Redang Island is a small group of islands located off the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 45km from the coast of Kuala Terengganu, the capital city of the state of Terengganu, Malaysia.
The Redang archipelago is famous for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. Its amazing visibility offers great opportunity for diving and snorkelling, where visitors can witness a diversified marine life and pristine coral reefs.
The best time to visit Redang Island is between April to early October, as these are the driest months. The weather may be more unpredictable come October as it is approaching monsoon period, and because of this, accommodation rates may be a little cheaper. The peak monsoon period is from November to February, many resorts are usually closed and ferry transport severely restricted between the months of October and March.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel to Redang Island is by air. Flights departing from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu airport takes around 55 minutes, while flying into Kuala Terengganu from Johor Bahru will take about 80 minutes. At the Kuala Terengganu airport, take a 30-minute coach transfer or taxi to the Merang Jetty or Kuala Terengganu Shahbandar Jetty to get to the island.
If you are okay with long travelling hours, you can also consider travelling to Redang Island by bus. A bus ride from Kuala Lumpur to the Merang Jetty or Kuala Terengganu Shahbandar Jetty takes about 7 hours, and will usually be cheaper than by air.
After reaching the two jetties at Kuala Terengganu, you would have to travel to Pulau Redang by ferry or private chartered boat that is arranged by your travel resort. Remember to do some research on available ferry or private boat schedules.
Diving and snorkelling are among the most popular activities on Redang Island – in fact, these are main reasons why visitors travel to Redang Island! Its crystal clear waters with amazing visibility offers the best opportunity to enjoy views of the magical undersea life and pristine coral reefs. You can also take diving courses here to get an Open Water diving license (PADI). If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to spot whale sharks and swim with turtles!
Redang Island is made up of a group of islands – Pulau Redang, Pulau Pinang (not the island state of Penang), Pulau Ling, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Kerengga Besar and Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil and Pulau Lima. You can take this opportunity to go island hopping and to explore these smaller islands. You can also consider travelling to nearby islands such as Lang Tengah Island or Pulau Perhentian if you’re feeling adventurous!
Besides its clear open waters, Redang Island is also famous for its white sandy beaches. Redang Beach is known to be one of the best Malaysian beaches. Kick back your shoes, relax with a book or play in the sun at the many fine sandy beaches around Redang Island. Some of the more popular beaches include – Taaras Beach, Long Beach (Pasir Panjang Beach), Teluk Dalam Beach (that consists of Teluk Dalam Besar and Teluk Dalam Kecil beaches) and Mutiara Beach.
Chagar Hutang on the Northeast part of Redang Island has the highest rates of sea turtle nesting. The Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary is located in a protected cove, and you can book a tour to visit this sanctuary to learn more about the conservation of sea turtles. Turtle hatching and release season occurs around June to August.
At Redang Island, take this opportunity to enjoy local Malaysian cuisine and also some fresh seafood. Visit beachfront restaurants where you can dine in accompaniment of the soothing sea breeze with a panoramic view looking out to the beautiful South China Sea.
Redang Island is part of the Pulau Redang Marine Park, thus effective from 1st January 2017, all visitors to the island have to pay Marine Park fees before entering Redang Island. Even though you may be travelling during the driest month between April to September, the weather may be unpredictable, so do check sea and weather conditions before going out; any rough sea warning for Terengganu also applies to Redang Island. Before leaving to Redang Island, make sure to bring enough cash on hand, as there are no ATMs on the island.
Sunway Travel is offering a 3D2N snorkelling package to Redang Beach Resort from only RM359* per person! Travelling period is from 10th June 2020 until 1st November 2020. What are you waiting for? Book your Cuti-cuti Malaysia trip to Redang island with Sunway Travel today!
Sunway Travel offers many more domestic tour packages within Malaysia, do visit sunway.travel/packages/ for further info. T&Cs apply.
……
This article is intended to convey general information only. It does not constitute advice for your specific needs. This article cannot disclose all of the risks and other factors necessary to evaluate a particular situation.
Any interested party should study each situation carefully. You should seek and obtain independent professional advice for your specific needs and situation.
