Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa [Access Guide] | A transparent paradise stay beyond the cruise
The Perhentian Islands lie off the east coast of Malaysia.
The Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is nestled in the tranquility and abundant nature.
This luxury resort is located on Perhentian Besar Island and feels like a hidden gem.
This resort, which is scheduled to open in 2024, is like a "phantom paradise" far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Although it takes some effort to get there, even the journey itself is an important prologue that makes the trip feel even more special. Here, we will introduce some recommended access routes based on our own experiences.
Departing from Haneda and Narita | The journey to a resort worth the extra effort
① Flight | Domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur to the East Coast
It takes about 7 hours to get from Japan to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. ANA and Malaysia Airlines operate direct flights, so you can arrive in Malaysia after a comfortable flight.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) operates domestic flights to two airports that serve the Perhentian Islands.
・Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR/Kota Bharu)
Travel time: Approximately 1 hour. This is the most popular route, and it takes about an hour by car to get to the port (Kuala Besut), making it easy to access. If you're unsure, this is the route to go.
・Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG / Kuala Terengganu)
Journey time: Approximately 1 hour It takes about 2 hours by car to get to the port, but it is recommended if you are planning to combine it with a trip to Redang Island on the way back .
If you want to be more efficient with your time, consider taking the KBR on the way there and the TGG on the way back .
② Transfer to the port | Kuala Besut Port
After arriving by domestic flight, travel overland to Kuala Besut Port , where ferries to Perhentian depart.
・From KBR (Kota Bharu Airport): Approximately 1 hour
・From TGG (Terengganu Airport): Approximately 2 hours
To travel from the airport, you can use the Perhentian Marriott's paid shuttle service or Grab (a ride-hailing app) .
Public buses are cheap to use, but they require many transfers and take a long time, so if comfort is your priority, we recommend traveling by car.
③ Stay the night before your flight | Fairfield by Marriott Kuala Besut
The most important point when accessing Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is the ferry departure time .
The resort is served by two ferry services per day, departing at 9:30 AM in the morning and 2:15 PM in the afternoon .
Therefore, it is very risky to try to travel from Japan to the Perhentian Islands in one day . Domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur are often delayed, and there is a possibility of traffic jams on the way to the port, so it is not uncommon to miss even the afternoon flight.
That's why we recommend staying the night before your flight at Fairfield by Marriott Kuala Besut, which is adjacent to the ferry terminal .
■ The benefits of a safe and comfortable "pre-trip stay"
The ferry to Perhentian Marriott departs from a private jetty on the Fairfield property, so you can board the ferry right after leaving the hotel in the morning.
- Check-in is completed before arriving on the island . There is an official Perhentian Marriott counter inside the hotel.
Advance check-in and boarding procedures can be completed here up to one and a half hours before the ferry departs , so there is no need to go through any complicated check-in procedures after arriving on the island.
- Resort time starts in the morning, so if you board the morning ferry, you'll arrive at the resort's private pier in about 40 minutes. Since you've already checked in, you'll be greeted by a welcome drink at around 10:30 and your time will begin, enveloped in the tropical sea breeze and air .
While waiting for your room to be ready, you can enjoy lunch at the restaurant or relax by the pool, making it a full-day vacation even though it's a travel day .
④ Ferry: Kuala Besut Port → Besar Island (approx. 40 minutes)
The ferry operates twice a day (9:30 / 14:15).
Guests staying at Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa can enjoy complimentary boarding.
During the approximately 40-minute cruise, you can gaze out at the emerald green sea and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the waves.
As we approached the resort, the white sandy beach and the roofs of the villas came into view in the distance, and the excitement of the trip reached its peak.
As a Marriott Bonvoy ambassador member, I was given priority access both on board and off the ship .
Additionally, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we had exclusive use of the spacious, special seats on the second floor .
During the cruise, a staff member guided us onto the deck and even suggested we take a commemorative photo with the crystal clear sea as a backdrop. The entire cruise was a time filled with warm hospitality.
⑤ Resort time starts immediately after arrival
After enjoying a welcome drink,
Relaxing by the pool or in the restaurant while you wait for your room to be ready is also a luxurious experience.
Summary | A real resort that overcomes the hassle of access
| Travel section | Recommended Route | Estimated travel time |
|---|---|---|
| flight | Japan → KUL → KBR | Approximately 8 hours (including transfers) |
| Land route | KBR → Kuala Besut Port | Approximately 1 hour |
| ferry | Kuala Besut Port → Resort | Approximately 40 minutes |
| total | Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours (travel within Malaysia) |
Getting to Perhentian has never been easier.
However, it is these "little extras" that make your stay at the Perhentian Marriott even more special.
This schedule, which involves staying the night before at a hotel adjacent to the ferry terminal and catching the first ferry in the morning, ensures that you can enjoy the resort for a full day even if you only stay one night , making it the best choice for those who don't want to waste time even on a short stay.
The lingering afterglow of the voyage and the welcoming breath of nature.
Welcome to a paradise where your mind can unwind—
Your special time begins at Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa.
Next time, we will report on our stay at the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa .
Stay tuned.
Summary of elite membership benefits at Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa
| Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador Elite Members |
・Welcome gift (1,000 points or daily breakfast) |
| Gold Member |
・Welcome gift: 500 points ・Room upgrade (to a better room within the same category / subject to availability) ・Late check-out until 14:00 (subject to availability) |
