How to Get to the Perhentian Islands by Car (2026): Jetty, Parking and Car Rental

In this guide:

Why there are no cars on the Perhentian Islands
The Kota Bharu to Kuala Besut route, step by step
Driving to Kuala Besut Jetty: routes and times
Leaving your car at Kuala Besut Jetty
Why self-drive beats the bus-and-taxi route
Perhentian trip tips: monsoon, boats and fees
FAQ

Last updated: June 2026

Why There Are No Cars on the Perhentian Islands

Before you look for a rental car on the Perhentian Islands, one important thing to know: there are no cars on the islands. Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar are small, boat-access-only islands, and the only way to reach them is by boat from Kuala Besut Jetty on the mainland. You get around the islands on foot, by water taxi, or by resort boat.

So when people search for car rental for Perhentian, what they actually need is a car for the mainland part of the trip: getting to the jetty, and getting back. That is where a rental car genuinely helps, and this guide covers exactly how to do it.

The Kota Bharu to Kuala Besut Route, Step by Step

The simplest way to reach the Perhentian Islands with your own car is straightforward:

Fly into the nearest airport, Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu (KBR), which has frequent flights from Kuala Lumpur and other cities.
Pick up your rental car at the airport.
Drive about an hour to Kuala Besut Jetty.
Park at the jetty and take a boat across to your island resort.
On the way back, collect your car and continue your trip or return to the airport.

Agtran can arrange a car in Kota Bharu so it is ready when you land, which removes the awkward taxi-and-wait problem and gives you full flexibility for the rest of your east-coast trip.

Driving to Kuala Besut Jetty: Routes and Times

Kuala Besut Jetty (Terminal Pelancongan Kuala Besut) is the official departure point for all boats to the Perhentian Islands. Here is roughly how far it is by road:

From Kota Bharu (nearest airport): about 1 hour south. This is the easiest option, with the most flights and the shortest drive.

From Kuala Lumpur: about 6 hours via the East Coast Expressway (LPT), heading toward Jerteh in Terengganu. From Jerteh it is only about a 15-minute drive to the jetty. A good option if you want a road trip rather than a flight.

From Penang: about 7 hours using the East-West Highway toward Jerteh, then the short final stretch to Kuala Besut.

Whichever route you take, set your navigation app to "Jeti Kuala Besut" rather than just the town, as it takes you directly to the jetty complex.

Leaving Your Car at Kuala Besut Jetty

You do not take the car to the island, so you leave it at the jetty for the length of your stay. There are several private car parks around Kuala Besut Jetty, and rates are modest, typically around RM10 per day for a car and a little more for a larger MPV. The jetty complex also has eateries, toilets, and a taxi point.

A few sensible habits: do not leave valuables in the car, note down where you parked and the operator, and keep your parking ticket safe for the return. Paying for a few days of parking is far cheaper and less stressful than the alternatives, and your car is waiting for you when you come back to the mainland.

Why Self-Drive Beats the Bus-and-Taxi Route

Public transport to Kuala Besut is limited and slow, usually involving a bus to Jerteh and then a taxi for the final stretch. A rental car removes all of that. It lets you land, drive straight to the jetty on your own schedule, and it is ready the moment you return, whether you are heading back to the airport or continuing along the east coast.

It also opens up the wider region. With a car you can easily combine the Perhentian Islands with Kota Bharu's markets, the quieter beaches around Besut, or a longer east-coast drive toward Kuala Terengganu and Redang. For families and groups with luggage and beach gear, having your own vehicle for the mainland leg is far more comfortable than juggling taxis.

Perhentian Trip Tips: Monsoon, Boats and Fees

Watch the monsoon season. From roughly November to February, the northeast monsoon brings rough seas, and many Perhentian resorts and boat services close. Plan your trip between around March and October for calm water and reliable boats.

Boats run in daylight. Speedboats to the islands generally operate from early morning until around 5pm, so time your drive to arrive in good time, especially if you are catching a specific resort transfer.

Budget for the extra fees. A marine park conservation fee and jetty access fee are usually payable at Kuala Besut before you board.

Fuel up. Fill the tank in Kota Bharu or Jerteh before the final stretch, and again before any onward east-coast driving, as stations thin out in the smaller towns.

Frequently Asked Questions: Perhentian by Car

Can you drive on the Perhentian Islands? No. The Perhentian Islands are car-free and reached only by boat from Kuala Besut Jetty. A rental car is for the mainland part of your trip, getting to and from the jetty. You get around the islands on foot, by water taxi, or by resort boat.
Where do you rent a car for a Perhentian trip? The most practical option is to rent in Kota Bharu, the nearest airport, and drive about an hour to Kuala Besut Jetty. Agtran can have the car ready at the airport when you land.
How far is Kuala Besut Jetty from Kota Bharu airport? About one hour by road, heading south. It is the shortest and easiest approach, with the most flight options into Kota Bharu.
Where do you park when you go to the Perhentian Islands? At the paid car parks around Kuala Besut Jetty. Rates are modest, around RM10 per day for a car. You leave the vehicle there for the length of your island stay and collect it on your return.
Can you drive to Kuala Besut from Kuala Lumpur? Yes. It is about a 6-hour drive via the East Coast Expressway toward Jerteh, then roughly 15 minutes to the jetty. Many visitors prefer to fly to Kota Bharu and rent there to save time.
What is the best time to visit the Perhentian Islands? Roughly March to October, outside the northeast monsoon. From about November to February, rough seas mean many resorts and boat services close.

Plan Your Perhentian Trip with a Rental Car from Agtran

The islands are car-free, but getting to and from the jetty is far easier with your own vehicle. Pick up in Kota Bharu when you land, drive to Kuala Besut Jetty at your own pace, park, and hop on the boat.

Rent a car in Kota Bharu, set your pickup details, and you are ready for the drive to the jetty and the rest of your east-coast trip.

返回所有文章