Redang Island

Redang is a small island in a marine park off the coast of Terengganu, and its beaches are some of the most beautiful in Malaysia: fine white sand and very clear water over coral reefs. It’s more resort-focused than the nearby Perhentian Islands, with fewer budget options, but it’s a great choice for a few easy days of swimming and snorkelling.

Why go

• The beaches. Pasir Panjang, the main beach, is long, white and lined with resorts.
• The water. Snorkelling and diving in the marine park, with reef fish, turtles and coral.
• It’s easy. Most trips are packages, so transport, meals and snorkelling are sorted for you.

How a Redang trip works

Most people book a package that includes the boat transfer, a room, meals and a few snorkelling trips. Prices and inclusions vary a lot between resorts, so compare what’s actually covered. Independent travel is possible, but there are fewer options than on the Perhentians, and walking between beaches isn’t always easy.

What to do

• Snorkel. Package trips usually stop at the marine park centre at Pulau Pinang, a small island next door, plus a few reef spots around Redang.
• Dive. Several resorts have dive centres with courses and fun dives.
• Look for turtles. Green and hawksbill turtles nest on parts of the island. Chagar Hutang beach is a protected turtle sanctuary run for research and conservation, and visits are restricted.
• Spot the film location. Fans of the Hong Kong film Summer Holiday (2000) can find the beach where it was shot, at Teluk Dalam.

Getting there and around

• To the jetty: Fly to Kuala Terengganu, then transfer to the boat jetty. Boats leave from Merang or Kuala Terengganu town. Packages usually include this.
• By boat: The speedboat ride takes around an hour, depending on the jetty and the sea. It can be bumpy.
• On the island: You’ll mostly stay put at your resort beach, or take boat and snorkel trips arranged by your resort.

Where to stay

Resorts are clustered on a few beaches, with Pasir Panjang the busiest and Teluk Dalam more secluded. Pick based on the beach you want, since you’ll spend most of your time there.

When to go

Redang’s season runs roughly from March to October. Like the rest of the east coast, the northeast monsoon from around November to February brings rough seas and most resorts close. Malaysian school holidays and long weekends get very busy, so book early or go midweek.

Also on the east coast: Tioman Island.