Redang Island
The Ultimate Marine Sanctuary on the East Coast
Visit Redang Island: Complete Guide 2026
Key facts
Pulau Redang is part of the Terengganu Marine Park in Malaysia. Famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and coral reefs, it is a top choice for divers and beach lovers. Unlike many other islands, Redang offers luxury resorts, making it a favourite for honeymoons and families seeking comfort.
Terengganu's Turquoise-Watered Crown Jewel
The crown jewel of Terengganu's marine park, Pulau Redang charms with crystal-clear water, protected reefs and luxury resorts.
Pulau Redang is the crown jewel of Terengganu's marine park, off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, it is a top choice for divers and beach lovers, at the heart of a protected archipelago of nine islands.
Unlike many other islands in the region, Redang bets on comfort: luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels with the sand at the doorstep and secluded bays make it a favourite for honeymoons and families.
- • Location: east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the state of Terengganu.
- • Vibe: protected marine sanctuary, white-sand beaches and comfortable resorts.
- • Best for: diving, snorkelling, honeymoons and family holidays.
- • Best season: April to September.
- • Getting there: fly to Kuala Terengganu, then take a boat from Merang (45 to 60 minutes).
A Marine Park at the Heart of Island Life
Turtle conservation, fishing villages and reef protection: Redang's culture was born from the sea.
Redang's heritage is not written in monuments but in the ocean that surrounds it. The island is the heart of a protected marine park where the lives of villagers, fishermen and turtles have been intertwined for generations. This unique bond between people and sea has made Redang a model of marine conservation: protected corals, monitored nesting beaches and restricted access during the monsoon.
- • Redang Marine Park: the island and its reefs belong to Terengganu's marine park, where fishing and collecting are banned to preserve corals and fish.
- • Chagar Hutang: a beach on the north shore where green and hawksbill turtles come to nest; access is limited to protect the eggs.
- • SEATRU lab: based at The Taaras resort, this Universiti Malaysia Terengganu programme studies and protects the island's turtles.
- • Fishing villages: a small Malay community lives on the island year-round, keeping seafaring traditions alive.
- • Protection rules: do not touch the corals, do not feed the fish and wear reef-safe sunscreen.
How to Get to Redang Island
Redang can only be reached by boat: fly to Kuala Terengganu, then take a ferry or a private speedboat from Merang.
Reaching Redang takes a little planning: the island can only be reached by boat and only fully comes to life from April to September. Most travellers fly into Kuala Terengganu (TGG), the region's main gateway, then board a boat from one of two jetties.
- • Kuala Terengganu (TGG): the main airport, served from KLIA or Subang. Allow 45 minutes by road to the jetty.
- • Merang Jetty: the most popular departure point; luxury resorts run their own private fast boats, a 45-to-60-minute crossing.
- • Shahbandar Jetty: in the heart of Kuala Terengganu, for slower public ferries (about 100 minutes).
- • All-inclusive packages: most resorts include return boat transfers in their rates; check when booking.
- • Getting around: Long Beach is easily explored on foot; to hop between bays or reach dive sites, take your resort's boat.
- • Monsoon rule: avoid travelling between late October and early March, when the sea turns too rough and resorts and ferries shut down.
Mandatory Marine Park Fee
On arrival at the jetty, you will need to pay a marine park conservation fee (around RM30 for foreigners) before boarding.
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Where to Stay on Redang Island
Beachfront resorts on Long Beach or exclusive retreats in the northern bays: Redang is all about comfort.
Unlike the Perhentian Islands, which remain rustic and backpacker-oriented, Redang built its reputation on comfortable, well-equipped resorts. Most properties line Long Beach (Pasir Panjang), the island's beating heart, while the northern bays hide more exclusive retreats. The vast majority of resorts run full-board plans, meals and boat transfers included.
- • The Taaras Beach & Spa (ultra-luxury): a private northern bay with some of the clearest water on the island and a refined spa.
- • Laguna Redang Island Resort (families): the largest resort, right in the middle of Long Beach, with excellent pools.
- • Redang Island Resort (charm): a peaceful hillside location away from the bustle, popular with divers.
- • Long Beach chalets (mid-range): bungalows with the sand at the doorstep, near the cafés and buzz of Pasir Panjang.
- • Northern bays (privacy): Teluk Dalam and its coves host exclusive resorts, perfect for honeymoons.
- • Good to know: book ahead for high season (April to September) and make sure your package includes the boat from Merang.
Diving, Snorkelling and Dreamy Beaches
Crystal-clear water, spectacular corals and white sand: Redang is best enjoyed with fins on.
Redang is legendary for its underwater visibility and biodiversity. The nine islands of the archipelago form a protected sanctuary dotted with dive and snorkelling sites. On the island, life revolves around the beach: swimming, boat trips and lazy afternoons in a hammock.
- • Marine Park Centre: the most popular snorkelling spot, in the waters off Pulau Pinang, an underwater garden teeming with fish.
- • Pulau Lima & Tanjung Lepas: spectacular drop-offs and blacktip reef sharks, famous among divers worldwide.
- • Snorkelling from the beach: at Long Beach, swim just 20 metres out to admire beautiful corals.
- • Boat trips: most resorts organise excursions to the archipelago's finest spots, fins and mask included.
- • Try-dives: several dive centres offer introductory dives and certification courses.
- • Long Beach (Pasir Panjang): the beating heart of the island, where resorts, cafés and evening entertainment gather along the white sand.
- • Northern bays: Teluk Dalam and its coves offer privacy and some of the clearest water around.
- • Chagar Hutang: a protected nesting beach where turtles lay their eggs, with restricted access.
- • Sunsets: live music and cocktails by the sea animate the resort bars of Long Beach.
A Taste of Redang
Seafood buffets, beachside grills and Terengganu specialities: Redang's food is generous and briny.
On Redang, dining starts at the resorts, most of which run full-board plans: generous buffets of Malay cooking, grilled fish and tropical fruit. In the evening, beach barbecues on Long Beach and resort bars take over, with live music and cocktails at sunset. Before or after the boat ride, make the most of a stop in Kuala Terengganu to sample the region's famous street food.
- • Seafood grills: whole fish, prawns and squid over charcoal, often served as a beachfront barbecue buffet.
- • Keropok lekor: Terengganu's iconic fish crackers, fried or grilled and dipped in a spicy sauce; try them at Kuala Terengganu's market.
- • Nasi dagang: coconut rice with curried tuna, the traditional breakfast of the east coast.
- • Long Beach cafés: fresh juices, smoothies and Malay snacks between swims.
- • Dinner with sand between your toes: resorts host waterfront barbecues as the sun goes down.
Practical Information for Your Trip
Cash, monsoon, drinking water and reef protection: what to know before you go.
Redang is a wild, protected island: a little planning — cash, reef-safe sunscreen, early booking — goes a long way towards a carefree stay.
- • Cash is king: there is no ATM on the island; hotels accept cards, but bring ringgit for extras.
- • Drinking water: tap water is not potable; hotels provide filtered or bottled water.
- • Connectivity: reliable mobile coverage at the big Long Beach resorts, dropouts in the isolated bays.
- • Sun protection: the sun is intense; wear a high-factor, reef-safe sunscreen.
- • Dress code: away from the beaches, modest clothing is appreciated, as Terengganu is a conservative state.
- • Power socket: type G (3 pins), 240 V, as everywhere in Malaysia.
East Coast Monsoon
From late October to early March, the northeast monsoon hits the east coast: the sea turns dangerous, ferries are suspended and most resorts close. Plan your trip between April and September.