TO BE honest, Redang Island was never on my list of holiday destinations simply because I am not enthusiastic about snorkelling, diving and swimming, and a hot blazing sun scorching my skin is definitely not my idea of fun.
However, when PNB Darby Park organised a special media outing, I packed my shorts, a big tube of sunblock and decided to check out what lures visitors to this island again and again.
It was a seven-hour bus ride from PNB Darby Park in Kuala Lumpur to Merang jetty where a further 45-minute speedboat ride awaited.
The waves bobbed the boat up and down unpredictably, and I could hardly wait for the ride to end. As we neared the pier, a beautiful white sandy beach dotted with coconut and pine trees beckoned a breathtaking welcome.
Redang island is the biggest island in the Redang archipelago and many resorts and hotels can be found on it.
We stayed at the Pelangi Beach Resort that offers all the basic amenities but no TV, as the fun lies outdoors on the beach and the sea.
Our three-day-two-night package included three snorkelling trips. If you don’t have snorkelling gear, no worries as daily rental is available. Day one found us out in the open sea while day two, it was at the Pulau Redang Marine Park in the morning and another part of the open ocean in the afternoon.
And if you still haven’t had enough of snorkelling in the open sea, there are two available spots cordoned off from boats with floaters a little way down the beach for you to try out your fins and snorkel.
One area, aptly named Shark Point, is the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of baby black tip sharks swimming around under the pristine blue sea.
Snorkelling in the marine park where pretty fishes play
However, the best part is simply relax on a hammock and watch the world go by or enjoy a good game of beach volleyball or football with a bunch of strangers – and for that one brief moment, forget your troubles.
Just remember to lather up on some environmentally-friendly sunblock regularly as the sun can be really hot.
It is a pity that the coral is dying in some places due to the effects of rising sea temperatures. But despite news about several sites being off limits to protect the coral reefs, it is business as usual in Redang.
We didn’t get to see any turtles as they only show up around June and July but the pretty fishes more than made up for it.
The jetty at Pelangi Beach Resort
Look out for the jellyfish, though. They do sting but the minor pain only lasts a short while. So if someone yells jellyfish, get out of the water fast.
Food is basic buffet-style fare of rice and side dishes. For something different, check out the enterprising guy operating a burger stall further up the beach at night.
Meal time is indicated by the clanging of a bell but you can enjoy simple roti bakar with kaya and butter any time. Coffee, tea and water are available all day too – self-service of course.
There are two souvenir shops on the island that sell essential items as well as iced beverages and ice cream, a welcome treat after a hot day on the beach.
As for souvenirs, I suggest bargaining with makciks at the stalls at Merang jetty.
To get to Redang Island, fly in direct on Berjaya Air or fly AirAsia to Kuala Terengganu for transport to Merang jetty. Or you can take a tour bus to Merang jetty to catch the speedboat which is a 45min bumpy ride or the slow boat which takes around an hour
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