The BuBu Long Beach Resort is a 3-star hotel located at the northern tip of Long Beach, on the island of Pulau Perhentian, off the east coast of Malaysia. Just steps from the sand and jetty, it combines a beachfront position, a protected marine park for snorkeling, and a team renowned for its attentiveness. It's one of the most established addresses in the archipelago for those seeking to combine modern comfort with direct beach access on the island's most vibrant shore.

Why choose BuBu Long Beach Resort

The resort's main appeal lies in its location: the northern end of Long Beach, slightly removed from the busiest zone but within a few minutes' walk of beach bars and restaurants. Immediate proximity to the jetty simplifies arrivals, departures, and snorkeling excursions. The establishment belongs to a small local group that also operates BuBu Villa 500 meters to the south, offering guests access to two distinct atmospheres during a single stay.

Service is another point regularly highlighted by travelers: beach equipment rental, organization of boat transfers, occasional medical assistance. On an island lacking major hospital infrastructure, this presence provides reassurance.

Atmosphere and setting

The resort comprises a main beachfront building and a few garden-side annexes. The architecture remains understated, with local materials and maximum openness toward the sea. The Perhentians are classified as a marine park: no deep-water ports, no large complexes, and remarkably clear water visible from ocean-facing rooms.

The atmosphere is rather family-friendly and relaxed during the day, quieter in the evening. A complimentary house cocktail is served at day's end—a cherished ritual for exchanging with staff and fellow travelers before dinner.

The rooms

The resort has 36 rooms divided into three categories.

Deluxe and Premier Deluxe

• Located on the first or top floor of the main building, with sea views.
• Super King-Size bed, air conditioning, mini-fridge, courtesy tray for hot beverages.
• Private balcony overlooking the archipelago.
• Day bed for reading or afternoon rest.

Deluxe Garden

• On the ground floor, with access to a private garden among lush vegetation.
• Layout suited for families: two king-size beds.
• Bathroom with shower and hot water.

Dining, spa, and activities

Santai Restaurant

Santai means "relaxation" in Malay. The restaurant opens onto a covered terrace or directly onto the sand, serving European and Asian fusion cuisine throughout the day. The house specialty is seafood BBQ: fresh lobsters and grilled fish in the evening. Signature dishes include Filet Mignon and BuBu Nasi Goreng. The beverage selection features a curated wine and cocktail list.

Grape Tree Spa

The resort's spa takes a holistic approach, with massages delivered by practitioners trained in traditional techniques. A welcome option after a day of snorkeling or hiking.

On-site and nearby activities

• Snorkeling in the marine park: sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, schools of tropical fish.
• Windmill Trail: approximately 30-minute hike through the island's interior.
• Boat excursions to quieter coves in the archipelago and neighboring islets.
• Private beach dinners on request, for couples or special occasions.

BuBu Villa: the upscale extension

500 meters south of Long Beach, BuBu Villa comprises 18 villas with ethnic architecture set in manicured gardens. Guests enjoy their own restaurant, World Café, focused on Italian cuisine (fresh pasta, risottos) and Australian meats. Long Beach Resort guests can dine there by reservation, allowing for varied atmospheres during a stay.

Location and access

Pulau Perhentian is reached from Kuala Besut port, on the east coast of the peninsula. The hotel operates a reception desk there, where guests can deposit luggage before the boat crossing (roughly half an hour depending on sea conditions and vessel type). For airports, two options: Kota Bharu to the north or Kuala Terengganu to the south, each 1.5–2 hours by road from Kuala Besut.

A resort tax applies to foreign visitors, payable at check-in (amount set by Malaysian authorities, subject to change). It is advisable to book taxi and boat transfers directly through the resort to avoid port delays.

When to visit

The Perhentians operate on a strict seasonal calendar. High season runs from March to October, with optimal conditions for snorkeling and diving between April and September. Most establishments in the archipelago, including BuBu Long Beach Resort, close during the northeast monsoon, typically November through February, when the sea becomes impassable. A Perhentian trip must therefore be planned accordingly, ideally combined with other Malaysian regions to balance the itinerary.

Also see in Malaysia

To expand an itinerary beyond the archipelago, several Nomadays addresses complement a beach stay well:

• The Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang, for a historic stopover on the west coast.
• Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, for wildlife in Malaysian Borneo.
• Hotel Puri Melaka, in the UNESCO-listed old town of Malacca.
• Laban Rata Resthouse, essential stop for the ascent of Mount Kinabalu.

Plan your stay

BuBu Long Beach Resort fits naturally into an itinerary combining the east coast beach experience with other regions of the country. To build a tailor-made itinerary incorporating the Perhentians and the rest of the territory, explore our Malaysia trips.