Hotels in Pulau Kapas

Pulau Kapas or literally translated as Cotton Island is an island located 6 kilometres off Marang, Terengganu, Malaysia. There is a smaller island known as Pulau Gemia or Gemia Island which is located north of Pulau Kapas. The island gets its name as the local people’s reference to its white beaches. Promoted as a “diving and snorkeling paradise”, the island has a lush tropical jungle, crystal clear seawater, pristine white sand beaches and to top it off, coral reefs in the surrounding waters. In comparison to the other islands, Pulau Kapas, as a marine park, still maintains its natural beauty; development works happened less frequently here. Therefore, visitors may have to prepare cash in-hand and get ready for lack of consistence in electricity and Internet access – all these as an equal trade for a magnificent view of the island and its beaches.

From the historical point of view, Pulau Kapas and Marang as a district in a whole was established way back in 1839. Initially it was administered by the district dignitaries which oversee the villages within their own jurisdictions. Then the system was changed with a single district officer which administers the river districts that makes up Marang. The benefit is received when the first district office for Marang was built in 1915. When the British made their way in the 1920s, J L Humphreys which is the very first British commissioner for Terengganu state has introduced a new territorial management system that includes Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Berang and Marang under the Central Colony jurisdiction. Post-1985, the Marang district was revised to add another two sub-districts, Bukit Payong and Alor Limbat into its jurisdiction.

How to Get There

By Car

People driving from Kuala Lumpur may drive via E8 route for immediate access to Marang jetty. The journey could take up around 4 hours and 35 minutes depending on the traffic.

By Bus

There is no major bus terminal, instead guests can opt to stop by the Marang district office which has the bus stop. Take the trip directly to Marang from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) terminal using express bus services such as UBT Group Liner before opting for taxi to go to the jetty.

By Plane

There are flights to Kuala Terengganu from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) which are provided by both Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia. Upon touchdown, from the airport, guests can head downtown using public transportation to the Marang jetty terminal.

By Boat

There are speedboats available from Marang to Pulau Kapas jetty on a daily basis from 9.30 am till 4.30 pm. The journey usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Tourist Attractions

Jetty Cafe

One of the earliest cafes to be encountered by the visitors when they first reached the island. Run by a family of locals, the hospitality offered is great and the food is delicious. The price is affordable too. Another attraction point is that this café is one of the places on the island with a working Internet connection, hence if some emails are needed to be sent, this café is the place to be.

Aquasport Divers

This is the one-stop centre for all things diving located in the island. Extensive diving services are offered by experienced staffs at a good rate. Multitude of options are provided, whether is just a casual diving activity to have a look at the underwater biodiversity that could be offered by the island seawaters or courses that cater to more experienced divers who intend to get serious.

Kapas Turtle Valley

Kapas Turtle Valley is a great place for turtle-spotting. Here, visitors can expect to see turtles laying eggs and the baby turtles hatching out to head back to sea. Other add-on services include arranged trips to see the turtle conservation and hatchery centres around and accommodations that are also provided in-house.

Hotels

Kapas Island Resort

A two-star hotel resort situated very closely to the Pulau Kapas jetty. With affordable rates, this hotel offers comfort stay with a nice feeling.