Visit Redang Island easily by speed boat

Why visit Redang Island?

Redang Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, and in contrast to the nearby islands of Perhentian, has a slightly upmarket image with resort-based accommodation. However, the government has started to protect the beauty of the island as a marine park, recognising it as an important conservation site — which means the locals have had to cease the practise of eating of sea turtle eggs! Redang Island is one of nine islands which form a marine sanctuary, offering snorkelling and diving opportunities for tourists.

With a tropical climate of a steady 30°C (86°F), there are also frequent but brief thunderstorms. Redang is not immune to the northeast monsoon coming from the South China Sea, so ferry boats are heavily restricted from October to March. The driest and therefore best times to visit the region are from April to August with November to February being the months with the heaviest rainfall. 

As far as snorkeling and SCUBA diving is concerned, there are many interesting sites to explore, including two famous shipwrecks off the coast of Pulau Redang: The HMS Prince of Wales and the HMS Repulse, which both sank towards the beginning of World War II, setting the stage for the occupation of Malaysia by Japan. 

How to get to Redang Island

The best way to get to Redang Island from the mainland is from the town of Merang. The journey takes only 45 minutes and costs about €10. Boats leave every two hours from Merang Jetty, but to reserve your seat on board and avoid hassle or delay, make sure that you book a ticket online in advance.

Merang Jetty is about 35km north of the center of Kuala Terengganu, halfway to Kuala Besut. The bus from Kuala Terengganu to Merang takes around 45 minutes, or you can save a bit of time by taking a taxi.

(It is possible to travel directly to Redang from Shahbandar jetty in Kuala Terengganu, but we wouldn't recommend it as the ferry is slow, expensive, and only serves one jetty in Redang.)

 

Where to disembark in Redang

There are three jetties that are most frequently used by visitors:

• The most popular is Pasir Panjang (Long Beach). This beautiful place has many famous resorts, like Pelangi resort, and Sari Pacifica resort and spa. If you are going to Laguna resort, it is also possible to arrange drop off directly at the hotel jetty. 

• Kalong Jetty (Redang Teluk) is the place to go if you want to visit Wisana Village or you're staying on the Redang campsite. This is also the most convenient port for the Redang Mutiara Beach Resort.

• Kampung Jetty is the main port that connects the Northern Terrace beach with a paved road, and the famous Berjaya Redang Beach Resort is only 15 minutes away.