One of the biggest tourist draws in the east coast of Malaysia is Perhentian Island which lies off the coast of Terengganu state. Most tourists depart for the island from the Kuala Besut jetty terminal in Terengganu. However, another jetty in the neighbouring state of Kelantan also offers boat services to the island. The jetty at Tok Bali, Kelantan, presents tourists with an alternative travel route to Perhentian Island in boats and ferries that are both comfortable and safe.

The jetty at Tok Bali, Kelantan, presents tourists with an alternative travel route to Perhentian Island in boats and ferries that are both comfortable and safe.

The Tok Bali Jetty Terminal is located about 48 kilometres from Kota Bharu. From there, the trip to the island takes only about 45 minutes on Symphony Travel and Tours express boats – the only boat operator at the jetty. Tok Bali’s proximity to Perhentian Island makes it ideal for travellers who prefer a shorter boat journey to the island.

Symphony Travel and Tours has four passenger boats that accommodate up to 30 persons each. The boat leaves Tok Bali at 7 am, 10 am, 12 pm and 4 pm, and departs from Perhentian Island at 8 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 5 pm.

Single journey ticket prices are RM30 for adults and RM15 for children and can be purchased at the ticketing counter at the Pengkalan Chepa airport as well as at the Tok Bali Jetty Terminal. There is free and secure parking at the jetty terminal.

There is a pretty intense competition between Kuala Besut and Tok Bali. Tok Bali often gives taxi operators deep commissions to take tourists there. The distance between Tok Bali and Kuala Besut to the Perhentian is pretty similar - so no lost time. Personally, I prefer Kuala Besut as the infrastructure is more organized.