Part 89 - My Ride Report To Merang (Pulau Redang) 10-12 may 2008... (",)

My Ride Report To Merang (Pulau Redang) 10-12 may 2008

Redang Island, locally known as Pulau Redang or just "Redang" is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia. It is a popular holiday island for Malaysians, most of whom come on package deals to one of the resorts. Redang is one of nine islands, which form a marine park, and which offer snorkeling and diving opportunities. Access is from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats operated by the resorts; there is also a small airport with services operated by Berjaya Air from Singapore (Seletar Airport) and Kuala Lumpur (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport).

Redang is located 45 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu is the largest of the group of islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for the enthusiast. Sheltered within the Redang Island Marine Park, the waters here abound with marine life.

Redang Archipelago exists of 9 islands that abound with marvelous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs that ensure great snorkeling and scuba-diving. The boat trip starts from the fishing village of Merang. This is a fishing village North of Kuala Terengganu.

The best time to visit Redang is between April and October. Take note that most resorts are closed during the Northeast Monsoon, which blows from November to March.

Redang island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. This paradise-like island offers crystal clear water, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset and what could be the world's most mature coral gardens. This is your chance to see and be acquainted with the local eel, giant grouper, black tipped shark, etc. Chance encounter with the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle is common. There are corals of every imaginable shape, size or color. The observant are rewarded with sights of flatworm, nudibranch, shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, stonefish, lionfish and pipefish.

No fishing is allowed within a 3.2 km radius of the island as Pulau Redang. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also prohibited. The fines and penalties are severe and each year sees reports of arrests and fines. Activities prohibited and not allowed are:

Collecting and taking of aquatic life ( corals, shell or fishes whether living or alive ). Fishing without a license & Causing Pollution (3.2 km radius), i.e. littering Possession of spear fishing equipment. The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks. The H.M.S Prince of Wales and the H.M.S Repulse were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

The hilly island of Redang can be fascinating in its own way. There is a moderately well trodden and marked path between Pasir Panjang and Teluk Dalam beach, about 2 km long. Sights include a small stream and pools alive with catfish, the occasional encounter with the shy kancil (little deer) and monkeys, and other jungle flora and fauna. At the end of the trek is the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort at Teluk Dalam. For the more adventurous, there are rocky cliffs and outcrops away from this beaten path that offer spectacular overhead views of Pasir Panjang below.

Getting There

BY AIR

International visitors can fly via Kuala Lumpur to Sultan Mahmood Airport, Kuala Terengganu.

Taxi service is easily available from Kuala Terengganu to Merang jetty.

Route: Kuala Lumpur => Kuala Terengganu => Merang

From Kuala Terengganu (TGG)	Estimated Travel Time
Kuala Lumpur (KUL)	45 mins

BY BUS

Route:	Kuala Lumpur => Kuala Terengganu
Distances:	517km
Journey:	8 hours

SELF DRIVE

From Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Terengganu (approx. 455 km):
Highway 2 KL (Gombak Toll) on Karak Highway and continue with ECE (East Coast Expressway) to Kuantan exit.
Highway 3 Kuantan exit to Kuala Terengganu (Coastal road to Kemaman, Dungun and Kuala Terengganu)(223km)

Highway 2 KL (Gombak Toll) on Karak Highway and continue with ECE (East Coast Expressway) to Kuantan exit.
Highway 3 Kuantan exit to Bukit Besi (20+km) - turn left
Highway 14 Bukit Besi turn off to Dungun/Ajil (114km) - turn left
Highway 14 Dungun/Ajil to Ajil/Kuala Berang (42km) - turn right Highway 14 Ajil to Kuala Terengganu (35km)

From Penang - Kuala Terengganu (approx. 460 km):
Head east towards Kota Bharu on the East-West highway 4 via Grik and Jertih, then proceed south on highway 3 to Merang or KT.

Singapore/Johor Bahru to KT (approx. 562 km):
Head north on the North-South highway and exit at Yong Peng. Follow highway 1 to Labis and Segamat, highway 12 to Kuantan, then use either highway 14 to KT or coastal highway 3 via Kemaman, Paka and Dungun. The coastal road is more scenic, but may be more congested during daytime peak hours. If you're not in a hurry, you can also use the coastal road all the way. Head towards Mersing & get onto highway 3 all the way to KT.

(Car Park available at Merang Jetty (Redang Island/Lang Tengah Island), Marang Jetty (Kapas Island), Kuala Besut Jetty (Perhentian Island), Gawi Jetty (Kenyir Lake) and Kenyir Dam (Kenyir Houseboat). Approximate RM5.00 per car per night.)

** Remarks: All information given about are correct at the time of publishing and act as a guideline only and subject to change without prior notice.

BY TAXI

Route:	Kuala Terengganu Airport => Merang Jetty
Journey:	Approximately 25 minutes
Fare:	Please refer to your tour representative.

BY SEA

Merang Jetty <=> Redang Island
Journey:	Approximately 40 mins
Rate:	Please refer to your tour representative.

Some great pics...

Click to enlarge...

P/s: Petrol so high now. The bike convoys will stop??? I hope not... (",)