Redang Island
Island Tropical island reserve famous for coral reefs
A Terengganu island within Malaysia’s marine park system known for coral reefs, snorkeling and sea turtles; visitors come for clear water, dive trips, beach bungalows and regulated marine activities.
.jpg?width=1200)
.jpg?width=1200)
.jpg?width=1200)
.jpg?width=1200)
Pulau Redang (Redang Island) is a coral island off the coast of Terengganu in eastern Peninsular Malaysia, known for white-sand beaches and extensive reef systems that support snorkeling and scuba diving. It is one of the better-known destinations on Malaysia’s east coast for marine recreation.
The island’s clear water and reef sites attract snorkelers and divers; dive operators run trips to nearby islets and reef formations. Sandy beaches such as Pasir Panjang provide resort frontage and day-beach facilities, and the shallow reefs close to shore are accessible from many resort beaches.
Historically a small fishing community, the island developed tourism infrastructure in the late 20th century and today supports several resorts and dive centres; conservation measures regulate fishing and reef use to protect marine life. Management aims to balance visitor use with reef and turtle-nesting protection.
Redang sits in the South China Sea off the northeast coast of Terengganu state, Malaysia, northeast of the state capital Kuala Terengganu. Boat transfers from mainland jetties are the standard means of access and the island’s services are concentrated near the main jetty and village.
- Best time to visit: Best visiting season is the east-coast dry season, when sea conditions are calmer and most dive operators run trips.
- Turtle nesting and sightings: Green and hawksbill sea turtles nest on the island's beaches and are commonly seen while snorkeling.
- Access and transport: Boat access is the only practical way to reach the island; transfers and ferries run from mainland jetties such as Merang during the tourist season.
What to See #
- Pasir Panjang (Long Beach): The island's main sandy shoreline and resort area on the western side, lined with hotels and dive operators and serving as the primary arrival point for daytrips and resort stays.
- Marine park reefs and dive sites: A network of coral reefs and protected snorkel and dive sites around the island and nearby islets, home to hard and soft corals and reef fish species.
- Kampung Redang and main jetty: The small village and jetty area where boats land and basic services for visitors are concentrated; boat transfers to the island operate from several east-coast jetties.
How to Get to Redang Island #
Redang Island (Terengganu) is reached by boat from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Most visitors fly to Sultan Mahmud Airport (Kuala Terengganu) and then take a taxi or transfer to Merang Jetty (the common departure point); from Merang Jetty regular speedboat services run to Redang and the crossing typically takes around 45-60 minutes. Boats also depart from other nearby jetties in Kuala Terengganu; expect a short walk on arrival from the jetty to most resorts.
Tips for Visiting Redang Island #
- Plan Redang visits for the dry season (roughly April-September) when sea visibility is best for diving and snorkelling; the east coast monsoon typically brings rough seas and many resorts close between November and February.
- Book ferry transfers and resort packages in advance-most boats to Redang depart from Merang (and some from Kuala Terengganu) and fill up during Malaysian school holidays and weekends.
- Be prepared to pay the Marine Park conservation fee at the jetty and follow park rules on reef protection and turtle nesting sites; Redang is inside a marine park with regulations aimed at protecting coral and marine life.
Best Time to Visit Redang Island #
The best time to visit Redang Island is during the dry season (March-October) for reliable diving, clear water and stable boat services.
Weather & Climate near Redang Island #
Redang Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2894 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (140 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (232 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (292 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (605 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (673 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
.jpg?width=600)
