Some of the clearest water in Malaysia, and how to get there from Singapore.
Pulau Redang is the kind of place that looks photoshopped and isn’t. Powder-white sand, water so clear you can read a snorkel map through, green turtles you can swim beside. The only catch is that getting there from Singapore takes some planning, mostly around the boat. None of it’s hard once you know the steps.
💜 Plan your Malaysia trip:
– SGD To MYR Rate Today: Best Exchange Rates & Forecast
– Malaysia ATM Withdrawal Guide: Fees, Locations, Exchange Rates
– VEP Malaysia: How to Apply for Your Singapore Car
TL;DR: Planning a Trip to Redang Island
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Where | Off the Terengganu coast, east side of Peninsular Malaysia — ~45 km from Kuala Terengganu |
| Best time to go | March to October. The island shuts roughly November to February for the monsoon |
| How long you need | 3 days (4D3N) minimum — the first and last days are half-days |
| Getting there from SG | Fly direct Seletar → Redang (Berjaya Air), or drive/bus to Kuala Terengganu and take the ~1hr 45min ferry |
| Where to stay | Full-board resort packages on Long Beach — Laguna, The Taaras, Redang Beach Resort and budget chalets |
| Rough cost | Resort packages ~300–800 MYR (~S$94–S$250) per night, usually including meals and daily snorkelling |
| Pay smart | Withdraw MYR cash before the ferry, then tap your YouTrip card for everything else — MYR is a holdable wallet currency |
📌 Table of Contents
- Is Redang Island Worth Visiting?
- How to Get to Redang Island From Singapore
- Best Time to Visit Redang (and When to Avoid It)
- How Many Days Do You Need in Redang?
- Where to Stay in Redang Island
- Best Things to Do in Redang Island
- What to Do in Redang at Night
- What to Eat on Redang
- What a Redang Trip Costs From Singapore
- FAQs About Redang Island (2026)
Is Redang Island Worth Visiting?
Yes, if your idea of a good trip is world-class snorkelling and proper switch-off, rather than nightlife and packed cafes. Redang is a resort-package island built around the water, and the water really is some of the clearest in Malaysia.
What to expect:
- The snorkelling is the whole point. Just off Long Beach you’ll see parrotfish, trigger fish, the odd reef shark and huge schools of tiny reef fish, often without leaving waist-deep water. Divers who’ve been around rate it among the best they’ve done.
- It’s a slow island. No clubs, no busy night market, patchy Wi-Fi. That’s the appeal for most people, but go in knowing it.
- It’s not backpacker-cheap. Island prices run noticeably higher than the mainland (often two to three times), and most stays are sold as full-board packages, not à la carte hotel rooms.
- Turtles are basically the mascot. Green turtles nest here, and several resorts run close-up turtle snorkelling trips and occasional hatchling-release events.
If you want a beach holiday where the highlight is what’s under the surface, Redang’s worth it. If you need things to do after dark, look elsewhere. Weighing it against its neighbour? Perhentian is cheaper and more backpacker-friendly, while Redang skews resort-comfort with slightly clearer water and a bigger turtle reputation.
📖 Related Guide: Want another Malaysian beach-and-nature escape? Our Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide covers islands, hikes and where to stay.
How to Get to Redang Island From Singapore
There are two real routes from Singapore: fly direct to the island, or get yourself to Kuala Terengganu on the mainland and catch the ferry across. There’s no bridge and no driving onto Redang itself. The last leg is always a boat or a small plane.
Fly Direct: Seletar to Redang
Image Credits: Berjaya Air
The fastest way, and a lot of people don’t realise it’s an option. Berjaya Air operates a direct flight from Seletar Airport in Singapore to Redang’s own airstrip (airport code RDN), landing you a short transfer from the resorts. It’s a small turboprop service, chartered in connection with The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort and run subject to demand, so flights are limited and tied to resort bookings rather than a daily scheduled service.
- Best for: travellers who want to skip the long drive and don’t mind paying a premium.
- Worth knowing: there are only around a dozen flights into Redang a month across all routes, so book early and build your dates around the flight, not the other way round.
Drive or Bus to Kuala Terengganu
Image Credits: redBus Singapore
The budget route, and the one most Singaporeans take. You’re heading for Kuala Terengganu, the mainland jump-off town, roughly a 7 to 8 hour drive up the east coast from Singapore (via Johor).
- Driving: the most flexible option if you’re comfortable with the long haul. The jetties have guarded parking for around 10 MYR (~S$3) per day.
- Coach/bus: long-distance buses run from Singapore and Johor Bahru toward Kuala Terengganu; many travellers break the journey with a night in town before the morning ferry.
- Flying the mainland leg: you can also fly Singapore to Kuala Terengganu (usually via Kuala Lumpur), then transfer to the jetty.
Most people stay one night in Kuala Terengganu before crossing, simply because the ferries leave in the morning.
Take the Ferry to the Island
Image Credits: Klook
From Kuala Terengganu, the ferry is the standard crossing. Two jetties serve Redang: the Taman Tamadun Islam (TTI) Jetty and the Merang Jetty. TTI is the departure point for several resorts including Laguna, while Merang is the closest and most-used jetty for general transfers.
- Crossing time: around 1 hour 45 minutes on the large resort ferries (not the small speedboats), so take motion-sickness medication beforehand if you’re prone to it.
- Departures: typically mid-morning, often around 9 AM and 11 AM — confirm your exact time with your resort, since transfers are scheduled around your booking.
- Luggage: bags are tagged by boat number and handled by resort staff, so you don’t lug them onto the boat yourself.
- If you miss the ferry: a private boat charter runs roughly 500–700 MYR (~S$156–S$219) one-way, so don’t be late.
Fees to Budget For
A few fixed fees apply whichever resort you pick. The big one is the marine park conservation fee, which is non-negotiable and goes toward maintaining the reef.
| Fee | Cost (per adult) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marine park conservation fee | 30 MYR (~S$9) | Non-Malaysians; paid at the jetty, covers entry to the marine park snorkelling sites |
| Jetty service fee | ~5 MYR (~S$1.60) | Paid at TTI Jetty |
| Return ferry | ~110 MYR (~S$34) | Around 55 MYR each way; usually bundled into resort packages |
| Jetty parking | ~10 MYR (~S$3) per day | Guarded, only if you drive up |
The marine park fee is the official government rate; ferry, jetty, and parking fees vary by operator and resort.
The marine park fee is the same one whether you snorkel once or every day, and it’s separate from any other island’s marine park fee (so a Tioman ticket won’t count here).
📖 Related Guide: Driving the east coast instead? Our Car Rental JB Guide covers picking up a car across the Causeway for the long haul north.
Best Time to Visit Redang (and When to Avoid It)
Visit between March and October. Outside that window, you mostly can’t. The northeast monsoon batters the east coast, and the island effectively shuts.
- March to October: the open season. Calm seas, clear water, and the resorts, ferries and dive centres are all running.
- Roughly November to late February: monsoon season. Most resorts and scheduled ferries stop operating, and the water turns rough. A handful of places may reopen toward the end of February, but plan around March at the earliest.
- Resorts start winding down from mid-October, so if you want a buffer against storms, aim for the heart of the season rather than the very edges.
For the calmest, least crowded experience, go on weekdays. The island is noticeably quieter midweek, with fewer snorkelling boats sharing each spot.
📖 Related Guide: Pairing Redang with more of Malaysia? Our Penang Travel Guide maps out a food-and-culture stop on the way.
How Many Days Do You Need in Redang?
Plan for at least three days. The classic booking is 4D3N (four days, three nights). Anything shorter and you lose most of your water time to travel.
- Day one is a half-day. Between the drive or flight, the ferry, check-in and lunch, your first afternoon is mostly logistics.
- The last day ends after breakfast. Check-out and the return ferry take up the whole morning.
- That leaves two full days for snorkelling trips, a dive or the turtle excursion, and some actual lying-on-the-beach time. Weather can knock out an afternoon, so the buffer matters.
Two nights is doable if you’re squeezing it in, but you’ll feel rushed. Three nights is the sweet spot; four if you dive.
📖 Related Guide: Routing through the capital? Our 20 Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur turns a layover into a proper stopover.
Where to Stay in Redang Island
Almost everyone stays in a full-board resort package on or near Long Beach (Pasir Panjang), the island’s main stretch of white sand. Packages typically bundle your room, all meals and daily snorkelling trips, which is why à la carte hotel bookings are rare here.
One reality check first: island accommodation runs well above mainland prices (often two to three times), and the most basic packages still start around 300 MYR (~S$94) a night.
| Resort | Tier | Rough rate (per night) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort | Luxury | Premium | Couples, honeymooners, the direct-flight crowd |
| Laguna Redang Island Resort | Upper-mid, full-board | ~800 MYR (~S$250) | Families wanting it all organised |
| Redang Beach Resort / Redang Bay Resort | Mid-range | Mid | Value on Long Beach |
| Paradise & basic chalets | Budget | From ~300 MYR (~S$94) | Backpackers, simple stays |
Rates are indicative full-board package prices and vary by season and room type.
Laguna Redang Island Resort
Image Credits: Tripadvisor
The flagship full-board resort and the one you’ll see in most vlogs. It sits right on Long Beach and runs to a tight schedule, so it suits families who want everything organised.
- The setup: welcome drinks, assigned meal tables, daily snorkelling briefings, and a big free-form pool with a kids’ slide.
- What’s included: a deluxe package covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and snorkelling trips. You still rent snorkel gear and life jackets separately, usually around 30 MYR (~S$9) for the whole set per stay.
- The rooms: spacious and air-conditioned, but there’s no in-room Wi-Fi (only in the lobby), so it’s a genuine disconnect.
The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort
Image Credits: Klook
The premium pick, set on its own bay, and the resort that the direct Berjaya Air flight is tied to. This is the one to look at if you want couples-and-spa polish over family-buffet bustle.
Redang Beach Resort and Redang Bay Resort
Image Credits: Redang Bay Resort
Solid mid-range options along the Long Beach stretch, generally a bit calmer and more affordable than Laguna. Good if you want the same beach and snorkelling without the flagship price tag.
Budget Chalets
Image Credits: Booking.com
The cheapest end, basic chalets like Paradise Resort, still starts around 300 MYR (~S$94) a night because, again, everything on the island costs more. Clean, simple, close to the water; don’t expect frills.
📖 Related Guide: Since there’s no Wi-Fi in most rooms, sort data before you go — our Best eSIM Singapore Guide covers cheap Malaysia eSIMs.
Best Things to Do in Redang Island
Almost everything worth doing on Redang happens in or on the water. Snorkelling and diving are the main draw; everything else fills the gaps between trips.
1. Snorkel Off Long Beach and the Marine Park
Image Credits: Tripadvisor
The main event, and often included in your package. Resorts run daily boat trips out to marine park sites with vibrant coral and dense schools of fish, and you can also snorkel straight off Long Beach within the buoyed swimming line, where lifeguards keep watch. Visibility is excellent; expect parrotfish, trigger fish, the occasional reef shark and stingray.
2. Turtle Snorkelling Trip and Baby Shark Feeding
Image Credits: Tripadvisor; Redang Lagoon
Two of Redang’s signature experiences. The turtle snorkelling trip (around 60 MYR / ~S$19 per person at Laguna) takes you to a spot where guides bring green turtles close, so you can swim alongside them. It’s a real highlight. Back at the beach, some resorts run a baby shark feeding session near the swimming line around dusk, where a guide feeds harmless juvenile reef sharks while guests watch from the water’s edge. Timings vary, so check with your resort.
3. Scuba Diving
Image Credits: Tripadvisor
Redang is a strong dive destination, with operators like Aquarius Redang Dive Centre catering to beginners and certified divers alike. Named dive sites include Pulau Pinang, Tanjung Tokong and nearby reef outcrops, plus a shipwreck site for stronger swimmers. Coral health varies, with ongoing restoration in some areas, but the variety of marine life keeps it rewarding.
4. Transparent Kayak and Island-Hopping Boat Tour
Image Credits: @neill_boatservices on Threads
For a no-gear way to see the reef, glide over the shallows in a clear-bottom kayak and watch the coral and fish pass beneath you. Resorts and operators also run island-hopping boat tours that loop the coastline, stopping at quieter coves to swim and snorkel.
5. ATV Jungle Tour to a Quiet Beach
Image Credits: Redang Lagoon
If you want a break from the water, the ATV jungle tour runs an off-road forest trail across the island to a quieter, more secluded beach on the far side. It’s bumpy and a little nervy for first-timers, but a fun change of pace.
6. More More Tea Inn
Image Credits: Laguna Redang Island Resort
A low-key photo stop with a story: the More More Tea gift shop (often called Mo Mo Cha) near Long Beach was originally built as the movie set for the 2000 Hong Kong romantic comedy Summer Holiday (starring Sammi Cheng and Richie Jen). The building has since been restored and converted into the main gift shop for the Laguna Redang Island Resort.
Drop by for a drink, the props, and an easy bit of island nostalgia.
📖 Related Guide: Tioman Island Guide: 24 Best Things to Do & Beaches
What to Do in Redang at Night
Image Credits: 俊威🍂 (1102919695) & 妖豔賤貨 (3877014841) on Rednote
Honestly? Not much, and that’s rather the point. Redang is a switch-off island, so evenings are low-key by design.
- Resort bars like Laguna’s Lobby Island Bar are the main social spot — snacks, drinks, and a sea view.
- Barbecue and satay buffet nights are a highlight at the bigger resorts, with grilled meats and desserts.
- Stargazing is excellent thanks to the lack of light pollution, so wander down to the beach after dinner.
If a buzzing nightlife scene is on your must-have list, Redang will disappoint. If a quiet drink under a sky full of stars sounds about right, you’ll love it.
📖 Related Guide: Tapping your card at the bar overseas? Our Best Multi-Currency Card in Singapore roundup compares the smart options.
What to Eat on Redang
Most meals come with your package, served buffet-style at your resort. The variety is the strong point: different menus each day, both local and Western dishes.
- Resort buffets (like Laguna’s sea-view Sunsura restaurant) cover breakfast staples like nasi lemak, nasi dagang and roti canai, plus barbecue nights with satay, prawns and lamb chop.
- Warong Food Court near the recreation centre is the cheaper, more local option (roti canai, simple burgers), handy when you don’t fancy another buffet.
- Steamboat and à la carte spots at some resorts give you a non-buffet night if you want one.
Because meals are usually pre-paid in your package, you’ll mostly only spend cash on snacks, drinks and tips. Bring some, because the food court and smaller stalls are cash-first.
📖 Related Guide: Port Dickson Guide: Beaches, Things to Do & Resorts
What a Redang Trip Costs From Singapore
A Redang trip is mid-range, not budget. You pay island prices once you’re out there. Here’s a rough per-person picture for a 4D3N stay, excluding flights or fuel to Kuala Terengganu.
| Item | Rough cost (per person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resort package (3 nights, full board) | ~900–2,400 MYR (~S$280–S$750) | Includes meals + daily snorkelling; varies by tier |
| Marine park fee | 30 MYR (~S$9) | Fixed government rate |
| Return ferry | ~110 MYR (~S$34) | Often bundled into the package |
| Turtle trip + extras | ~60–150 MYR (~S$19–S$47) | Optional add-ons |
| Cash for snacks, drinks, tips | ~100–200 MYR (~S$31–S$63) | Island prices apply |
Two money tips that actually save you on Redang:
- Pull your MYR cash before you board. The island is cash-first for the small stuff and ATMs are scarce, so withdraw ringgit at an ATM in Kuala Terengganu. With YouTrip, your first S$400 of overseas ATM withdrawals each month is free, then a flat 2% after that (some ATM operators add their own on-screen fee, so check the screen). That beats a money changer, which quietly bakes a markup into the rate it quotes you.
- Tap YouTrip for everything else. MYR is one of YouTrip’s holdable wallet currencies, so you can lock in your ringgit at the wholesale rate and spend with no foreign transaction fee. That’s far better than a credit card adding 3–3.5% FX on every overseas swipe.
📖 Related Guide: Cameron Highlands Guide: Things to Do & Getting There
FAQs About Redang Island (2026)
Yes. Redang has a small airstrip (airport code RDN), and Berjaya Air flies there direct from Seletar Airport in Singapore and Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur. Flights are limited and chartered in connection with The Taaras resort, so most visitors still arrive by ferry from Kuala Terengganu.
It depends on the season. Redang is open to visitors from roughly March to October. From around November to late February the northeast monsoon shuts most resorts and scheduled ferries, so the island is effectively closed.
You can fly direct from Subang Airport to Redang with Berjaya Air, or get to Kuala Terengganu and catch the ferry across. Driving from KL takes around 4.5 to 5 hours; the bus is closer to 6 to 7 hours. The ferry crossing takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Yes, resort bars and restaurants serve alcohol, so it isn’t a dry island. That said, selection is limited and prices are higher than the mainland, so factor that in if you like a drink with dinner.
Redang covers around 25 sq km (roughly 7 km by 6 km) and is the largest of a group of nine islands off the Terengganu coast, sitting around 45 km from Kuala Terengganu. It’s big enough to have several beaches and a forested interior, but small enough that resorts cluster mainly around Long Beach.
At least three days, booked as 4D3N. The first day is a half-day after travel and the last ends after breakfast, leaving two full days for snorkelling, diving and the turtle trip.
Make Your Way to Paradise
Redang rewards the planning. Lock your dates to the March–October season, book a full-board package three nights or longer, pull your ringgit before the boat, and the island hands you some of the clearest water and best snorkelling in Malaysia. Just don’t show up expecting nightlife, and don’t show up in December.
Pack your YouTrip card for the wholesale MYR rate and the fee-free ATM cash. That part’s easy.
Not a YouTrooper yet? Singapore’s go-to multi-currency wallet helps you save with great FX rates and zero fees. Skip the money changer and get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code YTBLOG5.
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Happy travels!
Related Guides:
Genting Highlands Guide: Things to Do & Getting There
Touch ‘n Go Guide In Malaysia: Everything You Need To Know
RTS Link Singapore–JB: Fares, Stations & Opening
