Take It With You When You Go, A Fulbright Journey: My Little Corner of Paradise

The clear blue water of Pulau Perhentian. It was ideal for snorkeling
and scuba diving.

Enjoying a fresh coconut!

As I mentioned in my last blog post, Besut, Kuala Besut was the jumping-off point for Pulau Perhentian. Although many Americans have not heard of Pulau Perhentian, or the Perhentian Islands, it is a very popular vacation destination among Europeans. Pulau Perhentian is known for its white, sandy beaches, its beautiful, crystal blue water and its rustic feel. Not to mention, it is renown for its scuba diving and snorkeling, which I took advantage of on many different occasions.

The beach and dock at Coral Bay!

During my stint living in Besut, I ventured out to Pulau Perhentian at least a dozen times. Throughout my visits, I got to know the people there very well, and it became sincerely comfortable to go there. It was a place that made me feel very much at home as well as relaxed. Sometimes after adapting to a culture so different than my own on the mainland, it was comforting to put on a sundress, layout, swim in the clear, blue water and hang out with friends drinking a Tiger or Chang beer on the beach. Overall, the feel of the island was rustic, yet so seemingly familiar.

Amin, Wan and a guest singer at Monkey Bar on Long Beach!

Mama D and I at Ombak Cafe
on Coral Bay, Pulau.

Mila, Norlin and I at Ombak Cafe!

My favorite restaurant on the island was Ombak Café, and I was able to get to know Mama D, Mila and the entire crew there. I remember weekends biting into their delicious pizzas, while watching a live, outdoor movie. They always greeted me with hugs, and we would converse about the last few weeks since I had last seen them. During the day, I loved going to Panorama restaurant and sipping on one of their cold, fresh mango juices or sipping milk out of a coconut. When the sun went down, I always could be found sitting in the sand with my friends listening to Amin, Wan and the gang play live cover music of popular Western music, including Jason Mraz and Bob Marley. After listening to music, my friends and I would wander on down the beach to Black Tip and dance under the moon with our toes in the sand and the waves rushing over our feet.

The long dock from the boat to
Coral Bay beach on Pulau.

Whenever I ventured to Pulau, I always enjoyed getting off the boat and walking down the long dock to Coral Bay. I would say “hello” to my friends at Sharila Resort such as Rosi, Faizul and Emily, as well as Iss and Jeremiah at Stephens Divers. I will never forget sharing some of my stories and questions from my experience on the mainland and being able to have truly meaningful and comfortable conversations with them.

Pulau Perhentian introduced me to the warm sun, scuba diving, tranquility, simplicity, underwater discoveries and immense beauty. Often, I swam and floated in the clear water at Long Beach and looked out at the mountains and vast jungle that spread over them. I would think about my experience in Malaysia as well as my life back home.

Pulau's rustic feel was unlike anywhere
I had ever been!

My last ride from the Pulau Perhentian to the mainland was one filled of tears and happiness. In some way, whether big or small, Pulau and the people there allowed me such peace, comfort and friendship. I considered it ‘my place.' Over the course of my visits there, it became a place that allowed me insight to myself. Pulau Perhentian will always be my little corner of Paradise.