Redang Island


Redang Island is an island in Kuala Nerus District, Terengganu, Malaysia. It is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is one of nine islands that made up an eponymous marine sanctuary park offering snorkeling and diving opportunities for tourists.

Geography

Geographically, Redang Island has an area of about and measures about long and wide. Its highest peak is Bukit Besar at above sea level.
For land administration purpose, 18 islands including Redang Island form the Redang Islands Mukim of the Kuala Nerus District. Of these, seven islands were protected and gazetted as marine parks by the Department of Fisheries and zoned from the shore at lowest tide. As with other mukims of Kuala Nerus District, it was a part of the Kuala Terengganu District until 2014.
IslandArea
Redang24.200
Bidong2.440
Lang Tengah1.304
Pinang0.756
Geluk0.145
Yu Besar0.127
Kapak0.117
Lima0.093
Ekor Tebu0.056
Yu Kecil0.055
Paku Besar0.052
Kerengga Besar0.037
Tengkorak0.017
Batu Bara0.013
Paku Kecil0.012
Kerengga Kecil0.007
Ling0.006
Cipu0.004
Total29.441

Note:
Islands designated as marine parks.

Tourism

In contrast to the neighbouring Perhentian Islands, Redang has a more upmarket image, as almost all accommodation on the island is resort-based. The largest beach is Pasir Panjang on the east side, featuring half a dozen resorts. The beach is covered with soft white sand. Coral and fish can be seen just a few metres from the beach. The other beach resorts are located in Teluk Dalam on the north and Teluk Kalong to the south.

The 2000 film, Summer Holiday was filmed on the Laguna Redang Island Resort, and a replica of the tea house now serves as the resort's gift shop.
The island is a turtle nesting site, and these turtles serve as a draw for ecotourism.

Climate

Redang has a tropical climate with temperatures steadily around and frequent but brief thunderstorms. Like the rest of Malaysia's east coast, Redang is affected by the northeast monsoon from the South China Sea, so most resorts are closed and ferry transport schedules are severely restricted between October and March. The amount of monthly rainfall varies throughout the year, with November to February being the wettest months, whilst April to August being the driest. The island experiences on average about of rain per year.

Transportation

By sea, access to the island is from Merang or Shahbandar jetty on boats operated by the resorts. For air travel, SKS Airways also provides daily scheduled flights from Subang Airport. Berjaya Air is also available for charter flights to the island from both Subang Airport and Singapore's Seletar Airport. Redang Airport, the island's primary STOL airport lies to the south of the island.

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