Jungle Trekking on Perhentian Kecil
In Summer 2024, I traveled to Malaysia for the first time. I chose the Perhentian Islands in the South Chinese Sea because there are many great snorkeling spots right from the beach, but also because I like hiking. There are few hiking trails right through the Malaysian jungle from one (snorkeling) beach to another. Perfect for combining two of my favorite activities. I stayed on Perhentian Besar or the “Big Island” but I spent a day hiking on Perhentian Kecil or the “Small Island”. There are few lovely trails with great views on Perhentian Kecil.
Find out which hikes there are on Perhentian Kecil, how long they take, how to find your way (including maps) and what equipment you should bring with you. For hiking trails on Perhentian Besar, click here!
Coral Bay on Perhentian Kecil gets quite narrow during high tide.
From Coral Bay to Long Beach or vice versa
Let me tell you: This is not a hike, it is just a walk from one beach to another but I would like to include it here, because I arrived at Coral Bay by boat and had to get to Long Beach on the other side of the island, where the trail to the Windmills starts. It just is a little path connecting the beach on the east side of the island (Long Beach) with the beach on the west side (Coral Bay). The path is more of a narrow street, with many people walking. It runs between houses and is mostly paved. It takes about 10 to 15 min to walk the approximately 700 m in the tropical heat.
When starting at Coral Bay (like I did), find Fatimah Cafe Perhentian on the left hand side of the beach when facing the village. When starting at Long Beach, find the Long Beach Camp camping ground, pretty much in the middle of Long Beach. It is behind Mommy Burger, which is right on the beach.
A little street connects Coral Bay with Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil.
The path from Coral Bay to Long Beach is mosty paved with sandy parts in between.
From Long Beach to the Windmills, Adam and Eve Beach, Turtle Beach and D’Lagoon Beach
Starting at Long Beach on Perhentian Kecil, a trail leads up to the windmills to enjoy a stunning view over the bay, before leading deep into the Malaysian jungle.
This hike is different from those on Perhentian Besar. The trail will get you up to a viewpoint with a panoramic sight over the coastline of Perhentian Kecil. It will take you then through the steamy hot jungle, from one secluded beach to the next. Make sure to bring your swimsuit so that you can reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the water!
The trail starts right behind Syukur Chalet and Campsite on Long Beach.
The entrance of the trail up to the windmills is right at Syukur Chalet & Campsite, which is towards the northern end of Long Beach. I had a bit of trouble finding it. Just ask any of the folks working at the restaurants or the dive shops on Long Beach and they will help you. Once you found the trail, just keep walking all the way up. Partly, it might not look like a trail. Just follow the water pipeline. Make sure to wear good shoes and a hat. The path is only partially in the jungle, so there is not too much shade. The floor is very sandy and slippery. Soon you will hear the humming of the windmills (or wind generators). Once you arrive at the fence, walk counterclockwise around it and you will see the platform where you are rewarded with a stunning view over the bay. Getting up there takes about 30 min, depending on how fast you are able to walk in the tropical heat. Bring enough water! I had the platform all for myself and enjoyed the little breeze while taking pictures, eating snacks and drinking some water.
The trail to the windmills.
When arriving at the fence, turn right.
The walk up to the windmills is steep and hot but if you make it, you get rewarded with an amazing view over the bay and a fresh breeze.
The broken stairs leading down to Windmill Pier.
Continuing on the trail, there are stairs leading down to Windmill Pier. I skipped that one because they stairs were not in good shape. I did not want to risk breaking a bone. Maybe they fixed it or you are braver than me. There are boat tours that will stop at the pier so that you still can take pictures there, if you really want to but without risiking a fall on the stairs.
Instead, I kept going downwards on the rocky trail (did I mention to wear good shoes?), entering the jungle and after about 30 min of walking, I took a turn to the left and ended up at Adam and Eve Beach. Spoilt from having the viewpoint at the Windmills all to myself, the little beach felt too crowded, so I soon ventured back into the jungle and walked to D’Lagoon Beach. Make sure to walk straight ahead where the crossing is, if you turn right, you will get back to the Windmills, if you turn left you will end up at Turtle Beach. I mean, feel free to do it, just be aware that there is no hotel and you have to walk back or have a phone number ready to call a water taxi to pick you up. Despite the name, there are no turtles at Turtle Beach but you can still snorkle and maybe you will see a little reef shark or two.
Because I was too tired to walk back, I took a taxi boat to the Fishing Village where I visited the busy little town before heading back to the calmness of Teluk Dalam on Perhentian Besar, enjoying a cool drink at the beach.
The whole hike without breaks takes around 3 hours, depending on your fitness level.
Adam and Eve Beach is a little secluded beach on Perhentian Kecil, either reachable by walking through the jungle or by boat.
The shallow water at Adam and Eve Beach is perfect to cool down after hiking through the Malaysian jungle.
What to wear and what to bring
Do not forget to bring your swimwear and your snorkeling gear!
The trails in the jungle are narrow, lead over stones and roots and can be quite steep. It is muddy or dusty and sometimes you must climb over fallen trees. Water pipes get in the way. Good footwear is a must. I've seen people in flip-flops and they did not have a good time. Good sneakers or even better hiking boots make it much more pleasant. There are lots of mosquitoes in the jungle, which is why you should use insect repellent, jungle strength! The mosquitoes on the Perhentians can transmit both malaria and dengue fever. Wearing long clothing made of natural fibers (e.g. cotton, linen, viscose) is an advantage. Bring a hat or something else to cover your head because the path is only partially in the jungle (especially when going down to Windmill Pier there is zero shade). You should carry enough water with you and bring some snacks. In the jungle it is hot and humid and you sweat even without moving much. There are no opportunities to buy drinks once you left Long Beach and water taxis rarely or never come by at Adam and Eve Beach or Turtle Beach. You should get the number of a water taxi, in case you need one. I had cell phone reception pretty much everywhere on the islands. At D’Lagoon you can get drinks at the hotel or help them organize a water taxi for you.
As the hikes all lead from one beach to the next, it is a good idea to take swimwear, a towel and snorkeling equipment with you. After walking through the hot jungle, cooling off in the sea is more than welcome! The towel can be used not only to dry off after swimming, but also to wipe off sweat.
A sun hat and sunscreen - in addition to long, airy clothing - protect you from the hot tropical sun on the beach. A good wooden walking stick (or even hiking poles) will take the strain off your knees and legs on the sometimes quite steep descents over hill and dale.
The Masjid Ar-Rahman or “floating Mosque” at Fishing Village on Perhentian Kecil.