On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just a little south from the Perhenthians, is Palau Redang.
This island is a relatively recent entrant on the dive map and is proving to be an increasingly popular destination, with healthy corals and abundant marine life, including Turtles, Sharks & Rays.
The diving is generally easy, while the island's lovely beaches & quiet ambience ensure a very relaxing stay.
Numerous small islets to the south & west of Redang have excellent reefs and there are a few sea mounts too. Big Mount is possibly the area’s most famous dive site, an underwater mount dropping down to around 30 metres, where larger life gathers, including occasional Manta Rays & Whale Sharks.
Ekor Tebu has occasional Eagle Rays & Shovel-nose Rays, while Ma Chantik has beautiful Anemone gardens. Tanjung Tokong in the north of Redang is a great place to encounter both Green & Hawksbill Turtles. Spanish Dancers can also sometimes be seen around Redang.
A little south from Redang are another small group of islands centred around Palau Bidong. These sites are not visited so often but have good diving, with some slightly deeper sites for more experienced divers. Bumphead Parrotfish can be seen around these islands, along with some Reef Sharks & Barracuda. There is some interesting macro life as well.
The southern-most island in the area is Palau Tenggol. Despite its proximity to the mainland, the eastern side of the small island has steep walls dropping to around 45m, with good corals and pelagics cruising the blue. Smaller critters can also be found along the reef wall. The western side of this small island is more shallow & good for snorkelling.
To the west, the small island of Lang Tengah also now has a dive resort. The corals here are in excellent condition and divers have the chance to encounter schools of snapper & fusiliers, Bumphead Parrotfish, Bamboo Sharks, Turtles & even Shovel-nose Rays.
Resort and liveaboard options
Most accommodation on the island is either mid-range or upmarket with less in the way for budget travellers, who normally find their way to the Perhentian Islands instead. Most of the resorts are on the east coast of Redang Island.
When to dive
The main dive season here runs from Apr-Sept, with monsoon winds & rains affecting conditions outside these months.
Getting there
The island can be reached by boat from the mainland. In high season, from April to October, there are regular ferries to Redang. Outside these months, it is sometimes difficult to reach the island because of the eastern monsoon. There is also one flight a day from Kuala Lumpur to Redang's small airstrip.
Activities
The island is surrounded by nice shallow reefs close to shore, making snorkelling very popular. Aside from this, sunbathing and relaxing are about as active as Redang generally gets.