The getaway to Pulau Redang was a random trip pre-arranged few weeks before departure. I was invited by Darabdua to join him for a diving trip. I had not been diving for more than a year after Start in Tioman 2013. So, why not? Initially there were 9 of us, but 3 pulled out few days before the departure date. Prior to leaving for Pulau Redang, I had never met any of them in person. Some of us were twitter friends, while the others were as good as strangers.
The Journey to Jeti Syahbandar Kuala Terengganu
The journey from Kuala Lumpur began with 8 hours bus ride to Kuala Terengganu. We arrived approximately at 5.30am. The bus that we chose was Sani Express departing from Hentian Putra. [Tips: If you wish to take Sani Express, I would recommend that you pre-book your seats as the tickets are selling like hot cakes.] Sani Ekspress is one of the most reliable long distance bus services at the point of writing. It was just a matter of how you want to kill the time as the first boat to Pulau Redang leaves the Syahbandar Jetty at 9 a.m. [Tips : Kuala Terengganu Bus Station and Syahbandar Jetty are 5-10 minutes away from one another on foot]
For the getaway to Pulau Redang, we had booked our package with Redang Bay Resort. The package of RM324 included dormitory room for 2 nights, full board meals, return ferry tickets, marine park fees. Darabdua and I had to pay extra RM200 for diving package which included 4 dives. [Tips : In Pulau Redang, you cannot book for only accommodation, it comes in a snorkelling package]
This is how the ferry looks like. It takes 1 1/2 hours to reach Redang Bay Resort. While waiting, we slept away. The window of the ferry was above our head, so we could not glance through the window to enjoy the view. In this case, you need to crane your neck like our friend here.
A Getaway in Pulau Redang
The ferry stopped miles from the shore. The ferry crew transported us to a floating platform which would land on the shore. Here, each resort would collect their resort guests and ferry them using buggy services in the form of a modified tractor.
Pulau Redang
Pulau Redang is one of the most famous island which lies just about 45km northeast of Kuala Terengganu. The island is the largest island in Terengganu with 7km long and 6km wide. The Redang archipelago constitutes the islands of Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Kerenggan Besar, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling and Pulau Pinang.
Redang Bay Resort
We chose Redang Bay Resort because it was affordable to our budget. Redang Bay Resort is located at Pasir Panjang (Long Beach), Pulau Redang. The resort offers 76 available units which are made up of 1 double storey block which consists of 25 family rooms, 27 standard rooms and 24 units of twin sharing room. All the rooms are well attached with air-conditioner and bathroom and hot shower except for the dorm.
Our dormitory room was very satisfactory. With cold air conditioner and a very clean room, what else could I ask for? Normally, a beach resort would be dusty and sandy. But Redang Bay Resort was clean beyond satisfaction. Even the toilet was clean.
The food at Redang Bay Resort was amazing that I ate too much that I had to throw up many times after the dives. The pau served over hi-tea is good.
Since I could not afford an underwater casing for my Panasonic, I lend my camera to the girls who went for snorkelling. I could not bring my camera for diving yet. Here are some shots taken by them using Lumix Panasonic DMC FT5.
Late evening, we killed the time by playing beach volleyball, strolling down the beach and watching sunset. After going to many islands in Malaysia, I can say Pulau Redang is one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia. And last but not least, a group picture:-
Actual costs of 3D2N Getaway in Pulau Redang Bus : RM92 (RM46 each way – online purchase) Redang Bay Resort Package : RM324 for snorkelling package (inclusive of return boat ticket, 3x snorkellings, accommodation dormitory style and full board meals). Diving = RM225 for 3 dives and equipment rental. Mineral water = RM5 for big bottle Total : RM643.00
5 Comments
Very informative! Thanks! Our first entry is about backpacking in NZ. Hope you can drop some feedback 😉
Hi Meck,
Good to know that you are starting a travel blog. Love the layout and can’t wait for entries to come out. Keep up the good job.
Hi there,
this blog is really helping me as im planning on going to redang next year..:).
but how is the snorkeling equipment rental work? I mean if we were to stay 3d2n, is the equipment rental is a daily basis (30.00 x 2night) or..? and one more thing do you pay for the insurance cover? what is that for actually? i noticed when i went through some resort website they stated about the insurance cover but i have no idea what is that for..:)
Thanks Lemonade for visiting my blog.
The snorkelling equipment is part of the package. For diving, you have to pay for equipment rental on daily basis.
Insurance cover is an added value. This is to cover you for any mishap that might occur during your travel. For example, capsized boat etc.
I stumbled on this post at twitter, as i was looking for some cool places to hang around Malaysia. this seems a wonderful place to explore, thanks for all the information it will come handy.