Whether you’re looking for the air-conditioned luxury of a resort, a cosy chalet or rustic beach-front lodging reminiscent of a Robinson Crusoe adventure, you can have yourself paradise with a beautiful scenery to lay your eyes on. *BANG* !
Sunny skies, a lush jungle, white sandy and crystalline waters will leave you in awe and chase away your worries. If you’re feeling energetic and are keen to explore, it is easy to follow paths/trek to neighboring bays. Snorkelling off the beach or dives in open water are both impressive and memorable in Pulau Perhentian.
Note:
- Perhentian is closed to tourists during the monsoon season (November to mid February).
- This is the ideal place to get your diving license.
- The islands are not far apart and getting from one to the other is as easy as renting a kayak or paying a boatman to help you across.
- There are no ATMs on the island so make sure you bring enough cash to last your trip.
- Credit cards are accepted at some of the larger resorts.
- You can usually organise the ferry/boat transfer through the resort you will be staying at.
- Don’t lose your ferry ticket as you need it for the return transfer from the islands to the jetty.
Getting there (from KL)
- Get a bus to Jerteh bus station (approximately 7 hours) and travel by taxi to Kuala Besut jetty.
- Take a boat taxi/ferry to the islands (approximately 45 minutes).
- Drive from K.L. via the Karak Highway – heading in the direction of Kuala Terengganu – to Kuala Besut jetty (approximately 7 hours).
- Take a boat taxi/ferry to the islands (approximately 45 minutes).
- Get an overnight KTM train to Tanah Merah station (approximately 12 hours), and then take a taxi to Kuala Besut jetty (approximately 45 minutes).
- Take a boat taxi/ferry to the islands (approximately 45 minutes)
2. Redang, Terengganu
The azure waters of Redang island off the coast of Terengganu are abundant with marine life and dazzling hues of undisturbed coral, providing an perfect setting for divers and snorkellers alike.
When you’re not bobbing about in the water, you can go for a hike and maybe even spot a few monkeys, monitor lizards and fruit bats. Fun fact: Redang was the charming island featured in Hong Kong romantic comedy film, Summer Holiday (2000), which starred Taiwanese heartthrob Richie Jen and Cantopop star Sammi Cheng.
Note
- As the island is located within a marine park, a fee of RM5 is collected from all visitors.
- You can usually organise the ferry/boat transfer through the resort you will be staying at Redang is closed to tourists during the monsoon season (November to mid February).
- There are no ATMs on the island so make sure you bring enough cash to last your trip.
- Credit cards are accepted at some of the larger resorts.
Getting there (from KL)
- Get an express bus to Kuala Terengganu Tanjung bus terminal (approximately 7 hours).
- Make your way to one of two jetties, Shahbandar jetty (the closest from the bus terminal – approximately 15 minutes walk) or Merang jetty (approximately 40 minutes taxi ride), and take a boat/ferry to the island – 1 hour and 15 minutes or 40 minutes, respectively.
- Drive from K.L. via the Karak Highway and East Coast Expressway to Kuala Terengganu (approximately 3 and a half hours).
- Make your way to Merang jetty and take a boat/ferry to the island (approximately 40 minutes).
- Get an overnight KTM train to Tanah Merah station (approximately 12 hours), then get a taxi to Merang jetty and take a boat/ferry to the island (approximately 40 minutes).
3. Lang Tengah, Terengganu
Halfway between Perhentian and Redang is the tranquil and much secluded island, Lang Tengah. If you’re looking for a quiet and secluded spot to collect your thoughts and just enjoy nature, this is probably a good choice for you.
No surprise, this is another preferred diving location! There’s not much to do around the island, other than some light hiking or a bit of kayaking. When in need of a change in scenery and activity, tourists can easily hire a boatman to take them island hopping.
Note
- You can usually organise the ferry/boat transfer through the resort you will be staying at.
- Lang Tengah is closed to tourists during the monsoon season (November to mid February).
- There are no ATMs on the island so make sure you bring enough cash to last your trip.
Getting there (from KL)
- Get an express bus to Kuala Terengganu Tanjung bus terminal (approximately 7 hours).
- Make your way to Merang jetty (approximately 40 minutes taxi ride), and take a boat/ferry to the island – 1 hour and 15 minutes or 40 minutes, respectively.
- Drive from K.L. via the Karak Highway and East Coast Expressway to Kuala Terengganu (approximately 3 and a half hours).
- Make your way to Merang jetty and take a boat/ferry to the island (approximately 40 minutes).
- Get an overnight KTM train to Tanah Merah station (approximately 12 hours), then get a taxi to Merang Jetty (approximately 1 and a half hours).
4. Tenggol, Terengganu
Another of this state’s gems, found in the southern region of Terengganu Marine Park, is a sensational location for seasoned divers – with 25 diving spots around the island; the most popular being Batu Chanang, Tokong Laut (also referred to as the ‘Highway’), Tokong Burung and Coral Garden. Whale sharks (the holy grail of scuba diving) are sometimes seen at certain sites such as Tokong Timur, between August and October.
Tenggol is situated 14 nautical miles from the quiet fishing town of Kuala Dungun and quick trips from the island are possible when tourists want to get more of a taste of the local life.
Note
- Snorkeling is also good, though if you’re not looking to dive at all/much then perhaps Perhentian or Redang is better suited to you.
- Tenggol is closed to tourists during the monsoon season (November to mid February)
- There are no ATMs on the island so make sure you bring enough cash to last your trip.
Getting there (from KL)
- Get an express bus to Kuala Terengganu Tanjung bus terminal (approximately 7 hours).
- Take another bus to Kuala Dungun.
- Make your way to Dungun jetty and take a boat/ferry to the island (approximately 1 hour).
- Drive from K.L. via the Karak Highway to Kuala Dungun (approximately 4 and a half hours).
- Make your way to Dungun jetty and take a boat/ferry to the island (approximately 1 hour).
Note: Monsoon season starts in November, bringing heavy rain and strong waves until January (surfing season). Best time to travel is mid February to October.
Getting there (from KL)
- Get an express bus to Mersing (approximately 6 hours).
- Take a ferry/boat to Tioman (approximately 1 and a half hours).
- Drive to Mersing via the North-South Highway, exit at Segamat and continue east on route 50 to Kluang, then Mersing (approximately 4 hours).
- Make your way to Mersing Jetty Take a ferry/boat to the island (approximately 1 and a half hours).
7. Rawa, Johor
Note: The islands exclusivity, with just two resorts to host visitors, the island can fill up with Singaporeans looking for a nearby retreat – so book early!
Getting there (from KL)
- Get an express bus to Mersing (approximately 6 hours).
- Take a ferry/boat to the island (approximately 1 hour).
- Drive to Mersing via the North-South Highway, exit at Segamat and continue east on route 50 to Kluang, then Mersing (approximately 4 hours) and make your way to Mersing Jetty Take a ferry/boat to Rawa (approximately 1 hour).
8. Sibu, Johor
Getting there (from KL)
- Get an express bus to Larkin bus station, Johor (approximately 4 hours).
- Head to Tanjung Leman by taxi (approximately 2 hours) and take a boat to the island (approximately 1 hour).
- Drive to Tanjung Leman via the North-South Highway, exit at Kulai and head towards Mersing and then follow signs to Tanjung Leman (approximately 5 hours).
- Take a boat to the island (approximately 1 hour).
9. Pulau Pangkor, Perak
Getting there (from KL)
- Get an express bus to Lumut bus station (approximately 4 and a half hours).
- Head to Lumut jetty and take a boat to the island (approximately 15 minutes).
- Drive to Lumut via the North-South Highway, exit at Bidor and follow signs to Sitiawan and Lumut (approximately 4 hours).
- Take a boat to the island (approximately 15 minutes).
- Take an ETS (Electronic Train Service) train to Batu Gajah (approximately 2 hours) and take a taxi to Lumut Jetty to get a ferry to the island (approximately 15 minutes).
10. Langkawi, Kedah
Note: Langkawi is very close to the Thailand border and the nearest Thai island, Koh Lipe, is just 30 minutes away. It wouldn’t hurt to give that island a visit too!
Getting there (from KL)
- Get an express bus to Kuala Perlis (approximately 8 hours) and take a boat to the island (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
- Drive to Kuala Kedah via the North-South Highway, exit at Alor Setar Selatan and then follow signs to Kuala Kedah (approximately 6 hours).
- Take a boat to the island (approximately 1 hour and a half hours).
- Take a train to Alor Setar station, and then get a taxi to Kuala Kedah Jetty in order to get a ferry across to Langkawi.
11. Penang Island aka Pulau Pinang
Getting there (from KL)
- Get an express bus to KOMTAR or Sungai Nibong bus station (approximately 4 and a half hours).
- Get a taxi to wherever you need to get to on the island.
- Drive to Penang Island via the North-South Highway.
- When you get to Butterworth (approximately 4 hours), cross the Penang bridge or take a historical ferry (with your car) to the island.
- Take a KTM train to Butterworth (approximately 6 hours). Hop on to the ferry, nearby the train station) and head to the island.
So, after looking at the list…. road trips anyone??? we all seem to start fantasizing about being transported to a tropical paradise where the sound of crashing waves and glorious sea breezes greet us in the morning. Stop dreaming… Start living!
