Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood.
Telecommunications
There are good telephone communications throughout the island with phone booths operated by different companies which either accept coins or phone cards. International calls can be direct-dialled from private phones, some public phone booths using a phone card and Telekom offices. The access code for making international calls from Malaysia 00. For more information, dial 103.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is widely practised. RM1-RM5.
Tourist Information Centers
Please contact Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board for tourist information. Website : http://tourism.gov.my
Water
Tap water is safe for drinking in Malaysia. Hotels usually provide bottled water for guests in their rooms.
Working week
Terengganu has its weekend on Thursday and Friday. The official start of the week is on Saturday.
Banks
Money can be changed at most hotels, banks and at the airport. Banks and moneychangers are located at Kuala Terengganu, with banks being open from 0930 am to 0330 pm. On Saturday, they are open from 0930 am to 1200 noon.
Currency
Malaysia currency is in Ringgit (RM) and sen. Most establishments accept major travellers' cheques and credit cards. The exchange rate for US dollars is fixed at RM3.80 = US$1. A resident/non-resident is permitted to carry into and out of Malaysia, ringgit notes not exceeding RM1,000. A resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency including traveller's cheques not exceeding RM10,000. A non-resident is permitted to carry out of Malaysia foreign currency including traveller's cheques not exceeding the amount brought in. Should you need to carry currency in excess of the permitted limits, please obtain prior written permission from :
Director
Exchange Control Department Bank Negara Malaysia
Tel : 603-291 0772/ 290 7353/ 290 7354/
Fax : 603-293 7732
Anti-drug law
Visitors to Malaysia are advised that the trafficking of drugs in the country is an offence punishable by the death penalty.
Electricity
Malaysian electricity voltage is on a 240 volt 50-cycle system.
Health
The only vaccination requirements are yellow fever for those from infected areas. Cholera, smallpox and malaria have largely been eliminated.
Immigration
Citizens from the following countries are required to have a visa to visit
Malaysia : North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and the People's Republic of China. Nationals other than those stated are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month. However, it is recommended that visa enquiries are made at the Malaysian embassy or Malaysian consulate closest to you, as regulations are subject to change.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Diving in Redang
Redang has a high biodiversity of marine life, offering 80% of species found in the 'coral triangle' (an area bounded by the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea known to have the highest number of marine species in the world). There is no better way to experience the marine life than to go diving.
Diving in redang
Redang offers many different dive sites to suit all kinds of skill levels, from beach dives, shallow dives to challenging deep dives. There are beautiful hard and soft coral gardens as well as sandy bottom sites offering muck dives. The dive sites are all located nearby and are quickly accessible by speedboat.
Dive centres are found at most resorts and offer PADI/NAUI dive courses as well as 'discovery dives' for non-divers eager to experience diving. Guests are free to use any dive centre they wish though it's usually more convenient to use the dive centre at the resort one is staying at.
Northern dive sites
Among the three northern sites, Tanjung Tokong and Tunnel Point are the most popular, offering abundant fish life in waters with a maximum depth of 30 metres. Tanjung Lang is the shallowest, offering fans, whips and other corals in waters up to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
The corals at these northern sites are among the healthiest in Redang due to the fact that they are situated away from most resorts and they are in close proximity to the protected beach at Chagar Hutang which is off-limits to visitors as it hosts SEATRU's turtle conservation efforts.
Tunnel point
As its name implies, at Tunnel Point large boulders pile up in such a way as to form tunnel-like structures that divers can swim through, offering a different underwater experience from the other dive sites.
At one point, if one pays attention and listens carefully, one can hear a boulder creaking when surf action pushes against it, causing it to move slightly.
There are quite a number of gorgonian fans, soft and hard coral while the reef life encountered here include bumphead parrotfish, small barracudas, jacks and nudibranch.
Tanjung Tokong (North Point)
Tanjung Tokong is situated very close to Turtle Bay at Chagar Hutang where SEATRU has its field station. As such, it offers opportunities to spot green and hawksbill turtles.
The sea here can get rough at times but divers will be rewarded with the diversity of fishes and other reef life found here, including jacks, snappers, napolean wrasse, fusiliers, nudibranch, flatworms and the occasional shark.
Many boulders are covered with soft coral and sea fans. When sea conditions are calm, it is possible to snorkel from Tanjung Tokong all the way to Turtle Bay, where there are opportunities to spot turtles.
Tanjung Gua Kawah
At the northeastern tip of Redang, Tanjung Gua Kawah tends to have strong surface and deep-water currents and is best left to experienced divers. Rocks and boulders descend to sandy bottom at around 15 metres. Coral growth is average but due to the currents, there are opportunities to encounter pelagics in the open water, and other fish life in caves and under overhangs.
Around Pasir Panjang
Due to their easy accessibility, the housereefs at Tanjung Tengah and Tanjung Mak Cantik in Pasir Panjang are good for snorkelling, beach dives (both day and night) and discovery dives.
A stone's throw away are the islands of Pulau Paku Besar and Pulau Paku Kecil which are popular snorkelling haunts but also have enough to keep divers happy. But the most popular sites here are located just off Tanjung Mak Cantik - the underwater seamounts of Mak Cantik (Maxi Mount) and Chek Isa (Mini Mount).
Chek Isa (Mini Mount)
Chek Isa is a submerged reef that starts from 8 metres in depth and features 2 enormous boulders carpeted with many different species of soft corals, sponges and stinging hydroids scattered around until it hits the sandy bottom at 20 metres.
Cowries, spider shells and colourful Christmas tree worms are often encountered, together with angelfish, parrotfish, wrasses, groupers and other reef dwellers. Look out for well-camouflaged devil scorpionfish buried in the sandy bottom.
Night diving can be a rewarding experience with many nocturnal creatures like crabs and eels, urchins, squids, spiny lobsters and cowries making their appearances.
Mak Cantik (Maxi Mount)
Close to Chek Isa is Mak Cantik (which means 'beautiful mother' in Malay), an underwater seamount in waters 12-18 metres deep that's home to a large coral garden comprising many hard and soft corals. Some divers prefer this to Chek Isa as the coral gardens here are prettier, including some lovely anemone gardens.
There is also a good abundance of fish life, including yellowtail barracudas, rays, puffers and all the usual damsels, wrasses, parrotfish, angels, butterflyfish and snappers. Look out at the fringe of the reef and you might see nurse sharks, white-tip sharks and large rays.
Around Teluk Kalong
Tanjung Cina Terjun
If there is one place in Redang that qualifies as a macro photographer's wonderland, it must be Cina Terjun, one of my favourite sites in Redang. It might as well be called 'eel & lionfish city' too since divers are almost certain to encounter eels and lionfish here.
The sandy bottom fringing the reef is home to many stingrays, while scorpionfish and stonefish lie camouflaged against corals. Lionfish and porcupine fish shelter amidst a garden of sea whips, while schools of large puffers swim nearby. Small cat sharks, bamboo sharks and leopard sharks can be found sleeping under rocks.
This spot offers great day and night dives at depths up to 18 metres in fairly calm waters, so it is suitable for novice divers too. Shine your torch into a hole or crevice at night and chances are you'll see an eel.
Pulau Kerengga
Northwest of China Terjun are the islands of Pulau Kerengga Besar and Pulau Kerengga Kecil with a large expanse of shallow reef which is ideal for snorkellers as well as novice divers. If Cina Terjun is 'eel & lionfish city', Kerengga is 'ray city' as the shallow sandy bottom around it is home to a large number of rays and a few sharks. The diving around Kerengga Besar is in relatively calm and shallow waters up to about 15 metres maximum depth. A coral garden comprising both hard and soft coral lies between the two islands. Humphead parrots, snappers, tuna, jacks and trevallies may be encountered at the reef, while many species of shrimp and crab may be found especially during night dives.
Pulau Lima
A research study in 1976 found Pulau Lima and its associated sea mounts as perhaps the most valuable entity within the Redang marine park as the reefs around this islet represented all environments found elsewhere in Redang, thereby providing a miniaturized view of the entire park's marine environment.
Easily accessible from the resorts at Pasir Panjang, Pulau Lima translated means 5 islets. There's good diving to be found all around it on the east, west, northern and southern tips. Among the most popular are Big Mount in the north and Black Coral Garden in the west with its large fields of anemone and other soft corals.
Pulau Lima South
The southern tip comprises a series of large boulders covered with hard and soft corals, sea anemones and other invertebrates, with caves and grottos at the base of the boulders forming hideouts for many reef fishes. The eastern side comprises steep walls encrusted with corals dropping to about 13 meters before sloping away gradually to 30 meters. Sea fans and whips can be found at the deeper bottoms. Apart from the usual reef fishes, look out for black tip reef sharks, moray eels, lionfish and puffer fish.
Pulau Lima North
"Big Mount", located about 50 to 100 metres from the northern tip of Pulau Lima, is considered by many divers to be the best of all the dive sites around Pulau Lima and is probably one of the deeper dive sites, going down to about 35 meters.
Highly rated by local divers, it provides interesting encounters with a variety of pelagics such as tuna, barracudas, groupers, black-tip sharks and the rare but unforgettable encounter with the whale shark. Starting at about 20 meters, the boulder terrain drops away to 30+ meters and is filled with many varieties of hard and soft corals, gorgonian fans, sea anemones and whip coral gardens.
Southern dive sites
Terumbu Kili (South Point)
Terumbu Kili, a rocky outcrop that appears above water and slopes down to a sandy bottom at about 20 metres in depth, lies at the southern tip of Pulau Pinang and is one of the top dive sites at Redang.
Beware the strong surface currents in the channel separating this outcrop from Pulau Pinang. Due to the strong currents, this site is best left to more experienced divers. Those who take the plunge may be rewarded with sightings of occasional blacktip sharks, barracudas, jacks, snappers, fusiliers, jellyfish and schools of yellowtail. A coral garden of leather corals, soft coral, whips and fans occupy several ledges on the slope front. Hawksbill turtles are commonly encountered here.
Pulau Ling & Batu Chipor
Pulau Ling, a small rocky outcrop with no beach, used to be a popular dive spot in Redang with 2 massive, mushroom-shaped coral heads, believed to be the among the largest coral structures on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Estimated to be hundreds of years old, the larger head measures 24.5 metres while the smaller head measures 23.2 metres at their base circumference. These can be explored at relatively shallow depths of 10-20 metres. Caves found at the bases of the two heads are home to angelfishes, moorish idols and cardinal fish while the overhangs of these caves are encrusted with brilliant orange daisy corals.
North of Pulau Ling, Batu Chipor is marked by a buoy about 20m away from a tiny rocky outcrop barely exposed during high tide. Although a fairly shallow dive (8-15 metres), the sea around it can be choppy with currents and it is more suitable for experienced divers. The rocky wall is covered with soft tree corals, leather corals and fans, while the sandy bottom is covered mainly with hard staghorn, lettuce and boulder corals.
Both these dive spots are now less frequently visited by divers due to the large increase in boat traffic which pass these areas.
Pulau Ekor Tebu
The northeast tip of Pulau Ekor Tebu comprises mainly steep granite boulders dropping to 24 metres where it hits the sandy bottom. An underwater cave can be found at about 20 metres depth. Look out for healthy staghorn, table and lettuce coral. Sightings of trevallies, black tip sharks, pompano, barracuda, batfish and the occasional eagle ray can be expected especially when there are currents. Giant clams and other shells can also be encountered.
Safe diving
If you are planning to become a certified diver, or if you have not dived for a long time, here are some tips for safe diving:
* All dive students need to fill up a medical self-assessment questionnaire. If you are a new diver or have not dived for a long time, you should also go for a medical checkup. It is important to answer the questions honestly. Many students are afraid they will be disqualified if they disclose certain medical conditions, and choose not to - these students are just putting themselves and their dive buddies at greater risk. In many cases, your medical condition may not affect your ability to dive, and your disclosure will help alert the doctor doing the medical checkup to assess your condition more thoroughly.
* Make sure you are proficient in the water. Some dive schools do not adequately check proficiency in their eagerness to just accept students while others require that students are able to swim 200 meters non-stop (any style), tread water for 15 minutes continuously and swim 20m underwater on a single breath. It's to your benefit to train yourself to meet or exceed these requirements.
* Practice makes perfect! Even after you've been certified, you can practice basic skills in a pool with a mask, snorkel and fins. You can focus on improving finning techniques, practice mask clearing, removal & wearing your mask underwater. You can also do a pool refresher course at your local dive school. You depend a lot on your equipment, and it is to your advantage to be well-versed with their use. The whole idea is to familiarize yourself to a point that all these become second nature.
* Never be pressured to dive when you are sick or unwell, physically exhausted, or feel uncomfortable about diving conditions. Diving involves quite a bit of physical exertion. Just as you should avoid strenuous exercise when you have the flu, better to skip diving too. If you feel unwell during a dive, you should also alert your buddy or dive master and cut short the dive if you need to.
* Pay attention to dive briefings and follow the dive plan. It's best to dive with a buddy you are familiar with but if you have a new buddy, make sure you agree on hand signals and specific requirements (like underwater photography) before you enter the water. It's common for underwater photographers to be left behind while they are busy trying to take pictures!
* Keep fit! Exercise regularly and make sure you are physically fit to handle the physical demands of diving. Drinking and diving don't mix, so don't drink & dive!
* Dive within the limits of your training and experience. If you are not comfortable with the dive plan, tell the dive master. Don't take unnecessary risks or try to impress others with your underwater skills.
Diving in redang
Redang offers many different dive sites to suit all kinds of skill levels, from beach dives, shallow dives to challenging deep dives. There are beautiful hard and soft coral gardens as well as sandy bottom sites offering muck dives. The dive sites are all located nearby and are quickly accessible by speedboat.
Dive centres are found at most resorts and offer PADI/NAUI dive courses as well as 'discovery dives' for non-divers eager to experience diving. Guests are free to use any dive centre they wish though it's usually more convenient to use the dive centre at the resort one is staying at.
Northern dive sites
Among the three northern sites, Tanjung Tokong and Tunnel Point are the most popular, offering abundant fish life in waters with a maximum depth of 30 metres. Tanjung Lang is the shallowest, offering fans, whips and other corals in waters up to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
The corals at these northern sites are among the healthiest in Redang due to the fact that they are situated away from most resorts and they are in close proximity to the protected beach at Chagar Hutang which is off-limits to visitors as it hosts SEATRU's turtle conservation efforts.
Tunnel point
As its name implies, at Tunnel Point large boulders pile up in such a way as to form tunnel-like structures that divers can swim through, offering a different underwater experience from the other dive sites.
At one point, if one pays attention and listens carefully, one can hear a boulder creaking when surf action pushes against it, causing it to move slightly.
There are quite a number of gorgonian fans, soft and hard coral while the reef life encountered here include bumphead parrotfish, small barracudas, jacks and nudibranch.
Tanjung Tokong (North Point)
Tanjung Tokong is situated very close to Turtle Bay at Chagar Hutang where SEATRU has its field station. As such, it offers opportunities to spot green and hawksbill turtles.
The sea here can get rough at times but divers will be rewarded with the diversity of fishes and other reef life found here, including jacks, snappers, napolean wrasse, fusiliers, nudibranch, flatworms and the occasional shark.
Many boulders are covered with soft coral and sea fans. When sea conditions are calm, it is possible to snorkel from Tanjung Tokong all the way to Turtle Bay, where there are opportunities to spot turtles.
Tanjung Gua Kawah
At the northeastern tip of Redang, Tanjung Gua Kawah tends to have strong surface and deep-water currents and is best left to experienced divers. Rocks and boulders descend to sandy bottom at around 15 metres. Coral growth is average but due to the currents, there are opportunities to encounter pelagics in the open water, and other fish life in caves and under overhangs.
Around Pasir Panjang
Due to their easy accessibility, the housereefs at Tanjung Tengah and Tanjung Mak Cantik in Pasir Panjang are good for snorkelling, beach dives (both day and night) and discovery dives.
A stone's throw away are the islands of Pulau Paku Besar and Pulau Paku Kecil which are popular snorkelling haunts but also have enough to keep divers happy. But the most popular sites here are located just off Tanjung Mak Cantik - the underwater seamounts of Mak Cantik (Maxi Mount) and Chek Isa (Mini Mount).
Chek Isa (Mini Mount)
Chek Isa is a submerged reef that starts from 8 metres in depth and features 2 enormous boulders carpeted with many different species of soft corals, sponges and stinging hydroids scattered around until it hits the sandy bottom at 20 metres.
Cowries, spider shells and colourful Christmas tree worms are often encountered, together with angelfish, parrotfish, wrasses, groupers and other reef dwellers. Look out for well-camouflaged devil scorpionfish buried in the sandy bottom.
Night diving can be a rewarding experience with many nocturnal creatures like crabs and eels, urchins, squids, spiny lobsters and cowries making their appearances.
Mak Cantik (Maxi Mount)
Close to Chek Isa is Mak Cantik (which means 'beautiful mother' in Malay), an underwater seamount in waters 12-18 metres deep that's home to a large coral garden comprising many hard and soft corals. Some divers prefer this to Chek Isa as the coral gardens here are prettier, including some lovely anemone gardens.
There is also a good abundance of fish life, including yellowtail barracudas, rays, puffers and all the usual damsels, wrasses, parrotfish, angels, butterflyfish and snappers. Look out at the fringe of the reef and you might see nurse sharks, white-tip sharks and large rays.
Around Teluk Kalong
Tanjung Cina Terjun
If there is one place in Redang that qualifies as a macro photographer's wonderland, it must be Cina Terjun, one of my favourite sites in Redang. It might as well be called 'eel & lionfish city' too since divers are almost certain to encounter eels and lionfish here.
The sandy bottom fringing the reef is home to many stingrays, while scorpionfish and stonefish lie camouflaged against corals. Lionfish and porcupine fish shelter amidst a garden of sea whips, while schools of large puffers swim nearby. Small cat sharks, bamboo sharks and leopard sharks can be found sleeping under rocks.
This spot offers great day and night dives at depths up to 18 metres in fairly calm waters, so it is suitable for novice divers too. Shine your torch into a hole or crevice at night and chances are you'll see an eel.
Pulau Kerengga
Northwest of China Terjun are the islands of Pulau Kerengga Besar and Pulau Kerengga Kecil with a large expanse of shallow reef which is ideal for snorkellers as well as novice divers. If Cina Terjun is 'eel & lionfish city', Kerengga is 'ray city' as the shallow sandy bottom around it is home to a large number of rays and a few sharks. The diving around Kerengga Besar is in relatively calm and shallow waters up to about 15 metres maximum depth. A coral garden comprising both hard and soft coral lies between the two islands. Humphead parrots, snappers, tuna, jacks and trevallies may be encountered at the reef, while many species of shrimp and crab may be found especially during night dives.
Pulau Lima
A research study in 1976 found Pulau Lima and its associated sea mounts as perhaps the most valuable entity within the Redang marine park as the reefs around this islet represented all environments found elsewhere in Redang, thereby providing a miniaturized view of the entire park's marine environment.
Easily accessible from the resorts at Pasir Panjang, Pulau Lima translated means 5 islets. There's good diving to be found all around it on the east, west, northern and southern tips. Among the most popular are Big Mount in the north and Black Coral Garden in the west with its large fields of anemone and other soft corals.
Pulau Lima South
The southern tip comprises a series of large boulders covered with hard and soft corals, sea anemones and other invertebrates, with caves and grottos at the base of the boulders forming hideouts for many reef fishes. The eastern side comprises steep walls encrusted with corals dropping to about 13 meters before sloping away gradually to 30 meters. Sea fans and whips can be found at the deeper bottoms. Apart from the usual reef fishes, look out for black tip reef sharks, moray eels, lionfish and puffer fish.
Pulau Lima North
"Big Mount", located about 50 to 100 metres from the northern tip of Pulau Lima, is considered by many divers to be the best of all the dive sites around Pulau Lima and is probably one of the deeper dive sites, going down to about 35 meters.
Highly rated by local divers, it provides interesting encounters with a variety of pelagics such as tuna, barracudas, groupers, black-tip sharks and the rare but unforgettable encounter with the whale shark. Starting at about 20 meters, the boulder terrain drops away to 30+ meters and is filled with many varieties of hard and soft corals, gorgonian fans, sea anemones and whip coral gardens.
Southern dive sites
Terumbu Kili (South Point)
Terumbu Kili, a rocky outcrop that appears above water and slopes down to a sandy bottom at about 20 metres in depth, lies at the southern tip of Pulau Pinang and is one of the top dive sites at Redang.
Beware the strong surface currents in the channel separating this outcrop from Pulau Pinang. Due to the strong currents, this site is best left to more experienced divers. Those who take the plunge may be rewarded with sightings of occasional blacktip sharks, barracudas, jacks, snappers, fusiliers, jellyfish and schools of yellowtail. A coral garden of leather corals, soft coral, whips and fans occupy several ledges on the slope front. Hawksbill turtles are commonly encountered here.
Pulau Ling & Batu Chipor
Pulau Ling, a small rocky outcrop with no beach, used to be a popular dive spot in Redang with 2 massive, mushroom-shaped coral heads, believed to be the among the largest coral structures on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Estimated to be hundreds of years old, the larger head measures 24.5 metres while the smaller head measures 23.2 metres at their base circumference. These can be explored at relatively shallow depths of 10-20 metres. Caves found at the bases of the two heads are home to angelfishes, moorish idols and cardinal fish while the overhangs of these caves are encrusted with brilliant orange daisy corals.
North of Pulau Ling, Batu Chipor is marked by a buoy about 20m away from a tiny rocky outcrop barely exposed during high tide. Although a fairly shallow dive (8-15 metres), the sea around it can be choppy with currents and it is more suitable for experienced divers. The rocky wall is covered with soft tree corals, leather corals and fans, while the sandy bottom is covered mainly with hard staghorn, lettuce and boulder corals.
Both these dive spots are now less frequently visited by divers due to the large increase in boat traffic which pass these areas.
Pulau Ekor Tebu
The northeast tip of Pulau Ekor Tebu comprises mainly steep granite boulders dropping to 24 metres where it hits the sandy bottom. An underwater cave can be found at about 20 metres depth. Look out for healthy staghorn, table and lettuce coral. Sightings of trevallies, black tip sharks, pompano, barracuda, batfish and the occasional eagle ray can be expected especially when there are currents. Giant clams and other shells can also be encountered.
Safe diving
If you are planning to become a certified diver, or if you have not dived for a long time, here are some tips for safe diving:
* All dive students need to fill up a medical self-assessment questionnaire. If you are a new diver or have not dived for a long time, you should also go for a medical checkup. It is important to answer the questions honestly. Many students are afraid they will be disqualified if they disclose certain medical conditions, and choose not to - these students are just putting themselves and their dive buddies at greater risk. In many cases, your medical condition may not affect your ability to dive, and your disclosure will help alert the doctor doing the medical checkup to assess your condition more thoroughly.
* Make sure you are proficient in the water. Some dive schools do not adequately check proficiency in their eagerness to just accept students while others require that students are able to swim 200 meters non-stop (any style), tread water for 15 minutes continuously and swim 20m underwater on a single breath. It's to your benefit to train yourself to meet or exceed these requirements.
* Practice makes perfect! Even after you've been certified, you can practice basic skills in a pool with a mask, snorkel and fins. You can focus on improving finning techniques, practice mask clearing, removal & wearing your mask underwater. You can also do a pool refresher course at your local dive school. You depend a lot on your equipment, and it is to your advantage to be well-versed with their use. The whole idea is to familiarize yourself to a point that all these become second nature.
* Never be pressured to dive when you are sick or unwell, physically exhausted, or feel uncomfortable about diving conditions. Diving involves quite a bit of physical exertion. Just as you should avoid strenuous exercise when you have the flu, better to skip diving too. If you feel unwell during a dive, you should also alert your buddy or dive master and cut short the dive if you need to.
* Pay attention to dive briefings and follow the dive plan. It's best to dive with a buddy you are familiar with but if you have a new buddy, make sure you agree on hand signals and specific requirements (like underwater photography) before you enter the water. It's common for underwater photographers to be left behind while they are busy trying to take pictures!
* Keep fit! Exercise regularly and make sure you are physically fit to handle the physical demands of diving. Drinking and diving don't mix, so don't drink & dive!
* Dive within the limits of your training and experience. If you are not comfortable with the dive plan, tell the dive master. Don't take unnecessary risks or try to impress others with your underwater skills.
Redang Activities
Snorkelling
With crystal clear water and an abundance of marine life only edges from the shore, it is no wonder that snorkelling is one of the favourite activities of holiday-makers on Redang. Three day / two night packages that resorts offer here include at least three snorkelling excursions in the vicinity of Redang.
A popular stop for the snorkelling 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 colourful fish that congregate here. There is a wreck nearby lying at around 8-10 metres 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 snorkelling 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.
The sheer amounts of visitors and careless practices have resulted in damage to the coral and consequently the marine life around Redang. To ensure that you keep yourself safe and do your part to contribute to the conservation of these incredible ecosystems, keep the following in mind:
* Touching or standing on coral damages or even kills them and re-growth takes years
* Control your buoyancy carefully. Use a life jacket and only use fins if you are completely confident that you will not accidentally touch the coral.
* Do not litter. Some animals (like turtles) may mistake plastic bags for food and choke to death.
* Stay within the designated areas so that you do not cross boat paths and get hit
* Do not touch or disturb any marine life. You may hurt them, and some of them may hurt you. Keep your distance from Triggerfish as they may be aggressive, especially when guarding a nest
* Keep yourself protected from the sun
* When renting equipment, ask for assistance and tips from your resort to ensure a good fit (especially of your mask)
Scuba Diving
There 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.
Below are some of the dive sites around Redang and what you can expect to find:
* Tunnel point – stacked boulders create tunnels, expect to see gorgonian fans, bumphead parrotfish, barracudas, jacks and nudibranch.
* Tanjung Tokong – look out for turtles (the site is close to the turtle conservation project), jacks, snappers, napoleon wrasse, fusiliers, nudibranch and flatworms. Be careful of rough seas.
* Chek Isa – accessible from Pasir Panjang and popular for night dives with plenty of nocturnal species such as eels, squids, lobsters and cowries. Angelfish, parrotfish, wrasses, groupers and scorpion fish are also often found here
* Mak Cantik – accessible from Pasir Panjang with beautiful coral gardens. Apart from the regular reef dwellers, look out for nurse sharks, white-tip sharks and large rays.
* Tanjung Cina Terjun – popular with macro enthusiasts with plenty of eels, lion fish, scorpion fish, stone fish and puffer fish. You can also spot leopard sharks, cat sharks and bamboo sharks here.
* Pulau Kerengga – calm waters, popular with novices and for snorkelling. Many rays and plenty of shrimp and crab, especially during night dives.
* Pulau Lima – a little bit of everything and one of Redang’s most popular sites. Hard coral, soft coral, macro, nocturnal and pelagic life can all be found here, including the elusive whale shark in season.
* Terumbu Kili – one of the top sites of Redang. Beware of strong currents but be rewarded with sightings of black tip sharks, turtles, barracudas, jacks, snappers, fusiliers, jellyfish and schools of yellowtail
* Pulau Ling & Batu Chipor – two massive, mushroom-shaped coral heads (23-24 m in diameter) dominate the topography; strong currents are sometimes present. You will find angelfish, cardinal fish and Moorish idols.
* Pulau Ekor Tebu – steep granite boulders covered in hard corals. Trevallies, black tip reef sharks, pompano, barracuda, batfish and possibly eagle rays are often spotted here.
Remember to practice eco-friendly diving: control your buoyancy, take only pictures and leave only bubbles.
Jungle Trekking
Redang Island has a rich eco system above ground as well. Behind the famous beaches, dense green jungle takes over. The dipterocarp 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.
Other attractions
* Redang was made famous as the location for the hit Chinese comedy Summer Holiday. The Mo Mo Cha Inn (More More Tea Inn) featured in the movie was renovated and rebuilt and now houses the souvenir shop of the Laguna Redang Resort.
* Redang is not only a quiet holiday getaway. Over weekends and during peak season, when the resorts fill up, there are plenty of lively bars and some beach discos in the evening.
* Get pampered and rejuvenated at one of Redang’s Spas. Treatments include traditional massages, body wraps and scrubs using natural ingredients and facials.
* Three species of marine turtle come ashore on Redang Island to lay their eggs. The Turtle Rehabilitation and Research group conducts research and protects nests on Pasir Chagar Hutang. The beach is off-limits to visitors but you can sign up as a volunteer for their conservation programme.
* Redang’s beaches are perfect for a game of beach volleyball or soccer, sunbathing or leisurely strolls.
Turtle watching
3 species of turtles visit Redang to nest. The most common is the Green turtle followed by the Hawksbill turtle. The Olive Ridley turtle is becoming increasingly rare in Malaysian waters.
Nesting period for Green turtles is between March to December with a peak in August, and January to September for Hawksbills and Olive ridleys with a peak in May. Favourite nesting spots in Redang include Pasir Chagar Hutang, Pasir Mak Simpan, Pasir Mak Kepit, Pasir Bujang and Teluk Dalam.
Although turtles prefer quiet, isolated beaches, there have been rare occasions when they have nested on quieter parts of Pasir Panjang beach. If you're fortunate enough to see a turtle coming up the beach to nest at night, try to observe it quietly without disturbing it.
The beach at Pasir Chagar Hutang is off-limits to visitors as it is home to a large green turtle rookery. The rookery practices natural incubation, that is, the turtle nests are left in their natural locations on the beach until the eggs hatch. Visitors can snorkel in the waters in front of Chagar Hutang as long as they don't go up on the beach.
The Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group (formerly known as SEATRU, Sea Turtle Research Unit) runs this rookery and conducts conservation research on nesting populations of green and hawksbill turtles along this 300m stretch of beach. Since 1993, SEATRU has rescued over 250,000 eggs from being sold as food, by raising funds to buy turtle eggs from collectors and allowing them to incubate and hatch naturally on the beaches where they were laid. As turtle nests have many predators, they are guarded 24 hours a day until the hatchlings emerge. Among their more interesting research is tracking turtles that come to Redang using shell-mounted tags linked to a satellite-receiver. Green turtles have been tracked to countries like Philippines and Indonesia.
Visitors can also sign up as volunteers with the Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group, where they will get to stay at their basic campsite in Chagar Hutang and help out in their research work. Check their website for more details.
With crystal clear water and an abundance of marine life only edges from the shore, it is no wonder that snorkelling is one of the favourite activities of holiday-makers on Redang. Three day / two night packages that resorts offer here include at least three snorkelling excursions in the vicinity of Redang.
A popular stop for the snorkelling 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 colourful fish that congregate here. There is a wreck nearby lying at around 8-10 metres 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 snorkelling 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.
The sheer amounts of visitors and careless practices have resulted in damage to the coral and consequently the marine life around Redang. To ensure that you keep yourself safe and do your part to contribute to the conservation of these incredible ecosystems, keep the following in mind:
* Touching or standing on coral damages or even kills them and re-growth takes years
* Control your buoyancy carefully. Use a life jacket and only use fins if you are completely confident that you will not accidentally touch the coral.
* Do not litter. Some animals (like turtles) may mistake plastic bags for food and choke to death.
* Stay within the designated areas so that you do not cross boat paths and get hit
* Do not touch or disturb any marine life. You may hurt them, and some of them may hurt you. Keep your distance from Triggerfish as they may be aggressive, especially when guarding a nest
* Keep yourself protected from the sun
* When renting equipment, ask for assistance and tips from your resort to ensure a good fit (especially of your mask)
Scuba Diving
There 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.
Below are some of the dive sites around Redang and what you can expect to find:
* Tunnel point – stacked boulders create tunnels, expect to see gorgonian fans, bumphead parrotfish, barracudas, jacks and nudibranch.
* Tanjung Tokong – look out for turtles (the site is close to the turtle conservation project), jacks, snappers, napoleon wrasse, fusiliers, nudibranch and flatworms. Be careful of rough seas.
* Chek Isa – accessible from Pasir Panjang and popular for night dives with plenty of nocturnal species such as eels, squids, lobsters and cowries. Angelfish, parrotfish, wrasses, groupers and scorpion fish are also often found here
* Mak Cantik – accessible from Pasir Panjang with beautiful coral gardens. Apart from the regular reef dwellers, look out for nurse sharks, white-tip sharks and large rays.
* Tanjung Cina Terjun – popular with macro enthusiasts with plenty of eels, lion fish, scorpion fish, stone fish and puffer fish. You can also spot leopard sharks, cat sharks and bamboo sharks here.
* Pulau Kerengga – calm waters, popular with novices and for snorkelling. Many rays and plenty of shrimp and crab, especially during night dives.
* Pulau Lima – a little bit of everything and one of Redang’s most popular sites. Hard coral, soft coral, macro, nocturnal and pelagic life can all be found here, including the elusive whale shark in season.
* Terumbu Kili – one of the top sites of Redang. Beware of strong currents but be rewarded with sightings of black tip sharks, turtles, barracudas, jacks, snappers, fusiliers, jellyfish and schools of yellowtail
* Pulau Ling & Batu Chipor – two massive, mushroom-shaped coral heads (23-24 m in diameter) dominate the topography; strong currents are sometimes present. You will find angelfish, cardinal fish and Moorish idols.
* Pulau Ekor Tebu – steep granite boulders covered in hard corals. Trevallies, black tip reef sharks, pompano, barracuda, batfish and possibly eagle rays are often spotted here.
Remember to practice eco-friendly diving: control your buoyancy, take only pictures and leave only bubbles.
Jungle Trekking
Redang Island has a rich eco system above ground as well. Behind the famous beaches, dense green jungle takes over. The dipterocarp 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.
Other attractions
* Redang was made famous as the location for the hit Chinese comedy Summer Holiday. The Mo Mo Cha Inn (More More Tea Inn) featured in the movie was renovated and rebuilt and now houses the souvenir shop of the Laguna Redang Resort.
* Redang is not only a quiet holiday getaway. Over weekends and during peak season, when the resorts fill up, there are plenty of lively bars and some beach discos in the evening.
* Get pampered and rejuvenated at one of Redang’s Spas. Treatments include traditional massages, body wraps and scrubs using natural ingredients and facials.
* Three species of marine turtle come ashore on Redang Island to lay their eggs. The Turtle Rehabilitation and Research group conducts research and protects nests on Pasir Chagar Hutang. The beach is off-limits to visitors but you can sign up as a volunteer for their conservation programme.
* Redang’s beaches are perfect for a game of beach volleyball or soccer, sunbathing or leisurely strolls.
Turtle watching
3 species of turtles visit Redang to nest. The most common is the Green turtle followed by the Hawksbill turtle. The Olive Ridley turtle is becoming increasingly rare in Malaysian waters.
Nesting period for Green turtles is between March to December with a peak in August, and January to September for Hawksbills and Olive ridleys with a peak in May. Favourite nesting spots in Redang include Pasir Chagar Hutang, Pasir Mak Simpan, Pasir Mak Kepit, Pasir Bujang and Teluk Dalam.
Although turtles prefer quiet, isolated beaches, there have been rare occasions when they have nested on quieter parts of Pasir Panjang beach. If you're fortunate enough to see a turtle coming up the beach to nest at night, try to observe it quietly without disturbing it.
The beach at Pasir Chagar Hutang is off-limits to visitors as it is home to a large green turtle rookery. The rookery practices natural incubation, that is, the turtle nests are left in their natural locations on the beach until the eggs hatch. Visitors can snorkel in the waters in front of Chagar Hutang as long as they don't go up on the beach.
The Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group (formerly known as SEATRU, Sea Turtle Research Unit) runs this rookery and conducts conservation research on nesting populations of green and hawksbill turtles along this 300m stretch of beach. Since 1993, SEATRU has rescued over 250,000 eggs from being sold as food, by raising funds to buy turtle eggs from collectors and allowing them to incubate and hatch naturally on the beaches where they were laid. As turtle nests have many predators, they are guarded 24 hours a day until the hatchlings emerge. Among their more interesting research is tracking turtles that come to Redang using shell-mounted tags linked to a satellite-receiver. Green turtles have been tracked to countries like Philippines and Indonesia.
Visitors can also sign up as volunteers with the Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Group, where they will get to stay at their basic campsite in Chagar Hutang and help out in their research work. Check their website for more details.
Transportation to Redang
Getting To Kuala Terengganu :
Kuala Terengganu is the East Coast Corridor for Peninsular Malaysia. Kuala Terengganu is the centre for Malay culture and Heritage. (Mubin Sheppard: Terengganu is a cradle of Malay civilisation). Kuala Terengganu is the gateway to the gorgeous Marine Park islands like Perhentian , Redang , Lang Tengah, Bidong, Kapas, Gemia and Tenggol Island. Beside the island Terengganu also offer the world oldest rainforest jungle, Tasik Kenyir (Lake Kenyir) and Tasik Kenyir National Park.
By Air
From Kuala Lumpur :
Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia offer daily flights from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to Kuala Terengganu Airport. Journey by air takes approximately 45 minutes. Berjaya Air operates flight from Subang Airport (Kuala Lumpur) to Redang Island (flight journey 1 hour).
From Singapore :
There is no direct flight to Kuala Terengganu from Singapore. Travellers must fly via KLIA. If flying via KLIA from Singapore too costly, consider flying from Senai Airport in Johor with Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia, This is cheaper option but takes much longer time due to land transfer from Singapore to Senai. Malaysia Airlines passengers can catch the SPS coach from Singapore to Senai which departs from:
Malaysia Airlines Singapore City Terminal Tel: +65 6250-3333
Copthorne Orchid Singapore Hotel, 214 Dunearn Road, Singapore 299526 Operating hours : 05:15am to 18:15pm daily
Fare: S$12 from Singapore, RM16 from Senai. Travelling time is about 2 hours.
Air Asia will start a bus service soon from Singapore to Senai. Currently, the passengers will have to get to Senai airport by bus via Larkin to Senai.
By Coach
Express coaches depart daily from Kuala Lumpur (7 hours), Singapore (9.5 hours), Johor Bharu (9 hours) and Penang (9 hours). The journey include 2 rest stops or more along the journey for foods, refreshments and toilet stops. The most comfortable coaches (VIP) have 24-32 seats in a 2-1 seating arrangement. The seats are spacious with plenty of leg room. There are also 36-40 seats coaches 4 seats abreast that would as well get you to Terengganu in best comfort. If you are travelling overnight, bring some warn clothing (Jacket/ Sweater). It can be quite cool. Soft or inflatable pillow can help you sleep more comfortably. Most of the ticket counter only sell one way ticket, passengers may book return ticket plus tour through our company. Night coaches arrive Kuala Terengganu Tanjung Bus Terminal around 5.30am - 6.00am.We also provide free daily pickup 5.30am in the morning from Kuala Terengganu express bus terminal to Travellers center for rest and wash up.
Kuala Lumpur (Putra (PWTC) Station)
Journey around 7 hours, ticket can be purchase at Putra bus terminal. Company operate to Kuala Terengganu : TransNasional Tel: +603-4256 8218, Damai Ria, Plusliner, Rangkaian Mewah, Mutiara, Tourworld, SE warisan and Sutra Express. Muatiara and Damai Express offer comfortable 2-1(VIP) seating arrangement.
Kuala Lumpur to K.Terengganu (RM25.10-RM25.70 adult/child)
Depart : 9:00am/09:30am/10:00am/21:00pm/21:30pm/22:00pm
K.Terengganu to Kuala Lumpur (RM25.10-RM25.70 adult/child)
Depart : 09:00am/09:30am/10:00am/21:00pm/21:30/22:00pm
Singapore (Lavender Street/ Kallang Bahru Juntion)
Transnasional runs 3 daily services between Singapore and Kuala Terengganu. Transnasional is the only coach operator that have a permit from Singapore Transport Authority and Malaysia Authority to operate express services between Singapore and Kuala Terengganu/ Kota Bahru. Transnasional only sell one class ticket but the coach can be from 24 seater to a 36 seater. Transnasional Express ticket office and departure point located at junction of Lavender Street and Kallang Bahru roads. Tel : +65-62947034 / 5). If you are unable to get any seats, you can try Transnasional coach which depart from Singapore to Kota Bahru and ask to drop off at Kuala Terengganu or Jerteh if you heading for Perhentian island which is the nearest bus stop to Kuala Besut jetty (15 min journey by taxi). There are tour company run coaches services from Golden Mile Complex at Beach Road but prices are much higher than Transnasional and passengers need to change to a different bus at the causeway or second link and passengers have to bring own luggage through Malaysia customs and immigration.
Singapore to Kuala Terengganu
Depart : 0900 2000 2100hrs S$26.00 adult / S$13.00 Child
Kuala Terengganu to Singapore
Depart : 0900 2030 2030hrs RM30.20 adult/child
Johor Bharu (Larkin Station)
Alternatively get a seat from Johor Bharu (Larkin Station) to Kuala Terengganu. Coaches that operate from Larkin station e.g. Transnasional, Koperasi/ Damai Ria, Cepat Express, Adik Beradik etc. Mutiara and Damai Express offer comfortable 2-1(VIP) seating arrangement.
Johor Bahru to Kuala Terengganu Depart : 0900 0930 1000 2000 2100 2130hrs RM28.70 adult/child
Kuala Terengganu to Johor Bahru Depart : 0900 0930 1000 2000 2100 2130hrs RM28.70 adult/child
Penang (Komtar Station)
SP Bumi Express and Atieza Express depart daily from Komtar Station or Butterworth Station to Kuala Terengganu.
Penang to Kuala Terengganu
Depart : 2100hrs RM29.80 adult/child
Kuala Terengganu to Penang
Depart : 2100hrs RM29.80 adult/child
Ping Anchorage Travel & Tours also have a fleet of modern and best-maintained tour coaches, mini van and Limousine. For more information and rates, please click here Coach & Van
27 Super VIP Seats fully air conditioned coach
KUL-KTG RM 1,350.00 per coach per way.
JHB-KTG RM 1,350.00 per coach per way.
JHB-KTG-SIN RM 3,00.00 per coach return
38 Seats fully air conditioned coach
KUL-KTG RM 1,200.00 per coach per way.
JHB-KTG RM 1,200.00 per coach per way.
JHB-KTG-SIN RM 2,700.00 per coach return
08 - 12 seat Van Persiaran and Limousine are available.
By Land (Driving) http://www.jkr.gov.my/roadmap/index.htm
Driving by car with friends or loved ones can be pretty much an interesting trip. Aside from the greeneries that can be seen through out your journey, the fresh air and unpolluted countryside can offer a soughtful experience. Once you get to Terengganu road, The beautiful beaches and blue waters welcome you. Driving travellers are advise to get a map from Tourism Malaysia or any bookstore. (Car Park available at Merang Jetty (Redang Island/Lang Tengah Island), Marang Jetty (Kapas Island), Kuala Besut Jetty (Perhentian Island), Gawi Jetty (Kenyir Lake) and Kenyir Dam (Kenyir Houseboat). Approximate RM5.00 per car per night.)
KL to K. Trg (approx. 455 km): 2 option the coastal road or Jerangau Jabor: Highway 2 KL (Gombak Toll) on Karak Highway and continue with ECE (East Coast Expressway) to Kuantan exit.
Highway 3 Kuantan exit to Kuala Terengganu (Coastal road to Kemaman, Dungun and Kuala Terengganu)(223km)
Highway 2 KL (Gombak Toll) on Karak Highway and continue with ECE (East Coast Expressway) to Kuantan exit.
Highway 3 Kuantan exit to Bukit Besi (20+km) - turn left
Highway 14 Bukit Besi turn off to Dungun/Ajil (114km) - turn left
Highway 14 Dungun/Ajil to Ajil/Kuala Berang (42km) - turn right
Highway 14 Ajil to Kuala Terengganu (35km)
By Train
No Train service available to Kuala Terengganu but if passengers travel to north part of Terengganu like Perhentian Island. Keretapi Tanah Melayu train (KTM) service is available from economy class to comfortable sleeping berth from Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru/ Singapore to Tanah Merah, Wakaf Bahru and Tumpat in Kelantan region. Passengers can stop at Tanah Merah station which is the nearest point to Kuala Besut jetty, about 45 minutes by taxi and 90 minutes to Merang jetty.
KERETAPI TANAH MELAYU (KTM):
Call Center (Malaysia-Booking) Tel: +603-2267 1200
Enquiry (Singapore)
Tel: 02-62225165, 02-62213390 www.ktmb.com.my
Kuala Terengganu is the East Coast Corridor for Peninsular Malaysia. Kuala Terengganu is the centre for Malay culture and Heritage. (Mubin Sheppard: Terengganu is a cradle of Malay civilisation). Kuala Terengganu is the gateway to the gorgeous Marine Park islands like Perhentian , Redang , Lang Tengah, Bidong, Kapas, Gemia and Tenggol Island. Beside the island Terengganu also offer the world oldest rainforest jungle, Tasik Kenyir (Lake Kenyir) and Tasik Kenyir National Park.
By Air
From Kuala Lumpur :
Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia offer daily flights from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to Kuala Terengganu Airport. Journey by air takes approximately 45 minutes. Berjaya Air operates flight from Subang Airport (Kuala Lumpur) to Redang Island (flight journey 1 hour).
From Singapore :
There is no direct flight to Kuala Terengganu from Singapore. Travellers must fly via KLIA. If flying via KLIA from Singapore too costly, consider flying from Senai Airport in Johor with Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia, This is cheaper option but takes much longer time due to land transfer from Singapore to Senai. Malaysia Airlines passengers can catch the SPS coach from Singapore to Senai which departs from:
Malaysia Airlines Singapore City Terminal Tel: +65 6250-3333
Copthorne Orchid Singapore Hotel, 214 Dunearn Road, Singapore 299526 Operating hours : 05:15am to 18:15pm daily
Fare: S$12 from Singapore, RM16 from Senai. Travelling time is about 2 hours.
Air Asia will start a bus service soon from Singapore to Senai. Currently, the passengers will have to get to Senai airport by bus via Larkin to Senai.
By Coach
Express coaches depart daily from Kuala Lumpur (7 hours), Singapore (9.5 hours), Johor Bharu (9 hours) and Penang (9 hours). The journey include 2 rest stops or more along the journey for foods, refreshments and toilet stops. The most comfortable coaches (VIP) have 24-32 seats in a 2-1 seating arrangement. The seats are spacious with plenty of leg room. There are also 36-40 seats coaches 4 seats abreast that would as well get you to Terengganu in best comfort. If you are travelling overnight, bring some warn clothing (Jacket/ Sweater). It can be quite cool. Soft or inflatable pillow can help you sleep more comfortably. Most of the ticket counter only sell one way ticket, passengers may book return ticket plus tour through our company. Night coaches arrive Kuala Terengganu Tanjung Bus Terminal around 5.30am - 6.00am.We also provide free daily pickup 5.30am in the morning from Kuala Terengganu express bus terminal to Travellers center for rest and wash up.
Kuala Lumpur (Putra (PWTC) Station)
Journey around 7 hours, ticket can be purchase at Putra bus terminal. Company operate to Kuala Terengganu : TransNasional Tel: +603-4256 8218, Damai Ria, Plusliner, Rangkaian Mewah, Mutiara, Tourworld, SE warisan and Sutra Express. Muatiara and Damai Express offer comfortable 2-1(VIP) seating arrangement.
Kuala Lumpur to K.Terengganu (RM25.10-RM25.70 adult/child)
Depart : 9:00am/09:30am/10:00am/21:00pm/21:30pm/22:00pm
K.Terengganu to Kuala Lumpur (RM25.10-RM25.70 adult/child)
Depart : 09:00am/09:30am/10:00am/21:00pm/21:30/22:00pm
Singapore (Lavender Street/ Kallang Bahru Juntion)
Transnasional runs 3 daily services between Singapore and Kuala Terengganu. Transnasional is the only coach operator that have a permit from Singapore Transport Authority and Malaysia Authority to operate express services between Singapore and Kuala Terengganu/ Kota Bahru. Transnasional only sell one class ticket but the coach can be from 24 seater to a 36 seater. Transnasional Express ticket office and departure point located at junction of Lavender Street and Kallang Bahru roads. Tel : +65-62947034 / 5). If you are unable to get any seats, you can try Transnasional coach which depart from Singapore to Kota Bahru and ask to drop off at Kuala Terengganu or Jerteh if you heading for Perhentian island which is the nearest bus stop to Kuala Besut jetty (15 min journey by taxi). There are tour company run coaches services from Golden Mile Complex at Beach Road but prices are much higher than Transnasional and passengers need to change to a different bus at the causeway or second link and passengers have to bring own luggage through Malaysia customs and immigration.
Singapore to Kuala Terengganu
Depart : 0900 2000 2100hrs S$26.00 adult / S$13.00 Child
Kuala Terengganu to Singapore
Depart : 0900 2030 2030hrs RM30.20 adult/child
Johor Bharu (Larkin Station)
Alternatively get a seat from Johor Bharu (Larkin Station) to Kuala Terengganu. Coaches that operate from Larkin station e.g. Transnasional, Koperasi/ Damai Ria, Cepat Express, Adik Beradik etc. Mutiara and Damai Express offer comfortable 2-1(VIP) seating arrangement.
Johor Bahru to Kuala Terengganu Depart : 0900 0930 1000 2000 2100 2130hrs RM28.70 adult/child
Kuala Terengganu to Johor Bahru Depart : 0900 0930 1000 2000 2100 2130hrs RM28.70 adult/child
Penang (Komtar Station)
SP Bumi Express and Atieza Express depart daily from Komtar Station or Butterworth Station to Kuala Terengganu.
Penang to Kuala Terengganu
Depart : 2100hrs RM29.80 adult/child
Kuala Terengganu to Penang
Depart : 2100hrs RM29.80 adult/child
Ping Anchorage Travel & Tours also have a fleet of modern and best-maintained tour coaches, mini van and Limousine. For more information and rates, please click here Coach & Van
27 Super VIP Seats fully air conditioned coach
KUL-KTG RM 1,350.00 per coach per way.
JHB-KTG RM 1,350.00 per coach per way.
JHB-KTG-SIN RM 3,00.00 per coach return
38 Seats fully air conditioned coach
KUL-KTG RM 1,200.00 per coach per way.
JHB-KTG RM 1,200.00 per coach per way.
JHB-KTG-SIN RM 2,700.00 per coach return
08 - 12 seat Van Persiaran and Limousine are available.
By Land (Driving) http://www.jkr.gov.my/roadmap/index.htm
Driving by car with friends or loved ones can be pretty much an interesting trip. Aside from the greeneries that can be seen through out your journey, the fresh air and unpolluted countryside can offer a soughtful experience. Once you get to Terengganu road, The beautiful beaches and blue waters welcome you. Driving travellers are advise to get a map from Tourism Malaysia or any bookstore. (Car Park available at Merang Jetty (Redang Island/Lang Tengah Island), Marang Jetty (Kapas Island), Kuala Besut Jetty (Perhentian Island), Gawi Jetty (Kenyir Lake) and Kenyir Dam (Kenyir Houseboat). Approximate RM5.00 per car per night.)
KL to K. Trg (approx. 455 km): 2 option the coastal road or Jerangau Jabor: Highway 2 KL (Gombak Toll) on Karak Highway and continue with ECE (East Coast Expressway) to Kuantan exit.
Highway 3 Kuantan exit to Kuala Terengganu (Coastal road to Kemaman, Dungun and Kuala Terengganu)(223km)
Highway 2 KL (Gombak Toll) on Karak Highway and continue with ECE (East Coast Expressway) to Kuantan exit.
Highway 3 Kuantan exit to Bukit Besi (20+km) - turn left
Highway 14 Bukit Besi turn off to Dungun/Ajil (114km) - turn left
Highway 14 Dungun/Ajil to Ajil/Kuala Berang (42km) - turn right
Highway 14 Ajil to Kuala Terengganu (35km)
By Train
No Train service available to Kuala Terengganu but if passengers travel to north part of Terengganu like Perhentian Island. Keretapi Tanah Melayu train (KTM) service is available from economy class to comfortable sleeping berth from Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru/ Singapore to Tanah Merah, Wakaf Bahru and Tumpat in Kelantan region. Passengers can stop at Tanah Merah station which is the nearest point to Kuala Besut jetty, about 45 minutes by taxi and 90 minutes to Merang jetty.
KERETAPI TANAH MELAYU (KTM):
Call Center (Malaysia-Booking) Tel: +603-2267 1200
Enquiry (Singapore)
Tel: 02-62225165, 02-62213390 www.ktmb.com.my
Redang Visiting Season
Visiting season is between March to October each year. Resorts close during the northeast monsoon season from November to early March, which brings heavy rain and rough seas. Redang has a tropical climate with daily temperatures between 22-33°C and a relative humidity between 80-87%.
The busiest months are from May to August, particularly during June school holidays in Malaysia and Singapore. March and October are perfect for almost-empty beaches. Going at different times of the year may also offer seasonal encounters with certain marine life. Green turtles usually nest in their greatest numbers in August while September is probably the best month to spot migratory whale sharks.
In most parts of Malaysia, weekends fall on Saturday and Sunday. In Terengganu and Kelantan states, Thursdays and Fridays are weekend days, with Friday a full off-day as many of the local Muslim residents visit the mosques for Friday prayers. So don't be surprised to see many shops closed if you are in Kuala Terengganu on Fridays. Normal weekends are still busy periods for Redang as many visitors come from other states.
Resorts at Redang open during the non-monsoon months from as early as mid-February to mid- or end-October. Different resorts have different specific opening and closing dates but all are open by 1 March and close by 1 Nov. The best time to visit is between April to September when seas are generally calm. The sea may begin to get choppy close to monsoon season. As Redang can get pretty crowded during Malaysian holidays, Singaporean holidays and long weekends, avoid these holidays if you can and use the holiday chart below to plan your trip.
The busiest months are from May to August, particularly during June school holidays in Malaysia and Singapore. March and October are perfect for almost-empty beaches. Going at different times of the year may also offer seasonal encounters with certain marine life. Green turtles usually nest in their greatest numbers in August while September is probably the best month to spot migratory whale sharks.
In most parts of Malaysia, weekends fall on Saturday and Sunday. In Terengganu and Kelantan states, Thursdays and Fridays are weekend days, with Friday a full off-day as many of the local Muslim residents visit the mosques for Friday prayers. So don't be surprised to see many shops closed if you are in Kuala Terengganu on Fridays. Normal weekends are still busy periods for Redang as many visitors come from other states.
Resorts at Redang open during the non-monsoon months from as early as mid-February to mid- or end-October. Different resorts have different specific opening and closing dates but all are open by 1 March and close by 1 Nov. The best time to visit is between April to September when seas are generally calm. The sea may begin to get choppy close to monsoon season. As Redang can get pretty crowded during Malaysian holidays, Singaporean holidays and long weekends, avoid these holidays if you can and use the holiday chart below to plan your trip.
List of Redang Resorts
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.
Most of Redang’s visitors come here on standardised three day / two night packages which include return transfers from the mainland, accommodation, meals and several snorkelling outings. Rental of snorkelling equipment (around RM 10-50 per day), marine park fees (adult/child RM 5/2.50) and land transfers (from bus station/airport to jetty, around RM 5-20 pp) are not included. Some resorts also offer scuba diving packages and room-only or room and breakfast rates are sometimes available.
It is advisable to book in advance if your trip coincides with weekends, public holidays and Malaysian school holidays. Surcharges may also apply for these dates.
Pasir Panjang (Long Beach)
* Redang Holiday Beach Villa
* Coral Redang Island Resort
* Redang Pelangi Resort
* Ayu Mayang Resort
* Redang Bay Resort
* Redang Lagoon Chalet
* Redang Beach Resort
* Laguna Redang
* Redang Reef Resort
Teluk Dalam
* Berjaya Redang Beach Resort
Teluk Kalong
* Mozana Chalet
* Redang Kalong
Teluk Kalong Kecil
* Redang Mutiara Resort
* Wisana Chalet Redang
Most of Redang’s visitors come here on standardised three day / two night packages which include return transfers from the mainland, accommodation, meals and several snorkelling outings. Rental of snorkelling equipment (around RM 10-50 per day), marine park fees (adult/child RM 5/2.50) and land transfers (from bus station/airport to jetty, around RM 5-20 pp) are not included. Some resorts also offer scuba diving packages and room-only or room and breakfast rates are sometimes available.
It is advisable to book in advance if your trip coincides with weekends, public holidays and Malaysian school holidays. Surcharges may also apply for these dates.
Pasir Panjang (Long Beach)
* Redang Holiday Beach Villa
* Coral Redang Island Resort
* Redang Pelangi Resort
* Ayu Mayang Resort
* Redang Bay Resort
* Redang Lagoon Chalet
* Redang Beach Resort
* Laguna Redang
* Redang Reef Resort
Teluk Dalam
* Berjaya Redang Beach Resort
Teluk Kalong
* Mozana Chalet
* Redang Kalong
Teluk Kalong Kecil
* Redang Mutiara Resort
* Wisana Chalet Redang
Redang Island (Pulau Redang)
Redang Island, locally known as Pulau Redang or just "Redang" is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia. It is a popular holiday island for Malaysians, most of whom come on package deals to one of the resorts. Redang is one of nine islands, which form a marine park, and which offer snorkeling and diving opportunities. Access is from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats operated by the resorts; there is also a small airport with services operated by Berjaya Air from Singapore (Seletar Airport) and Kuala Lumpur (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport).
The island is also an important conservation site for sea turtles. Previously, the indiscriminate economic exploitation of turtle eggs had caused fewer turtles returning to nest on the island. This has led the Terengganu state government to set up the Koperasi Setiajaya Pulau Redang in 1989, a cooperative aiming to develop and manage socio-economic programmes that could improve the livelihood of Pulau Redang locals without endangering its natural resources.
The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse. The ships were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.
The Pulau Redang archipelago comprises Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling and Pulau Pinang. Pulau Redang is the biggest of all the islands in the Marine Park, measuring about 7 km long and 6 km wide. Its highest peak is Bukit Besar at 359 metres above sea level. The boundary of the Pulau Redang Marine Park is established by a line linking all points 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) from the shores of Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu and Pulau Pinang. The other nearby islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Susu Dara are also gazetted and protected as Marine Parks. Today, only the bigger islands like Redang, Lang Tengah, Perhentian and Kapas have resort facilities for visitors. The management of Marine Parks primarily involves protection of the sensitive marine and terrestrial ecosystems by controlling the impact from human activities. These include waste & pollution management and conservation of coral reefs and terrestrial habitats.
The 2000 film, Summer Holiday was filmed on the Laguna Redang resort, and a replica of the tea house now serves as the resort's gift shop.
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.
Most of the resorts on Redang Island are lined up along Pasir Panjang (Long Beach), arguably one of the best stretches of beach in all of Malaysia. A handful of other resorts are tucked away in private beach coves, the most impressive being Teluk Dalam (Deep Bay) where the Berjaya Beach Resort is located.
With excellent visibility and spectacular, easily accessible coral reefs, it is no wonder that Redang is hailed as a scuba diving and snorkelling paradise. Even right in front of the most popular beach, the rocks are home to various species of coral, reef sharks (harmless to humans) and moray eels. Redang and the surrounding islets were gazetted as a marine park in the early 90’s and human activity in the area is strictly controlled in order to protect the marine ecosystems.
Under the protected status, Redang has experienced a tourism boom and is a very popular weekend destination. Apart from the impressive diving, picturesque beaches (and beach parties), another thing that has contributed to Redang’s popularity in recent years is the hit Chinese comedy Summer Holiday that was shot on location here.
Redang Island has everything that you need for a fun island holiday – great beaches, warm tropical waters and plenty to do during the day and night time.
The island is also an important conservation site for sea turtles. Previously, the indiscriminate economic exploitation of turtle eggs had caused fewer turtles returning to nest on the island. This has led the Terengganu state government to set up the Koperasi Setiajaya Pulau Redang in 1989, a cooperative aiming to develop and manage socio-economic programmes that could improve the livelihood of Pulau Redang locals without endangering its natural resources.
The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse. The ships were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.
The Pulau Redang archipelago comprises Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling and Pulau Pinang. Pulau Redang is the biggest of all the islands in the Marine Park, measuring about 7 km long and 6 km wide. Its highest peak is Bukit Besar at 359 metres above sea level. The boundary of the Pulau Redang Marine Park is established by a line linking all points 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) from the shores of Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu and Pulau Pinang. The other nearby islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Susu Dara are also gazetted and protected as Marine Parks. Today, only the bigger islands like Redang, Lang Tengah, Perhentian and Kapas have resort facilities for visitors. The management of Marine Parks primarily involves protection of the sensitive marine and terrestrial ecosystems by controlling the impact from human activities. These include waste & pollution management and conservation of coral reefs and terrestrial habitats.
The 2000 film, Summer Holiday was filmed on the Laguna Redang resort, and a replica of the tea house now serves as the resort's gift shop.
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.
Most of the resorts on Redang Island are lined up along Pasir Panjang (Long Beach), arguably one of the best stretches of beach in all of Malaysia. A handful of other resorts are tucked away in private beach coves, the most impressive being Teluk Dalam (Deep Bay) where the Berjaya Beach Resort is located.
With excellent visibility and spectacular, easily accessible coral reefs, it is no wonder that Redang is hailed as a scuba diving and snorkelling paradise. Even right in front of the most popular beach, the rocks are home to various species of coral, reef sharks (harmless to humans) and moray eels. Redang and the surrounding islets were gazetted as a marine park in the early 90’s and human activity in the area is strictly controlled in order to protect the marine ecosystems.
Under the protected status, Redang has experienced a tourism boom and is a very popular weekend destination. Apart from the impressive diving, picturesque beaches (and beach parties), another thing that has contributed to Redang’s popularity in recent years is the hit Chinese comedy Summer Holiday that was shot on location here.
Redang Island has everything that you need for a fun island holiday – great beaches, warm tropical waters and plenty to do during the day and night time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)