Pulau Redang ticks all the right boxes in terms of being a tropical paradise – vast blue ocean with amazing snorkeling and diving to offer.
Getting to Pulau Redang
There are currently no direct flights to the island. MAS, Firefly, Air Asia and Malindo fly to Kuala Terengganu, the nearest airport. It takes about half an hour to get from the airport to Merang, where many of the speedboats leave from, or little less to Shahbandar jetty in Kuala Terengganu for the public ferry. If you take the public ferry you will arrive at Kampung jetty in Pulau Redang, and will have to transfer to another boat for the resort. The ferry transfers are often offered by the resorts.
If you do your research, you can get to the island quite cheaply if you don’t use the speedboat and take the ferry. The difference is that the speedboat takes 40 minutes and ferry drags on to an hour and a half.
We are already on the lookout for the upcoming option of using Pelangi Air, a chartered flight direct to Redang. During our recent stay at the The Taaras, the staff informed us that it is expected to be a slightly more expensive, but not prohibitive option. At least there will again be the luxury of a direct flight!
If you are a fan of road trips, the drive to Marang from KL is roughly 5 hours of smooth roads.
When to Go
Most Redang beach resorts are closed during the East coast monsoon season from November to early March. For the rest of the year the beaches here are sun-kissed and the water is mostly calm, but it is advisable not to go into the water if it is too rough.
Things to do in Redang with kids
The diversified ecosystem here definitely offers an unforgettable diving and snorkeling experience. If you are up to diving, I hear that the waters promise even more adventures. PADI certified courses are available.
Of course, if you are looking for a place just to relax and enjoy without doing too much, Pulau Redang is just the right place. The water is turquoise blue and the sand is really white and powdery. Something one can never have too much of.
The island is small and for the most part there is little to do or see except on or under water! Jungle trekking is offered widely but we didn’t explore. It was too hard to tear ourselves away from that beach.
Most Redang beach resorts are child friendly. Very quiet, relaxing and very beautiful, but do take everything you may need, you will not get it on the island. The main village on the island is not too far, and there are a few shops selling basics and soft drinks. However, do stock up on snacks, goggles, sunscreen unless you are willing to pay prohibitive prices.
Where to stay in Redang
The range of resorts on Redang varies from budget to luxury, depending on how you wish to enjoy your vacation on the island. Bigger resorts have private beaches where you will get to enjoy the seclusion away from the more crowded parts of the island, and offer activities, like the watersports spotted at the Laguna Redang beach:
A few years ago we stayed at the Wisana under the previous management – they offer a totally different, back to basics experience in a secluded setting right on the beach. Friends have also recommended Redang Kalong resort for a no-frills Redang beach resort.
Other ideas
If you have a longer holiday, a few families we met on the island chose to take a taxi after a few days and head to Tanjong Jara Resort. Combining Redang and Tanjong Jara is a great idea for a double tropical paradise experience!
2 Responses
Would you believe that I have not yet been to Redang!?
Start packing =)