Redang & Kuala Terengganu

One of the most beautiful islands on Malaysia's east coast, with crystal-clear water and snorkelling with turtles, while on the mainland Kuala Terengganu offers the Crystal Mosque and Chinatown.

Redang Island lies off the coast of Terengganu in the northeast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 45 km from the mainland. Together with the surrounding islets it forms Redang Marine Park and has some of the clearest water on Malaysia's east coast; the mainland gateway is the state capital, Kuala Terengganu. A trip usually has two parts. On the islands, base yourself at a resort on Long Beach and head out each day to snorkel among corals, turtles and blacktip reef sharks, or extend your trip to quieter Lang Tengah, Bidong Island (a historic site of Vietnamese boat people) or Kapas Island to the south. In the city, explore Pasar Payang market, Chinatown, Bukit Puteri, Istana Maziah and the Crystal Mosque, then visit the State Museum and the Floating Mosque. The islands are open from March to October, with the calmest seas from June to August; from November to February the northeast monsoon brings big waves, and most resorts and flights shut down. Getting there: fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu (about 1 hour), take a taxi about 40 minutes to Merang jetty, then a speedboat about 1–1.5 hours to the island; most resort packages include boat tickets and transfers. Plan on 3 nights on the island and 1–2 nights in Kuala Terengganu. Tips: Terengganu is a conservative Muslim state, so dress modestly away from the beach, and some shops close during Friday prayers; the marine park charges a conservation fee, so don't touch the coral or feed the fish; ATMs are scarce on the island, so bring enough cash.

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