Terengganu Islands, Malaysia

Pulau Redang

Pulau Redang, 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 enthusiasts. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life. At mid-day when sunrays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and clams can be seen.

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

This paradise island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2km radius of the island as Pulau Redang is gazetted as a marine park. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also strictly prohibited.

The adjacent islands of Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Bidong, Pulau Lang Tengah and Pulau Lima are excellent snorkelling spots.

Visitors to Pulau Redang have a choice of accommodation ranging from budget chalets to international standard hotels. Guests staying at Berjaya Group's two hotel properties on the island can also enjoy playing at an 18-hole golf course.

Getting There
Begin your island-hopping adventure by catching a boat at any of the jetties in Kuala Terengganu and Merang. Travelling time to Redang is one hour from Kuala Terengganu and 50 minutes from Merang.

Pulau Perhentian

Pulau Perhentian, meaning 'stopover island', is not to be missed. Situated some 21km off the coast of Terengganu, it consists of the islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil.

Covered by virgin jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters, Pulau Perhentian is a sanctuary to fishermen, migratory birds and, of course, discerning holiday-makers.

Located just off the edge of the Pulau Redang Marine Park, Perhentian's coral-fringed waters have excellent underwater seascapes for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Arrangements can also be made for island cruises and boats can be hired to look for private small bays and secluded coves. A trip to these tropical islands is also a must for those who enjoy windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and deep-sea fishing.

Of the two islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil is the more secluded and isolated with only minimum facilities. Pulau Perhentian Besar is more developed and therefore offers better facilities. Nevertheless, there are chalets, dormitories and campsites on both islands.

Getting There
From Kuala Terengganu, take a taxi or bus to the fishing port of Kuala Besut. Then board a boat at the Fisheries Complex for Pulau Perhentian. The boat ride to the island takes about an hour.

Pulau Kapas

About 6km off the coast of Marang is Pulau Kapas, an island renowned for its clear waters, sandy white beaches and swaying palms.

Relatively isolated from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, this island is the perfect getaway for those looking for some blissful relaxation.

Making it a must-visit destinationis the incredible variety of hard and soft corals, seashells, fish and turtles.

The laidback atmosphere gives perfect excuse to do nothing. Still, if you are feeling restless, there's plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Take your pick: diving, swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and even fishing!

Planning more than a day trip? Primula Kapas Island Resort provides comfortable chalets.

Getting There
There is a daily bus service from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. From here, transfer to Marang bya bus or taxi. Pulau Kapas is about 30 minutes from Marang by boat.

Lang Tengah Island

Pulau Lang Tengah is a very small island located between Perhentian Island and Redang Island. This little island is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from the Merang jetty.

According to locals, Lang Tengah takes its name from 'Lang' which comes from helang which means 'eagle' in the Malay language, and tengah, meaning 'middle'. Thus, Lang Tengah means eagles resting on the middle island.

The island is small. Very small. A round-island trip by speed boat takes only 10 minutes. The beach is narrow and land is limited. However, Lang Tengah Island gains its advantages from its size. Due to the limitation on the land, there are only 4 resort operators on the island, ensuring a peaceful visit.

Pulau Tenggol

Pulau Tenggol is another beautiful diving getaway and lies just 45 minutes off Kuala Dungun in the south of Terengganu. It is small - just 3km long and 2km wide.

However, this doesn't prevent it from being a paradise for many people, especially diving enthusiasts.

The interior of the island is filled with steep, rocky cliffs. This rocky terrain extends from the interior of the island to the ocean and has created a dramatic 'drop-off' - a sort of vertical canvas of marine life - that divers never seem to tire of.

Getting There
Take a bus or taxi from Kuala Terengganu to Dungun, and then board a boat at the jetty to reach Pulau Tenggol. From Kuantan, take a bus to Kemaman at Jalan Besar Terminal. If you are coming from Kuala Terengganu, take the bus to Kemaman at the Syed Hussin Central Bus.