15 Things to Do in Redang Island (Best Resort, Hotels & More)

For those who are looking for things to do in Redang Island, this article will tell you about the most exciting activities and attractions in Redang Island that worth to be tried. I’ve compiled 15 must-do things that you can enjoy during your vacation! Have fun!

Bukit Besi Golf Club Chalet Promo (Place To Stay)

For a short or long stay, with your family, friends or for business, our magnificent chalets for rent offers luxury and comfort in a magical environment.

Located directly on the golf course with an unimpeded view of the lake, the Bukit Besi Golf Club chalets rental units offers you the difference. Built in early 2010, this new lodging concept represents what’s best in chalet rentals.

Tasik Puteri Bukit Besi Golf Club (Kelab Golf)

A short and challenging first nine with either lake or hillslopes on bothsides of the fairway. Wider fairway on the second nine but longer distance. The Tasik Puteri golf course (Golf in the Orchird Garden) is an 18 hole par 72, is full buggy course with undulating hills and elevated approaches presenting abundant challenges to every golfers.

Tasik Kenyir The Biggest Man-Made Lake (Kenyir Lake)

Kenyir Lake is the biggest man-made lake in Southeast Asia. Covered by more than 340 islands spread out in water catchments area of 38000 hectares.

The biggest island would be estimated as big as Singapore. And Kenyir Lake got her name from one of the river known as Kenyir River but now the river is beneath the lake when Kenyir Lake almost filled by the rainfall and surrounding water sources.

The lake is known as a unique tourist destination for her beautiful scenario of tropical forest and widely known for its valuable flora and fauna species. It is believed that the area is the habitat of more than 8000 species of flowers, 2500 species of plants and trees, 8000 species of orchids, 370 species of birds and 300 species of fresh water fish.

They live in harmony and in peace in their own natural habitat. You look and learn, preserve our nature for our next generation. Give this mother nature as a gift to future.

The Kenyir Lake creates and provides many amenities for total relaxation and enjoyment in a unique environment. Fishing, house boating, trekking, golfing, kayaking, camping, caving etc are some of the recreational activities the place has to offer.

Try and enjoy yourself. Without recreation, society will degenerate to biological forms devoid of soul. Whereas culture and tradition cannot be neglected lest our origins and values.

The traditional nature or kampung style chalets with wooden houses of architectural designs create enlivened and enriched the area surrounding. This place is a wide area of interest for visitors to experience whatever whom you are either casual visitor or a serious scientist, lets its being in nature.

How to get there?

By Land:

There are two jetties at Kenyir Lake. The main jetty is Pengkalan Gawi and the other option is Jenagor Jetty (mostly for houseboat). The distance from Kuala Terengganu to Pengkalan Gawi is approximately 80 km. If you are from Kuala Lumpur, please take Karak Highway to Jerangau Jabor Highway and proceed to Ajil to reach Kuala Berang town and onwards to Kenyir.



Or you may take the alternative journey along coastal road through Kemaman, Dungun, Kuala Terengganu and through Kuala Berang to Kenyir Lake. The daily express buses from Hentian Putra Terminal (nearby PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur also provide the service.

There is bus express namely Express Tasik Kenyir, which travels directly to Kenyir Lake (last stop at Pengkalan Gawi).

By Flight:

Fly with Malaysia Airline or Air Asia from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu.
Source from Tasik Kenyir

Rhu Hentian Island (Pulau Rhu Hentian)

It's possible that Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, and a few other pulau are too well-known and "overheated" for many people, but Rhu Hentian Island, which is only 15 nautical miles from offshore Kuala Besut, is unknown to the majority of travellers. Indeed, it is a newly found and rapidly rising island in the East Coast tourism industry.

Lang Tengah Island (Pulau Lang Tengah)

Lang Tengah Island is a very small island located between Perhentian Island and Redang Island that can be reached by a 30 minute boat ride from Merang jetty. The clear emerald waters and the coral reefs around it are popular with scuba divers and snorkelers. The island itself is covered by hilly tropical rainforest with varied flora and fauna.

Batu Bersurat Memorial (Terengganu Inscription Stone)

Batu Bersurat Terengganu Inscription Stone

The Islamic Inscription on the Inscribed Stone of Terengganu is a profound statement of Terengganu's Islamic Past. The Stone, which dates as far back as the early 14th Century, is known to be the earliest piece of inscription in Malay using the Jawi script which states Islam as the official religion of Terengganu, along with an Islamic law guide pertaining to misdeeds and sanctions.

Batu Bersurat Terengganu is the oldest artifact with Jawi writing on it. The artifact proves that Islam reached Terengganu earlier than 1326 or 1386. It was accidentally discovered near Teresat River at Kuala Berang, Terengganu, Malaysia by an Arab trader named Sayid Husin bin Ghulam al-Bokhari in 1899 after a flash flood hit Kuala Berang.

Image source via Nick Shah

Kuala Berang is situated about 33 kilometers from Kuala terengganu and it is an historical place. Kuala Berang became famous when an inscribed stone was discovered here. The inscribed stone found was the earliest record of Islam in Peninsular Malaysia.

The inscribed stone was discovered in 1899 when there was a major flood in Terengganu. After the flood, the villagers found a huge stone at the mouth of Sungai Teresat. The villagers then shifted the stone to a mosque at Kampung Buluh in Kuala Berang.

In 1902, a gold and tin miner named Syed Hussain bin Ghulam Al Bukhari from Riau - Lingga and Engku Pengiran Anum arrived at Kuala Berang. They saw the inscribed stone and brought it back to Kuala Terengganu where they presented it to Sultan Zainal Abidin, who was then the Sultan of Terengganu.

Sultan Zainal Abidin kept the inscribed stone from many years as no one understood the Jawi writings that was inscribed on the stone. Thus an Englishman who was working in Terengganu send photographs of the inscribed stone to history language specialists in Singapore and London. In the end, the inscriptions on the stone was able to be read clearly.

The inscribed stone weighed about 215 kilograms, 84 centimeters in height, 53 centimeters wide at the top and 27 centimeters wide at the bottom. The thickness of the stone is 24 centimeters and is made of granite which cannot be easily broken.

The inscriptions are in Arabic - Malay believed to be written on the 22nd February 1303. Among the inscriptions on the stone are the ten Islamic laws and their punishments. With the discovery of this stone, historians felt that Islam has reached Terengganu before the 14th century.

The inscribed stone also proved that a government existed in Terengganu long before Melaka was founded. Even after Melaka was founded, Kuala Terengganu still remained an important port.

Where To Stay

• Chalet Perhilitan
• Kenyir Sanctuary Resort
• Sekayu Rest House
• Kenyir Lake View Resort
• Kuala Berang Resthouse

Source from Terengganu Tourism

Perhentian Island Long Beach (How To Get There)

Perhentian Island Terengganu Malaysia

Perhentian Island is situated about 21km off the coast of Terengganu and comprises two islands which is Perhentian Besar Island and Perhentian Kecil Island. It is accessible from Kuala Besut Jetty, a one-and-half-hour drive north of Kuala Terengganu.

Gemia Island (Pulau Gemia Terengganu)

Pulau Gemia (Gemia Island Terengganu)

Another new born island in Terengganu, Gemia Island (perhaps is more accurate to say, new born tourism spot) is a tiny island located just beside Kapas Island.

There is only one resort on the island to accommodate the raising number of tourists. Rooms are stretching along the rocky shore. Though the beach is narrow, yet, like other islands in east coast Peninsular Malaysia, it is covered by white sand.

Because it is new and small and moreover, like other island hidden in the shadow of Redang and Perhentian Island, Gemia Island is less known to the tourists. Nevertheless, this has prepared the island a peaceful and quite atmosphere for holiday seekers and also the wildlife.

Sea eagles, reef herons, tern and also the precious giant leatherback turtle come to nest their eggs on this island every year. Like some of the regular tourists who spend their holiday on the island every year, green turtles, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtle are also regular visitors too.

How To Get There

Pulau Gemia, a 15-minute boat ride from the Marang jetty in Terengganu, is a tiny island located just beside Pulau Kapas.

By Bus

There are no bus services directly to the Marang jetty. The nearest destination is Kuala Terengganu. From there, you can either charter a taxi or a van to take you to the Marang jetty.

By Air

There are two airlines that service the Kuala Trengganu airport, namely AirAsia and MAS. From the airport, you need to take a taxi or charter a van to take you to the Marang jetty.

By Car

The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu takes about 8 hours. Take the Karak Highway to get to Kuantan. From there, follow the sign board to Kuala Terengganu.

One can choose to travel during day time and reaches Kuala Terengganu to spend the night or one can travel at night and reach there just in time for breakfast.

After a rest stop at Kuala Terengganu, proceed to the Marang jetty which is about half an hour drive away from Kuala Terengganu town. Upon reaching Marang, there are plenty of parking areas just opposite the jetty. Charges are per-day basis.



Where To Stay

• Gem Wellness Spa & Island Resort
• Rhu Muda Beach Resort
• Marang Guest House & Rest
• Island View Resort
• Hotel Seri Malaysia Marang

Source : terengganu.tourism.gov.my

Tenggol Island Dungun Terengganu Malaysia

Tenggol Island is another beautiful diving getaway island just 45 minutes from the coastal jetty in Kuala Dungun. It size is approximately 3km in length and 2km in width. However, this has not prevented it from becoming a paradise for many people especially diving enthusiasts.

The sandy beach blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Further inland are forested rocky hills that make it a scenic destination for adventure seekers. The hills rising over 800ft offer a panoramic view of the island. This rocky terrain extends from the interior of the island to the ocean and has created a dramatic ideal hideaway for marine life.

For example in Teluk Air Tawar there is a large spread of sloping reef on the rocky wall, whereas Rajawali Reef, with vertical rocky walls which fall as deep as 32m, is home to corals and other marine life like batfish and black tip reef sharks. Besides calm coral gardens, you could also chance upon humphead parrotfish, giant stingray, bat fishes, whale sharks, leopard sharks, schooling jacks and others in the diving spots around Tenggol. Whale sharks are seen in certain areas from August to October every year.

How To Get There

Ferry services have to be arranged from Kuala Dungun as Pulau Tenggol is not serviced by public or regular transport. Tenggol Aqua Resort provides ferry services between the island and Kuala Dungun.

The nearest airport are the Kerteh (30mins. From Kuala Dungun), Kuala Terengganu (1hr) and Kuantan (2hr 30mins). Visitors can fly in and hire a taxi to Kuala Dungun.

Air-conditioned coaches from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu also stop at Kuala Dungun. Or you can drive to Kuala Dungun, park at the office of Tenggol Aqua Resort, and take the resort ferry to Pulau Tenggol. From Kuala Lumpur, it is a leisurely and scenic 7hr 30mins drive to Kuala Dungun.



Where To Stay

• Tenggol Island Resort
• Tenggol Island Dive Resort & Spa
• Tenggol Aimers Resort

Source: Tourism Terengganu

Turtle Stone | Batu Penyu Rantau Abang Terengganu

Batu Penyu Rantau Abang Terengganu

Local villagers believed that the giant leatherback turtles are attracted to Rantau Abang every year because of the presence of a large black stone resembling a turtle in the river.

Nobody knows the reason why do these creatures choose to come back every year. However, the local believe that the turtles are attracted by two giant turtle stones (Batu Penyu) one lies between the bushes on a little hill in the village off the coast and another soaking in seawater.

The mysterious stone on the hill is accessible in a 30 minutes short walk passing through the village. There is sign board along the way or you may get a villager to bring you there. Whereas the other one is covered by sand and water and is not visible any more.



How To Get There

By car

From Kuala Lumpur you will be driving on the Karak Highway (Highway 2) all through to Kuantan, which takes approximately 3 - 3½ hours. Once arriving on the outskirts of Kuantan town, it can get a little tricky.

Head towards the Northeast, on highway 3 (the coastal road) which will take you pass Dungun. From Kota Baharu, head South down highway 3 - coastal highway all the way to Chukai.

By air

There are flights Kuala Terengganu by Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia . From the airport, grab a taxi to Kuala Terengganu local bus station and from here, take a local bus to Rantau Abang.

By bus

PLEASE NOTE: the coaches that leave for Kuala Terengganu does not state Rantau Abang on their schedule. So ask to be dropped off at Rantau Abang.

Where To Stay

• Sri Gate Hotel
• Sura Hotel
• Dahima's Guest House
• Sri Dungun Hotel
• Merantau Inn

Source Terengganu Tourism and image from MPD Dungun.

Pulau Duyung | Mermaid Island

Pulau Duyung or Mermaid Island are consist of Pulau Duyung Besar (big) and Pulau Duyung Kecil (small). They are actually not really an island instead both are two peninsular that extends from the mainland and river towards the sea. Pulau Duyung Besar is the home of the most famous master boat makers and the oldest traditional boat making in Malaysia and is already an international tourist destination.



Pulau Duyung which is only a few hectares big sits between The Sultan Mahmud Bridge and Kuala Sungai Terengganu (Sungai Terengganu’s river mouth), making it easily accessible by road or river. Historically, the island was discovered and explored by a well known Muslim scholar Wan Abdullah or better known as Tok Syeikh Duyong. The island was renamed Pulau Duyong (Mermaid Island) from Pulau Peria after a pair of mermaids appeared on the island.

Traditional Boat Making



Terengganu's world-famous traditional boat makers in Duyung Island are known to build row boats, deep-sea fishing boats and luxury yachts from memory and experience, and without blueprints and nails! Visitors can stroll from one workshop to another to see the craftsmen at work. The island is easily accessible via the Sultan Mahmud Bridge or a short boat ride from the Kuala Terengganu waterfront.

How to Get There You can use the Sultan Mahmud bridge and take the Pulau Duyung exit in the middle of the span. From there, ask for directions to the “boat builder’s place” and the place will be just a walking distance away.

By boat



Take a river boat ride from Pasar Payang or at the small jetty that lay just next to Hotel Seri Malaysia in Kampung Cina. The short ride should cost about RM0.70 per person.

By Bus

Catch a mini bus from bus station at Kuala Terengganu that goes across the Sultan Mahmud Bridge to Pulau Duyung (RM0.80). Walk about 10 minutes before turning into the road on the right and then another right onto a small paved road.

Where to Stay

• Heritage Marina Bay Club Resort
• YT Midtown Hotel
• Motel Desa
• Kenangan Hotel
• Hotel Bintang

Source : Tourism Terengganu

Hutan Lipur Sekayu Waterfall (Air Terjun Sekayu Kuala Berang)

Air Terjun Sekayu Waterfall Terengganu

The place is blessed with many nature wonder with abundant of flora and fauna. The Recreational Forest of Sekayu (Hutan Lipur Sekayu) is one of the most famous recreational forest in Terengganu and a favorite visitor retreat from the dusk and long hour work.

The crystal clear and cold water that flow from the Sekayu and Tersat river and the beauty of the mother nature all around is very suitable for resting your mind and body and bringing your family for a picnic and to take part in the recreational activities.



The Recreational Forest also have a large area that are suitable for family picnicking and outing activities all over along the sekayu river with many changing rooms and washrooms and a lot of camping area complete with a fire place to cook and boon fire, with electric and clean water supply.

Visitor can relax their day and enjoy walking along the many the recreational ground and to the Taman Pertanian Negeri which is just inside the Hutan Lipur.

Here at the Taman Pertanian, visitors will see the flower park, the orchid park, fruit orchard, garden, bird park and animals at the mini zoo like monkeys, beavers, Malaysia sun bear and other.

Sekayu Waterfall Image from Timur Saliev

Image source from Habsah Dinin

Visitors can also walk along the forest trail that are prepared by the department to see the assortment of plants and wild lives at the nearby forest.

How To Get There

Located 16km from the town of Kuala Berang through the main road of Kuala Berang-Sekayu, 56km from Bandar Kuala Terengganu.

Visitors can use their own transportation or public transportation like airplane, bus or taxi from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Berang before departing to The Recreational Forest of Sekayu.

Where To Stay

• Chalet Perhilitan
• Sekayu Rest House
• Kenyir Lake Resort
• Kuala Berang Resthouse
• Tanjung Mentong Resort

Air Terjun Sekayu Waterfall info source of Terengganu Tourism

Redang Island Terengganu Malaysia (Pulau Redang)

Accessible from Merang Jetty in Setiu, a 30-minute drive north of Kuala Terengganu, off the Terengganu coastline on the northeastern coast is the Redang Archipelago. It is made up of a few islands namely Redang Island (the largest), Pinang Island, Kerengga Island, Lima Island, Ekor Tebu Island and Susu Dara Island.

This area has also been gazetted as a marine park and its brilliant underwater world is one of the best in Malaysia. Meanwhile Pinang Island has a visitors’ centre that houses an exhibition room, an audio-visual room, a research lab, turtle touch pools and chalets.

Redang Island - Photos by Butirek

Redang Island is indeed one of Malaysia’s most idyllic islands. This tropical paradise offers pearly-white sandy beaches, sparkling clear seawater, lovely sunrises and spectacular marine life.

Its marvellous marine fish varieties, turtles and huge range of coral reefs make it a wonderful diving spot and its diverse coral species are said to be among the best in the world.

The five famous dive sites in Redang are Tanjung Lang, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Gua Kawah, Pasir Panjang and Batu Mak Cantek. There are even a few shipwrecks dive sites, offering an adventure for divers.

Redang Island Resort - Photo by Rosanna Leung

Apart from diving, beach lovers can also enjoy other activities like swimming, snorkelling, fishing, boating or sunbathing. You can check in to one of the many resorts on the island, offering full packages including land and sea transfers, accommodation, full board meals and activities or room packages only. Bookings can be arranged at any local or foreign travel agents for a delightful island getaway.

Redang Island Beach - Photo by Yee Yip Siang

How to get there

Pulau Redang can be reached within an hour by speed boat from jetty in Merang, a small fishing village about 30 minutes by road from Kuala Terengganu. Alternatively, you may also take a boat ride from Shah Bandar Jetty in Kuala Terengganu island. Ferry service is also available from the Kuala Terengganu jetty and it takes 45 minutes to reach the island.

Where to stay

1. Ayumayang Redang Island Resort
2. Berjaya Redang Beach Resort
3. Coral Redang Island Resort
4. Laguna Redang Island Resort
5. Redang Bahtera Resort

For further details about islands in Terengganu, you can go to Terengganu Tourism Portal.