Redang Island is one of the most beautiful beach destinations off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in Terengganu. The island is known for its powdery white beaches, turquoise water, and excellent visibility, making it a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and exploring tropical landscapes.

The surrounding waters are part of a protected marine park, helping preserve Redang's rich underwater ecosystem. Around sites such as Tanjung Tokong and Big Mount, you can find colorful reef fish, hard and soft corals, blacktip reef sharks, and giant groupers. Experienced divers can also explore underwater sites connected to World War II history.

If you're planning a trip, knowing how to get to Redang Island is essential because the journey usually involves reaching Terengganu's mainland before continuing by boat.

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Redang Island is located in the South China Sea, so there is no conventional road connection to the island. Depending on your budget and travel style, you can fly directly to Redang, fly to Kuala Terengganu and continue by boat, take a long-distance bus, or drive to the mainland and park near a jetty.

The fastest option is to fly directly to Redang Airport (RDN). Direct flights may operate from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang SkyPark) in Kuala Lumpur, with the flight taking a little over an hour.

This is the most convenient choice if you want to minimize transfers, although schedules and availability can be limited. Always check the flight schedule for your travel dates before building your itinerary around a direct service.

For most travelers, flying to Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) in Kuala Terengganu offers the best balance between convenience and travel time. Flights from Kuala Lumpur generally take around an hour, after which you can take a taxi, Grab, or pre-arranged resort transfer to Merang Jetty or Shahbandar Jetty.

Merang Jetty is about 30-40 minutes from the airport and is commonly used for speedboat transfers, with the boat ride often taking around 45-60 minutes. Shahbandar Jetty is located in Kuala Terengganu city and is convenient if your ferry or resort package departs from there, although larger ferries can take around 1.5-2 hours.

If you're traveling on a budget, taking an express bus to Kuala Terengganu is one of the more economical options. Buses operate from cities including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Singapore, with the journey taking roughly 7-10 hours depending on where you start.

An overnight coach can be particularly practical because you can arrive in Terengganu in the morning and continue to the jetty. From Kuala Terengganu, arrange a taxi, Grab, or transfer to Merang Jetty or Shahbandar Jetty before taking a boat to Redang.

Driving gives you more flexibility, especially if you're traveling with children, a group, or plenty of luggage. From Kuala Lumpur, you can follow the East Coast Expressway toward Terengganu, with the drive taking roughly 4.5-5 hours before you continue by boat.

You can leave your car at a paid parking facility near the departure jetty, then take a ferry or speedboat to Redang. Parking availability and fees can vary, so arriving early is a smart idea during school holidays, public holidays, and long weekends.

Choosing where to stay in Redang depends on the type of holiday you want, from a relaxing beachfront escape to a simple base for exploring the island. Staying near the beach makes it easier to enjoy snorkeling, diving, swimming, and other water activities without spending too much time traveling. Here are three accommodation options to consider for different travel styles and preferences.

The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort is a luxury beachfront property located on a private stretch of Pasir Panjang. It offers spacious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, spa facilities, restaurants, and access to activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Its peaceful setting makes it particularly suitable if you want to spend most of your holiday relaxing by the sea.

The resort's accommodations come with modern amenities, while selected rooms and suites provide views of the surrounding tropical landscape or direct access to the beach. You can also enjoy its wellness facilities and dining options without having to leave the property. With its combination of comfort, scenery, and recreational activities, The Taaras is a good choice for couples, families, and travelers looking for a more upscale Redang experience.

Peridot By-The-Sea @ Redang is located along Pasir Panjang, placing you close to one of the island's popular stretches of white sand and clear water. The property provides a convenient base for enjoying beach activities, snorkeling, diving, and other marine excursions around Redang. Its beachfront setting is especially appealing if you want easy access to the sea throughout your stay.

The surrounding area also gives you opportunities to explore Redang at a relaxed pace, from joining snorkeling trips to watching the sunset along the coast. You can arrange various island activities and excursions through local operators while keeping the beach within easy reach. This makes Peridot a practical option for couples, families, and travelers who want a comfortable stay in a lively beachfront area.

Asmadi Guest House is a simpler accommodation option on Redang for travelers who prefer to spend more time exploring the island than using resort facilities. Its location provides convenient access to Redang's beaches and marine attractions, including areas popular for snorkeling and diving. The guest house is particularly suitable if you are looking for a straightforward place to rest between outdoor activities.

Rooms focus on essential comforts such as comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning, depending on the room type. After a day of snorkeling, diving, or exploring the island, you can return to a clean and practical space to relax. Its uncomplicated approach makes Asmadi Guest House a suitable choice for budget-conscious travelers and those who prioritize experiences over luxury amenities.

Read More: Exploring Bantayan Island: Beaches, Food & Island Adventures

Now that you know how to get to Redang Island, you can choose the route that best matches your schedule and budget. Flying to Kuala Terengganu followed by a boat transfer is generally the most balanced option, while buses and self-driving give you more budget or scheduling flexibility.

To simplify your planning, you can use Traveloka to arrange flights, hotels, airport transfers, and attractions in one place. Traveloka positions itself as Southeast Asia's #1 All-in-one Travel App and offers a Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Live Agent Support, helping you manage different parts of your trip through one platform.