Pulau Redang - A beautiful Marine Park

Redang Island or Pulau Redang is famous for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and the tropical fish that inhabit the numerous reefs, many within 50 feet of the shore. With its crystal clear waters, prolific coral formations and an array of marine life, it is little wonder then that Redang has earned for itself the enviable reputation as one of the best marine parks in the world. This paradise-like island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, fishing, boating, wind surfing and canoeing.

Pulau Redang which is located 50km from the mainland and a 2 hour boat ride from the Marang Jetty, Terengganu, the island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset, and what could be the world's most mature coral garden. The park is arguable among the best diving spots in the world where marine life is protected and souvenir hunters are liable for prosecution.

Pulau Redang 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.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.

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.



Getting there: By Boat
Begin your island-hopping adventure by catching a boat at any of the jetties in Kuala Terengganu and Marang. Travelling time to Pulau Redang is one hour from Kuala Terengganu and 50 minutes from Marang.



Accomodation:
Plenty to choose from either in the form of chalets, or a luxury type.

The beauty of Aur Island, Malaysia

Check out Pulau Aur (Aur Island Island) Malaysia

Offshore, 65km east of Mersing, Pulau Aur, and the three smaller islands of Pulau Dayang, Pulau Lang and Pulau Pinang, together with Pulau Pemanggil which is 15km northwest of Pulau Aur, make up the rest of the Johor Marine Park. Most of the rocky islands are well forested and have isolated coconut plantations. With deep, clear water, healthy corals and regular encounters with large pelagic species, these islands have the potential to become international diving locations.

Several underwater Pinnacles on the east side of Pulau Aur rise 30m from the sea floor to within 10m of the surface with good hard coral growth including undamaged table corals (Acropora Sp.). 'Rayner's Rock' northeast of Pulau Dayang, is a similar 33m high, submerged rock where there are impressive Boulder Corals (Porites Sp.), Whale Sharks have been seen and delightful encounters with large Manta Rays (Manta birostris) are common.

It is surprising to see extraordinarily large numbers of juvenile fish this far offshore, many are so different in shape and markings from their adults that they can be mistaken for different species.

When fish are ready to breed, many strategies have evolved to ensure that only the strongest males and females mate. In some species, the presence of Alpha (larger) females prevent smaller fish becoming females. With many other species males fight to establish domination. With so many fish of similar shapes living in close proximity on crowded reefs it would be a waste of energy if adults picked unnecessary fights with juveniles. One way to avoid this happening is for juveniles to be a completely different colour, pattern or shape from mature adults.

ATTRACTIONS:

Beaches:
- Batu Kembar, Pulau Aur
- Pasir Putih, Pulau Dayang
- Teluk Ba'ai, Pulau Aur
- Teluk Berhala, Pulau Aur

Resorts:
- Dayang Blues Resort, Pulau Dayang
- Diver's Lodge, Pulau Aur
- Bluewater Resort, Pulau Aur
- Atlantis Bay Resort, Pulau Aur

Island trails:
- Batu Berhala
- Teluk Ba'ai to Teluk Sebukang

Getting there

From Singapore Via Public Transport
There are a few buses that run to Mersing from Singapore on a daily basis. The easiest way is Transnasional direct from Singapore to Mersing: departure from the junction of Kallang Bahru and Lavender Street at 9am, 10am and 10pm.

From Singapore Via Private Transport
Drive through Johor Bahru until you reach Kota Tinggi, approximately an hour from JB. Mersing's jetty is located at Mersing town, an hour's drive further from Kota Tinggi. You may park your car at a secure parking space at Mersing Town. There are lots of road signs along the way that will help you get to Mersing, and past complaints about the quality of the roads have been addressed with the resurfacing and widening of the highway

From Kuala Lumpur Via Public Transport
You can get to the town of Mersing from KL by bus. Catch a Transnasional bus from Puduraya bus station. They leave Puduraya bus station three times per day, at 11.00 am, 10.30 pm and 11.00 pm. Travel time is approximately 5 hours.

From Kuala Lumpur Via Private Transport
Take the north/south highway from KL, and exit at Air Hitam, about two hours' drive away. From there, drive to Kluang, then Kahang, and finally to Mersing Town, a journey that should take about an hour and a half. You can park your car at a secure parking space at Mersing Town.