Your Complete Guide To The Best Island Getaway In Redang, Perhentian And Tioman

Tropical island getaways. Afternoons lazing under the sun, ocean breeze in your hair. Late-night bonfires and fresh seafood dinner with friends and family.

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When you think of Malaysia, it’s hard not to let your thoughts drift to the East Coast (of Peninsula Malaysia), where all your summer vacation dreams are set to come true. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the 3 best gems of the East Coast; Redang, Perhentian and Tioman, and let you decide where you’d prefer to get your vitamin sea from ⛱

#HHWT Tip: The best time to visit these islands are between March-October. Most of the resorts we mention throughout the article close from November till the end of February due to monsoon season, so plan your vacation well, folks!

[P.S. Planning a beach getaway outside of the monsoon season? Here are 5 beach destinations in Malaysia that are perfect all year-round!]

Redang

Famous for the marine park where you can swim with fish and turtles in the crystal clear water, there’s hardly a reason not to spend a few nights in Redang if you ever head up to the East Coast ✈

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The common misconception around Redang is that it’s simply a lone island but it’s actually an archipelago! It consists of nine islands, namely Lima, Paku Besar, Paku Kecil, Kerengga Besar, Kerengga Kecil, Ekor Tebu, Ling, Pinang and Redang itself.

The islands offer mesmerising snorkelling and diving spots, and it takes patience to discover every little gem in Redang

Getting There

The most direct way to travel to Redang is by twice-daily direct charter flights to the island from Subang Airport and Singapore’s Seletar Airport operated fully by Berjaya Air. Flight bookings can be done here. The estimated flight fare is around RM600 per person for a return flight.

But most travellers opt for the more affordable option of going by ferry ⛴ All you need to do is head to the Shahbandar jetty in Kuala Terengganu or Merang jetty. Some resorts operate their own ferries which usually leave from Merang jetty and brings you directly to the resort. Other resorts will make use of the public ferry which leaves from Shahbandar jetty to the Kampung jetty in Redang, after which you will transfer to other boats heading for the resorts.

Estimated 2-way ferry fare: RM110.00 (adult) and RM50.00 (child).

Things To Do

1. Admire the clear waters on a transparent kayak

Very few resorts offer clear kayaks, one of which is The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort.

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This is definitely something you should try to completely immerse yourself to the Redang experience. Nothing beats watching the reef creatures go about their day underneath your kayak – trust us on this

2. Visit Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary

Located at a secluded cove in the northern part of the island, this sanctuary allows visitors to take part in their turtle conservation efforts

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They regularly co-organise turtle-release events with Laguna Redang Hotel, so if you’re curious about the dates or you’re interested to sign up for a tour of the sanctuary, you can place your enquiries at Laguna Redang Hotel’s dive shop. By going on the tour, not only will you get to experience the process of releasing turtle hatchlings into the ocean, but you also get to snorkel at the pristine coral-filled cove, far from tourist-flocked beaches ⛱

#HHWT Tip: Turtle hatching and release happen between June till August, so do plan your visits ahead!

3. Visit the Marine Park

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Although the cluster of islands in Redang is already gazetted as a marine park, Pinang Island is often referred to as Redang’s Marine Park. Resorts bring their guests here for 2 – 3 hours per trip, where schools of reef fish await to be fed white bread by snorkellers

Accommodation

1. The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort

This is the place to be if you’re thinking of a polished and upscale resort retreat

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What we absolutely love about The Taaras is that you can choose your Deluxe rooms or Suites based on the type of views you prefer. For special occasions where you prefer utmost privacy during your retreat, an infinity pool of your own and special services catered to you throughout the stay (we’re talking about a breakfast chef, butler and security ), go for their Villa!

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If you plan to come here with families and little ones, you’ll be pleased to know there’s literally everything for everyone at The Taaras. From cooking classes and a visual games room to pool tables and board games, you won’t be running out of things to do indoors. Outdoor fun includes windsurfing, glass-bottom boat rides, Boogie boarding, island hopping, jungle trekking and the list goes on!

For extra convenience, Taaras offers two Fly & Stay packages; Jumpa Jojo and Paradise Plus. This is definitely a fuss-free option if you want your flight and accommodation to be taken care of in one bill. Check out what these packages entail here.

Note: Halal food options are available at the Asean All Day Dining. Alcohol is served in establishment.

Address: The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, Kampong Ulu Redang, 20928 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
Contact no: +6(09) 630 8888, (09) 221 3997/8/9
Rate: From RM800 per night
Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Laguna Redang Island Resort

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If you’re a fan of the Hong Kong movie ‘Summer Holiday’ back in 1999, this resort might ring a bell. Their very own souvenir shop, More More Tea Inn, was initially used as a temporary set for the shooting of the movie and to this day remains a good reason for visitors to come ’round!

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Keeping your tummies full while staying here shouldn’t be a concern as they have plenty of buffet selections throughout the day – restaurants and a warung-themed foodcourt that opens till late!

#HHWT Tip: Laguna Redang has a PADI-certified dive centre that offers beginner-level and advanced diving courses. If you’re looking to pick up diving skills while enjoying your summer getaway, this is something we highly recommend

Note: Halal options are available. Alcohol served in establishment.

Address: Laguna Redang Island Resort, Pasir Panjang, Pulau Redang, Terengganu.
Contact no: +6(09)-630 7888
Rate: From RM560 per night
Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Redang Island Resort

If your dream island escapade includes being encapsulated by the charm of Redang’s rainforest, this is the resort for you!

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Each chalet has its own private balcony with either a view of the gleaming sea or the serene greenery. It’s perfect for visitors who seek the thrill in the vast sea when the sun’s out and look forward to the harmonious chirping of the crickets in the cold, starry night.

Credit: @redangislandresort on Instagram

The resort offers a boat charter service so you can go island hopping without the headache that comes with finding an external boat service.

When you’re tired after all that snorkelling and sightseeing, head over to their spa outlet for a well-deserved massage!

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Note: Halal options are available. Alcohol served in establishment.

Address: Redang Island Resort, Teluk Siang, Pulau Redang, Terengganu.
Contact no: + 6(09) 630 8787‎
Rate: From RM324 per night
Website | Facebook | Instagram

#HHWT Tip: Looking for even more awesome places to stay? Check out our guide on these 7 awesome resorts in Redang.

Perhentian

This island pair is known to be synonymous to Redang in terms of the activities you can do as travellers. But a noteworthy difference here is that Perhentian is dubbed as more backpacker-friendly as compared to its sister island.

[P.S. Check out our detailed guide on everything you need to know when travelling to Perhentian Islands!]

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Consisting of Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar, there’s plenty to see and do when you’re at the world’s 13 best beaches as ranked by CNN. This is where you get to snorkel with majestic reef sharks and handsome sea turtles. Ready to make the most out of your East Coast visit?

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