Redang Island: Diving Haven
Pulau Redang was probably never heard of till the year 2000 when the movie Summer Holidays (夏日嬷嬷茶) was filmed on the island itself. The movie was a big success and since then, Redang has been attracting tourists from all over S.E.A., making it one of the most popular beach and diving destinations in the region.
Crystal Clear Waters, White Sandy Beaches
Compared to Langkawi, Redang is a little less commercialized. Which I think is good and bad. Good if you really love the simplicity of mother nature, bad if you are looking for a luxurious holiday.
Redang is basically one main island by itself, with many resorts located along the shores. The waters are not the crystal clear blue type you see on TV, but rather a more translucent greenish-blue colour tone. While standing in the shallow waters, you can still make out the fishes swimming around your legs.
Blue Waters of Redang
My only concern though is that some part of the shores have dead corals being washed up. Hence walking down to the waters may be quite a pain enduring process. Somewhat like those pebble path in parks for foot reflexology, but a little more painful.
If you really intend to get there, the two activities you should never miss out are the snorkeling trips, and scuba diving. Don’t worry if you haven’t gotten a diving cert yet. Most of the resorts in Redang offer an “experience course” for beginners. Basically you’ll be taught the basic techniques of diving, and each person is allocated to one instructor. Moreover you won’t be going beyond 10m deep, so its perfectly safe.
Here’s a little sneak peak on what you can expect to see:
Diving In Redang
Getting There
From Singapore, there are only two options to choose from. Either a 10 hour bus ride, or via plane from Seletar Airport. The plane journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Buses usually departs from Golden Mile at Beach Road 10pm – 11pm at night. You’ll reach Merang jetty (Terengganu) at about 9am the next day, then hope on to a ferry to Redang Island itself. Ferry ride is about 40mins.
The other alternative would be a direct plane ride with Berjaya Air, straight from Seletar Airport to a small terminal on the island. Don’t expect any fanciful plane ride though. Here’s what the plane looks like:
Propeller Plane
Accommodation
Don’t expect luxurious Club Med style resorts over there. Most of the time, rooms just come with basic toilet and air-conditioning. Some even without a TV set.
Personally I’d recommend Laguna Redang Resort especially if you’re visiting Redang after watching “Summer Holiday”. You’ll get to see the replica of the iconic “Mo Mo Tea Inn” from the movie, and the in-house movie channel will just loop the show 24/7.
Laguna Redang
Cleanliness and state of the room is pretty decent. Rooms are generally meant for 4 guests (i.e. 4 single beds). The fan and air-conditioning can be pretty chilly at night. The resort also offers recreational activities like kayaking, banana boat, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Snorkeling comes free with the package though. You’ll get 3 trips based on a 3D2N stay.
Other activities would include snooker, mahjong, jacuzzi, etc.
For a group of 4 people, traveling up by bus, and a 3D2N stay. It would cost you about $360 per pax from Five Star Tours. This is assuming you go during the off peak season (non-school holidays). Price would include 3 meals a day (buffet style), lodging, 3 snorkeling trips, bus and ferry charges.
Full list of resorts in Redang Island can be found here
With that, I’ll leave you to enjoy the last photo from Redang Island – The Maldives of Asia
Redang Island - Diver's Paradise
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