Redang not Rendang
Earlier this year, I went on a spur-of-the moment trip to Redang Malaysia just to get away from it all. Find a willing travel partner, and was all set to go. It was a long weekend, and I was in need of some colour, pasty white was soooo last season *tsk*.
I have to say, it has to be one of the prettiest beaches in Malaysia.
Where to stay
Most people, especially those going with families, would usually opt for the Berjaya Hotel on the busier side of the island. But if you’re looking for something quieter and more rustic, stay at the Coral Redang Beach Resort on the other side. The rooms aren’t great, but honestly, you won’t spend much time in there anyway.
Things to do
As touristy as it may seem, it’s still worthwhile to go snorkelling at the marine park just 15mins boat ride away. Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera, because you can take some pretty amazing photos on a sunny day. If you don’t have one, don’t fret, the dive centre rents out underwater cameras too.
If you dive, I heard they make two trips out a day to wrecks.
If you just want to chill, do what I did, park yourself on a deck chair for the day, read my book, tan and swim. And if you’re a geek like me, there’s free wifi resort wide.
Getting there
Another tip if you’re planning to go to Redang… take a flight! The 10 hour journey there on bus and boat was truly painful!
You can actually find most of the information you need on wikitravel.
For something a little more up market but not as pricey as Berjaya, the Laguna resort isn’t bad either. For overseas travellers like us, the bus ride and ferry isn’t bad if you want to make it part of yout rustic Malaysian experience. My bf and I stayed at Awana Kijal (not fabulous) on the east coast mainland a few nights before busing it to Kuala Terrenganu and catching a Cab to Merang Jetty, A bit scary, the bus driver was talking on his mobile and smoking and spitting out the bus window at the same time, the trifecta in no-nos. At the Kuala Terenganu bus terminal we got mobbed by taxi touts and some of them looked a bit shifty so we crossed our fingers and picked the least scariest looking one a prayed he wouldn’t drive us into the jungle and rob us blind. from the jetty it was smooth sailing on a speed boat to the island..at bit choppy and someone got seasick on our boat but again, chalk it up to experiece! Also when snorkelling at the reef, do buy the bread the dive shop is selling. the fish will come to you
Nice tan…..perfect copper tone.
@Ivy Chow
Wow i’d be scared too if my bus driver was like that.
Thanks for the tip about the bread! There was only 1 couple snorkelling around us with bread, seemed like no one else knew you could buy it. Good tip.
@khoo
thanks! all gone now though….ahahah
hey may i noe wad is the brand of ur camera and the model as well? its crystal clear
@ju
Hi Ju, the under water camera was an Olympus. But do note that the conditions were ideal when i took those photos. Sun was bright, water clear. And i also photoshopped it a bit too.