Redang Island

Today I would like to introduce the place I have been dreaming to visit for so long - Redang Island, one of the most beautiful island in the world. Perhaps, I’ll have a chance to have a holiday there after I with my classmates after we finish our A-level.

It's located 45 km off the coast of KualaTerengganu is the largest of the 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. Redang Archipelago exists of 9 islands that abound with marvelous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs that ensure great snorkeling and scuba-diving.

Click on the map for a larger view
The boat trip starts from the fishing village of Merang. This is a fishing village North of Kuala Terengganu. You can get there by bus. The boat trip takes about 40 minutes. Most of the boats depart for Redang and return before noon. Each resort has its own boat transfer schedule. This may change and is dependent on the tide, sea and weather conditions.

The best time to visit Redang is between April and October. Take note that most resorts are closed during the North-east Monsoon, which blows from November to March.

Redang island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. This paradise-like island offers crystal clear water, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset and what could be the world's most mature coral gardens.

Activities prohibited and not allowed are:
· Collecting and taking of aquatic life ( corals, shell or fishes whether living or alive ).
· Fishing without a license & Causing Pollution (3.2 km radius), i.e. littering Possession of spear fishing equipment.

The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks. The H.M.S Prince of Wales and the H.M.S Repulse were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

The people that lives on Pulau Redang are descendents of Bugis settlers who came from Celebes, Indonesia long time ago. It is said that seven of the Bugis siblings batins (Batin means holy men) from Celebes travelled here to look for new places to settle down. One of them called Batin Talib decided to make Pulau Redang his new home. Till today, only two of Batin Talib's colleagues can be traced. Batin Mina is said to settled down in Pulau Perhentian, in the north. Batin Mina's sister, Batin Cik Siti settled up river on the mainland (Ulu Terengganu). Where the other four Batins went were not known.

Fascinated by the beauty of the island? What are you waiting for? Let’s pay a visit!