Terengganu, in general, is known for its beautiful islands surrounded by crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.

While there are a couple of famous islands located off the coast of Terengganu, among the best and most sought-after for island lovers are Redang ,Kapas Perhentian Islands.

Redang Island Day Trip Itinerary [Based on Personal Experience]

Suppose you would like to make a solo day trip to Redang Island and don’t want to stay overnight on the island. 

That is totally possible.

Read this Pulau Redang Itinerary so you can get a rough overview of how your trip would look like and prepare for your upcoming Redang Day Trip.

7:30 am – Leave Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Merang Jetty

If you live in Kuala Terengganu, as most hotels are situated there, it is best to leave by this time.

You can either leave with a Grab rideshare, a car rental, your vehicle, or a bus from KT Terminal. That’s up to your comfort, means, and time.

8:30 am – Embark to Redang Island Marine Park from Kuala Merang Jetty.

Your Day trip to Redang island begins with a ride from Merang Jetty to Pulau Redang Marine Park.

There are plenty of packages here, so you can choose which boat tour operator to go with such as Redang Marine Boat Services.

And depending on who is your boat guide, this ride can be as thrilling as a rollercoaster, but on the shores of Terengganu!

Additional Tip: Sit right at the back if you are prone to motion sickness. Regardless, do consume some anti-motion sickness pills before you embark on this ride.

But if you want the most thrilling experience, a seat right at the front would be exhilarating, as that’s where I was!

10:00 am – Snorkelling + Swimming with the Turtles of Teluk Dalam

Depending on the weather, your Redang Island Activities are most likely to be with a snorkeling session with the island’s inhabitants — the turtles!

They’re usually found swimming happily at Teluk Dalam, where the water’s clear and blue.

Plus, snorkeling early in the morning is the best as the sun’s not too hot out!

12:00 am – Halal Lunch & Relax at Long Beach, + (Options for kayaking ride)

By midday, you’re most likely to be exhausted after the swimming, laughter, and excitement of snorkeling with the turtles of Redang Island.

This time, you’ll take a quick break in your Redang trip with a chill session by the thatched roof hut along the sandy shores of Long Beach. You can order a coconut drink and explore more of the Bay with a kayaking session (price varies per vendor and according to the hour)

Additional Tip: Choose a day trip package with Halal lunch, so you’ll know you’re covered because you’ll surely be hungry by then!

2:00 pm – Snorkeling at Pasir Akar & Pulau Lima

Once you’ve fueled yourself up for the second phase of your Redang Day Trip, it’s time to continue snorkeling at different bays and secluded areas in the Marine Park.

After lunch, it is time to head to Pasir Akar. This is a beautiful spot that is located right next to a secluded island.

Did you know? Pasir Akar means Root Sand in literal translation from Malay. This indicates that the place has beautiful mangrove roots branching out amidst the sandy beach.

Because the place is so remote and protected, you can see species like Nemo or even baby sharks here!

And then it’s time to continue snorkeling at Pulau Lima.

*Depending on your tour guide and the weather, the tour guide may bring you to different bays.There have more than 9 spots available

3:45 pm – Stopover at Malaysian Little Maldives Before Heading Back to Merang Jetty via Speedboat

Before you head back to the Jetty on your Redang 1 Day Trip, you’ll stop over at Malaysian Maldives (known as Busung Pasir in the Malay language) for a photo session.

What’s unique about this is that it is a raised sandy bank platform similar to the ones in the Maldives — it makes you look like you’re actually in the Maldives!

This is just a place for you to walk and take some photos. That’s it.

You’ll also notice how the tides will rise and fall according to the time you visit here. So make sure you don’t leave your slippers or belongings at the edge of the sandbank, as water will ultimately rise near the surface, which may wash away whatever is out there!

Then, it’s time to head back to the Jetty via speedboat.

4:30 pm – Shower, Ride back to Kuala Terengganu.

Here, there are options for you to take a quick shower before you head back to Kuala Terengganu.

However, make sure you’re aware of the time and schedule, especially if you’re taking the bus back to the city!

Getting to Redang Island, Malaysia

By Bus

Penang to Merang Jetty

Bus to Kuala Terengganu from Koptar Bus Station in Penang at 10 pm for RM35 each. Buses in Malaysia are extremely comfortable with reclining seats and air-con. It gets really cold at night. So be sure to have a jacket or warm clothes handy on your journey!

Kuala Lumpur to Merang Jetty

Kuala Terengganu is also served by direct buses from Kuala Lumpur with a journey time of around 6-7 hours. The tickets cost around Rm44

By Car

Your own vehicle, or rental.

By Taxi / Ride Share

These are also possible whether it is taxi or Grab ride share.

However, they might be costly, and getting them early in the morning can be a challenge unless you’ve pre-arranged your transportation.