I have slightly less experience for Perhentian but did visit the beautiful islands a few times (and planning for more visits in 2007!). Honestly, the beaches are less superb compared to Redang, but don't let that hold you back. Perhentians are very nice. See the beach photos below from various sites in Perhentian that I took:

Teluk Pauh, Perhentian Besar
Pulau Rawa
Long Beach (Pasir Panjang), Perhentian Kecil
Tokong Burung (Bird's Island)
Teluk Dalam, Perhentian Besar

As for the resorts, less international-class establishments in Perhentian, as compared to Redang. Perhentians are more for kampong-style experience, really. Quite nice also lah. Some resort photos:

Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort, in Perhentian Besar, see also this photo page
Coral View Island Resort, Perhentian Besar
Bubu Long Beach Resort, Perhentian Kecil
Flora Bay Resort, Perhentian Besar
Samudra Beach Chalet, Perhentian Besar
Fauna Beach Chalet, Perhentian Besar
Everfresh Resort, Perhentian Besar

I guess not much from Perhentian for time being. Wait next year. Here I come!

Just to share some of the traveling tips to Perhentian via KB airport:

1) Fixed taxi rate has increased. Now at RM78!!    You can get taxi sapu outside the terminal however no matter how good is your negotiation skill..They still won't reduced to <RM50...The best still RM60 to K. Besut.

2) Cheaper option is to take bus from outside the airport to KB & thereafter another bus from KB bus terminal (Near Pasar Siti Khadijah) to K Besut (I'm not sure about this..due to time constraint, we decided on taxi).

3) On the way back from K Besut, we wanted to try the bus but too bad, we are abit late.. The bus jus left! So we hard nego wth the taxis at the bus station & none of them wanted anything less than RM50...After 15min without getting any responses, we decided to ask another coupl;e to share the taxi..& they agreed..so 5 of us in a super slow spoilt air-con taxi to KB....RM10/pax ..not bad although slow..we reached KB bus terminal ~1.15hr later...So those thinking of budget traveling..try sharing taxi cost...RM50 to KB or even to the airport
(We decided on KB bcos, I hv not visisted KB b4 & wanted to see Pasar Siti Khadihah up close....yes it's big...& mostly ladies sellers..but nothiong much to buy there..unless those batik luvers. at 2nd floor)..

4) Food pricing in Perhentian - RM7/plate of nasi goreng / mee goreng is a standard..certain beach warong even charging RM8/plate! ..Seafood dinner is reasonable but very small portion..I deep fried sweet sour baraccuda cost RM12, Sambal sotong -RM10 (Huge portion) & mixed vege curry (yummy) at RM6..Very yummy food at Abdul.

5) Snorkeling gear is cheaper in Perhentian compare to Redang/Lang Tengah...Renting of mask only cost us RM5/day and if u buy snorkeling tour to 4 locations, it cost only RM30 which include snorkeling gears  Sumore children below 12 is FREE!!    ...What a bargain...

6) At Pasar Siti Khadijah food court (Laman Siti Kadijah -in between Buloh Kubu bazaar & the pasar)...Food is tasty but it's not cheap. Our late lunch there cost RM17 for a mee ratna, Tomyum beehun & kueh teow goreng...who say small town food is cheap  ..proably we kena slaughtered?
7) On the way back to airport, we again got the kereta sapu..negotiated the kancil from Rm15 to RM12 to airport from Pasar Siti khadijah...According to the driver, normal taxi rate is at RM25 from KB to airport..What he offer me Rm12 is super cheap..wll..I'm not sure about this...but happy wth the taxi rate from K Besut to KB & thereafter bck to airport....The rate from Airport to K Besut is definetly OVERPRICED!!...Authority aught to look into this matter!

Perhentian Take off Point is at Kuala Besut - N5 49.842 E102 33.485 Near Kelantan Border & closer to Kota Bahru Airport than Kuala Trengganu

If by train from KL ,the next stop is Tanah Merah Kelantan..are the nearest to Kuala Besut jetty to Perhentian Island..by taxi RM70 if i not mistaken..

For Redang Island,there no train service..to Terengganu..only by Bus and Flight

Perhentian Island will closed around Mid of October or End of October ....

The island will open on next year..starting from March until October...the best season to visit around May,June,July,August and September..My advise..please make reservation at least 5-6 month before you start traveling..secure the room...

Most of the package will include snorkeling trips as complimentary from the resort..if you dont want go the snorkeling trips..is ok..but if you take separate package boat and accommodation..its totally not worth of money..minimum room per night around RM120 and return ferry will cost you RM100.Most of meals quite pricey...because of Island.

26th October is end of season...Most of resort already closed..unless Laguna Redang Island Resort..last date is 28th October 2009..

which broadband covers perhentian island? (big island)

the hotel quote us price as rm30 each to fetch us from aiport to jetty...do you think its good deal?

may i know how many jetty is there?
my flight will drop at Kuala Terengganu, usually will go to which jetty kuala besut?

Any idea on the latest taxi fare from Kota Bahru Airport to Pulau Perhentian jetty?

Can I stay one night at besar Island then another night at kecil?

Will I confuse the boat operator if I buy 2 ways ticket from jetty?