Redang Island

Pulau Redang is a small island group in the South Chinese Sea, on the east side of Peninsular Malaysia. Redang lies within protected marine waters, also known as Terengganu Marine Park. It lies about 45 kilometers from the coast of the city of Kuala Terengganu. Next to the main island Redang are many other smaller surrounding islands. The island is surrounded by crystal clear water and has various beautiful diving possibilities for the aficionados. You can also snorkel around the island; the coral reefs are in good health. Redang usually is not too crowded, though during local school holidays and public holidays it can get very busy on the island. Because Redang is part of a Marine Park, all visitors have to pay a marine park entrance fee of RM5 upon arrival.

"Pulau Redang (Redang Island) has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The reefs of the Redang archipelago are home to over 55 genera of corals and 100 species of fish."

  Wonderful destination

The island is especially popular among travelers who like a bit more luxury during their stay. Redang has many luxurious resort, many of them are of international standards. Restaurants often are part of the resort; there are only a few privately owned restaurants on the island. Most of the food & baverage outlets can be found at Pasir Panjang; the most popular beach of the island. Resort restaurants usually serve a mix of local and western dishes. Prices are pretty high compared to other areas in Malaysia, but it is worth it as you are enjoying the perfect tropical atmosphere at Redang. Nightlife usually revolves around the resort bars; alcohol is available almost everywhere on the island.




Perfect diving conditions

Redang is a perfect area to dive. It is known for its amazing visibility and pristine coral reefs. During a dive you are able to see schools of jacks, fusiliers and trevallies, black tip reef sharks, humphead parrotfish, cuttlefish and turtles. There are even occasional sightings of manta rays and whale sharks. Almost each resort has its own diving school; popular dive schools are Coral Redang Divers, Redang Bay Divers and Redang Pelangi Dive Centre. The costs for a dive vary per resort (usually no more than RM100 per dive). Most resort websites will show prices with or without diving trips. Around Redang there are a number of amazing diving spots, you can sign up for this at your hotel or resort. At most resorts you can follow a diving course; eventually this will get you your Open Water license or 'PADI'. When you stay during the start (or end) of the monsoon period, it might occur that the weather conditions won't allow you to dive. Be aware of this.

  Great for snorkeling too

Snorkeling is also very fun around Redang Island. In this case it means that you can get the equipment and necessities on loan or rent at your resort. At some resorts you can directly snorkel from the beach (private reef or house reef), normally you will be taken to a place to snorkel by boat. At the Marine Park Centre you can snorkel around a wreck, you will also see some bigger fish here and sometimes even a turtle. If you do not dive and only would like to snorkel then perhaps it is better to visit the neighboring island of Perhentian as the snorkeling conditions are far better there (though Perhentian has less luxurious resort). Best spot for snorkeling at Redang is along Pasir Panjang; especially nearby the Redang Reef Resort.

  Attractions and activities

The island is also perfect for nice nature walks. At the resorts you can ask for a map on which all roads are indicated. For these walks the same rules apply as the ones in the jungle (with the exception of the necessity to protect yourself against malaria, which you don’t need in this environment); make sure you have an effective repellant against mosquitoes, and go well-dressed into the bush. In Malaysia you can buy the product OFF, which is quite a good mosquito repellant (it uses DEET as main ingredient). Animals you might spot during your hike are monkeys, monitor lizards, fruit bats and squirrels.