When one think about islands in Malaysia, just about every other tourist ends up in Perhentian Islands, Langkawi or Sipadan in East Malaysia. As a local, I knew better but despite that fact, and having escaped to many islands on the east of Malaysia (not just the ones mentioned), Pulau Redang was strangely never on my radar.
I was tasked with the planning of our holiday with my parents-in-laws. Wanting to ensure that they get an authentic Malaysian island experience, I had a list of criteria to check off: it has to be affordable, convenient, pristine, beautiful and yet not too touristy. Booming party music till dawn is a huge no-no. Also preferably, it should be a destination that Chris and I have never been to so that it’ll be much of a new territory to us as it is to them.
Surprisingly, there isn’t much information on Pulau Redang available. There were a few blog posts written up by travellers, with photos of azure waters and swaying palms, enough to convince us that this island could be an ideal addition to our trip, but information about accommodation, bus or boat timings, were scarce. There was nothing much we could book in advance.
ARRIVAL AT REDANG ISLAND JETTY , MERANG
We took an overnight bus from Penang to Kuala Terengganu. As it was the beginning of March and barely the start of the season, bus tickets were hard to procure in Georgetown. We had to go to Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, the main bus terminal in Penang, to get our tickets the day before.
We left at 8.30 pm and arrived at 5 am at Kuala Terengganu bus terminal. Stepping off the bus, I almost kissed the ground, giving thanks to the divine that we arrived in one piece. It was one of those rides where you never know if you’ll survive.
A cab driver drove us to Merang Jetty, where we were to take the speed boat across to Pulau Redang, but he warned us that since it was barely 6am, nothing’s going to be opened. Most of the villagers were still doing their morning prayers in the mosque nearby.
He was right. When we pulled up to Merang Jetty, nothing stirred except for a fellow backpacker there–a young Spanish guy, whose figure lay curled up in a ball with his backpack serving as a pillow. He took the bus from Kuala Lumpur and got dropped off at near the jetty area. He was glad that he now had some company.
Eventually, someone came to pull up the steel awnings of the shop that we were sitting in front of. A young affable man sold us return speed boat tickets for RM80 each via Kapas Marine Boat Services. The prices are probably the best i believe. The earliest departure was at 8.30am, we were told.
The medium Kapas Marine Boat Services speedboat sped across the clear turquoise waters as we hung on tight on the sides of the boat. The boat heaved and dipped each time we crossed a swell, causing the just-eaten roti canai to swirl in our tummies. I looked over at my in-laws but they looked like they were having the time of their lives. Salty water grazed my hair and skin. The morning sun was slowly warming the atmosphere up. I have craved for this feeling for a long time.
We enquired at three different places, namely Redang Pelangi Resort, Redang Mutiara Beach Resort and Redang Delima but in the end settled for the last one. The wooden A-frame huts of Delima came highly recommended by backpackers on the Internet but it was extremely basic and not very cheap (from RM180). It room was dark and it smelt a bit dank. I got the rustic charm of it but I didn’t think my in-laws would enjoy their stay here.
Redang Delima’s restaurant was probably the most popular, especially among western tourists. It was always full during meal times: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dining there was comfortable affair. Western and Asian meals were offered at prices that were pocket friendly, mostly between RM 8-RM15. It was probably the only ala-carte restaurant that opens consistently from 8am till 10pm. Waiters were friendly and attentive.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO PULAU REDANG
- Go off-season. The official season starts from Mid February to October but it doesn’t really get busy till May. Avoid weekends (Thursday evenings to Sunday mornings) and local school holidays because you’ll get the local crowds. We went in the beginning of March and it was perfect, including the weather.
- There are no ATMs on the island so it’s best if you have some cash with you. Especially if you’re planning to stay long.
- Bring mosquito repellent as you’ll need it between 5pm to 8pm. After that, locals say, the mosquitoes disappear. Interestingly, they’re right.
- If you’re crave for chips or cookies at random hours of the day, you might need to stock up from mainland. There a little sundry shop that sells water and sunscreen.
GETTING THERE
- To be safe, first departure to Pulau Redang from Merang Jetty starts from 8.00-.900 am while the first boat from Pulau Redang to mainland is 9.30 am. The boat ride between mainland and Pulau Redang is 45 minutes. The main service provider is Kapas Marine which has an office just by the jetty.
- There are overnight busses from Kuala Lumpur and Penang to Kuala Terengganu or maybe even to Merang Jetty. They all take about eight hours and while comfortable, there’s a chance your driver is an aspiring F1 driver. Take busses at your own risk. Busses that take you to the Kuala Terengganu bus station will arrive at 5 am in the morning.
- If you’re planning to take a taxi from the bus station to the jetty, do note that early mornings are the worst time to negotiate with taxi drivers. A taxi for two may cost RM30 while a taxi for four, RM45-60.
- Flying could be a better option as you’ll be able get one-way tickets from AirAsia for as low as RM 42 (from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu). If you take a taxi between airport and Merang Jetty, you should factor in at least 45 minutes of travel time.
WHERE TO STAY (PULAU REDANG PACKAGE)
There are few Redang Island accommodation options, Tourists rarely seemed to venture much further afield than the beach on which their resort is located – the beaches are all beautiful, and staying close to the resort where you can keep your stuff is convenient.
Resorts at the main Redang Island are:
- Laguna Redang Island Resort
- Redang Beach Resort
- The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort
- Redang Bay
- Redang Reef
- Redang Lagoon Resort
- Redang Pelangi Resort
- Redang Mutiara Beach Resort
- Redang Island Resort
- Sari Pacifica
- Redang Holiday Beach Resort
- Redang Delima
“Nak Dapatkan Pakej dan Trip Pulau Redang Terbaik?”
Jangan risau. Anda Sudah Berada Di Tempat Yang Tepat ! Kami Adalah Syarikat Yang menguruskan pelbagai aktiviti pelancongan di Pulau Redang dan penginapan Di Pulau Redang, Jom Travel Like A Local Bersama Kami Kapas Marine !