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Despite being amongst the largest of Peninsular Malaysia's east-coast islands, Pulau Redang (Redang Island) has long remained a well kept secret amongst the scuba diving community. The island has been little exploited and still remains a prized location for scuba divers worldwide. The underwater world of Redang is rightly acclaimed for its beauty and diversity but the island itself is a picture of tranquility and therefore a draw also for relaxation seeking travelers.
Redang Island is located north east from Kuala Terenagganu on the eastern coast of Malaysia. Visitors can get to the island by boat from Tanjung Merang or Kuala Terengganu or by air with Berjaya Air from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore airports. It is just over an hour's flight from Kuala Lumpur and one and a half hours from Singapore into Seletar Airport. By boat visitors leave from Kuala Terengganu from the Shahbandar jetty and cross over to Redang Island in approximately one and a half hours.
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The crystal clear emerald waters of the South China Sea wash the sandy enclaves of the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort (pictured), MalaysiaExplorer.net's top-pick accommodation for its unrivalled beauty, lucious palm trees, stunning beach and first-class facilities. Also find a host of activities and pursuits nearby including a world class dive school for underwater explorers of all ability levels! |
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Things to see and do: Diving
The exceptional visibility and unique multi-hued coral reefs together, contribute to Redang's natural pristine beauty. It is no wonder that the island is a snorkeling and scuba diving paradise, be it on scuba dive excursions or departing from most of the popular beaches, fins in hand and snorkel equipment close by! The long stretches of white sandy beach and the rocky alcoves are the ideal habitat for species such as moray eels and inoffensive reef sharks. Redang Island is actually part of an archipelago of islands comprising a total of nine smaller and larger islands, and these are part of a protected marine park where human activity is closely monitored in order to preserve this pristine marine ecosystem in a sustainable manner.
Back on-land: Forests & Beaches
Although the spectacular marine world is undoubtedly the main attraction for most visitors on Redang Island, the island also boasts a rich eco-system on land. The dipterocarp forests offer a magnificent backdrop to the white sandy beaches, and cover most of the island. These forests are thick with enormous trees and dotted with rare flora species, such as orchids. Trekkers can adventure into the biggest mangrove forest known on the eastern coast island in Malaysia, which is situated along the Sungei Redang River and offers quite an amazing sight.
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Wildlife
Another spectacular sight is offered by the marine turtles that come to lay their eggs on the island. This is where the Turtle Rehabilitation and Research group carries out a research program and helps with preservation duties on Pasir Chagar Hutang Beach. No one is allowed on this beach, but it is possible to take a look at the turtles by joining as a volunteer for the conservation program. Travelling for conservation volunteering is a burgeoning sector in Malaysia and gradually more and more inquisitive visitors are lending a hand to protecting vulnerable species.
As trekkers explore the interior of Redang Island they may be able to spot quite a number of smaller wildlife and a large diversity of plant species. The animals that inhabit the island include macaque monkeys, lizards, bats and rodents as well as the shy mouse deer more difficult to spot in other regions. The best way to explore the interior of Redang is to take the well-marked jungle paths, which take trekkers on a visit across the island through the jungle. One of the favorite trails is the one which starts on Pasir Panjang, behind the Coral Redang Island Resort and ends in Teluk Dalam at the Berjaya Resort. Another popular trek leaves from the Pair Panjang to Teluk Kalong at the Mozana Chalet and Redang Kalong Resort.
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Where to stay
Accommodation options can be found along the Pasir Panjang or Long Beach, which is one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the whole of Malaysia, here resorts are scattered along the interior of the beach and offer good options. There are a few other resorts nestled in private coves that are quite impressive, such as the Berjaya Beach Resort situated on the Teluk Dalam Beach or Deep Bay.
Many people visiting the island usually stay for two or three nights to fully soak up the sights, sounds and experiences the island has to offer. Boat transfers and snorkeling escapades in the turquoise waters can be purchased both on the mainland and the island itself. If you are staying at a resort you should inquire about inclusive scuba dive packages that include accommodation and breakfast-only options if guests are staying out for most of the day exploring!
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts on Redang Island with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to Redang Island with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
Double click the map below to zoom in on Redang Island, and double right-click to zoom out!
Photo Credits: jlastras, Christian Haugen and CLF.
