perhentian island

on a recent trip to the perhentian islands off the east coast of malaysia, i had to pause and re-evaluate my idea of paradise. in my mind, this place was going to be absolute paradise.

praise aside, i had also done some research and knew not to have my expectations too high. these were remote islands, after all, with only a few hours of electricity a day and no roads, no cars and not even a donkey and carts. so, i’m sure you are waiting to hear what could possibly make me think this place was not perfect, so let me explain.

on the boat to the island i was pretty mesmerized. everyone had been right about the colour of the water it was like nothing i had ever seen before. the water around these islands was so amazing that it almost looked fake, as if you were whizzing through the worlds largest swimming pool.

now comes the question that is really bothering me. are the perhentians still viewed as “paradise” to some people? have i been too spoiled throughout my travels with beautiful beaches, friendly people, delicious food and stunning scenery that i can no longer see appreciate paradise when it is staring me in the face? have i have gotten so old that i can no longer see the fun in staying in the dingey backpacker haunts i used once frequent? or am i right in thinking that tourism may have ruined the islands, as the rate of tourists visiting them has grown faster than the locals could handle?