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

Danga Bay

Located along the banks of the Straits of Johor is Danga Bay, previously known as Lido beach. This is a popular spot for relaxing, and on clear days, you can even catch a good view of Singapore. However, using a pair of binoculars would be even better, as it's quite a distance from Johor Bahru.

Danga Bay stretches for about 3km, and is actually the waterfront of Johor Bahru. To view the causeway that links Johor to Singapore, try a boat ride. However, you are not allowed to go beyond 300m from the banks of Johor Bahru. Optionally, you can also go on a cruise along the straits up to Kg. Melayu. On this trip, you can see the kelong (huge fish trap built on stilts) and visit fish farms or aquaculture centres where sea bass, garoupa and mussels are bred.

Getting There
Travelling via taxi is the best choice to get here form Johor Bahru city centre. The fare is about RM4 to RM5, depending on traffic conditions. But if you prefer to take a leisure walk from the city centre, just follow the pedestrian path along the straits for about 2km.

Source: http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/

Pangkor

Largely inhabited by fisher-folk who live in fishing settlements scattered along the coast, Pangkor - in stark contrast to Malaysia's fast-paced progress - remains a haven for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, visitors can bask in the sun on her golden beaches and catch sights of fishing boats rocking gently on calm blue waters. Situated 7km from historic Lumut town across the Straits of Malacca, it has for centuries enthralled visitors with her charming beauty, idyllic bays, pristine beaches, and vibrant tropical forests. Hence it comes as no surprise that she has been a welcome stopover for the sea weary, pirates, and adventurers in the old days. In fact, it was at one time ruled by European conquerors such as the Dutch and British yet her natural wonders have remained unscarred and her environment as tranquil and harmonious as ever. Today's Pangkor is a thriving tourist destination that does not reflect her turbulent past.

Getting There
Pangkor is a 40 minute ferry ride from Lumut, a coastal town, which is 84km from Ipoh city or a 3 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. The ferry fare costs a mere few ringgit depending on which part of Pangkor you are going to. There are also scheduled flights via Kuala Lumpur operated by Berjaya Air. This flight is 5 times a week except Thuesday and Thurday. Once there, taxis (Van) are available for most part of the day to take you around. However, please be forewarned that the taxis have no meters, hence you should check the fare before embarking on a ride.

Sources: http://www.marimari.com

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.