Pulau Redang, situated 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of all Terengganu's islands. Its have two beautiful beaches, the Long Beach or locally known as Pasir Panjang, situated on the east coast and Teluk Dalam Kecil, a sheltered cove tucked away on the northeast of the island. Teluk Dalam Kecil is the location of the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort, a five-star accommodation on the island. Redang Marine Park cover all 9 (Lima Island, Paku Besar Island, Paku Kecil Island, Kerengga Besar Island, Kerengga Kecil Island, Ekor Tebu Island, Ling Island, Pinang Island and Redang Island) island in Redang Archipelago. Redang Island is famous for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and the tropical fish that inhabit the numerous reefs, many within 50 feet of the shore. The best time to visit Redang Island from March - October every year. Redang is affected by Northeast monsoon, so most resorts are closed and ferry transport schedules are severely restricted between November and February.
GETTING THERE
marine park fee (RM5) is levied on all visitors to the island.
1. BY AIR - From Kuala Lumpur, u can take flight at KLIA (Malaysia Airline - http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/) or LCCT (Airasia - http://www.airasia.com/) ot Subang Airport (Firefly - http://www.fireflyz.com.my/ to Kuala terengganu airport, this journey may be take 1 hour. U also can take direct flight to Redang with Berjaya Air (http://www.berjaya-air.com/) from Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur. From Singapore, u also can take flight from Seletar airport (not Changi Airport) with Berjaya air, only one flight daily. After landed at Kuala Terengganu airport u can take taxi to Merang Jetty (main jetty to Redang).
2. BY ROAD - U can take the East Coast Highway from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu or via East-West Highway if u come from northern part of peninsular Malaysia and then proceed to Merang, the take-off point to Redang, is located about an hour's drive north of Kuala Terengganu. If u come with Bus express from Kuala Lumpur (Hentian Putra), Johor Bahru (Larkin station) or other place to Kuala Terengganu u will be arrive at Tanjung Express station around 6 am and then take taxi to Merang jetty to get boat to Redang. If u from Singapore u also can get Transnasional Express (Lavender Street/Kallang Bahru Junction and Damai Ria Express (Beach Road) with daily coaches to Kuala Terengganu.
3. BY BOAT - The main jetty is at Merang, some 30 km north from Kuala Terengganu. From Merang, the trip to Pasir Panjang takes about 40 minutes on comfortable, large speedboats and prices are more or less standardized at RM40/80 one-way/return. In season (March-October), there are also ferries directly from the Shahbandar Jetty in central Kuala Terengganu (Tanjung Bus Express station not far from here) to the Berjaya Jetty on the west side of the island, with approximately 1 hour 15 minutes journey.These are operated by and intended primarily for guests of the Berjaya resorts, but they'll take non-guests on board if there's space available. Ferry Fare (two-way) is chargeable at MYR 100.00 nett per adult and MYR 50.00 nett per child (Aged 2-12 years old).
THINGS TO DO
1. Snorkeling - this is no. 1 activity in Redang, Many resort offer packages include snorkeling tours by boat to nearby islands, but there are some decent reefs right off Pasir Panjang. The best is Redang Reef Resorts, and the small hill/island in the middle of Pasir Panjang is a nesting ground for baby sharks.
2. Diving - it popular bcoz the water around this island are usually crystal water. More or less every resort on the island has its own dive shop, but it may be worth looking beyond the house shop as quality varies considerably.
Coral Redang Divers, Pasir Panjang (at Coral Redang Island Resort). Very professionally run PADI outfit with custom-built dive boats.
Redang Bay Divers, Pasir Panjang (at Redang Bay Resort). Lowest prices on the island. Only MAUI instructors on the island.
Redang Pelangi Dive Centre, Pasir Panjang (at Redang Pelangi Resort). Competitive price, offering dive services, courses as well as Scuba Discovery for non-divers. Professional Dive Master and Instructor from either PADI/SDI certification.
3. JUNGLE TREKKING -u can try the trek between Pasir Panjang to Teluk Dalam which ending at Berjaya Redang Beach resort (2 km long).
4. Momo Tea Inn - this place became the movie background scene in the famous Hong Kong movie "Summer Holiday" acted by Sammi Cheng and Richie Ren. After the film shots were taken, Momo Tea Inn has become a famous and popular spot in Redang.
5. Blue Sand - Ucan found at the beach infront of Redang Reef Resort. At night time the sand glows in the dark in blue. This happen because it's kind of insect (Firefleas/Sea firefly) that lives in the water and they stay in the shore. U have to wipe the sand with your hand to find it, when you found it, it glows in blue for few seconds and it disappears in the sand. It's worth to experience it.
6. Enjoy Sunrise especially at Pasir Panjang Beach.
EATING
Every resort has its own restaurant, serving up burgers, pizza and bland local food at outrageous prices. Here a few restaurant for ur choice likes Sang Suria Buffet Restaurant, Palms Restaurant at Berjaya Beach Resort, Aima Grill Fish Restaurant, Redang Laguna Cafetaria etc.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Redang does not have any backpacker accommodation. Most resort rack rates are over RM300/night but if you book a package or visit in the off or shoulder seasons u can get better price. Lots of travel agencies offer packages to Redang.
Budget - I think the only option is campground located at Teluk Kalong. http://www.redangbudget.com/
1. Redang Pelangi Resort - http://www.redangpelangi.com/
2. Redang Bay Resort - http://www.redangbay.com.my/
3. Redang Lagoon Chalet - http://www.redanglagoon.com/
4. Redang Kalong Resort - http://www.redangkalong.com/
5. Berjaya Redang Beach Resort - http://www.berjayaresorts.com.my/
6. Laguna Redang Resort - http://www.lagunaredang.com.my/
7. Redang Holiday Beach Villa - http://www.redangholiday.com/
HAVE FUN IN REDANG, ENJOY IT
