ECRL to Perhentian guide

How to get to Perhentian Islands by ECRL

Take the ECRL Transit train from Gombak and get off at Jerteh station (Express trains skip Jerteh). From the station, take a Grab, taxi or van about 30 minutes (~20 km) to Kuala Besut Jetty, then the speedboat at RM40 per adult one-way, about 40 minutes to the islands. ECRL Phase 1 is targeted to open by 12 December 2026.

· Perhentian Gateway Services · Baca dalam Bahasa Melayu

Book boat ticketWhatsApp van + bot
White and blue ECRL CR200J train with the ECRL logo on its nose
ECRL train (CR200J) before delivery to Malaysia · Photo: Oblivionis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Step by step: Gombak to Perhentian Islands

  1. ITT GombakECRL Transit train
  2. Jerteh stationGrab / van ~30 min
  3. Kuala Besut JettySpeedboat ~40 min
  4. Perhentian IslandsDestination
Route diagram (illustration, not to scale)
White and blue ECRL CR200J train with the ECRL logo on its nose
ECRL train (CR200J) before delivery to Malaysia · Photo: Oblivionis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

1. ECRL Transit train

ITT Gombak to Jerteh station

Speedboats docked at Kuala Besut Jetty
Kuala Besut Jetty · Photo: Perhentian Gateway

2. Grab / van / taxi

Jerteh station to Kuala Besut Jetty

Speedboat from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Islands
Speedboat to Perhentian · Photo: Perhentian Gateway

3. Speedboat

Kuala Besut Jetty to Perhentian

Speedboat arriving at Perhentian Island
Arriving at Perhentian Island · Photo: Perhentian Gateway

4. After 5PM

Private boat

StepFrom / toTimeCostSource
1. ECRL Transit trainITT Gombak to Jerteh stationNot yet announced (Gombak–Kota Bharu Transit ~5 hrs)Jerteh fare not yet announced. Gombak–KB Transit from RM125 (dynamic)FMT, 19 Okt 2026
2. Grab / van / taxiJerteh station to Kuala Besut Jetty~30 min (~20 km)Current Grab/taxi fare, or Perhentian Gateway van (WhatsApp)Discovery Terengganu (Google Maps, 13 Okt 2026)
3. SpeedboatKuala Besut Jetty to Perhentian~35–45 min. First boat 7AM, last ~5PMAdult RM40 one-way / RM80 return. Child 3–11 RM20 / RM40. Baby 0–2 freePerhentian Gateway Services
4. After 5PMPrivate boatOn requestRM600–RM700 per boatPerhentian Gateway Services

Key ECRL facts

  • ECRL Phase 1 (Gombak–Kota Bharu) is targeted to open by 12 December 2026, subject to safety approval.
  • Tickets go on sale mid-November 2026.
  • Gombak–Kota Bharu: Transit from RM125, Express from RM147. Dynamic pricing by time, demand and seats.
  • Express stops only at Gombak, KotaSAS, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu. For Jerteh you must take the Transit train.
  • 12 daily services Monday–Thursday, 16 daily Friday–Sunday.
  • Boat monsoon low season 1 Nov–31 Jan, normal fares from February: adult RM140 return, child RM70 return.

Not yet announced

  • Train departure times and exact Gombak to Jerteh journey time.
  • ECRL fare to Jerteh or Pasir Puteh station.
  • Direct public bus from Jerteh station to the jetty.
  • Parking rates at Jerteh station.
ECRL Bentong station building in Pahang, an example of ECRL station design
ECRL Bentong station (example; no freely licensed photo of Jerteh station yet) · Photo: *angys*, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
ECRL railway viaduct under construction near Bentong
ECRL viaduct under construction near Bentong · Photo: *angys*, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

FAQ

Which ECRL station is closest to Kuala Besut Jetty?

Jerteh ECRL station in Kg Alor Keladi, Besut. It is about 20 km or 30 minutes by car to Kuala Besut Jetty.

When does the ECRL open?

ECRL Phase 1 Gombak–Kota Bharu is targeted to open by 12 December 2026, subject to safety approval. Tickets go on sale from mid-November 2026.

How much is the ECRL ticket to Jerteh?

Not yet announced. Only Gombak–Kota Bharu has been announced: Transit from RM125, Express from RM147, with dynamic pricing.

Can I take the ECRL Express to Jerteh?

No. Express trains stop only at Gombak, KotaSAS, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu. Take the Transit train to get off at Jerteh.

How long is Gombak to Jerteh by ECRL?

Not yet announced. For reference, Gombak–Kota Bharu takes about 5 hours on Transit and about 4 hours on Express.

How do I get from Jerteh station to the jetty?

Take a Grab, taxi or book a Perhentian Gateway van via WhatsApp +6019-365 3946. The drive is about 30 minutes (~20 km).

How much is the boat to Perhentian?

Adult RM40 one-way or RM80 return. Child 3–11 RM20 or RM40. Baby 0–2 free. Monsoon low season 1 Nov–31 Jan, normal fares from February: adult RM140 return. Marine Park fee is paid separately.

Why is the ticket price different in Nov–Jan?

1 November to 31 January is the monsoon (musim tengkujuh) low season. There are fewer passengers and boats run less full, so the adult return ticket is RM140 (child RM70). The normal price of RM80 adult return resumes in February.

What time is the last boat?

First boat 7AM and last boat around 5PM. After that, a private boat costs RM600–RM700 per boat.

Can I reach the island the same day on a morning train?

Train times are not yet announced. Aim to reach the jetty before 4:30PM for the last boat around 5PM, or book a private boat.

Related guides (Malay)

Sources

Photo credits