The 10 Best Restaurants in The Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Bayu Restaurant barbeques today’s catch at the Alunan Resort along Petani Beach. Both families and couples rate this among the best restaurants in The Perhentian Islands for their high-quality food and views. While the prices might be higher than the rest of Perhentian Kecil, it does offer a classier dining experience.

For a budget-friendly meal on Perhentian Kecil, check out Ewan’s. With its prime location sandwiched between Long Beach and Coral Bay, the restaurant/café attracts a wide range of customers. Backpackers flock in the evening to make use of the strong WiFi as local families enjoy their favourite fried noodle and tom yam dishes. Dine here if you want a cheap meal or to relax with other like-minded travellers. We recommend ordering one of their milkshakes or mango ice blends.

Matahari Chalet’s open-air restaurant near Kecil’s Long Beach attracts mid-range customers from around the island. The extensive menu offers a broader selection of dishes compared to other restaurants in The Perhentian Islands. If you fancy a quick bite, grab a burger and fries. Or order Asian favourites and fresh seafood for a longer sit-down dining experience. This a favourite spot with families looking to enjoy a classy meal with a view.

Belinda Café is among our favourite restaurants in The Perhentian Islands for its Thai and Malay fusion food. The family-friendly spot on Perhentian Besar overlooks the beach and serves both breakfast and lunch. Expect affordable prices, filling portions and hospitable staff. We recommend the buttermilk chicken with papaya salad.

Perhentian Kecil’s Crocodile Rock Bistro offers a dining experience on the beach. Wooden tables stretch across the sand. The menu offers a selection of both Asian and Western food. Customers can order everything from burgers and pizzas to fried rice and noodles. The restaurant near Rainforest Beach can be tricky to find. But it’s worth the effort for the ambience and chance to chat with the British owner. Drinks include canned beer, coffee and French wine. This is among the more popular restaurants in The Perhentian Islands with the not-so-budget conscious tourists.

Alur Pinang along the southern coast of Perhentian Besar serves local-style meals. While the restaurant might take a little effort to find, it does allow customers to dine while surrounded by the lush rainforest. Crowds consist of both local families and a handful of backpackers. This is an excellent place for lunch if you’re exploring Pulau Besar.

Located next to Belinda Café on Perhentian Besar, Blue Paradise offers a selection of food at more budget-friendly prices. The menu includes Asian, Malaysian and Thai dishes as well as the delicious mango sticky rice. Western-style breakfasts and pancakes are available in the morning. This is one of the best restaurants in The Perhentian Islands for families with young children for its friendly environment and variety of food.

Located next to the BuBu Resort on Perhentian Kecil’s Long Beach, this is one of the best restaurants in The Perhentian Islands for a quick meal. Most tourists in this area tend to spend their time sunbathing on the beach or snorkelling. Dishes range from Malay-style fried rice to roti canai served all day. Head down in the evening and you’ll be able to make friends with some of the scuba students in the nearby dive schools.

Sandwiched between a few guesthouses on Perhentian Kecil’s southeast coast, this is a popular stop for boat trippers. Despite featuring among the more expensive restaurants in The Perhentian Islands, the outdoor terrace overlooking the sea makes the cost worthwhile. We suggest dining here for a romantic evening. Or grab a roti with a pineapple lassi (Indian-style milkshake) if you want a lighter snack.

For a more affordable local-style meal, head to Medan Selera Kampung Nelayan. With a selection of stalls offering various rice- and noodle-based dishes, this is a favourite for Malaysian families and budget travellers. Apart from the cheap and authentic Malay food, customers dine with a view of the sea and Perhentian Besar on the horizon. This is a local’s favourite place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ordering a freshly squeezed juice to quench your thirst on a hot afternoon is a must too.