbles staff, Ronnie, Peisee and Eric is really great. They know so much about the marine life, about diving and about nature in general.

They know about every fish and coral that can be seen around the Perhentians and they are always happy to explain and tell about it. And also important, they are very professional. We both always feel very comfortable and safe diving with them. The dive gear is always clean and nothing broken, old or missing. Not to mention the dive shop itself. It has a unique setup which I have never seen before at other Dive Centres, totally designed for divers routine and comfort.

After the dive we always take some time to fill in our logs. The Bubbles staff is always helping to identify the fish and corals which we have seen. There is something to drink and to snack. Then it’s beach time. Relaxing, snorkelling and having lunch. In the afternoon we go for a second dive with same routine; setting up gear, briefing, diving, log, and then back to the beach. This is the daily life at Bubbles at Perhentian. Around 18.00 hrs we go for refreshment taking a shower. After that it’s dinner time. The restaurant improved so much since the first year. The food is tasty and fresh, and of course the Asian dishes are best. It may happen that they don’t have a certain vegetable, but then they will find something else which is delicious too. That can happen when living on an island where everything has to come from the mainland. After a delicious dinner we relax further, maybe play a game or read a book, and then it’s bedtime.

The dive sites at Perhentian are very nice and can be quite different as well. There is even a wreck dive. My favourite dive site is Tokong Laut meaning Temple of the Sea. The name says it all. It’s beautiful. But also Tiger Rock which is just around the corner is one of the best dive sites of the islands. And then the dive site found by Bubbles last year, the Tufclub. It’s a sandy bottom, but there are the strangest marine life to find, and.... seahorses! Also snorkelling is very nice at the Perhentians. Bubbles has a fantastic housereef. Really one step in the sea and there it is.

Near the housereef we work on a conservation project named PIBAR. We are 2 of the founders of PIBAR, the artificial reef. PIBAR stands for Perhentian Island Bubbles Artificial Reef, but it also stands for the first letter of the names of the founders: Peisee, Ilse (that’s me!), Brian (my boyfriend!), Alan and Ronnie. We created PIBAR using loss rocks and loss dead coral which we found on the sand bottom after a storm. We placed it together and already in the first half hour life began to develop. Little fishes came to see and find a hole as home. Now after some years it’s a small reef, developed with more life and even anemones with the resident anemone fish (Nemo). Every year when we come back PIBAR is bigger with more life.

This is not the only conservation project. The beach is not only for us, it is especially for the turtles who come and lay their eggs. When this happens at night the staff will wake you up (if you like) so you can experience this. I love the turtles. They have a hard time crawling up the beach, looking for a good spot, dig a deep hole to lay the eggs, close it and cover it up, and then crawling back. This can take hours, but it’s so peacefull to sit there on the beach, in the moonlight with sounds of the sea, watching this nature experience. We also experienced the hatching, it is really so cute to see these tiny turtles crawling to the sea. And then we hope they make it through the housereef without being catched by natural predators.

There is a volunteer program on turtles and nature reserve at Bubbles. This shows how much they care and love nature and our earth.

As you can see in this story, we fell in love with Perhentian and Bubbles. We should not tell about this special place to everybody, because it will get more busy. But the Bubbles friends are really so nice and they deserve to have a good business. So if you want to relax on a private beach and snorkel and dive in pristine waters then Bubbles is the place to be. Check their website www.bubblesdc.com .

Happy bubbles, happy diving! Maybe we meet once at Perhentian.

		Perhentian Island Resort This verdant beach resort, situated on unspoiled shoreline, is the ideal natural paradise for holidays. Guests will be surrounded by a myriad of interesting activities, such as snorkeling, jungle treks, and migratory bird watching. The closest jungle trail is just 100-meters from the resort, allowing guests to experience an amazing tropical oasis with ease. Being on an island, guests should explore the various dive sites, and as the resort lies within the National Marine Park of Malaysia the biodiversity is incredible. Guests can also indulge in beach and water sports, and relax with a meal at either of the on-site restuarants. The Perhentian Island Resort is the perfect location for travelers that want a unique holiday location and pristine natural surroundings.   Rooms from USD 103 a night	Information/reservation   Perhentian Island Resort <click>
		Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort & Beach Chalet Perfectly located on the Island, this property is a perfect base for guests seeking that perfect blend of attentive care and modern convenience within your very own ambience. All the rooms of this property are spacious, featuring color television, a large bathroom with hot shower, and all other amenities needed for a perfect stay. The onsite dining allows you to enjoy authentic Chinese, Malaysian and International cuisine within perfect atmosphere. For leisure, just grab the latest diving gear and dive in the swimming pool or sea right in front of the resort to discover the beauty of the underwater world.   Rooms from USD 46 a night	Information/reservation   Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort & Beach Chalet <click>
		Bayu Dive Lodge Guests will find all of the finest amenities in each of the 23 rooms in this popular 3-star hotel. Included in all rooms are internet access – wireless (charges apply), non smoking rooms, internet access – wireless. In addition, this property in Perhentian Island has tours, coffee shop. Guests seeking exercise or leisure will be pleased to find garden at the hotel. Everything the hotel does is centered around the guest' experience, ensuring comfort and relaxation.     Rooms from USD 143 a night	Information/reservation Bayu Dive Lodge <click>
		Bubu Long Beach Hotel “BUBU” which also means trap, is a perfect trap for travelers who need to escape from the busy lives of the daily schedule. Uniquely designed on the beach, this property is located on the Perhentian Island, one of the top ranked properties on the beach report of Malaysia. Indulge in great meals, specializing in Asian cuisine, complemented with your favorite bottle of wine; this holiday destination is perfect for honeymooners. Endless varieties of sports and recreation such as scuba diving, jet skiing and snorkeling will satisfy all your adventure needs, or guests can ideally lie down on the white sands and admire the innocence of nature. Bubu Long Beach Hotel is in the east coast region of Malaysia, offering a true escape like no other place.   Rooms from USD 143 a night	Information/reservation Bubu Long Beach Hotel <click>
		Bubbles Dive Resort Whether on business or holiday, each of the 30 rooms at this 2-star property are designed help guests relax in comfort and style. Some of the features you'll enjoy are balcony/terrace, internet access – wireless, shower. For the comfort and convenience of guests, you'll also find airport transfer on-site. Guests may take advantage of sporting or leisure activities such as water sports (non-motorized) at this hotel. Guests seeking that perfect blend of attentive care and modern convenience will find it at this lovely hotel.     Rooms from USD 63 a night	Information/reservation Bubbles Dive Resort <click>
		Chalet @ the World Offering 6 smart villa accommodation on Long Beach of Perhentian Island Kecil, Chalet @ The World Cafe is surrounded with a stretch of white sandy beach, offering a restful, airy ambience inspired by local architecture with tropical wood furnishings, high ceilings and roofs thatched with nipah palm leaves, assuring a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city lives. Apart from the hospitable local service on one of the most beautiful and romantic island set amidst the South China Sea, the property also allows a great environment from which you can explore the stunning bay, creating the perfect tropical playground, with beaches just minutes away by boat. Chalet @ The World Cafe is an ultimate experience beyond expectation   Rooms from USD 216 a night	Information/reservation Chalet @ the World <click>
		Ecoteer Community House - Educational & Volunteer Project With 20 rooms, this property contains all the amenities and services you would expect from a 1.5-star hotel. To make each guest's stay comfortable, all rooms feature desk, air conditioning, inhouse movies. For the comfort and convenience of guests, you'll also find restaurant, tours, safety deposit boxes on-site. Guests may make use of the hotel's excellent recreational and leisure facilities including water sports (motorized), water sports (non-motorized). Everything the hotel does is centered around the guest' experience, ensuring comfort and relaxation.     Rooms from USD 68 a night	Information/reservation Ecoteer Community House - Educational & Volunteer    Project <click>