Pulau Redang
Malaysia's most pristine marine park — crystal waters, coral reefs & sea turtles
State / Region
Terengganu
Best Time
March – October
Daily Budget
RM 150–300 (package deals recommended)
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
About Pulau Redang
Pulau Redang is one of Malaysia's most beautiful islands — a protected marine park off the coast of Terengganu with some of the clearest waters in Southeast Asia. Famous for its vibrant coral reefs, sea turtle nesting beaches, and powder-white sand, Redang is a paradise for snorkellers and divers. The island is only accessible by boat and has no permanent civilian population, keeping it blissfully unspoiled.
Top Things To Do
Snorkelling at Coral Garden
Budget-friendlyRedang's most famous snorkel spot — a shallow reef teeming with clownfish, parrotfish, and giant clams just metres from the beach.
Sea Turtle Watching at Turtle Bay
FreePulau Redang is a nesting ground for green and hawksbill turtles. Spot them feeding on seagrass or nesting on the beach at dusk.
Scuba Diving at Mini Wall
ModerateA dramatic underwater wall drop covered in sea fans, soft corals, and schooling fish — suitable for beginner and advanced divers.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Budget-friendlyGlide over the reef in a glass-bottom boat and see the coral gardens without getting wet — perfect for non-swimmers and children.
Island Hopping to Pulau Lima
Budget-friendlyTake a boat to the nearby uninhabited Pulau Lima for pristine snorkelling, white sand, and total seclusion.
Sunset Beach Walk at Pasir Panjang
FreeStroll along Redang's Long Beach at sunset — 2km of uninterrupted white sand with the South China Sea glowing orange.
Where To Stay
Affiliate disclosure: Some hotel links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps keep MyTravelTip2U free.
Redang Reef Resort
RM 150–250 / night (package)Popular all-inclusive package resort with 3 snorkel trips per day, meals, and boat transfers included.
Check Availability on Booking.comRedang Holiday Beach Villa
RM 120–200 / night (package)Friendly family-run resort on Long Beach with good snorkelling right off the jetty.
Check Availability on Booking.comThe Taaras Beach & Spa Resort
RM 700–1,800 / nightRedang's premier luxury resort — private beach, infinity pool, PADI dive centre, and a world-class spa.
Check Availability on Booking.comRedang Kalong Resort
RM 500–1,200 / night (package)Boutique resort on a secluded bay with excellent house reef snorkelling and personalised service.
Check Availability on Booking.comTravel by Style
Romantic Getaway
- 1The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort is one of the most romantic resorts in Malaysia — a private beach, an infinity pool overlooking the South China Sea, and a world-class spa. Book a beachfront villa and arrange a private beach dinner through the resort.
- 2Watch the sunset from Pasir Panjang (Long Beach) — 2km of uninterrupted white sand with no development behind it, just coconut palms and the sea turning gold. One of the most beautiful sunsets in Malaysia.
- 3Snorkelling together at Turtle Bay at dusk is a genuinely magical experience — green turtles feed on the seagrass beds in the shallow water and are completely unafraid of swimmers. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best light.
- 4Redang Kalong Resort on a secluded bay offers a more intimate and private experience than the larger package resorts — excellent for couples who want personalised service and a quieter atmosphere.
- 5Book a private boat for a half-day island hopping tour to Pulau Lima — an uninhabited island with pristine snorkelling and total seclusion. Most resorts can arrange this; bring a picnic and spend the morning completely alone on the island.
Family Travel
- 1Pulau Redang is one of the best family island destinations in Malaysia — the calm, clear water at Long Beach is safe for young children, and the snorkelling is accessible even for non-swimmers with a life jacket and glass-bottom boat option.
- 2The glass-bottom boat tour is perfect for younger children who cannot snorkel — they can see the coral gardens and tropical fish clearly from the boat without getting in the water.
- 3Sea turtle watching at Turtle Bay is a highlight for children of all ages — green turtles are reliably present in the shallow water and are completely accustomed to swimmers. Supervise children closely and remind them not to touch the turtles.
- 4Book an all-inclusive package resort (Redang Reef Resort or Redang Holiday Beach Villa) — meals, snorkel trips, and boat transfers are all included, which simplifies logistics enormously for families and keeps costs predictable.
- 5Bring reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, and water shoes for children — the coral can be sharp in shallow areas, and sun protection is essential in the equatorial sun. Most resorts sell reef-safe sunscreen on-site.
Shopping Guide
- 1Pulau Redang has very limited shopping — the island is a marine park and the focus is entirely on the sea. The resort shops sell basic essentials (sunscreen, snorkel gear, T-shirts) at premium prices. Buy everything you need on the mainland before you travel.
- 2Kuala Terengganu on the mainland is the best place for Terengganu handicrafts — batik, songket silk, and brassware are the traditional crafts of the state. The Pasar Payang (Central Market) in Kuala Terengganu is the best place to buy them at fair prices.
- 3Terengganu batik is among the finest in Malaysia — the hand-drawn batik from this state uses distinctive motifs and colours that differ from Javanese or Penang batik. Buy directly from the workshops in Kuala Terengganu for the best quality and authenticity.
- 4Keropok lekor (fish sausage) is the signature food product of Terengganu — buy it fresh from the roadside stalls in Kuala Terengganu or vacuum-packed from the Pasar Payang to take home. The fresh version is grilled or fried on the spot.
- 5The duty-free shop at Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu is small but worth checking for chocolates and confectionery before your return flight.
Insider Travel Tips
- 1Book a package deal — most resorts include boat transfers, meals, and snorkel trips, which works out much cheaper than booking separately.
- 2The island is closed from November to February due to the northeast monsoon; plan your trip between March and October.
- 3Bring cash — ATMs do not exist on the island; withdraw before you leave Kuala Terengganu or Merang.
- 4Apply reef-safe sunscreen only — chemical sunscreens damage the coral and are strongly discouraged.
- 5Boats depart from Merang Jetty (45 min) or Shahbandar Jetty in Kuala Terengganu (2 hours); Merang is faster and more comfortable.
- 6Book accommodation 2–3 months ahead for school holidays (June–July) — the island gets very busy and resorts sell out fast.
- 7Respect the marine park rules: do not touch or stand on coral, do not feed fish, and never disturb nesting turtles.
- 8Bring a dry bag for your phone and camera — boat rides can get splashy, especially in choppy conditions.
How to Get There
By Air + Boat
Kuala Lumpur (KUL/SZB) → Kuala Terengganu (TGG)
Fly from KL (KLIA or Subang) to Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu. Then take a Grab or taxi (45 min, ~RM 60) to Merang Jetty and board the speedboat to Redang. This is the fastest overall route.
By Boat from Merang Jetty
Merang Jetty, Terengganu
Merang Jetty is the closest and most popular departure point for Redang. Speedboats depart at fixed times (usually 9am and 3pm). Most resort packages include return boat transfers — confirm before booking separately.
By Boat from Shahbandar Jetty
Shahbandar Jetty, Kuala Terengganu
Shahbandar Jetty in Kuala Terengganu town offers an alternative ferry service. The journey is longer (2 hours) but the jetty is easier to reach from the city centre and bus terminal.
By Bus + Boat
Kuala Lumpur (TBS)
Take an overnight express bus from TBS (KL) to Kuala Terengganu Bus Terminal (6–7 hours). Then taxi to Merang Jetty and board the speedboat. Operators include Transnasional and NICE. Book the bus a day ahead during peak season.
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