What is the Monsoon Cup?

Monsoon Cup was first initiated by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during his fishing trip in Terengganu with the state Chief Minister Dato Seri Idris Jusoh and state EXCO Dato' Wan Hisham. The Prime Minister thought the monsoon season should be used as an advantage to the state and her people rather than being seen as a hurdle.(Monsoon season last a few months a year in Terengganu mainly between November and January where the fisherman cant go out fishing due to strong waves.)This idea was then brought forward by the state government where later Dato Wan Hisham became the main organiser under T-Best Event which is a company owned by the state to run the event annually.

The Monsoon Cup 2005 celebrated its inauguration and debut as the 50th official event of the Swedish Match Tour (http://www.swedishmatchtour.com/), and serves as the Malaysian leg for the prestigious international sailing event. Dubbed ?The Formula One of Sailing?, this professional sailing series was formed in 2000 to unite the world?s best match-race regattas under one banner. The Swedish Match Tour comprises nine events in nine specially selected locations around the world. As the leading professional sailing series in the world, the Tour events are recognized as must-attend regattas on the match-race circuit. The Monsoon Cup 2005 was held at Pulau Duyong, Terengganu, from 29 November to 4 December 2005. The Monsoon Cup for the 2006 now offers the highest prize money in the world (RM1 million) for a match racing event with the sponsorship of Mr Richard Mille of Richard Mille Watches. Richard Mille will also be the official time keeper for the event. The Monsoon Cup 2007 will be held at Pulau Duyong, Terengganu, from the 28 November to 2 December 2006.

Source: http://www.monsooncup.com.my/

Pulau Redang

Pulau Redang, located 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of a group of nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for enthusiasts. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life. At midday when sun rays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and fish can be seen.

The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: The H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse, which sank here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya. This paradise island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba-diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2km radius of the island as Pulau Redang is gazetted as a marine park. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also strictly prohibited. Berjaya Resort offers a golf course in an idyllic setting.

Key Tips
Pulau Redang is larger and has more activity on it, the two Pulau Perhentian islands are smaller and quieter.

How to get there
By Boat
Begin your island-hopping adventure by catching a boat at any of the jetties in Kuala Terengganu and Merang. Travelling time to Redang is one hour from Kuala Terengganu and 50 minutes from Merang.

Accommodation Overview
This marine park offers an astounding range of accommodation, from budget guesthouses to a 5-star resort. If you are here for diving, it is best to book them as part of an organised dive tour so that meals, diving and accommodation are all-inclusive.

For more information, please contact Terengganu Tourism Office Tel: +609-622 1433 / 1893
Website: http://malaysia.travel/consumer/destinations/item.asp?item=redang

Perhentian Island

Located : 21 km off the coast of Terengganu, consists of two islands : Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. 5 nm to northwest, there are large rocky outcrops garlanded with beautiful reefs. Those are another beautiful islands which surrounding the Perhentian Island. Every island has their own unique name like Susu Dara Island, Tokong Kemudi Barat Island, Dara Kecil(Little Virgin) Island, Burong (Bird) Island, Serenggeh Island, Rawa Island and Tokong Kemudi Island.

How to get there : From Kuala Terengganu(the capital city) you may get a taxi or go by bus to Kampung Kuala Besut which is the post for all boat rides to these islands.From there, it takes abaout one and a half hours journey.