A family vacation is always the best, and when it comes to picking a location, our votes always go for a beach getaway! After all, who doesn’t love a beach vacay, right? Our country is renowned for its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and multicultural heritage, and on our list of holiday destinations, we’ve never brought our children to the East Coast of Malaysia. So here we are finally!
All we know is that the East Coast boasts stunning clear water islands with marine life and lush tropical jungles, and we wanted to explore the beautiful island of Perhentian Kecil, located in Terengganu. We decided to stay at the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, located amidst breathtaking views of its beautiful blue waters in Perhentian Kecil. This will be a perfect haven for any family to explore and create fun memories, as this island is also home to a diverse array of marine species.
If you are a sea-lover like my family, you should check out all the details here!
Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa – Comfy Stay
Once we stepped into the Fairfield Kuala Besut Jetty (Marriott Jetty), our luxury holiday began. There’s an air-conditioned lounge where you can enjoy resting while waiting to board your ferry. The ferry rides from the jetty to the resort took about 45 to 50 minutes.
As we approached the island, we could see the resort with its exquisite rooms and spacious villas standing majestically on the island – indeed, a beautiful sight. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with the sounds of ‘kompang’ and a refreshing welcome drink in the lobby.
Upon checking into our rooms, we were delighted to find the rooms spacious, airy, bright with natural sunlight, and equipped with high-end furniture and lighting.
The stunning sea view from the balcony is a bonus. If you have a baby or toddler, you can request a crib too. True to its luxury, we slept comfortably and peacefully throughout the night.
Must-Do Activities
1. Snorkeling/Diving – YBD Dive Centre
Perhentian Kecil is an amazing destination with clear waters full of vibrant marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving. The crystal-clear quality of the water, allows you to explore the fascinating underwater ecosystems and diverse marine life.
From our resort to the snorkeling site, it took us about 45 minutes by the resort boat. The team brought us to the best spot for snorkelers, the water was calm and clear.
Wow, it’s hard to describe how it feels – it is like entering and exploring an unknown world. It’s like uncovering a hidden treasure! We, as a family, enjoyed watching all the different fish, the colours, the reefs, and the whole marine life.
We couldn’t believe we were in the water for almost 2 hours as time passed quickly. Then, we got back into the boat where we were given sandwiches and brownies, tired from all those new impressions and actions in the water.
Did you know? Children as young as 4- years- old can join in the fun to snorkel.
If you love diving, you can bring your child along as long as they are eight years old or older. Dive with experienced scuba instructors to explore nearby coral reefs and outcrops.
You’ll discover colorful soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, and possibly encounter reef fish, molluscs, barracudas, kingfish, black tip and nurse sharks. During July and August, you might even spot dolphins and pilot whales.
2. Experience Ultimate Relaxation at Qi Forest Spa & Wellness
For couples needing some alone time, head to the Qi Forest Spa & Wellness to get your body, mind, and soul recharged with their unique Signature massage that is carefully curated to release tension and restore balance.
Apart from the Signature massage, they also provide Facial treatments, ‘Urut Melayu’, a traditional Malay technique massage, Herbal Bliss Massage designed for a truly blissful experience, Deep Tissue Massage to promote rejuvenation, Hot Stone Massage to promote deep relaxation and many more. All these are done for either 60 minutes or 90 minutes. The prices range from RM450 onwards.
The ambiance, music, facilities, friendly staff, and therapy created a relaxing experience for my husband and me.
3. Beautiful Terengganu – Cooking Demonstration (Fun Crafty Delights)
For families – you are most welcome to participate in Terengganu’s cultural activities. You and your children can join a live cooking demonstration where you will learn to make Malaysian local favorite snacks and delights.
My son, Cedric, and I had a wonderful bonding experience while participating in this cooking activity. We learned to make ‘kuih ketayap’ and ‘roti jala’, then enjoyed a hi-tea spread of local kuih. The chefs were incredibly friendly and we loved it!
4. Fun Time for Kiddos – Kids & Teens Club
The Kids Club is one of the best kids’ clubs we have visited. It is thoughtfully designed with kids’ comfort and enjoyment in mind, from babies or toddlers to teens, by splitting it into two different spaces: the Kids Club and the Teens Club.
Children below 17 years old and below can partake in lots of fun activities and spend quality time with their parents here.
The Kids Club is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily, for its guests. There are scheduled activities listed too for your child to choose from. Perfect for letting their imagination run wild!
5. Culinary Haven
For dining, guests can enjoy a wide range of dining options from traditional Malaysian to internationally curated flavors, and crafted cocktails. Each outlet provides a unique dining experience.
For instance, Dapur is an all-day dining restaurant that offers abundant seasonal local ingredients and vibrant flavours both local and international favourites.
Meanwhile, Sekoci, is a poolside restaurant with an alfresco concept, serving a variety of seafood options.
The Greatroom bar and lounge provide a stylish ambiance for enjoyable evenings, offering expertly crafted cocktails and a stunning view of the South China Sea from the alfresco dining area. It doesn’t just end there; you can spend the rest of the evening playing some indoor games with your family too. How cool is that?
Dining at Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa not only offers a culinary adventure with locally sourced ingredients, but it also brings the family together for an ultimate bond – which is truly amazing.
I must say, your comfy stay won’t be complete without visiting the resort’s three pools. They include a jacuzzi, lap pool, and a family pool, all filled with de-chlorinated water for an eco-friendly and rejuvenating experience.
Additionally, the resort features a fully equipped, state-of-the-art fitness studio and a yoga deck with a stunning sea view, providing an inspiring space for yoga and meditation.
Overall, we had an amazing experience at Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa. The hospitality was great, the rooms and amenities were fantastic, and the location by the South China Sea with its coastal forest shoreline and local traditions made it even more special. The resort’s commitment to sustainability, the use of local materials, and native landscaping also really impressed me.
To conclude, will I return to this resort again? Most definitely! So, what are you waiting for? Embark on a captivating experience with your whole family by making your reservation today at www.perhentianmarriott.com.
