As one of the most famous and well-visited island destinations in Malaysia, Pulau Redang is no stranger to sun, sand, and sea lovers. Located in Terengganu, this island is also among the largest islands on Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast. Renowned for its white sands and crystal-clear waters, Pulau Redang offers vibrant marine life and exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities. Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway or a honeymoon, this spot is ideal with its resort accommodation and stunning panoramas. Ready to have the best island experience of your life? Check out the things to do in Pulau Redang to make the most of your visit!
Is Redang Island Worth Visiting?
Contents
- Is Redang Island Worth Visiting?
- How to Get to Redang Island?
- The Best Things You Can Do in Pulau Redang
- 1. Dive into Scuba Diving
- 2. Snorkel to Meet the Turtles
- 3. Try Out Beach and Water Activities
- 4. Go Turtle Watching
- 5. Take Pictures at “Redang Maldives”
- 6. Catch the Breathtaking Sunrise and Sunset
- 7. Explore the Flora and Fauna While Jungle Trekking
- 8. Discover the Vibrant Nightlife on Pulau Redang
- 9. Expand Your Palate with Local Cuisine
There are many reasons why Pulau Redang is worth visiting, but the one we want to highlight is its marine life, diving, and snorkelling. Sure, you can experience marine life in other island destinations, but there’s something about the colourful corals, clear blue waters, and powdery sandy beaches here that makes Pulau Redang truly exceptional. Combined with pristine green forests, breathtaking scenery, and beautiful resorts, this tropical island will surely never fail to impress you. If you are looking for a more tranquil time on your vacation with a range of amazing hotels and resorts to choose from, we can’t recommend Pulau Redang enough.
How to Get to Redang Island?
Getting to Pulau Redang from Kuala Lumpur is easy with several options. Here’s a guide to help you plan your trip efficiently:
- You can either fly to Terengganu, which takes about one hour, or drive, which takes approximately five to six hours depending on traffic and the route you take. Alternatively, you can catch a bus to Terengganu, which takes around seven to eight hours.
- Upon arriving in Terengganu, you can depart for Pulau Redang from one of two jetties: Merang Jetty (30km from Kuala Terengganu) or Shahbandar Jetty (a short walk from the Kuala Terengganu bus terminal). Note that boat services from Merang Jetty to the island are more frequent than those from Shahbandar Jetty, so we recommend using Merang Jetty.
- Hop on a speedboat from Merang Jetty to Pulau Redang, which takes about 40 minutes and costs RM55 for both adults and children.
Check the ferry ticket prices and schedule here
The Best Things You Can Do in Pulau Redang
1. Dive into Scuba Diving
On top of our list of things to do in Pulau Redang are obviously the water activities like scuba diving. Being one of the best spots for this activity, dive into the blue waters to discover exotic ocean life, vibrant coral reefs, and magnificent underwater landscapes.
Pulau Redang comprises small islands and has over 20 dive sites with different difficulty levels and depths, catering to beginners and more expert divers. You can check out popular diving spots such as Tanjong Lang, Tanjung Tokong, and Terumbu Kili, or the two large WWII shipwrecks for an unforgettable experience.
This island is also one of the dive centres where you can take PADI courses, available for all divers who want to enhance their skills and receive in-depth training. Between March and October are the best diving months with no monsoon rain that may cause strong currents or winds, so we suggest planning your diving trip wisely.
2. Snorkel to Meet the Turtles
Can you even say you went to Pulau Redang without snorkelling? Compared to diving, it still provides an underwater experience without going too deep — perfect for non-divers who want to challenge themselves. Oh, and you don’t have to spend too much money because snorkelling is relatively cheaper.
When the waters are clear and calm during the right seasons, we bet you can find many protected marine life species while snorkelling, such as baby sharks, clownfish, parrotfish, and even the famous sea turtles at popular spots like Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu, and Teluk Mak Kepit. You can also snorkel off the beach along Tanjung Mak Cantik, Tanjung Tengah at Pasir Panjang, and Teluk Kalong to be awed by turtles and radiant corals.
To get the most out of your snorkelling experience, we recommend exploring from April to August for the best visibility and calmer waters.
3. Try Out Beach and Water Activities
If you aren’t into extreme water sports like scuba diving and snorkelling, no worries. There are still plenty of other water and beach activities you can enjoy while visiting Pulau Redang. At the beach, whether you prefer a friendly beach volleyball match, building sandcastles, or simply basking in the sun while enjoying the cool breeze, there is something for everyone on this popular island.
Into water activities instead? Hop into a transparent kayak and explore the mangrove forest, or try bodyboarding for a chance to see underwater life. We just know there is endless fun here! Remember to reapply your sunscreen though, as the sun can be quite intense, but don’t let it deter you from having the time of your life.
4. Go Turtle Watching
It’s not every day you can watch turtles, so don’t miss the chance to observe them in their natural habitat while in Pulau Redang. The green sea turtle and hawksbill sea turtle are the species you can find on the island, so we bet you will spot them during your time diving or snorkelling.
Wishing to see them up close? Head to Taaras Resort to visit the SEATRU Turtle Lab and learn about turtle conservation and why it is important to protect these endangered animals. Experience something one of a kind by watching turtles hatch, seeing turtle eggs in incubators, and finding out how they grow. Visit from April to October to watch baby turtles being released into the sea to make your getaway even more interesting.
| Address | PO Box 126, Main Post Office 20928 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Contact Details | +609-630 8888 |
5. Take Pictures at “Redang Maldives”
Known as the Maldives of Redang, we aren’t surprised that Busung Pulau Kerengga is among the must-go attractions on Pulau Redang. Its iconic crescent-shaped strip of pure white sand is surrounded by clear waters at low tide, which creates a breathtakingly picturesque scene. What makes it more unique is that the shape changes based on the tide.
It is no wonder why both locals and travellers come here to take stunning vacay photos for their Instagram. You can reach it by kayaking from Teluk Kalong Beach or as part of your snorkelling trip, as boats usually make a stop here.
| Address | Pulau Kerenga Besar, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu |
| Operating Hours | – |
| Contact Details | – |
6. Catch the Breathtaking Sunrise and Sunset
There’s no denying that islands call for stunning sunsets and sunrises. Pulau Redang is not lacking in this regard, with its out-of-this-world scenes of the sun rising over the horizon and setting against the serene waters. It definitely creates a romantic ambience while strolling along the sandy beach — ideal for a vacation with your partner.
We suggest waking up early to enjoy the quiet morning at Teluk Kalong or Long Beach while catching the sunrise. Not an early bird? Sunsets on this island are just as bewitching, as you get awed by the vibrant hues of the sky painted against calm waters. As the sun sets, stars also shine bright at night, allowing for hours of stargazing to end your day.
7. Explore the Flora and Fauna While Jungle Trekking
When you think of Pulau Redang, we bet the beaches and marine species come to mind, but do you know there’s more than meets the eye? Boasting a diversity of animals and plants, you can encounter monkeys, monitor lizards, and mouse-deer if you’re lucky while jungle trekking through the lush greenery.
Hiking is also a great activity for those seeking a well-rounded trip, exploring both the water and land. With many hiking trails waiting to be discovered, we recommend hiking in the morning for more pleasant weather and to catch the sunrise, creating memorable moments with your loved ones.
8. Discover the Vibrant Nightlife on Pulau Redang
Like to end your day at a bar? Long Beach on Pulau Redang offers food and alcoholic beverages in a fun atmosphere where people chit-chat and socialise. Although this island doesn’t have the liveliest nightlife, both the restaurants and bars stay open until late at night. We also found that many resorts provide attractions like pool tables, board games, and even karaoke for singing all night long.
If you’re a nature lover even at night, strolling along the beach while listening to the waves crashing might be one of the best things to do in Pulau Redang. You can also enjoy the cool breeze without having to shield yourself from the blazing sun.
9. Expand Your Palate with Local Cuisine
Wondering what to eat on Pulau Redang after a whole day of exploring? We recommend you try the local cuisine and snacks at the restaurants along Long Beach. Our personal favourite is Keropok Lekor, Terengganu’s specialty that you definitely can’t pass up every time you visit the state.
Terengganu offers some of the tastiest local foods to try, such as Nasi Dagang, Nasi Kerabu, Laksam, Kuih Telur Kobis, and many more. Even though Pulau Redang is a resort-based destination and most resorts already have all-inclusive dining packages, you can’t fully experience Terengganu without visiting the street stalls and eateries.
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