The busiest months are from May to August, particularly during June school holidays in Malaysia and Singapore. March and October are perfect for almost-empty beaches. Going at different times of the year may also offer seasonal encounters with certain marine life. Green turtles usually nest in their greatest numbers in August while September is probably the best month to spot migratory whale sharks.

In most parts of Malaysia, weekends fall on Saturday and Sunday. In Terengganu and Kelantan states, Thursdays and Fridays are weekend days, with Friday a full off-day as many of the local Muslim residents visit the mosques for Friday prayers. So don't be surprised to see many shops closed if you are in Kuala Terengganu on Fridays. Normal weekends are still busy periods for Redang as many visitors come from other states.

Resorts at Redang open during the non-monsoon months from as early as mid-February to mid- or end-October. Different resorts have different specific opening and closing dates but all are open by 1 March and close by 1 Nov. The best time to visit is between April to September when seas are generally calm. The sea may begin to get choppy close to monsoon season. As Redang can get pretty crowded during Malaysian holidays, Singaporean holidays and long weekends, avoid these holidays if you can and use the holiday chart below to plan your trip.

How long one should stay at Redang depends on how much one enjoys the sun, sea and sand. Most visitors stay at least 3D/2N which is short enough for a quick weekend getaway but we feel this is quite a rush. If you're going to be travelling quite a while or distance to get here, we recommend at least 4D/3N to at least be able to relax and enjoy the island. However long you choose to stay, try to book your package, accommodation or transfers in advance to make sure you get the dates you want.

To book a package, follow the 3 simple steps below:

• Decide when to visit.
  Use the holiday chart shown above to decide when to visit Redang. Many resorts impose additional surcharges for peak season such as on weekends and school holidays and lower rates for off-peak season.
• Book your package.
  Use the Resorts section of this website to help you choose your resort, then book directly with the resort (some resorts now have online booking and reservations available from their websites) or through a travel agent. Holiday packages typically include all land and sea transfers from KT to Redang, though some resorts may charge extra for these services.
• Get to Kuala Terengganu (KT) or Merang.
  You can drive, take a coach or fly. If you are making your own travel arrangements to get to KT or Merang, refer to the Transport section or check with the resort for more information as you need to coordinate land and boat transfer schedules to ensure you have enough time to catch your flight or coach. If you prefer not to make your own travel arrangements, look for a holiday package from a travel agent that also includes transport to KT and back.

Once you arrive in KT or Merang, you should be well taken care of. Logistics involving land and sea transfers are usually smooth and well-coordinated. Visitors will be transferred to the appropriate jetty to catch their speedboat. Check the Transport section for more details.

Walk-in guests

Although it's possible for walk-in guests without prior bookings to purchase ferry tickets at Merang or Shahbandar jetty, hop on a ferry to Redang, check out the resorts first before walking into one and checking in, we recommend you book your accommodation, land and sea transfers in advance as room availability can be scarce especially during the peak season.

If you still want to take a chance and do walk-in registrations, your best bet is to head for Pasir Panjang as that is where most of the resorts are located and you'll have a higher chance of finding one with vacancies. Unlike some islands, you can't beach-hop in Redang to look for other resorts on other beaches as there are no water taxis plying between the different beaches where the resorts are located, so you're sort of stuck at the beach you're at.

Day trippers

The ferry schedules are not suitable for day trippers. Even if you catch the first boat out around 9am, you'll only have about 3 hours on the island before the last ferry leaves the island around 1pm. The best option is to look for a full-day boat charter package that allows you to explore the island at your own time but you usually need to have a minimum number of people for the boat (unless you have deep-enough pockets to charter a boat all to yourself!). Some tour operators like Ping Anchorage offer a day-trip to Redang with a fixed itinerary. For flexibility, look for personalized boat charters like those offered by Deutzia Nautical run by Derek and Quee. They can customize your itinerary, including trips to Redang and neighbouring islands for snorkelling or canoeing complete with meals on board or even lunch in Redang if you wish.

If you're making your own way to KT and need pickup, make sure you tell the resort or travel agent your date and time of arrival in KT and the plane or coach details. You should also inform them of your return trip details so they can advise you when you should check out to catch your boat back to the mainland for your connecting flight or coach.

There is strong MAXIS, DIGI and CELCOM mobile signal coverage in Redang where the resorts are located. However, you should still give the number of the resort to the people who may need to get in touch with you in case of emergencies as you probably won't have your mobile with you when you're out in the water.

There is no cash withdrawal machine (ATM) on the island, so bring enough cash to spend on equipment rentals, snacks and drinks and souvenirs. Some of the bigger resorts accept credit card payments.

There are in-house medical doctors at Laguna and Berjaya that are available to visitors from other resorts too so there is no need to bring a lot of first-aid supplies, just your own personal medication. Emergency medical cases are usually rushed back to the mainland for treatment.

There are sundry shops in most resorts selling daily essentials, snacks and tidbits, so you need not bring everything as if you were going into a completely uninhabited Castaway-style island (and you certainly don't need to bring a volleyball named Wilson either!). Here's a simple checklist:

• Beachwear like shorts and sandals. Water landings are now a rarity as most resorts have jetties so you don't get your feet wet when entering or leaving the boat upon your arrival or departure. Small speedboats can also go all the way up onto the beach so you won't wet your feet. Sandals or booties can make the walk on the beach less painful especially during low tide when broken coral or shells are exposed. Some fishing boats used for snorkelling trips by some resorts need to be moored in about 3-4 feet of water which means you may have to wade out to them and wade back to shore upon your return.
• Sunblock lotion, T-shirts, UV protective clothing or skinsuits/wetsuits for snorkelling. It is recommended to wear clothing as it helps to protect against marine stingers as well as protect against sunburn in an environmentally friendly way. Some sunblock have oils that are harmful to corals. If you have to use sunblock, get those that are waterproof and apply early in the day to give it time to soak into the skin before entering the water. There is a product called SafeSea that is both a sunblock and also protects against marine stingers. Reeds Health Products Pte Ltd distributes it in Singapore - contact details: 6747-0533 (tel), 6743-2346 (fax) or email: reeds@pacific.net.sg. Women, please note that Malaysia is an Islamic country and you need to be sensitive to local religion and culture - while bikinis are allowed, do not be too revealing - nude or topless sunbathing is definitely out of the question.
• Insect repellant for sandflies, mosquitoes and other irritable species (not the 2-legged variety). Some lotions & insect repellants may contain oils, chemicals or additives that are harmful to corals and should not be used if you're planning to get into the water. Use only when you've completed all your water activities for the day or rinse off before going into the sea. Where possible, use only those that are waterproof or safe for aquatic life (and without cfcs too).
• Snorkelling/diving equipment, especially if you require powered lenses in your mask or goggles or prefer your own snorkel/regulator for hygiene reasons. If you have very young children, bring flotation devices as there may be limited child-size life-jackets available for rental. Masks, snorkels & lifejackets for adults & older children can be rented from most resorts. If you are diving, bring along your certification card & log book as proof of your training & experience.
• Personal medication you require daily and travel or anti-seasick tablets if you can't stand boat rides.
• Personal toiletries.
• Useful little tools like torchlights, swiss knifes, Ziploc bags, dry bags or other watertight containers to protect personal belongings like passports, money, film, electronic equipment etc. in case you're planning on bringing them with you on the boat during snorkelling trips.
• Warm clothing if you're travelling overnight on an air-con coach as it can get quite cold.
• There are many F&B (food & beverage) outlets at Redang especially at Pasir Panjang. Beer and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase by non-Muslims at some of these.