Located 45 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu is the largest of a group of islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for the enthusiast. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here abound with marine life. At mid-day, when the rays of the sun penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and calms may be seen.
The waters around Pulau Redang (Redang Island) also contain two historic shipwrecks. The H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.
This paradise island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2 km radius of the island as Pulau Redang is gazetted as a marine park. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also prohibited.
The adjacent islands of Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Paku, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Kerengga, Pulau Pasir Kechil and Pulau Lima are excellent for snorkelers as well.
Expect to find numerous cowries, spider shells and a large aggregation of Christmas tree worms carpeting coral rocks, damselfish, butterflyfish, chromis, wrasses, rabbitfish, parrotfish and lionfish inhabit the coral garden. “Picture Wall” is a small coral facade brimming with sea fans and corals. “Cathedral Arches” a magnificently varied canyon network.
This boulder terrain presents itself for exploration; canyons and crevisses are patrolled by huge groupers. “Turtle Bay”, at the northern end of the island, is a good place to spot large groups of sea turtles.
“Mini Mount” is a perfect spot for night diving. Divers are awaited by abundance of night creatures foraging for food around the reef. Plan to dive around 15m of dept, inspect under the fold of soft coral for cowries with its mantle fully extended, banded shrimp, crabs, sea-cucumbers, colourful sea urchins, spiny lobsters and the occasional octopus.
Best Time to Go
The climate is tropical and peak seasons are from March to October every year. It experiences the monsoon periods from November to early February each year where the resort is closed during these months.
Tourist Attractions
Jungle Trekking
There is a moderately well trodden and marked path between Pasir Panjang and Teluk Dalam beach, about 2 km long. Sights include a small stream and pools alive with catfish, the occasional encounter with the shy kancil (mousedeer) and monkeys, and other jungle flora and fauna. At the end of the trek is the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort at Teluk Dalam. For the more adventurous, there are rocky cliffs and outcrops away from this beaten path that offer spectacular overhead views of Pasir Panjang below.
Kampung Air
This fishing village on wooden stilts is located just across the Marine Park Centre at the mouth of the Redang river. Kampung Air, which in English means ‘Water Village’, was built in 1976 by the Terengganu State Government and is now home to about 1200 residents, mostly comprising fishermen. Incidentally, these local fishermen are the only ones allowed to fish within the protected waters of Redang Marine Park as they have been doing before the park regulations were enforced. Anyone else caught fishing or removing any form of marine life from its natural habitat – dead or alive – faces the threat of a hefty RM5,000 fine.
The beach at Pasir Chaggar Hutang is home to one of the largest green turtle rookery in Peninsular Malaysia. SEATRU (Sea Turtle Research Unit) conducts conservation research on nesting populations of green and hawksbill turtles along this 300m stretch of beach. This beach is off-limits to visitors to prevent nesting sites from being disturbed, but visitors can snorkel in the waters in front of it (and catch the occasional glimpse of a shy sea turtle).
Dive Sites:
Mini Mount : A favourite day & night dive site in Redang, this reef is home to angelfish, parrotfish, wrasses, groupers and other reef dwellers. Comprising mainly hard corals, there are patches of colourful soft corals, sea whips and sea fans. Nocturnal creatures like crabs and eels, along with urchins, provide a change of scene during night dives
Pulau Lima & Big Mount : Try the northern & southern tips for scenic reefs that slope from about 4m to 20m on the sandy bottom. You will encounter rays, sea cucumbers and sea stars, in addition to different varieties of fish foraging for food among the hard corals. “Big Mount”, located about 100m from the northern tip, provides interesting encounters with batfish and barracudas, and the occasional whale shark.
Marine Park Centre : At 5-15m deep, the jetty at the Marine Park Centre offers easy access to a large variety of marine life such as lobsters, moray eels, a giant grouper and squirrelfish that are resident among the PVC pipes of the artificial reef directly under the jetty.
Snorkelling
Grab your fins & head out for a quick dip! You’ll enjoy snorkeling for hours, there’s plenty of marine life to see….. With its crystal clear blue water & scenic islands, snorkeling will never be the same again. Enjoy the beauty of tropical marine fishes swimming by as you dive in with your friends. Experience it!