Overview
Like jade in an ocean of clear blue, Terengganu’s islands are the most beautiful in the peninsula, and worshipped by sun-soakers and coral-lovers.

Merang, 28 km (17 miles) north of Kuala Terengganu, is the jump-off point to Pulau Redang (Redang Island) and the smaller Pulau Lang Tengah. A range of accommodation is available, virtually everyone with dive facilities. However, there are no scheduled boats, so visitors have to book beforehand for packages with travel agents in any of the east coast capital or Kuala Lumpur.

Lang Tengah is less crowded and is good for easy diving and excellent snorkelling close to shore. Redang, 2 hours from shore, is famous for its great visibility and diverse dive sites, but has become crowded. Comprising nine island track through rainforest connects the pristine wide beaches of fine white sand at Pasair Panjang and Teluk Dalam. There is also a small traditional Malay fisihing village on stilts where you can stop for Teh Tarik (tea) and local kuih (cakes).

However,diving is what has carved the island’s fame. The marine Park jetty alone has prolific marine life, including a resident Moray eel. Night dives at the submerged reefs are particularly fascinating. There is also a high chance of bumping into a member or 2 of the large green turtle population. In situ hatching is being carried out here, as well as a research programme involving volunteers

Legend has it that 2 birds turned to stone and became the gorgeous Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar isles, 2km (17 miles) from shore. Kecil and Besar mean “small” and “large” respectively. The jetty is at Kuala Besut, an unploilt fishing village where fishing boats make a dramatic show at dawn and dusk. Show boats reach the isles in 1 and half hours and operate between 9am-2pm. speedboats take 30 minutes, but it’s a bumpy ride.

Accomadation at Kuala Besut is limited, but the jetty is well serviced by buses and taxis from any major town. boats and accommodation can be booked at the jetty complex. Try the Persatuan Pengusaha Pelancongan Pulau Perhentian (Association of Perhentian Island Tour Operators). Walk-ins are common, but book beforehand during public holidays.

Perhentian Besar has a wider range of accommodation spread along the bay facing the smaller island, including the 3 star Perhentian Island Resort. Rock-bottom accommodation can still be found at Pasir Panjang on Perhentian Kechil, site of the first backpacker invasion. It has become really crowded here; the island’s body-lined beach attests to its popularity. However, water remains a problem in the dry July/August period.

The traditional fishing village on Perhentian Kecil is interesting, particularly at the day’s end when the villagers on the waterfront for a gossip, surrounded by squealing children at play. The village also sells groceries and other necessities.

The diving here is more leisurely compared to Redang, and the shallower waters are good for snorkelling. There are nice dive facilities in all, each offering instruction. Garden of soft coral - which grow to huge sizes - lots of shells, and large boulders make for an attractive underwater playground.