DESCRIPTION:
If I am not mistaken, Arwana Perhentian Resort is the latest resort establishment on this island and it is built along the unbelievably long beach of Teluk Dalam, to the south of Perhentian Besar. With this recent addition, sun-seekers and holidaymakers to this idyllic island are indeed spoilt with choices, ranging from really basic ones to international class resorts.

Overall, I felt that the resort is quite decent, or at least it tried hard to please its patrons. The staff at the reception were friendly, a few light jokes were thrown out at us during check-in and  check-out. Guest services were acceptable though not exceptional. In short, for a island holiday with good modern facilities, Arwana Perhentian Resort should be on top of your list.

FACILITIES:
The resort boasts close to 120 rooms and 2 executive suites. The rooms are of various types; Deluxe Sea View, Superior Family, Deluxe Pool View, Superior and Standard. Interestingly, there are 30 extra beds available in the resort's fan-equipped dormitory building, probably catered for the increasing number of backpackers to the island. All rooms (except the dormitory ones) are furnished with functioning air-conditioners, attached bathrooms with hot shower, and TVs with selections of Indonesian channels such as Indosiar, MetroTV, ANTV and BaliTV (don't ask me why, even the reception staff surreptitiously tried not to answer my query). Don't worry, there is HBO too.

Arwana Perhentian Resort boasts a state-of-the-art dive centre, operated by East Marine dive outfit (I dived with them in Pulau Payar near Langkawi). The resort's main restaurant is catered for both full-boarding and a la cartè patrons. It could get crowded during main buffet times especially lunch and dinner. The swimming pool is surprisingly huge for an island known for its beautiful beaches. Nonetheless, considering that the Teluk Dalam beach fronting the resort isn't particularly spectacular, a fun-filled day in sterile pool water is probably a much welcome change.

ATTRACTIONS:
Fronting the resort is the beach of Teluk Dalam. To me, the beach is not particularly nice as compared to the beach on Teluk Pauh. Nonetheless, the beach is extremely long with most parts are covered with soft powdery sands (but some parts are just rocky with coral debris). You can also snorkel at this beach, though my snorkeling excursion wasn't of anything worth mentioning.

As for diving, many dive boats will depart to Tokong Laut (or Temple Sea Mount) early in the morning. There are other dive sites close to Teluk Dalam, such as Shark's Point and Terumbu Tiga (Tiger Rocks).

PRICING:
The cheapest room is a Standard unit with goes for RM140 per night (without considering the dormitory-style room which costs RM25 per bed). A Superior room goes for RM160 per night, Deluxe Pool View (RM180 per night), Superior Family (RM220 per night), Deluxe Sea View (RM240 per night) and Executive Suite (RM580 per night). Note that room prices are based on twin-sharing basis and no breakfast included. If you intend to have full boarding, you will need to choose the available 3D2N packages.
 
MY RATING: