The Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil) are twin islands off the northeast coast of Terengganu, consistently ranked among Southeast Asia's finest budget dive and snorkel destinations. The larger island has calmer bays and more resort accommodation; the smaller island is the classic backpacker choice, with Long Beach — a strip of white sand backed by jungle — known for its turtle sightings and relaxed beach bars. The surrounding reefs teem with green and hawksbill turtles, leopard sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and enormous bumphead parrotfish. The islands are only accessible by speedboat from Kuala Besut jetty (about 45 minutes), and are completely closed from November to February during the northeast monsoon. The nearest airports are Kota Bharu (KBR, about 80 km to Kuala Besut) and Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu (TGG, about 105 km).