This island sight is located in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. For travel information to this region of Malaysia, read the East Coast Travel Guide. To prepare for a trip to Malaysia, review the travel tips at Malaysia Travel Guide. Looking for accommodation in the East Coast? Find a nice clean room using the Budget Accommodation Guide from AsiaExplorers.
Pulau Redang is the most popular of the East Coast Islands of Terengganu. It is a small small island off the coast of Terengganu. It measures 5km by 8km. Despite its small size, Pulau Redang is today the biggest beach destination on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. The main attraction of Pulau Redang is its crystal-clear torquoise waters that support an abundance of marine life, and fish that come in every shade of the rainbow. In many places, visitors can swim to the coral reefs directly from the shore.
Pulau Redang is the most developed island off the east coast of Terengganu. It has good tourist infrastructure, and is connected to the mainland by boat as well as flights. Its white sand beaches are particularly renowned. There are numerous diving spots off the main island. The most famous stretch of beach in Redang is Pasir Panjang. Two large resorts operate in Pulau Redang supplemented by countless guesthouses and chalets.
View of the famous Pasir Panjang beach in Redang, Terengganu.
Redang has a lot to offer, from its 31 dive sites, to beach sports and beach parties along Pasir Panjang. It is indeed the most happening destination on this part of Terengganu.
Pulau Redang Orientation
Coconut Palm, Redang.
Pulau Redang is located 45km off the coast of Terengganu. Within the Pulau Redang archipelago are other islands such as Pulau Pinang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Ekor Tebu, and Pulau Ling. To the northwest of Pulau Redang are the islands of Lang Tengah and the Perhentian archipelago. The area 2 nautical miles from the shores of Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu and Pulau Pinang is established as the Redang Marine Park. The park office is located at Pulau Pinang.
The highest peak on Pulau Redang is Bukit Besar, standing at 359 metres above sea level. Other islands in the vicinity of Pulau Redang include Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Susu Dara and Pulau Rawa. These islands are also gazetted and protected as Marine Parks. The marine park management involves controlling the impact of human activities, managing the waste and pollution and conservation of the coral reefs and terrestrial habitats.
Getting to Pulau Redang
Almost all boats to Pulau Redang leaves from the village of Merang in the Terengganu mainland. The exception are those departing for the Berjaya Beach Resort - these use the Shahbandar jetty in Kuala Terengganu. Berjaya Air (external weblink) has daily flights to Redang's airstrip. The flights leaves Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur, and costs RM500 return. There are also flights from Seletar airport in Singapore, and costs S$300 return.
You will find that it is cheaper to book a package to Redang than to go there independently. Packages typically include accommodation as well as boat transfers, with some, all or no meals, and at least one snorkelling trip. Gear such as snorkelling equipment is either provided or available for rent at an additional cost.
By Air
Berjaya Air flies to an airstrip in Pulau Redang. It is located on the south side of the island, near the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort. Daily flight costs RM249 one day, from Kuala Lumpur, and RM350 one way, from Singapore. The airport is connected by road to Berjaya Redang Beach Resort as well as to the southern fishing port.
Apart from driving to Kuala Terengganu, many visitors to Redang choose to take the flight to Kuala Terengganu. Malaysia Airlines (www.malaysiaairlines.com) and AirAsia (www.airasia.com) operate flights to Kuala Terengganu. From there, they take a taxi to Merang, to catch the boat to Redang. Often the resort and tour agency will arrange transfers from Kuala Terengganu.
By Boat
Most visitors arrive at Pulau Redang by boat. The jetty to Redang is at Merang, about 30km north of Kuala Terengganu. From Merang, the trip to Pasir Panjang takes about 40 minutes by speedboat and costs about RM40 one way. It is cheaper to book a package.
From March to October, a ferry service ply between the Shahbandar Jetty in central Kuala Terengganu and the Berjaya Jetty on the west side of Pulau Redang. The journey takes 75 min. This jetty is operated and intended for the guests of the Berjaya resorts, but non-guests can board as well, where there is room, and naturally, for a price.
There are no scheduled ferry service between Pulau Redang and the Perhentian islands. Nevertheless, if you ask around (when you're already on Redang), you may be able to arrange for a transfer there.
Accommodation in Redang
Pulau Redang is not a "cheap" destination. Even rather basic rooms with fan go for the same price as an air conditioned hotel room in Penang or Kuala Lumpur. Pasir Panjang has the highest concentration of resorts. This beautiful stretch of sandy white sand is located on the northeast side of Pulau Redang. Those opting for a quieter retreat may consider staying at Teluk Kalong or Teluk Dalam. The resorts as well as travel agents can help to arrange snorkelling and diving package as well as diving certification.
Pasir Panjang
This is the most famous stretch of beach in Pulau Redang. Pasir Panjang, with adjacent Shark Bay, has a beautiful stretch of snow-white sand overlooking the torquoise sea, with Pulau Lima in the horizon. Pasir Panjang has also the highest concentration of resorts and is the most happening place for nightlife.
Teluk Kalong
Teluk Kalong is the quieter option. The beach is narrower and tend to be pebbley, but provides a wonderful retreat for those seeking solitude.
It is usually cheaper to book a package than to visit Pulau Redang on your own. Standard packages include accommodation, boat transfer, some or all meals, and at least one snorkelling trip, and equipment rental. Contact the following tour agents (arranged in alphabetical order) for packages to Pulau Redang. AsiaExplorers does not receive or accept payment for listing below.
Pulau Redang is cut off from much of civilisation. You don't really get around in Redang, you stay and drink in the atmosphere. While you are there, you may be taken for snorkelling trips by boat, depending on the package that you booked. You may also go for diving trips. Other than that, getting around the island is by walking along the beach. There are no roads apart from dirt paths which skirt the east coast of Pulau Redang.
Pulau Redang Photo Album
(above) Pasir Panjang, the most famous stretch of white sand beach in Pulau Redang.
(left and below) Snorkelling off Pasir Panjang.
(above) Upmarket accommodation arrives in Redang in the form of the Laguna Redang Island Resort ... much to the chagrin of nature lovers.
(right) The pool at Laguna Redang - an artificial paradise in paradise.
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