Probably the finest islands on the east coast and they have excellent anchorages to break the journey north. The main ferry terminal and jetty on Pulau Redang is in the southern bay close by the new airport.
Flights to KL and Singapore have brought a new level of tourism to the island. The Perhantians have exploded in the last 10 years, with a new wave of young international tourists, particularly Malaysians and Singaporeans.
Approach from the south or east in daytime only ( unless you have radar ) leaving the small stand of Pulau Penang to port. There are leading marks into the small harbour where the jetty and other anchored vessels can be clearly seen. Anchor in 6-8 on a sand-mud bottom amongst the other anchored vessels. There are some nice beaches on Pulau Penang, a small resort and a proper fuelling dock at the head of the jetty. A village ashore is basic but the international airport is a short distance by road.
The whole south east coast of the island, which has many sandy bays, is developed with a series of budget bungalow resorts and 4 and 5 star properties. Adjacent to the red and white telephone mast there is even a small floating dock in front of a resort, suitable for shallow draft vessels only. However, anchorage along this coast is possible in 5-10 metres off any of the beaches in the right wind conditions.
Several small islands lie off this coast including the well-known dive site Pulau Lima. There is also an unmarked drying sand bank less than a mile offshore in open water; passage along this coast at night is not recommended.
Anchor in 10-12 metres on a sandy bottom. There is a great beach ashore and the water is clear, with plenty of fish for snorkelling and diving.
This pair of islands is the last shelter before crossing the Thai border. Rounding the point to enter the channel from the south, what may have appeared to be a relatively uninhabited island is actually full of bungalows, hotels and restaurants on both sides of the channel. It is easy to anchor virtually anywhere in the channel in 5-8 metres, looking out for the shallow patches on the east side.
An excellent sheltered spot in both seasons, the channel is navigable from the north or south. Regular ferry services to and from Kota Bharu and Kuala Besut.
This spectacular sandy bay with crystal clear water is home to the Arawana Perhantian Resort. The cleared channel through the coral leads to a small dinghy jetty, which makes shore access easy. The resort offers fine food and reasonably priced rooms; there is road access to the busy tourist community on the east side of the channel.
Just 36 miles north is the town of Kota Bharu and the Thai border.
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate, the charts of anchorages are based on personal experience and satellite imagery and are intended as a guide only. They should not be used for navigation. Please refer to Official Hydrographic Charts of the respective countries.
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