Pulau Tenggol

pulau tenggol: overview

Hidden away on the east coast of peninsula Malaysia is a little gem called Pulau Tenggol. It’s not as well known as other islands in the same chain such as Perhentian or Redang and it is much the better for it. A small island lying 14 nautical miles from the small town of Kuala Dungun it is known within the diving fraternity for its healthy corals, macro life and occasional whale shark sightings. The island itself is pretty small coming it at about 3km long by 2km wide with few beaches, in fact the beaches by the resorts are inhabited by sand flies so its not a destination to head to unless you want to dive and sittingng on the beach will ensure you leave with a lot of incredibly itchy bites, believe me I have personal experience! Tenggol isn’t inhabited apart from the three resorts so there are no amenities such as outside restaurants, bars or ATMs so you will need to make sure you bring everything you need with you. But, if you look past the drawbacks its probably home to the best diving on peninsula Malaysia as you don’t have the crowds that you get at Perhentian, Redang & Tioman, the coral is in good condition, there is always that outside chance you might spot the whale shark and with over 20 dive sites available there is plenty to keep even the most ardent diver occupied. Aside from the whale shark you also have the chance to see turtles, reef sharks and Mobula rays if you’re lucky as well as the usual array of reef fish and a wide variety of nudibranchs and other macro life - its a favourite of the local underwater photographers and also one of my favourite spots to dive when I have a long weekend or a bit of free time as the diving is great and its easy to get to, just load up your dive gear into your car and head off, it really is that easy.

Diving at Tenggol

Teluk Rajawali:

Life: Beautiful Coral, Triggerfish, Wrasse, Parrotfish, Nudibranchs, Morray Eels, Blue Spotted Stingray, Angelfish, Pufferfish, Porcupinefish

Depth: 16m

Tokong Timur:

One of the more famous sites in Tenggol, a small sea mount just off of Tenggol itself with a lighthouse on it. This is one of the places where whale sharks can be seen, often between August & October. Currents can be strong here so be careful.

Life: Batfish, Great Barracuda, Boxfish, Turtles, Wrasse, Parrotfish, Nudibranchs, Morray Eels, Blue Spotted Stingray, Angelfish, Turtles, Pufferfish, Porcupinefish

Lucky Dive: Whale shark!

Depth 26m

Rajawali:

Life: Sweetlips, Barracuda, Clownfish, Nudibranchs, Morray Eels, Blue Spotted Stingray, Angelfish, Pufferfish, Porcupinefish

Depth: 29m

Tanjung Gamuk:

Life: Parrotfish, Clownfish, Angelfish, Sweetlips, Blue Spotted Stingray, Morray Eels, Nudibranchs, Pufferfish, Porcupinefish

Depth: 18m

Lost World:

To the North lies the lost world, a stunning coral garden that hosts a stunning array of hard and soft corals. A great site for beginners and advanced divers alike, watch out for Mobula rays if you are lucky.

Life: Angelfish, Clownfish, Wrasse, Parrotfish, Morray Eels, Blue Spotted Stingray, Nudibranchs, Turtles, Pufferfish, Porcupinefish

Lucky Dive: Mobula Ray

Depth: 25m

Sarang Lang:

Not visited as often as some of the other sites, but well worth the trip although the boat ride out there can be a little choppy if you get caught in the serge. Beautiful corals as well!

Life: Schooling Fusiliers, Schooling Jacks, Parrotfish, Wrasse, Nudibranchs, Blue Spotted Stingray, Morray Eels, Clownfish, Angelfish, Grouper, Pufferfish, Porcupinefish

Depth 17m

Tokong Burung:

A small group of rocks and very small islands to the north of Tenggol lies Tokong Burung, not visited very often and can suffer from poor visibility sometimes, but worth a trip out to if looking for something new to explore.

Life: Barracuda, Nudibranchs, Titan Triggerfish, Wrasse, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Morray Eels, Blue Spotted Stingray, Pufferfish, Porcupinefish

Depth: 20m

Sri Nokhota:

Close to Tokong Buring and good for macro life including Nudibranchs

Life: Angelfish, Morray Eels, Nudibranchs, Wrasse, Parrotfish, Pufferfish, Porcupinefish

Depth 23m

Turtle Point:

Just out in front of the main beach this site is quite sheltered and a good option in case the surface is a bit choppy or the weather not so great. There is also a wreck nearby which can be explored too so it offers a little bit of variety in case you have limited options due to conditions.

Life: Turtles, Napoleon Wrasse, Bumphead Parrotfish, Pufferfish, Porcupinefish, Wrasse, Parrotfish, Titan Triggerfish, Angelfish, Morray Eels, Blue Spotted Stingray, Nudibranchs, Cleaner Shrimp

Depth15m

Gua Rajawali:

Another beautiful coral garden that drops off into the deep. A great place for schooling Jacks and Fusiliers and if you are very lucky maybe even a Manta or Eagle Ray

Life: Turtles, Bumphead Parrotfish, Yellow Boxfish, Pufferfish, Procupinefish, Wrasse, Parrotfish, Angelfish, Nudibranchs, Titan Triggerfish, Morray eels, Blue Spotted Stingray, Barracuda

Lucky Dive: Mobula Rays, Manta Rays, Eagles Rays, Whale Shark

Depth 17m

Getting There

The only way to access Pulau Tenggol is through the sleepy town of Kuala Dungun on the east coast of Malaysia. From KL is around a 4-5 hour drive across the peninsula on the E8 highway. When you arrive in Dungun air the jetty you’ll need to find the boat going to your resort and then its around 30-45 mins journey depending on sea conditions.

where to stay

There are three resorts on the island, although resort is stretching it somewhat. None are 5 star luxury, but I have always stayed at Tenggol Island Beach Resort. The accommodation is basic but fine for what is needed (Air con, shower, bed!) and the restaurant serves local cuisine, buffet style which can be a little hit and miss. In the evening they open up a bar so you can chill on the decking area sipping a few cold beers after a long day of diving.

There are other options but I haven’t had chance to stay with them, although I hear they are fairly similar.

who to dive with

All diving is done through your resort so there isn’t an option to stay separately to where you are diving.

time to visit

Best time to visit March to October

costs

Low to mid range depending on accommodation