Redang
The beach at The Taaras, Pulau Redang
redang: overview
Pulau Redang is the largest of the islands in the Terengganu archepelagio located on the east coast of peninsula Malaysia which also includes the Perhentians, Kapas and Tenggol. It is one of the best scuba diving locations on the peninsula and is famed for the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. It is actually made up of around 9 islands but the main island is the largest by far and has all of the accommodation on it.
Redang, like the other islands in Terengganu is accessible from KL via road or air, as a diver I normally opt to drive and thus not worry about no-fly times.
Diving at Redang
A Green Turtle swims towards the camera at Turtle Point
The diving at Redang is really good and can often be stunning when you get the right conditions, visibility is often very good and the corals are in better condition than those at Kapas and the Perhentians as the island is more remote. The corals here are probably the healthiest on the east coast of peninsula Malaysia due to Redang’s distance from the mainland, however there isn’t as much marine life as in other areas as the island still has a large, active fishing community. Diving here is normally carried out through your resort and can be a bit less free than diving in say, the Perhentians where there is a huge amount of choice. Below is a summary of the major Dive sites:
Pulau Lima, Southern Tip
Probably one of the best dive sites in Pulau Redang, on the east side of the island.
Depth: 20m
Normal Day: Giant Morray Eel, Titan Trigger Fish, Blue Spotted Fantail Ray, Clownfish, Anemonefish, Rock Cod, Wrasse, Blue Ringed Angelfish, Sizemores Bar Angelfish, Parrotfish, Yellow Tang
Pulau Lima, Black Coral
Fantastic healthy corals here and the chance to see turtles
Depth: 22m
Normal Day: Hawksbill Turtle, Blue Spotted Stingray, Blue Ringed Angelfish, Nudibranchs
Terumbu Kili
Depth: 20m
Normal Day: Barracuda, Shrimp, parrotfish, wrasse, moray eels, clownfish
Pasir Akar
Depth: 19m
Normal Day: Pipefish, Leaf scorpionfish, Lionfish, Nudibranchs, Glass Shrimp, Anemonefish, Moray Eels, Batfish
Turtle Point
One of the most popular dives at Redang for both Scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Due to tour operators feeding the Turtles, encounters are almost guaranteed. However, this comes at a price as turtle surround boats as soon as they arrive in the area which has led to a high number of incidents of turtles being hit by boats and propellers which is not good. To be honest, I felt uneasy on this dive and would probably not repeat the experience.
Depth: 5m
Normal Day: Green Turtles - lots of them!
Tanjung Lebah
This was a dive that sticks in my memory as a Titan triggerfish decided to have a nibble at my fins! The dive guide was trying to signal to me, but I thought he was saying strong current, only found out when we surfaced which was probably for the best.
Depth: 21m
Normal Day: Shrimp, Trevally, Titan Triggerfish, parrotfish, wrasse, clownfish
Maritim Wreck
Depth: 18m
Normal Day: Blue Spotted Stingray, Yellow Boxfish, Stonefish, Nudibranchs, Jenkins Whipray
TG Tokong
Depth: 22m
Normal Day: Bubble Coral Shrimp, Nudibranchs, some great opportunities for macro photography
Bahagia Wreck
Depth: 17m
Normal Dive: Christmas Tree Worms, Turtle, Nudibranchs, Cleaner Shrimp, Banded Boxer Shrimp,
TG Chagar Hutang
Drift Dive with the opportunity to see large pelagic animals
Depth: 20m
Normal Day: Christmas Tree Worms, N nudibranchs, Great Barracuda, Flatworm
Lucky Day: Whale Shark
Telek Mak Delah
Nice sheltered dive site that is suitable for all levels
Depth: 19m
Normal Dive: Christmas Tree Worms, Nudibranchs, parrotfish, wrasse
Teluk Kerma
Some really nice swim throughs and beautiful healthy corals
Depth: 18m
Normal Day: Christmas tree worms, nudibranchs, parrotfish, wrasse
Getting There
Fly to Kota Bharu or drive from KL
Flight to Kota Baru takes approx 1 hr
Drive from KL takes approx 5.5 hrs
where to stay
The Taaras - Very high end resort with private bay/bay. The cost may be the highest of all on Redang, but it is by far the nicest place to stay. Great dive centre and fantastic facilities such as spa, pool, beach bar. Food and beverage is also top notch.
Sari Pacifica - Cheapest option for staying at Redang, but you get what you pay for. Probably doesn’t live up to its billing as a boutique resort. Dive centre is somewhat limited.
Laguna - Mid range option for Redang. Food and beverage is limited if you don’t want buffet or steamboat but is ok. Beach bar and reasonable facilities. Well equipped dive centre with great staff.
who to dive with
Unlike the Perhentians where there are a large number of independent dive shops, diving at Redang is normally carried out with the resort you are staying at
time to visit
Best time to visit March to October
costs
Mid range to high depending on accommodation