I celebrated my birthday recently in an exclusive manner at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort in Pulau Redang. I would like to keep this blog short and sweet so that you guys too can make a trip to the beautiful Redang Island soon. The best time to visit this island is from mid-March to October (which is after the monsoon season).
1. Why Redang Island?
Redang is one of the many islands in Terengganu known for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, which are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Who wouldn't want to swim with the century-aged turtles while appreciating the corals of the east coast of Malaysia.
2. How to go to Redang Island?
There are two main routes to Redang Island:
a) Air transfer- you can now fly to Redang Island by Berjaya's Jojo flight from Subang Airport to Redang Island in an hour. Check the flight timing and price in this link, https://flight.berjayahotel.com/. However, if the ticket price is not within your budget, then you can opt for plan B.
b) Land and sea- you can drive or take a bus to Kuala Terengganu and then to Merang Jetty (do not confuse with Marang Jetty where boats to Kapas Island departs). The road towards the east coast is indeed challenging especially from the northern states where you have to drive along either the Gerik road or the Cameron Highlands- Gua Musang route. Please check in Google Maps which route suites you the best. If you are driving, you can park at the Merang Jetty for a rate of MYR 10 per day.
From Merang Jetty you can take speedboats to the island which only takes about 45 minutes. The link to book your speedboat tickets: https://www.merangjetty.com/.
3. The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort.
There are many chalets and simpler hotels around Redang, so choose according to your preference and budget. I choose The Taaras, a 5-star beach resort in view of my birthday trip. Here are the highlights of The Taaras:
- warm and friendly staffs.
- spectacular cliff view from the Bayview Suite especially from the bathtub.
- private beach with crystal clear waters by the shores covered with soft white sand, whch you can't see in the west coast of Malaysia.
- water activities can be arranged via the hotel.
- The Bayu Beach Bar- just loved spending the nights watching the sea under the moon while sipping in my favourite cocktails.
- walk around the resort which has many plants and landscapes with a view, totally an eye candy.
- swim at the clean pristine beach of the island.
- exercise by the beach at The Jungle Gym by The Taaras. The equipment are all made of pure wood.
- dip yourself in the pool besides the Taaras beach.
- snorkeling and sandbank tour.
- visit the turtle sanctuary and swim with the turtles (I was not able to do this due to the weather).
- ride ATV bike by the beach.
- scuba diving- you must have obtained a license to dive, looks like I need to work on this soon.
