The Redang Island, The

Pulau Redang, located 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of a group of nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for enthusiasts. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life. At midday when sun rays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and fish can be seen.
The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: The H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse, which sank here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya. This paradise island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba-diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2km radius of the island as Pulau Redang is gazetted as a marine park. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also strictly prohibited. Berjaya Resort offers a golf course in an idyllic setting.


Redang Island is a scuba diver's paradise. Located 50km from the mainland and a 2 hour boat ride from the Marang Jetty, the island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset, and what could be the world's most mature coral garden. The park is arguable among the best diving spots in the world where marine life is protected and souvenir hunters are liable for prosecution. This paradise-like island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, fishing, boating, and canoeing. Until recently, accommodation has been in the form of chalets, but if you are keen on luxury, an international class hotel had just opened its doors.
The Redang Island is part of dMalaysia and is located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea. The nearest town to Redang is Kuala Terengganu (TGG). Visitors can get to the island from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Flights from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to TGG are available on Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. Direct flights to the island are now available on Berjaya Air. They fly from Subang Airport (SZB) in Kuala Lumpur and Seletar Airport (XSP) in Singapore
Travel to KT is also possible by air-conditioned coaches operated by Transnasional. These depart from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore daily and you have the option to travel in the daytime or at night. Tickets are sold in Kuala Lumpur at Puduraya Bus Terminal and Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Bus Terminal. The bus terminal in Singapore is located at Kallang Bahru Bus Station, just off Lavender Street.
Several travel agencies in Singapore (5-Star, Alisan, Enjoy Holiday Tour and Gunung Raya Travel) are providing 'VIP' coach services. Some of these coaches even travel all the way to the jetty at Merang village.
Visitors from Singapore may also opt to travel from Johor Bahru, the southern most town of Peninsular Malaysia. Flights on Malaysia Airlines and air-conditioned coaches are available from here to Kuala Terengganu daily.
The resorts normally organise transportation for their guests from KT to their respective premises. Some even offer to arrange transportation from Kuala Lumpur. The boat/ferry journey starts from the fishing village of Merang and takes about 45 minutes. Each resort has its own boat transfer schedule. This may change and is dependent on the tide, sea and weather conditions.
CLIMATE We have an equatorial climate with uniform temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures range from 22oC in the early morning to 34oC at noon. Rainfall is common throughout the year, averaging 200-250 cm per year. The period from November to early March are our wetter months. The relative humidity is high, ranging from 80% to 87%.
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BEST TIME TO VISIT Between April and October. Take note that most resorts are closed during the North-east Monsoon, which blows from November to March.
VISAS A passport is required and must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits. For further information, please check with your nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysia office.
MONEY MATTERS The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Please note that the RM has no value outside of Malaysia, a result of the exchange control practised by our country.
All major credit cards are readily accepted at the resorts and dive centres.
Update yourself with the latest foreign exchange rates.
TIME ZONE We are 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time.
HEALTH No cholera or smallpox vaccination is required for travellers entering Malaysia. Visitors arriving from Yellow Fever Endemic Zones and affected areas are required to present International Health Certificates showing Yellow Fever vaccination. This regulation does not apply to children below the age of one.
Water and food are generally safe. Visitors may want to drink bottled water, especially in outlying areas.
ELECTRICITY Voltage is 220-240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.
LANGUAGE Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the national language. English and Chinese are widely spoken.
HOLIDAYS Dates of public holidays in Malaysia for 2007.