Perhentian Nemo Chalet

Snorkelling right outside the hotel. Transfer boats stop at the jetty at the entrance.

Could replenish the water each day. Would love it if they did breakfast. At high tide, could be difficult to access the hotel.

beach front

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The location is amazing - snorkelling right outside the chalet that is just as good as any of the snorkelling you pay to go on a boat to visit. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The en suite/wet room was lovely and had a great shower.

The rooms were converted shipping containers so very sparse. Something leaked in the en suite so the floor was always wet. No shelves or space to store things. It was like being in a boat cabin but without the clever hooks and ropes to hang things. No restaurant in the hotel and only basic food. Sachets of coffee but no milk.

Lovely beach views and friendly, helpful staff. We liked the balcony for sea sunsets. The "container" concept is cool, but like most Perhentian stays, it’s dated. Manage your expectations: unless you pay for a high-end resort, most island places are BASIC and priced at a premium. This inflation is due to high demand, strict regulations, and the massive expense of boating in all supplies/utilities from the mainland. The Room: Basic with little storage and NO HOT WATER (not mentioned in the booking info). If you don't mind cold showers it’s fine, but at £66/night, it’s a factor. Bring earplugs; container walls are thin and you hear everything. Environment: Some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen true paradise with soft sand. However, beaches face litter challenges. These islands act as a natural catchment for marine debris drifting from across the region; the daily rubbish is surprising but is largely a result of ocean currents. Hopefully during high season the community cleans the beaches. It didn't happen in April. Traveler Tips: Snorkeling: Tours are great but crowded. Please don't feed fish bread; it harms the animals and reef and leaves a "scum" on the water which is unpleasant to swim with. You can also rent super cheap gear from stalls to snorkel off the beach <3 Food: Lovely and okay-priced for tourists. For a busier traveler vibe, head to Long Beach. Transport: Water taxis are the only way around. Bring cash; prices double after 7 PM (all costs are per person).

The reality is that finding a decent room without breaking the bank on the Island feels like a struggle. You are effectively paying a 'paradise tax' where high-end prices only get you very dated, basic facilities. While walking around the island, it’s clear that this isn't unique to one hotel almost every option on booking sites appears run-down or shocking for the price point, with some places charging over £100 a night for rooms in poor condition. You have to manage your expectations and accept that you are paying for the stunning ocean, soft sand, and friendly local culture rather than the quality of the room itself. It is a shame to see such high pricing for accommodation that hasn't been maintained, alongside the daily battle with washed-up trash, but for many like us the incredible natural beauty of the Perhentians makes the trade-off worth it.