The Redang Island Getaway’08
[Laguna Redang Island Resort]
Pulau Redang is located in the South China Sea off the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It lies about 45km northeast of Kuala Terengganu, the state capital of Terengganu, and out 22km off Tanjung Merang, the closest point on the mainland. In general, it’s about 10 hours coach ride from Singapore and 1 hour ferry transfer from Merang Jetty.
31 Aug 08 Sat
10:30pm YB and I set off to Kuala Terengganu via Konsortium coach. We have bought the 3D2N coach package from NATAS Travel’08 at $440 each (before UOB discount of $30). If you were to consider direct accomodation booking and purchase coach tickets from Singapore, the price is almost the same or more.
We happened to travel during the super peak season (Malaysia National Day and Singapore School Holidays) and were asked to postpone departure date 1 day later due to inavailability of rooms at Laguna Redang Islang Resort. (Travelling during off peak period will definitely be cheaper)
Departing on Saturday night instead of Friday proved to be a much smoother ride with lesser traffic. The entire 16 seaters coach was only transporting 5 passengers! We were lucky to have Super Snoozer Seat that comes with individual entertainment unit. This means…Movie Marathon Time!!! Movies watched: Help! I’m a fish; The Cheetah Girls 2.
12:00am Supper Break @ Yong Peng
04:00am Toilet Break @ Kuantan
06:00am Toilet Break @ Somehwere in Terengganu
08:00am Merang Jetty, Kuala Terengganu
[Jetty]
Merang Jetty is unlike Mersing Jetty (point of transfer to Pulau Tioman/Aur), there are individual jetty for each beach resort and is rather laid back. We checked in our baggage and were issued ferry boarding passes. Along the narrow road are souvenir shops and only one eatery.
[Yummy!]
Warm nasi lemak for 3RM was good to satisfy any growling stomaches before boarding. The eatery charges 30cts for toilet.
[Ferry]
Laguna Ferry Transfer Schedule
Merang Jetty to Laguna Resort
9:30am; 12:30pm daily
Laguna Resort to Merang Jetty
9am; 12pm daily
[Laguna Redang Jetty]
[Welcome!]
[Map of Resort]
The ferry was air conditioned and it was smooth sailing. We arrived at an unfamiliar place (our first trip to Redang) that did not seem to look like a proper resort. At the arrival/waiting hall, a Public Relations Officer welcomed all the guests with basic information and provided a list of things to do on the island. I’m pretty impressed by the hospitality because it was the first time I receive such warm welcome.
[Resort Tram]
After the welcome speech, a tram transported all the guests to the reception hall for check-in reception. And in case you’re wondering why I’ve chosen this particular resort…It is the best resort available on a common beach area. Berjaya Resort is of top price range and isolated on a private beach. You can check out more information on Redang at this website.
[Resort Front]
[Blue sky and blue water]
The sun, the sand and the sea + Love of my life, YB + Great Weather + Comfortable Accomodation = Best Getaway for 2008. What more can I ask for!
I received some queries on my total expenses and package details. So here goes…
Package SGD410 (super peak season)
- 2 way Coach Transfer (Singapore to Merang and back)
- 2 way Ferry Transfer (Merang to Jetty and back)
- 3D2N Stay at Laguna Redang Island Resort; Garden View
- 2 Breakfast, 3 Lunch, 3 Dinner
- Snorkeling Trip (9:30am Marine Park and 3pm Random Island; Daily)
- Free access to swimming pool and beach towels
Excluding
- Meals during stopovers
- Equipment rental: Mask+Snorkel RM10; Life Vest RM10 (Fins are prohibited)
- Marine Park Fee RM5
- Snacks and beer etc
In total, we spent within RM200 in additional to the package. There are regular diving sessions each day for RM100+ per session with equipment.
Back to the main topic!
After lunch and power nap, we are all geared up for our first snorkelling trip…without life vest. Sigh, overcrowding + shallow water level + high coral. + fogged up mask because I didn’t bring Johnson No Tears + no life vest = injury. I’m still itching from the darn wounds now lor….Argh
I was even stung by jellyfish later that afternoon while soaking along Pasir Panjung Beach. FYI Ask for lemon/lime but I was treated with StingGoose. After 3 treatments of hot water, the swell and pain went away. Thank goodness my diving EFR course was useful!
Anyway I was so worn out…It was since a long time that I slept at 10pm peacefully Zzzzz
01 Sep 08
07:00am Rise and shine for breakfast! Feeling so energised!
09:30am Set off to Marine Park for snorkelling and this time with a life vest :P
[Marine Park Jetty]
The water was so much calmer and its really exhilarating to see so many fishes! (Due to bread feeding from the crowd…hee)
[Eeeeek!]
No idea whose legs but the sight of this gives me goosebumps man…
[Boo]
YB spent half the time scaring fishes away from him.
There’s a wreck right outside the boundary. It’s sticking out. Don’t miss it =)
11:30am Time to return back to resort. Before returning for shower, we went for a relaxing dip in the jacuzzi. Best part of the entire trip :P
We didn’t go for the 2nd snorkelling trip. Instead we ventured out to the nearby shore in search for baby sharks. Unfortunately the waves were too strong so we lingered around a less affected area and headed to pool for water massage.
In case you’re not aware, Pasir Panjung Beach in front of Laguna Redang Resort is made famous by the movie “Summer Holiday” starring Sammi Cheng and Richie Ren. You can watch the movie again and again because it is showing 24/7!
[So in love ^_^]
Enough said…Moments are best enjoyed by yourself.
Even a squirrel joined us for breakfast on our last day on Redang Island. Sweet Memories =)