History

Imagine escaping to a pristine island paradise where lush rainforests meet the turquoise waters of the South China Sea. That’s exactly what awaits you at the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, a brand new haven that opened its doors in April 2024. As the first Marriott on Malaysia’s East Coast, this luxurious retreat marks a significant debut for the brand in Terengganu.

Nestled within the protected beauty of the Perhentian Island Marine Park, the resort offers an immersive experience that celebrates the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Here, you can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, unwind on pristine beaches, and discover the captivating traditions of Malaysian culture.

Reaching this idyllic escape is easy, with a scenic ferry ride from Kuala Besut Jetty, located just an hour’s drive from Kota Bharu. The resort itself is a masterpiece of design, seamlessly blending modern comforts with the island’s natural beauty. Local materials and native landscaping have been carefully incorporated to minimize environmental impact, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

Step inside, and you’ll find a serene oasis where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors blur. Traditional Malaysian motifs adorn the walls, while natural elements like tree trunks and saplings are woven into the architecture, creating a truly harmonious atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of tropical paradise.

Location / Getting There

Pulau Perhentian Kecil, 22300 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

The Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is nestled on the serene shores of Perhentian Kecil Island, a jewel within the protected Perhentian Island Marine Park. While secluded, reaching this island paradise is surprisingly easy.

For those looking to fly from Kuala Lumpur, the Sultan Ismail Petra (KBR) Airport is the closest airport to the resort, located about an hour’s drive from Kuala Besut Jetty. From there, enhance your experience by staying at the newly opened Fairfield by Marriott Kuala Besut before your island adventure. This contemporary hotel provides comfortable accommodation and convenient access to the jetty, ensuring a seamless transition to island time.

From the jetty, a scenic 30-minute ferry ride across the turquoise waters of the South China Sea will transport you to the resort’s doorstep. As you approach the island, you’ll be captivated by its lush tropical beauty, pristine beaches, and the promise of an unforgettable escape. The ferry ride itself is an experience, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the chance to spot marine life playing in the crystal-clear waters.

And here’s the best part: effective September 1st, 2024, the ferry service is complimentary for all resort guests! The ferry departs from Fairfield Jetty at 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM, returning from the Perhentian Marriott Jetty at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM. (For those who stayed prior to this date, the ferry fee was 100 MYR). For the most up-to-date ferry schedule, you can contact the resort’s reservation team at mhrs.kbrpp.reservation@marriotthotels.com.

This effortless journey allows you to quickly leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Perhentian Islands. With the convenience of the Fairfield by Marriott Kuala Besut, the complimentary ferry service, and the scenic beauty of the journey, your island escape begins the moment you arrive in Kuala Besut.

Pricing

For an island resort, the pricing at the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is quite reasonable, whether you’re paying with cash or points. We stayed there at the end of June 2024, with an average nightly rate of about $225 USD. For our four-night stay, the total cost came to just over $1,000. Being the budget-luxury travelers that we are, we made sure to save wherever possible. A special thanks goes to American Express for their Marriott offer, which allowed us to save some cash. I had the offer on my Amex Platinum, giving me $100 back after spending $500, while Aroob had $50 off $250 on her card. We ended up purchasing $750 in Marriott gift cards, saving us a solid $150 right off the bat. We love the Platinum card and if you’re interested in investing into a travel rewards credit card, take a look at our credit cards that we have here.

Now, in terms of room pricing, if you check the screenshot we’ve included with rates for January 2025, the highest price is around 2,250 MYR, which is roughly $517 at the time of writing. The lowest rate is about 950 MYR, or $218 USD, per night. If you want to see the current currency conversion, check out the currency calculator on our ‘Malaysia‘ page! Keep in mind, this is on a nightly basis, so if you’re planning a longer stay, check out their special packages to potentially save even more.

When it comes to points, the rates for January hover around 37,000 points per night at the high end, which is honestly not bad. Malaysia tends to have reasonably priced Marriott properties, but even when comparing globally, this feels like a good deal. The lower end comes in at around 30,000 points, so there isn’t much of a gap. And don’t forget to take advantage of Marriott’s Stay for 5, Pay for 4 deal to further maximize your savings.

As for the pricing of on-property services, things can get a bit steep. We chose to do all of our water activities through the on-site dive center, which was noticeably pricier than the local operators over at Long Beach, just a 10-minute walk away. Dining on the property, including room service, also carries a higher price tag, but not outrageously so. For those looking for more affordable food options, Rosemary Café, located right next to the resort, is a great choice. The Marriott even offers buggy service to escort you to the gate leading to the restaurant!

Overall, the cost of staying at this property can vary depending on how you approach it. It can be expensive, but if you’re mindful, there are definitely ways to save, especially if you have Marriott status like Platinum or higher.

Amenities

Accommodation:
The resort offers 200 spacious Deluxe rooms and 17 villas, each featuring luxurious amenities and plush bedding. Whether you’re looking for a standard room or a villa for a more premium experience, the accommodations provide a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring the islands.

Dining:
Guests have access to several on-site restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. Whether you prefer beachfront dining or in-room service, there’s something for every taste. Dining by the sea is a must-try experience, and the variety ensures that every meal feels like a special occasion.

Pools & Beach:

Relax at one of the resort’s outdoor swimming pools or take a stroll down to the private beach. The stunning beach offers opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and other fun water activities. If you want a day at the pool, the resort’s pools are well-maintained and provide beautiful views of the ocean.

Spa Services:
For ultimate relaxation, the resort’s full-service spa offers a wide range of treatments. You can indulge in body wraps, massages (including couples massages), facials, and even scalp and hair treatments. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day in the sun or on the water.

Fitness Center:
If you like to stay active even while on vacation, the resort’s modern fitness center is equipped with the latest workout machines. Whether you’re into cardio or weight training, the fitness center has everything you need to keep up with your routine.

Kids’ Club:
Traveling with kids? The resort offers a dedicated Kids’ Club that provides fun and engaging activities for younger guests. This allows parents to have some time for themselves while the children enjoy supervised playtime with new friends.

Water Sports:
The on-site dive center makes it easy for guests to participate in water activities like snorkeling and diving. Although a bit pricier than the local operators at nearby Long Beach (a short 10-minute walk away), the convenience and quality of service make it worthwhile. For those looking to save a bit, exploring alternative providers is always an option.

Events & Meetings:
For business travelers or those planning special events, the resort offers sophisticated meeting spaces equipped with the latest technology. Whether it’s a small corporate gathering or a special celebration, the venue options are versatile and accommodating.

Complimentary Ferry Service:
As of September 2024, the resort has introduced a complimentary ferry service for guests, making transportation to and from the resort more convenient and hassle-free.

Rooms

The Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa offers a variety of rooms, but it essentially breaks down into three main types with different configurations. According to the Marriott website, there are 11 distinct room types, though the core options are quite straightforward.

First, there are the Deluxe Guest Rooms. These come with either a king bed or twin beds, arranged in four-room complexes: two rooms on the top floor and two on the bottom.

Then, there are Villas—some with private pools and others without, offering a more secluded and luxurious experience.

Finally, there’s the Royal Villa, a spacious, multi-room suite fit for royalty, literally. This villa is often reserved for visiting royal family members from Malaysia. While we didn’t get to see the villas up close, they looked impressively spacious from the outside.

Our stay was in a Deluxe Guest Room with a King Bed, a comfortable 42 square meters (452 square feet) according to the website. The room features an outdoor balcony with views of the island’s western side—ideal for watching sunsets. Inside, there’s a cozy sofa/daybed along with standard Marriott amenities, including an alarm clock, desk, ironing board, and a minibar (though we felt the minibar could have been slightly bigger).

The highlight of the room, however, is the bathroom. One of the perks of traveling in Malaysia is that the toilets often come equipped with bidets, and at high-end resorts, these bidets can be quite sophisticated. Ours had a range of functions, from seat warming and sanitizing to front and rear washing options. The bathroom also boasts a large LED mirror above a spacious vanity, a luxurious standalone tub, and an open-concept rainfall shower with both a fixed and detachable shower head. The toiletries provided were also refreshing and of high quality.

Dining

The property boasts three distinct dining options: Dapur, Sekoci, and the Greatroom. While technically a restaurant, the Greatroom felt more like a lounge, offering pub-style food and a variety of drinks. Then of course, there’s always room service for those who prefer to dine in private. During our stay, we explored every culinary corner of the resort, and here’s our experience:

Dapur

Dapur specializes in Asian-Fusion cuisine. As the Marriott website eloquently puts it:

“Indulge in a symphony of flavors at Dapur, our family-friendly haven. Embark on a culinary voyage of Asian fusion & international delights. Experience the dining marvel indoors or al fresco, with breathtaking views, as we redefine the art of gastronomy.”

This is also where the daily breakfast buffet is served, offering a wide array of options from 7 AM to 11 AM. On our first night, we joined my parents for dinner at Dapur. The menu features a diverse selection of international dishes, and our table sampled everything from seafood to American, Malaysian, and British fare. While the service was a bit slow due to some unforeseen staffing challenges, the staff was incredibly apologetic, and the food itself was quite good. However, the highlight of Dapur was undoubtedly the breakfast buffet.

Thanks to our Platinum status, we enjoyed complimentary breakfast each morning. The breakfast spread was simply amazing! We were particularly impressed by the dessert selection, especially the pandan croissant—a true culinary masterpiece! Beyond the pastries, Dapur offered a range of international cuisines and even live cooking stations where chefs prepared fresh dishes to order. We took full advantage of this, indulging in freshly made roti canai and telur (eggs).

Sekoci

Our experience at Sekoci was so memorable that we even created a dedicated YouTube video about it!

To summarize, Sekoci is a haven for seafood enthusiasts. It’s a restaurant where the seafood is locally sourced from the nearby fishing village and cooked to perfection. As the Marriott website describes it:

“Experience the exquisite flavours of the ocean at Sekoci, our speciality seafood grill. Savour the taste of fresh catches, perfectly paired with premium wines, all while basking in the warm glow of our elegant dining atmosphere.”

Open from 11 AM to 11 PM, Sekoci caters to both casual and formal diners. During the day, guests lounging by the infinity pool can enjoy finger foods and bar snacks. We highly recommend the beef rendang pizza, a unique Malaysian twist that was surprisingly delicious.

However, the true highlight is the dinner menu. We were fortunate enough to have our meal curated by Chef Sunny, the talented head chef for both this property and the neighboring Fairfield in Kuala Besut. Chef Sunny’s culinary creations were some of the tastiest we’ve encountered in Malaysia. Our appetizer, a tuna tartare, followed by a scallop tomato bisque soup, was so exceptional that it rivaled dishes we’ve had at Michelin-starred restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, such as Beta KL and Dewakan. The food was simply amazing, and the staff was equally impressive. Malaysians are known for their hospitality, and the staff at Sekoci exemplified this kindness.

Greatroom

One of the perks of our Platinum status was receiving two complimentary drinks daily from the bar in the Greatroom. As described on the Marriott website:

“Unwind at the Greatroom lobby lounge and bar, which offers elegant spaces. Enjoy coffee and local delights, sophisticated cocktails, and light bites in a relaxed, upscale setting.”

While not a large space, the Greatroom provides an intimate setting perfect for a casual date. Although we didn’t have a chance to sample their food menu, we did enjoy some delicious non-alcoholic beverages. The two bartenders were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and we had some delightful conversations with them.

A unique feature of the Greatroom is its hookah offering. For those who enjoy a social smoke, the hookah here is quite good, with a decent selection of shisha options. The only drawback is that hookah can only be enjoyed outdoors, so be prepared for mosquitoes and make sure to bring bug spray.

Room Service

One evening, we decided to indulge in a bit of laziness and try the room service. Each room is equipped with a food and drink menu, offering a convenient way to dine in private. The selection seemed to mirror the Dapur dinner menu, so we opted for dessert and drinks (because, why not?). We spent the evening enjoying our treats while catching up on the latest episode of Demon Slayer. The room service was surprisingly prompt, arriving in about 30 minutes, despite the initial estimate of a much longer wait time.

Off Property Options

For those seeking alternative dining experiences or perhaps more budget-friendly local fare, there’s Rosemary Café located right next to the property. We believe it’s a relatively new establishment. We had the pleasure of dining there on our first day with my parents and enjoyed some authentic Malaysian dishes. My parents were particularly impressed with the authenticity of the food, giving it a resounding two thumbs up.

For even more dining options, you can take a short 10-minute walk to Long Beach. Keep in mind that there’s no designated pathway, so you’ll find yourself navigating through a construction area and passing by other local hotels. It’s best to avoid this walk at night as the area isn’t well-lit.

Service

The Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is a brand new resort, and as you might expect, the staff and service were exceptional. We had the pleasure of chatting with many of the staff members, and were impressed to learn that most of them came from other prestigious properties in Malaysia, such as the St. Regis and the Ritz Carlton in Langkawi. If you’ve had the chance to stay at those hotels, you can expect the same high level of service here.
The only minor issue we encountered was that the resort seemed a bit understaffed at times, especially as the number of guests increased throughout our stay. While our initial requests for buggies and room service were handled promptly, the response time became a little slower as the week progressed.
However, this didn’t detract from our overall experience. Every staff member we met was incredibly kind and professional, and we truly enjoyed our conversations with them. Their dedication to excellent service truly enhanced our stay

A Personal Touch

Speaking of excellent service, we were truly touched by the staff’s attentiveness and care. If you watched our YouTube review/walkthrough, you saw that we had to change rooms due to an issue with our initial room. Upon switching, we were surprised with a grand chocolate dessert resembling a coral reef and a heartfelt letter of apology. This was in addition to the already thoughtful welcome gifts and letter we received upon check-in. Aroob and I really appreciate these personal touches, and we actually keep the letters as mementos of our stays. It’s these small details that make a trip truly memorable.

Our Experience

Our five-day, four-night stay at the property was truly spectacular from beginning to end. This was a unique experience for Aroob and me, as we usually prefer exploring destinations rather than staying exclusively at a resort. But this time, we fully embraced the resort life and enjoyed all the amazing amenities the Marriott had to offer.

We even crossed off a bucket list item: scuba diving! While it was a bit of a splurge, we highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable underwater adventure.

One of the things we loved most about our stay was the intimate and personal atmosphere. It felt like every staff member knew our names and genuinely cared about our experience.

Something for Everyone

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, the Perhentian Marriott has something for everyone. And if you’re traveling on a budget, you can find ways to save. For example, you can enjoy delicious and affordable meals at nearby restaurants like Rosemary Café, or book excursions at Long Beach for a fraction of the resort’s prices.

We highly recommend this property to anyone looking for a less crowded, more authentic experience. Unlike some of the more touristy areas in Langkawi, the Perhentian Marriott offers a tranquil escape and the opportunity to truly explore the beautiful surrounding waters.