Redang Island, Malaysia
About Redang Island
Redang Island boasts with white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, crystal clear waters and spectacular coral reefs. It's everything that you hoped a tropical island would be and this idyllic place is less than an hour from the east coast of peninsular Malaysia.
Redang archipelago comprises 9 islands (Lima Island, Paku Besar Island, Paku Kecil Island, Kerengga Besar Island, Kerengga Kecil Island, Ekor Tebu Island, Ling Island, Pinang Island and the main Redang Island) that abound with marvelous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs that ensure great snorkelling and scuba-diving experiences.
Video about Redang Island
Activities on Redang Island
Snorkeling
With crystal clear water and an abundance of marine life only edges from the shore, it is no wonder that snorkeling is one of the favorite activities of holiday-makers on Redang.
A popular stop for the snorkeling outings is the Marine Park Headquarters on Pulau Pinang (not to be confused with the urban Penang on the West coast). The jetty and the artificial reef structures are covered in coral and thanks to the fact that visitors often feed the fish; there are astounding numbers of colorful fish that congregate here. There is a wreck nearby lying at around 8-10 meters deep but as part of it protrudes above water, it can be partially explored without scuba equipment.
Even if you don't hop on a boat, some of the best snorkeling spots - Tanjung Tengah and Tanjung Mak Cantik - are right in front of Pasir Panjang beach. The southern side of Tanjung Tengah has been nicknamed 'Shark Bay' as it acts as a nursery for baby black-tip reef sharks. Keep an eye out for the resident Moray Eel, the turtle and be overwhelmed by the numerous reef fish and species of coral.
Scuba Diving
Scuba DivingThere are 21 popular dive sites with 3 depth profiles and good visibility around Redang. The island is situated within the so-called coral triangle (with Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippines at the corners), which has the highest density of marine species anywhere in the world. Prepare to be dazzled.
The diversity of the dive sites around Redang means that there is something here for the beginner and the experienced diver. Most sites are within minutes from the resorts by boat.
For those that want to try scuba diving for the first time or those that want to expand their skills, there are plenty of PADI/NAUI dive centres on Redang, mostly located within the resorts, which can offer training and certification.
Jungle Trekking
Redang Island has a rich eco system above ground as well. Behind the famous beaches, dense green jungle takes over. The forest that covers the majority of the island is home to giant trees and rare species of orchards. Along the Sungei Redang (Redang River) you can find the largest mangrove forest on an east-coast island in Malaysia.
There is not only a diversity of plant species, but also a variety of small fauna. These include the elusive mouse deer, macaque monkeys, lizards, rodents and bats. Domestic goats and sheep have also been introduced to the island by the villages that call Redang home.
You can explore this side of Redang by taking one of the well established jungle trails that cross the island, in the company of a guide or on your own. One trail stretches from behind the Coral Redang Island Resort on Pasir Panjang to the Berjaya Resort in Teluk Dalam and the other connects Pasir Panjang to Teluk Kalong where the Redang Kalong Resort and Mozana Chalet are situated.
Remember to take along plenty of water and insect repellent of you want to head into the jungle. It may be a sweaty walk, but there is a fascinating world waiting to be explored. Opting for a guided walk may prove to be even more rewarding as your guide exposes the mysteries of the jungle and the traditional uses of plants to you.
Accommodation in Redang Island
Along Pasir Panjang (Long Beach) is where you will find most of Redang's resorts. This is a gorgeous curve of beach with almost impossibly white sand, but not for those that are looking for privacy and quiet nights. A handful of other resorts each occupy small, private beach coves while the Berjaya Resort lays claim to a long stretch of private beach in the magnificent Teluk Dalam.
Laguna Redang Island Resort
Laguna Redang is located at the Pasir Panjang (Long Beach) with fine powder-white sand, crystal-clear waters and emerald hills. The Resort is set to within a "Kampung" style Malay architecture with it's beautifully spacious appointed room, fronting spectacular turquoise water and the backdrop of lush tropical hills.
Laguna Redang Island Resort, was also made famous in the Hong Kong movie, "Mo Mo Tea House", starring Richie Ren and Sammi Cheng.
Visit the Official Website for more information.
Berjaya Redang Beach Resort
Berjaya Redang Beach Resort is situated in the archipelago of islands touted as Malaysia's premier Marine Park in the calm waters of Teluk Dalam.
The location offers guests unprecedented access to a myriad of amazing natural recreation areas, including one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, ideal for sport divers. Within a close proximity of the hotel are the dive sites of Big Mount, Pulau Paku Kecil, and Boulder Dash. The hotel also features a vast selection of on-site dining choices that offer a compilation of international and authentic local dishes in a romantic ambience.
Visit the Official Website for more information.
Redang Pelangi Resort
Redang Pelangi Resort lies the most beautiful stretch of Pasir Panjang's white powerdery sands which extends to the turqoise coloured sea with the nearest reefs being less than a few minutes away.
Redang Pelangi is the first resort to be serving Full Board Packages at Pulau Redang since 1990. Redang Pelangi resort providing simple accomadation, buffet meals and fun snorkelling trips. There are plenty of activities you can join such as snorkeling or diving course.
Visit the Official Website for more information.
Redang Beach Resort
Redang Beach Resort, another resort located at Pasir Panjang on Redang Island, is the ideal place to stay for your holiday. It offers basic and comfortable accommodation of 120 newly built chalets, with both standard and deluxe rooms for your choices. All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilets and bathrooms. These rooms are specially designed to cater the needs of family, couple and individual trips.
Visit the Official Website for more information.
Redang Reef Resort
Redang Reef Resort is located in one of the best spots in Redang Island, Pasir Panjang. The resort is more of a homely style resort catering to mostly locals and also some foreigners who are out to seek some fun in the sun, snorkeling and diving. The Redang Reef Resort is also connected by a wooden walkway to the Laguna Redang Resort.
Visit the Official Website for more information.
Getting on Redang Island
Redang Island is located 42 km north east of Kuala Terengganu (22.5 km from Tanjung Merang) on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. The island is reached by boat from either Kuala Terengganu or Tanjung Merang (not to be confused with Marang, south of Kuala Terengganu), or by flight (Berjaya Air) from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
Boat services to Redang
You will need to get on boat transfer no matter you travel by bus or drive your on car. Most resorts include return boat transfers, either from Kuala Terengganu or Tanjung Merang to Redang in their packages. You can also charter a boat from the nearby Perhentian Islands or Lang Tengah Island.
Kuala Terengganu - Shahbandar jetty
The Shahbandar jetty is in the city of Kuala Terengganu itself and is within walking distance or a short drive from the bus terminal and a thirty minute drive from the airport. Taxi services are readily available or your resort can arrange a land transfer from Kuala Terengganu airport or bus terminal.
Resorts either have their own scheduled boat transfers or make use of the common ferry operator. Ferry transfers cost around RM95 return and take up to one and a half hours. There are two to three departures daily (09:30, 12:00, 17:30) and more during peak season. Ferries only depart during daylight hours.
Tanjung Merang jetty
Tanjung Merang is a small fishing village 45minutes north of Kuala Terengganu and the jetty is a few minutes outside of the village. Local buses and taxi services are available from Kuala Terengganu or your resort can arrange a land transfer from Kuala Terengganu airport or bus terminal.
Speedboat departures from here are usually pre-arranged with your resort and take 40-50 minutes. It is also possible to charter a boat from Merang to Redang, though this may be costly.
Getting to Kuala Terengganu / Tanjung Merang
Directions for buses and flights are to Kuala Terengganu. From Kuala Terengannu, you can take a taxi or local bus to Tanjung Merang jetty or arrange a land transfer with your agent/resort from the airport or bus terminal. If you are driving, continue north on highway 3 and follow the signs to Merang jetty.
Flight
Berjaya Air offers daily flights from Kuala Lumpur (70 min) Subang Airport and Singapore (90 min) Seletar Airport to Redang Island.
Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines have several daily flights (50 min) from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu.
Firefly has daily flights from Kuala Lumpur (Subang Airport) and Penang to Kuala Terengganu.
Bus
From Singapore buses depart from the Lavender St bus station and are operated by Transnational. Tickets cost around SGD 40 and the journey takes around 10 hours. Buses depart early in the morning or late evening for overnight journeys. There are other coach & travel companies operating out of Golden Mile Complex at Beach Road (e.g. Five Stars, Enjoy Holiday Tours, Konsortium and Gunung Raya etc.) that provide Redang holiday packages and coach services to KT or Merang. These buses are more luxurious, but are also significantly more expensive.
From Johor Bahru buses depart from the Larkin bus station. Several choices are available, including Transnational, Damai, Adik Beradik and Cepat express. Tickets cost around RM 40 and the journey takes just under 9 hours. Buses depart early in the morning or late evening for overnight journeys.
From Kuala Lumpur buses depart from the Hentian Putra bus station. Several choices are available, including Transnational, Damai, Konsortium, Plusliner, Sutera and Mutiara. Tickets cost around RM 30 and the journey takes around 7 hours. Buses depart early in the morning or late evening for overnight journeys.
From Penang buses depart from Komtar or Butterworth bus stations and are operated by SP Bumi or Atieza. Tickets cost around RM 35 and the journey takes around 9 hours. Buses depart late in the evening for overnight journeys.
From other major cities and towns in Malaysia, there are also several bus companies that operate services to Kuala Terengganu.
Drive car
There are car parks at Kuala Terengganu and at Merang.
From Kuala Lumpur take the east bound highway (East Coast Expressway) in the direction of Kuantan. From Kuantan, take the coastal road (highway 3) north, in the direction of Kuala Terengganu (follow signs along the way). The journey should take around seven hours.
From Singapore / Johor Bahru Cross the border at Woodlands or the Second Link and from Johor Bahru take the Plus highway north. Exit at Yong Peng. Follow highway 1 to Labis and Segamat, highway 12 to Kuantan, then use either highway 14 to KT or coastal highway 3 via Kemaman, Paka and Dungun.
From Penang take the East-West highway 4 towards Kota Bharu via Grik and Jertih. From Kota Bahru, proceed south on highway 3 to Merang or Kuala Terengganu.
Notes : There are no banks or ATMs on Redang. There are shops, banks and ATMs in Kuala Terengganu. Please bring enough money to avoid any financial problem.
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