Perhentian Islands

Watercolours Paradise Resort

(http://www.watercolourswo...), besar. offers satellite broadband at rm 10 per 30 mins and now offer a free wireless service for guests with own laptop.

 

GSM mobile phone coverage is available on both islands as all three Digi, Celcom and Maxis operators have placed their respective cell towers huge red and white ones. They look a bit weird coming out of the green jungle. Celcom and Maxis provide UMTS 3G coverage though coverage is more limited than GSM, the best coverage is in the band between the islands east coast of Kecil and west coast of Besar. There are some points where reception cannot be reached on the more secluded beaches. In particular the whole southern beach on Besar has very poor reception and no 3G reception.

Gen Mart

Long beach, kecil

Senja Bay Resort

Kecil september 2007

Tropical Reef

Besar

Lazy Boy Shop

Long beach, kecil

Panorama Chalet

Long beach, kecil

 

Internet cafes can be found on both Kecil and Besar. Although some connections are slow and a little expensive RM 10 for 30 mins many resorts are now installing satellite broadband. If your main reason to use the internet is to stay in touch with friends and family then another option is getting a prepaid GSM SIM and use your mobile phone. Most modern phones do handle email, just remember to get the appropriate settings from you email provider. Rates are the same for all three operators in Malaysia: 0,01RM/kB.

Mosquitoes

can be a nuisance after it rains. Bring repellent and consider burning a mosquito coil available locally, especially if your bed does not have a mosquito net.

Tap water

is generally not safe to drink, although at most resorts and dive centers seem to use only some simple filters to make it potable. Bottled water is only available at RM3 per 1.5L bottle 2012 high-season data.

Water Bottle Refills

You can refill your bottle at some hotels for free, or at Senja Cafe RM1.50/big bottle, southern end of Coral Bay. There is a water sterilizing machine in Amelias Cafe next to Mamas place near to the jetty. For RM1.50 it will dispense 11/2 liters of treated water.

The sun can be extremely hot and burning in the afternoons till early evenings. Slap on sunscreen and, if snorkeling, wear a T-shirt. Take note that ocean conservationists do not encourage sunscreen to be in contact with the sea water as it ruins the corals! So avoid sunscreen and throw on a t-shirt if you can The midday sun is the most dangerous and can really ruin a holiday if you're not careful. Caps, hats or any other sun protective gear would be a good idea. Be careful also about lips!

Sharks in Coral bay are not dangerous, some small fishes can bite you if you offer them finger, but it's just annoying, same goes for occasional jellyfish. Broken coral can cause nasty grazes to feet and knees, especially if snorkeling in too shallow water. If you are wearing a life jacket, wear a T shirt with sleeves to avoid chaffing.

There is a small medical reception at the small island, in the main town where most locals reside. It has afriendly staff a doctor and a couple of nurses and offers basic medical help at almost no cost at all, if needed. To get there, ask a boat taxi driver for help.