THE white sandy beach,
crystal clear water and picturesque scene made me fall in
love with Redang island. I was touched by the glory of
nature on the island, surrounded by the coconut trees.
It was an unforgettable trip. We stayed at Redang Beach
Resort, did all the standard activities and mingled with
other guests. At night, we enjoyed the barbecue, walked
along the beach and sat on the rock enjoying the night
scene. Snorkelling was most enjoyable. Since it was our
first experience, there was initial fear which was overcome
by curiosity. It was totally delightful to see corals, sea
cucumber and colourful fish like reef shark, blue spotted
stingray and clown fish.
The best was when the fish bit my finger and swam all around
me. It was wonderful. This was my first trip to the island
and definitely won't be the last!
Redang is just like the
Perhentian a Marine
Park. It's located 45 km off the coast of
KualaTerengganu 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 Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here
abound with marine life. Redang Archipelago exists of 9 islands that abound with
marvellous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs that
ensure great snorkelling and scuba-diving. The boat trip starts from the fishing village of Merang. This is a fishing
village North of Kuala Terengganu. You can get there by bus. The boat trip
takes about 40 minutes. Most of the boats depart for Redang and return
before noon. Each resort has its own boat transfer schedule. This may change
and is dependent on the tide, sea and weather conditions. The best time to visit Redang is between April and October. Take note that
most resorts are closed during the North-east Monsoon, which blows from
November to March.
Redang Island
Redang
island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking,
boating and canoeing. This paradise-like island offers crystal clear water,
pearly white shores, a colourful 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
garoupa, black tipped shark, etc. Chance encounter with the Green turtle and
Hawkbill turtle is common. There are corals of every imaginable shape, size
or colour. 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.
This fishing
village "Kampung Air" on wooden stilts is located jus across the
Marine Park Centre at the mouth of the Redang river. Kampung Air,
which in English means 'Water Village', was built in 1976 by the Terengganu
State Government and is now home to about 1200 residents, mostly comprising
fishermen and their families who are believed to be descendants of one of
seven Bugis siblings from Celebes, Indonesia. The village school has about
200 students, most of whom prefer to work at the resorts on Redang Island
rather than continue with the fishing tradition of their forefathers.
Incidentally, these local fishermen are the only ones allowed to fish within
the protected waters of Redang Marine Park as they have been doing before
the park regulations were enforced. If you're visiting, try Mak Teh Yam's
goreng pisang (banana fritters) at the Wakil Pos.
The people that lives on Pulau Redang are descendents of Bugis settlers who
came from Celebes, Indonesia long time ago. It is said that seven of the
Bugis siblings batins (Batin means holy men) from Celebes travelled here to
look for new places to settle down. One of them called Batin Talib decided
to make Pulau Redang his new home. Till today, only two of Batin Talib's
colleagues can be traced. Batin Mina is said to settled down in Pulau
Perhentian, in the north. Batin Mina's sister, Batin Cik Siti settled up
river on the mainland (Ulu Terengganu). Where the other four Batins went
were not known.
The early settlers Batin Talib and the first settlers established their
first village at Teluk Kalong, an area facing a lagoon on the east side of
the island. He and his villagers then moved to a smaller island down south
where they found better shelter from the prevailing wind. This small island
is covered with betel nut palms (pinang). They named this island Pulau
Pinang. In the seventies there are approximately 100 families living on Pulau Pinang.
As the population grow, the villagers decided to move to the river mouth at
Kuala Sungei Redang. Till today there are only two inhabited islands in the
Redang Archipelago. Pulau Pinang which houses the marine park centre and
Pulau Redang which is the homeland to approximately 250 families. The local
people on this island primarily earned their living by traditional fishing.
Now most of these fishermen's are entering the tourism industry which is
growing rapidly on the island. All settlers around the whole island
are moved to a new village approximately 4 kilometres inland.
The Taaras Beach & Spa
Resort
(formerly known as Berjaya Redang Beach Resort)
This tropical island resort, located 45-kilometers off the coast of Terengganu, is close to 30 popular dive spots. Guests will enjoy a tropical ambience that is unique to Redang Island. The location offers guests unprecedented access to a myriad of amazing natural recreation areas, including one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, ideal for sport divers. Within a close proximity of the hotel are the dive sites of Big Mount, Pulau Paku Kecil, and Boulder Dash. The hotel also features a vast selection of on-site dining choices that offer a compilation of international and authentic local dishes in a romantic ambience. The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort is the perfect property for travelers who want sensuous tropical atmosphere, a vast selection of on-site facilities, and a myriad of recreational areas near by.
Each rooms features modern amenities for guests' utmost comfort. The hotel boasts meeting facilities for the business travelers.
After a day of work or exploring, sauna, steamroom are some of the ways to unwind. Everything Redang Beach Resort does is centered around the guest' experience, ensuring comfort and relaxation.
Nestled on the famous Redang Island, this property is simply radiant. Encircled by magnificent natural surroundings, this well preserved resort gives guests the access to one of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the world. This luxurious boutique resort commands a tranquil atmosphere from the white sandy beach and a spectacular view of the South China Sea. With 74 magnificent villas onsite, Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa, Redang boasts excellent on site facilities including swimming pool, international kitchen, ferry service, dive & sport equipment, business centre, restaurant & bar, jungle trekking, snorkelling & scuba diving, turtle watching, and marine park. Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa, Redang is ideal.
