Redang Island (Laguna Jetty) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Most travelers reach Redang Island via ferry services operating from Shahbandar Jetty or Merang Jetty on mainland Terengganu. The journey from Merang is shorter, taking approximately 30-45 minutes, while boats from Shahbandar may take around 1.5 hours but offer more scheduled departures. If coming from Kuala Lumpur, visitors typically take a 6-7 hour drive or a 1-hour flight to Kuala Terengganu, followed by ground transport to the jetty. During peak season (March to October), it's advisable to book ferry tickets in advance as services can fill quickly. For those driving to the departure points, both jetties offer secure parking facilities for daily fees.

Nestled off Malaysia's eastern coast, Redang Island stands as a jewel in the South China Sea with its crystal-clear waters and powder-white beaches. This tropical haven boasts some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the region, making it a premier destination for snorkelers and divers. Arriving by ferry at Laguna Jetty, visitors are immediately greeted by the island's lush greenery and the inviting turquoise waters that frame this idyllic escape.

Redang Island operates seasonally, with most resorts and ferry services running from March through October when the waters are calmest and visibility for diving is excellent. April to August delivers the most reliable weather, with sunny days, gentle sea breezes, and minimal rainfall. The monsoon season (November to February) brings heavy rains and rough seas, during which most establishments close and ferry services are significantly reduced or suspended entirely. For turtle enthusiasts, May to September offers the chance to witness nesting sea turtles on the island's protected beaches. Consider visiting in May or September to enjoy ideal weather conditions while avoiding the peak tourist crowds of June to August.

Redang serves as an excellent base for exploring the stunning Terengganu archipelago. Lang Tengah Island, just a 30-minute ferry ride away, offers a more secluded experience with equally impressive beaches and snorkeling spots. The nearby Perhentian Islands can be reached in about an hour by boat, rewarding visitors with a backpacker-friendly atmosphere and some of Malaysia's best diving sites. For day-trippers, the tiny Lima Island (Pulau Lima) lies just 20 minutes from Redang and features extraordinary underwater landscapes with abundant marine life. More ambitious travelers can arrange island-hopping tours that showcase the diverse character of each island in this maritime region.

The marine park surrounding Redang offers excellent snorkeling and diving experiences, with over 30 dive sites featuring vibrant coral gardens, shipwrecks, and a variety of sea creatures from clownfish to reef sharks. Beach enthusiasts will appreciate Long Beach (Pasir Panjang), a stunning stretch of white sand perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters. For a taste of local flavors, fresh seafood is the star attraction, often prepared with traditional Terengganu spices and served at beachfront restaurants. Nature lovers shouldn't miss the jungle trails that wind through the island's interior, offering chances to spot monitor lizards, monkeys, and tropical birds among the rainforest canopy.

Redang Island featured prominently in the hit Hong Kong movie 'Summer Holiday' (2000), which sparked a tourism boom and remains a point of pride for locals who can point out filming locations. The waters around Redang were once frequented by Chinese and Arab traders as early as the 6th century, serving as an important navigation point and fresh water source on ancient maritime routes. Marine conservation takes center stage here, with the island hosting one of Malaysia's most successful sea turtle conservation programs that has helped increase nesting numbers by over 200% since the 1990s. Local legend claims that Redang's unusual crescent shape resulted from a giant sea dragon that curled up to rest and turned to stone, forming the island's distinctive coastline.