Luxury Hotels in Gemia Island, Marang

Gemia Island or also known as Gem Island or Coral Island is an island located eight hundred meters away from the more famously recognized Kapas Island and 6 kilometers off Marang, Terengganu, Malaysia. The island has received an influx of visitors for snorkeling and diving purposes in the wake of Kapas Island as an established island for tourism. In a similar fashion to Kapas Island, Gemia Island has a thick tropical vegetation, crystal clear seawater and coral reefs in the surrounding waters, however because it is less visited due to its smaller size and rocky surroundings, it could be a better destination for those seeking for a romantic getaway. .

The sunset view in the island is also pretty beautiful and mesmerizing, making it for one kind of a spectacular view. Due to the lesser amount of development experienced here, visitors may feel that the atmosphere here is much cooler and less hot. However, they may have to prepare cash in-hand and be prepared mentally for lacking in electricity and Internet access. This may be a good tradeoff in order to enjoy the island without much distractions at hand. Another point of attraction is the turtle coming over to the beaches to lay eggs which are much more common here. As an effort to conserve these turtles, there is a hatchery center where the eggs are protected within an enclosure till they hatch and the baby turtles are then released back to the open waters. This would cover them from predators such as monitor lizards, crabs, seabirds and even humans. .

How to Get There

By Car

One could drive from Kuala Lumpur via E8 route for immediate access to Marang jetty which provided access to the island. Depending on the current traffic, the journey could take up around 4 hours and 35 minutes. .

By Bus

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. There is no major bus terminal, instead guests can opt to stop by the Marang district office which has the bus stop. .

By Flight

Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia provide direct flights to Kuala Terengganu from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). 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 Gemia Island and Kapas Island jetties on a daily basis from 9.30 am till 4.30 pm. The journey usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. .

Tourist Attractions

Marang Market

One of the interesting places to visit when visitors are nearby Gemia Island is the Marang Market located in the town of Marang. If you arrived late for the boat services and needed to stay over Marang for a day especially during Wednesdays or Saturdays, then this place is a terrific spot. Famously known among the locals as a shopping attraction, Marang Market is the place where villagers from even the inner Marang area will come over and sell their goods here. It is even merrier during fruit season where the fresh harvests are put on display. There are also night markets on Fridays and Sundays. .

Hotel

Gem Island Resort and Spa

Being pretty much the few of the resorts available here, Gem Island Resort and Spa offers an exquisite experience unlike any other. There are at least 45 sea frontage villas lined up along the coastlines while preserving its natural environment, each is furnished properly, giving visitors a pleasant stay facing the sea. There are also activities organized by the resort that would allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the island such as snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing trips, island excursion, beach games and visiting the nearby turtle sanctuary.