Pulau Redang

If you are looking for an island holiday destination to enjoy the beauty of sun, sand and sea, plan a visit Pulau Redang. It's a much sought-after holiday destination that makes possible ecological exploration in a marine park, skiing, diving, snorkeling, whitewater rafting, trekking and lazing on white sandy beaches, experiencing nightlife, sightseeing or even an expedition into the verdant jungles. Abundantly blessed, Pulau Redang is ideal to unwind and feel rejuvenated.

Pulau Redang

On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is Terengganu, a state blessed with captivating island retreats. Pulau Redang or Redang Island is situated 45 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, the state capital of Terengganu. Pulau Redang is the largest of the nine islands in Terengganu measuring about 7 km long and 6 km wide. The island is made up mainly of granite and sedimentary rocks. The island is a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Getting to Pulau Redang

By Air : There is no direct flight to Kuala Terengganu from Singapore. But, Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia provide direct air services from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terrengganu. Both airlines fly in several times daily. Berjaya Air operates daily direct flights from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Kuala Lumpur to Redang. Journey by air takes approximately forty-five minutes.

By Coach : There are a number of company coach services operating between Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu. Express coaches depart daily from Kuala Lumpur (7 hours), Singapore (9.5 hours), Johor Bharu (9 hours) and Penang (9 hours).

By Road : If not hard pressed for time, driving by car with friends or family can be a pleasant journey.

By Boat : Boat trips start from the fishing village of Merang. The boat trip takes about 40 minutes. Most of the boats depart for Redang and return before noon. Each resort has its own boat transfer schedule.

Accommodation: Look for a holiday package inclusive of accommodation, meals, and boat transfer, as it would be the smarter way to holiday. Accommodation on Redang range from budget resorts and chalets to 4-star resorts. Most resorts are built on the lovely stretch of beach. Popular resorts like Berjaya Redang Spa Resort, Laguna Redang Island Resort and the Sari Pacifica Hotel, Resort and Spa Redang Island provide modern amenities. Enjoy white sandy beach, crystal clear water and picturesque scenes, all at close quarters.

Best time to go: The best time to visit Pulau Redang is between April and October. Avoid monsoon season, November till early January when the seas are rough and the boat and resort operators are closed.

Explore Pulau Redang

Right from watching the first sight of the sun peeking above the horizon at sunrise and the last part of the sun dipping below the horizon at sunset, there is plenty to do in Pulau Redang.

Capture sunrise, sunset: A visit to Pulau Redang is incomplete without partaking the breathtaking sunrise and sunset. Here is a great place on earth to capture some of the warm golden tones of a sunrise or sunset. Get your equipment ready; preferably include a tripod, lenses that will give you a range of focal lengths and at least half an hour before sunrise/sunset time position.

Beach visits: Sandy beaches are found primarily on Teluk Kalong and Pasir Panjang in the east, Teluk Dalam and Chagar Hutang in the north, and Mak Kepit and Mak Simpan in the west. The most famous beach is Pasir Panjab beach, which stretches for more than 800 m.

• Relax on the sands and listen to the roar of the waves.
  
• Play beach volleyball.
  
• Indulge in snorkeling, diving in specific areas that feature beautiful underwater scenery.
  
• Feed the fishes that swim close to the shoreline.
  
• Enjoy the nightlife at Long beach. Sip cocktails; enjoy tropical foods and fruits sitting along the coastline.
  
• Get deep under to view areas that feature beautiful underwater scenery.
  

Diving at Pulau Redang: Having gone to one of the best diving destination in the world; it would be impossible to resist diving in Pulau Redang. Its geographical location, the number of dive sites (20 and above), crystal clear water, visibility and the sandy bottom are most suitable for beginners to learn diving, enjoy the marine life and have fun. Guided underwater tours and instructions to the dive sites around the island are available. Most dive sites in Pulau Redang are located within ten minutes boat ride from the resort areas. Some dive sites offer unique experiences. Here is a peek at what lies in store in popular dive sites.

Tunnel point: Divers have to find their way through large boulders and swim through tunnel-like structures.

Tanjung Tokong: Great opportunity to spot green and hawksbill turtles as well as view the diversity of fishes and reef life underneath. Most boulders are covered with soft coral and sea fans, sea animals that look more like plants than animals.

Tanjung Gua Kawah : At a maximum depth of 70 feet, this dive site is most suitable for experienced divers who can brave the currents. The dive site has strong surface and deep-water currents. During the months of June, July and August, dolphins can be found in this dive site.

Chek Isa (Mini Mount): It is a great place to view diverse sea creatures, all living in unison like cowries, spider shells, Christmas tree worms, angelfish, parrotfish, wrasses, groupers etc. Night diving is perfect to view creatures like crabs and eels, urchins, squids, spiny lobsters and cowries.

Pulau Redang Marine Park

• View the beauty of the coral reef environment and its aquatic inhabitants.
  
  
• Home to two shipwreck dive sites: the HMS Repulse and the HMS Prince of Wales, both sunk near the start of World War II.
  
  
• Feed fishes.
  
  
• Visit the museum.
  
  
• Laze around on pristine beach.
  
  
• Visit the conservation site for sea turtles which nest on its pristine beaches.
  
  

Jungle trekking: Two hours of jungle trekking is sufficient to experience flora and fauna in Pulau Redang. Trekking trail starts from the backyard of Coral Redang Resort and it leads to Berjaya resort. Spot exotic birds, walk along challenging routes, encounter monkeys and monitor lizards while enjoying spectacular overhead views of Pasir Panjang. Among the species that can be found are macaque monkeys, mouse deer, monitor lizard, snake, geckos, over 50 species of birds including the olive-backed sunbird, dark-necked tailorbird, terns, pink-necked pigeon, swiftlets, 84 species of butterflies etc.

Nightlife: Most resorts have recreation centers. Enjoy live bands, discos and karaoke bars to unwind at the end of day. But don't let go of an opportunity to find blue sand during the night in Pulau Redang. They are actually insects found on the sands of beaches. Tiny sea creatures, Bioluminescent Ostracods, or also known as sea fireflies emit blue light to attract the females during their mating season.