There are 4 main archipelagos of marine park islands in the state of Terengganu, namely Pulau Redang Archipelago, Pulau Perhentian Archipelago, Pulau Kapas Archipelago and Pulau Tenggol Archipelago.
Pulau Redang Archipelago consist of 12 islands namely Pulau Redang, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Ling, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Chupak, Pulau Yu Kecil, Pulau Yu Besar and Pulau Lima (Limau). The waters surrouding these islands of 2 nautical miles from the lowest sea level are known as Pulau Redang Malaysia Marine Park. After the establishment of marine park, the same waters are also known as Fisheries Prohibited Area (FPA). .
Many people pursue livelihoods and recreational activities in the park waters, sharing use of these protected waters with the natural living resources. The purpose of the Marine Park is to manage the conservation of the marine resources.
The climate of the archipelago is dominated by the north-east monsoon, which blows from November to March, producing a wetter season in these months than during the rest of the year. During this time, there is heavy rainfall and the surrounding seas are rough, making the island archipelago almost inaccessible by boat. Rain, however, is frequent throughout the year with short dry spells. Drainage is provided by the main river of Sungai Redang and several small streams.
About 200 families reside in the fishing village in houses built on stilts on the main island of Pulau Redang at the estuary of the Sungai Redang. Presently plans are being made to shift them further inland.
Agriculture is carried out mainly on the flat land of the Sungai Redang Valley with fruit trees lining the hill slopes. Remnants of coconut and pepper plantations still exist on Pulau Redang. The islanders are mainly fishermen. Some, however, increase their income by the collection of edible birds’ nests from the swifl et colonies located in the caves along the north-eastern coast.
Pulau Redang Marine Park, administered by the Marine Park & Resource Management Division, Department of Fisheries Malaysia, provides special protection and management for marine areas of national significance. The overall goal will be to protect, conserve and manage in perpetuity marine environments of significance and to encourage the public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of Malaysia’s natural marine heritage by present and future generations of Malaysians.
A mangrove forest is the part of the main attractions in Pulau Redang. The land and water is managed as an integrated ecosystem with co-operation between the Federal and State Government. Development on the private lands is managed through proper planning using the environmental guidelines established by the state government to reduce the adverse environmental impact to the ecosystem of the island.
Pulau Perhentian archipelago consist of 3 islands namely Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Susu Dara. Pulau Perhentian is a unique island on the State of Terengganu and is located about 21 km from Kuala Besut, Terengganu. It has become tourists selection because of its unique white and soft sand and its various marine biodiversities. Previously, this island was a stop-oer for traders, and eventually the island became known as “Pulau Perhentian”.
Residential settlements are concentrated in Pasir Hantu, Pulau Perhentian Kecil which has various basic facilities. Almost the entire area of Pulau Perhentian is used for tourism activities, while the rest is covered by tropical rainforest areas.
Pulau Kapas Archipelago consist of 2 islands namely Pulau Kapas and Pulau Gemia.It is located at the east side 6 kilometer from Marang, Terengganu. Pulau Gemia is suated at the north side of Pulau Kapas. The name of Pulau Kapas (Cottnon Island) originated from its white sandy beaches. This island has tropical rainforests, clear seawater, white coastal sands and coral reefs living around its waters. The island is famous for its diving and snorkeling paradise.
This island is formed from 6 islands, namely Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Nyireh, Pulau Tokong Timur, Pulau Tokong Talang, Pulau Tokong Burung and Pulau Tokong Kemudi. Pulau Tenggol is a popular diving destination. Located just 45 minutes from the coast of Kuala Dungun in the southern part of Terengganu, many divers dubbed Pulau Tenggol as The Mini Sipadan.
The shores of Pulau Tenggol are decorated with white sand and clear water. It is uninhabited but has some attractive resorts in the Freshwater Bay. It is part of the Marine Park of Malaysia and has been gazetted since 1994.
Pulau Redang Archipelago
On Pulau Redang, you can go to Long Beach which is a popular attraction here. The beach is clear, the surface is sloping and the area bends like an artificial lagoon. The view of the sunrise and sunset in this beach is very beautiful and breathtaking.
In addition, Chagar Hutang Beach is another area dedicated to the conservation of Green Turtles and Hawkbill Turtles. However, this coastal area is closed for any tourism activities to protect its landscape and allow turtles to lay eggs without being disturbed by humans.
Mangrove forests are part of the main attractions on Pulau Redang. Both land and waters are managed as an integrated ecosystem in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Terengganu State Government. Development on private land is managed by environmental planning and guidelines established by the state government to reduce the adverse environmental impact on the island ecosystem.
Pulau Perhentian Arhipelago
There are 17 interesting diving sites at Pulau Perhentian such as Gua Kambing, Shark Point, Batu Nisan, D ‘Lagoon and Tanjung Basi. There are also 23 snorkelling sites around the island.
Pulau Kapas Archipelago
There are many hiking trails for Jungle Trekking activities on the island. For those of you who like challenges, you can explore the tropical rainforests on this island by following the provided tracks. To enjoy the beautiful scenery of the island, you are advised to go up to Pulau Kapas View Point located 45 minutes from the Jetty. Here, you can see beautiful views of Pulau Kapas from the hills.
You can also enjoy the beautiful sunset view from Batu Singa. To climb to the top of the hill in front of Batu Singa, you must be accompanied by a guide. If the weather is good, you will not only enjoy the incredible scenery, but also feel the refreshing breeze of the South China Sea.
There are also several resorts run by local operators that offer accommodation packages and leisure activities for those who want to spend the night here.
Pulau Tenggol Archipelago
Pulau Tenggol is famous for its stunning rocky slopes and offers over 20 interesting and challenging diving sites to explore. Among the focus are Teluk Air Tawar, Tanjung Api, Highway, Tolong Laut and Rajawali Reef.
Dinding batu (The Stone Wall) is the main underwater attraction in this area. If you dive to a depth of 30 meters, the stone wall appears to look so outstanding. Coupled with the fish that inhabit and swim accross this site, it fells like looking through an amazing aquarium.
Note: All resort islands in the State of Terengganu will be closed for any tourism activities from November to February due to the monsoon season.
Bathroom and toilet facilities, picnic tables and barbecue area are available at selected areas. The jetty at the tourist center is provided to take tourists into the island. The park management has provided mooring buoys on the reef for snorkeling and diving boats. Visitors can buy items such as food and beverages at shops in the village area. To rent diving equipment and fill a diving tank, visitors can inquire at the relevant diving shop.
While in the Pulau Redang Marine Park, please visit the Visitor Center in Pulau Pinang and we will help in giving you the direction and all the necessary information so that you can plan your visit and turn it into a very enjoyable visit. Information on island archiplego and surrounding waters has been provided at the center in the form of exhibitions, maps, pamphlets, slideshows/videos and talks to add to your enjoyment and appreciation of marine and island biodiversity. Descriptions of important trails and areas will be emphasized at this center.
For visitors who wish for nightstay, you can make reservations at resorts on the islands such as Redang, Perhentian, Kapas and Tenggol according to the price and package offered.
Pulau Redang Archipelago
The park provides a variety of compatible outdoor recreational opportunities for the park visitor such as snorkeling, diving, picnicking, camping, saltwater fishing, boating, swimming, jungle-tracking and hill-climbing, bird-watching, wildlife observation and photography, both on land and underwater. Visibility is excellent during most parts of the year.
Snorkelling and diving provides the best means of observing and enjoying the coral reefs of Pulau Redang. The waters in the park provide one of the most enjoyable and spectacular diving spots in Peninsular Malaysia.
Pulau Redang has several stretches of excellent camping grounds with extensive good beaches for picnicking and shallow waters for safe swimming. These can be found in the large bay of Teluk Dalam to the north of the island, Pasir Teluk Kalong and Pasir Panjang; isolated and smaller stretches of beach occur on the west and north coast, at Pasir Mak Simpan, Pasir Mak Kepit dan Pasir Chagar Hutang.
Boaters can enjoy a sightseeing tour of the island which can take about 12 hours, observing rock formation and the rain forests which cover the major part of the island. A glass bottom boat would allow visitors to observe the spectacular coral formation in the shallow reef areas.
The island also provides good terrain for hiking. This can be combined with bird watching, turtle watching, and animal and plant observations. Well preserved plant fossils of the Upper Palaeozoic age can be observed on the south western portion of Pulau Redang between Pasir Macam Ayam and Pasir Kechil.
Pulau Perhentian Archipelago
A variety of unique and beautiful coral species are found here. The quality of seawater around Pulau Perhentian is at a good level and has a comfortable water temperature where it is a major attraction for tourists to do snorkeling and scuba diving activities.
Pulau Kapas Archipelago
The main activity on Pulau Kapas is jungle trekking where there are many tracks available for visitors to go to see the scenery of tropical rainforests on the island. In addition, visitors can also do canoeing or kayaking activities at reasonable prices from the operators who are offering these services. For those of you who like challenges, you can climb the hill to see the view of the island from a high place near Bukit Singa.
Tourist can also opt to stroll along the beach or take an Island Hopping trip for those who want a more relaxing activity. Island Hopping activities can take you on a tour around the island, explore the Bat Nest Cave as well as the shark point which is where the Sharks play.
Pulau Tenggol Archipelago
There are many ways you can enjoy the beauty scenery of Pulau Tenggol. These include taking a dip in the beach, swimming, snorkelling or diving. Divers will find an exciting variety of marine life here. Among the popular event among divers is the presence of Whale Sharks which are easily found in the waters of Pulau Tenggol. Whale shark (Rhincodon typhus) is the largest species of fish that can reach a length of more than 12 meters and weigh more than 35 tons.
By Air
- You can get on Berjaya Airlines plane which land directly on Pulau Redang.
By Sea Route
Pulau Redang:
- Start your visit from the east coast state of Terengganu in Peninsular Malaysia. There are boat services from the fishing port at Chendering, Pulau Kambing, and Merang Jetty to the islands.
- Travel time from the mainland to the islands is about 3 hours from Pulau Kambing or Chendering and 2 hours from Merang Jetty.
Pulau Perhentian:
- You need to get a boat service from Kuala Besut. From Kuala Besut Jetty to Pulau Perhentian will take 1/2 hour by speedboat or 45 minutes by regular boat.
- Another option is to take the ferry with a journey time of 40 minutes.
Pulau Kapas:
- You need to go to Marang Jetty and take the ferry/boat there. Estimated travel time between 15-20 minutes.
Pulau Tenggol:
- Visitors must first go to Dungun, Terengganu before starting the journey to the island.
- From Kuala Dungun Jetty, you can take a speedboat which takes about 35 minutes. You are advised to contact the resort booked on Pulau Tenggol first because the boat service to the island is limited as it is quite far from the mainland.
List of Scuba Diver Operators at Terengganu Marine Park
No. | Name of Operator | Address | Telephone No. | Fax No. | Mobile | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Laguna Redang Island Resort | Pantai Pasir Panjang | 09-630 7888 | 09-630 7878 | enquiry@lagunaredangtt.com.my | |
2 | Redang Beach Resort | Pantai Pasir Panjang | 09-630 2800 | 09-630 2803 | rbr@tm.net.my | |
3 | Redang Bay Dive Centre | Pasir Panjang | 09-620 3200 | 09-624 2048 | sales@redangbay.com.my | |
4 | Redang Reef Dive Shop | Pasir Panjang | 09-630 2181 | 09-630 2182 | contact@redangreefresort.com.my | |
5 | Redang Mutiara Beach Resort | Telok Kalong Besar | 017-938 8115 | sales@redangmutiara.com.my | ||
6 | Seamonkey Dive Centre | Telok Kalong Besar | 019-987 7068 | info@seamonkey.com.my | ||
7 | Redang Pelangi Resort | Pasir Panjang | 09-624 2158 | 09-623 5202 | reservation@redangpelangi.com | |
8 | Tenggol Coral Beach Resort | Pulau Tenggol | 03-425 25668 | sales@tenggol.com.my | ||
9 | Aquadive Centre | Pulau Kapas | ||||
10 | Coral Redang Island Resort | Pulau Redang | 09-630 7110 | 09-630 7112 | reservation@coralredang.com.my | |
11 | Flora Bay Divers | Teluk Dalam, Pulau Perhentian Besar | 09-691 1661 | dive@florabaydivers.com | ||
12 | Fauna Reef Divers | Teluk Dalam, Pulau Perhentian Besar | 013-479 1052 | |||
13 | Alu Alu Divers | Teluk Dalam, Pulau Perhentian Besar | 019-621 8789 | |||
14 | Urban Island Divers | Teluk Dalam, Pulau Perhentian Besar | 09-691 1670 | |||
15 | Leisure Dive Shop | Teluk Dalam, Pulau Perhentian Besar | 019-980 5977 | |||
16 | OctoDivers Dive Centre | Teluk Dalam, Pulau Perhentian Besar | 012-218 4839 / 019-277 9069 | octodiver.perhentian@gmail.com | ||
17 | Seahorse Divers | Pasir Panjang, Pulau Perhentian Kecil | 019-984 1181 | seahorsediver@yahoo.com | ||
18 | Universal Divers | Seberang Tengah, Pulau Perhentian Besar | 019-289 6418 | info@universaldiver.net | ||
19 | The Barat | Pulau Perhentian Besar | 09-691 1288 | thebaratpp@gmail.com | ||
21 | PIR Dive Shop | Teluk Pauh, Pulau Perhentian Besar | 03-2144 8530 | reservation@perhentianislandresort.net | ||
22 | Quiver Team Divers | Pasir Panjang, Pulau Perhentian Kecil | 09-691 1022 | 012-213 8885 | info@quiver-perhentian.com | |
24 | Matahari Divers | Pasir Panjang, Pulau Perhentian Kecil | 019-914 2883 / 010-818 1009 | mataharidivers@gmail.com | ||
25 | Turtle Bay Divers | Pasir Panjang, Pulau Perhentian Kecil | 019-669 0028 / 011-6434 6121 | diveturtlebay@gmail.com | ||
26 | Spice Divers | Pasir Panjang, Pulau Perhentian Kecil | 09-691 1555 | 011-1076 6735 | freediveperhentian@gmail.com | |
27 | Below The Surface | Pasir Panjang, Pulau Perhentian Kecil | 017-904 0408 | hello@btsdivers.com | ||
28 | Sealife Inn | Teluk Aur, Pulau Perhentian Kecil | 014-212 8764 | info@perhentiansealifeinn.com | ||
30 | Sea Voice Divers | Teluk Aur, Pulau Perhentian Kecil | 09-691 4992 | 013-494 0092 | info@seavoicedivers.com |