Pulau Redang

 

White sandy beaches, crystal clear blue sea, brilliant underwater world… Redang archipelago comprises 9 islands (Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling, Pulau Pinang and the main island – Pulau Redang) that abound with marvellous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs that ensure great snorkelling and scuba–diving. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life. At midday when sun rays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and fish can be seen.

Redang is a perfect area to dive. It is known for its amazing visibility and pristine coral reefs. During a dive you are able to see schools of jacks, fusiliers and trevallies, black tip reef sharks, humphead parrotfish, cuttlefish and turtles. There are even occasional sightings of manta rays and whale sharks. The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: The H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse, which sank here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya. If you do not dive and only would like to snorkel then perhaps it is better to visit the neighbouring island of Perhentian as the snorkelling conditions are far better there. Best spot for snorkelling at Pulau Redang is along Pasir Panjang; especially nearby the Redang Reef Resort. At some resorts you can directly snorkel from the beach (private reef or house reef), normally you will be taken to a place to snorkel by boat. At the Marine Park Centre you can snorkel around a wreck, you will also see some bigger fish here and sometimes even a turtle.

No fishing is allowed within a 3.2 km radius of the island of Pulau Redang. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also prohibited. Incidentally, only local fishermen from Kampung Air are the only ones allowed to fish within the protected waters of Redang Marine Park because they have been doing before the park regulations were enforced. Fishing trips can be organised by Platinum Charters and it will be away from the prohibited zone. We will get a local guide to show us the best fishing grounds around Pulau Redang.

The best time to visit Redang is between April and October. However, in October it might already be too late. The northeast monsoon blows from November to March; resorts are closed during this period. Because of this monsoon, the underwater world is a lot less beautiful as visibility is bad and there are currents.