Redang

Redang Island (Pulau Redang) is the largest of the Terengganu Marine Park islands, located 45 km off the coast of Terengganu. It gained international fame through the 2000 film 'Summer Holiday' (Singaporean/Chinese movie) and is now one of Malaysia's most popular island destinations, known for its exceptionally clear waters, sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Redang is more developed than the Perhentians, with mid-range to upscale resorts lining the main beach at Pasir Panjang (Long Beach). The island is also a major turtle nesting site.

By Plane

Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) in Kuala Terengganu, 60 km from the Merang jetty (1 hr drive + 45 min–1 hr ferry).

By Train

No train.

By Car / Road

Drive to Merang Jetty (25 km north of Kuala Terengganu). Ferries to Redang depart at 9 AM and 10 AM (RM 50 one way, RM 100 return). Taxis and Grab from KT to Merang cost RM 30–40.

Walking is the main mode on the island. The main beach (Pasir Panjang) is about 1 km long. Water taxis connect to other beaches.

• Pasir Panjang (Long Beach) — the main beach, a beautiful crescent of white sand fringed by casuarina trees

• Redang Marine Park Centre — the marine park headquarters on Pulau Pinang (nearby islet); excellent snorkelling off the jetty

• Turtle Beach — a smaller beach on the east side, popular with nesting turtles (May–September)

• Kampung Baru — the main village on the island; a Malay fishing community with a school and mosque

• Chini Bay — a quieter beach on the west coast

• Snorkelling — redang has some of the best coral reefs in Malaysia. Snorkel gear rental RM 15/day. Boat trips RM 50–70 per person to multiple snorkelling sites including Marine Park Centre and Pulau Pinang

• Scuba diving — several dive centres (Redang Dive Centre, Scuba Redang). PADI Open Water RM 1,100–1,300. Famous sites include the Redang Wreck and Tanjung Tokong

• Turtle watching — join a guided night patrol during nesting season (May–September)

• Kayaking — explore the coastline

• Jungle trek — hike the trail across the island from Pasir Panjang to Chini Bay (45 min)

• Sunset at Chini Bay — quieter and more peaceful than the main beach

• Resort restaurants — most resorts offer buffet breakfast and dinner (included in package); lunch à la carte; RM 15–30 per meal
• Pasir Panjang food stalls — nasi goreng, mee goreng, grilled fish, BBQ; RM 8–15
• Kampung Baru — Malay food at local prices; RM 5–10
• Air Batang — a short walk south of Pasir Panjang; several restaurants serving Malaysian, Western, and Thai food; RM 10–20

• Bottled water — RM 2–3
• Fruit shakes — RM 5–8
• Beer — RM 10–20 at resort bars and beachside restaurants
• Fresh coconut water — RM 4–5

• Mid-range: Redang Reef Resort (RM 150–250/night, comfortable rooms on Pasir Panjang); Redang Kalong Resort (RM 100–200/night, basic but beachfront)
• Upscale: Redang Holiday Inn Resort (RM 200–400/night, family-friendly with pool); Laguna Redang Island Resort (RM 300–600/night, the most upscale on the island, beautiful grounds)
• All-inclusive packages are common — meals and snorkelling trips included

• Resort gift shops — T-shirts, souvenirs, sunscreen (expensive)
• Kampung Baru — basic supplies and snacks
• No ATMs — bring enough cash from Kuala Terengganu

• Merang (45 min–1 hr ferry) — mainland gateway
• Kuala Terengganu (25 km from Merang, 30 min drive)
• Pulau Lang Tengah (30 min by boat from Redang)
• Perhentian Islands (1.5 hr by boat)
• Marang (40 km from KT, 40 min drive) — ferry to Pulau Kapas