Visiting

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.

2008 Holidays	Malaysia	Singapore
New Year's Day & Hari Raya Haji	Tue 1 Jan	Tue 1 Jan
Awal Muharram	Thu 10 Jan	-
Chinese New Year	Thu-Fri 7-8 Feb	Thu-Fri 7-8 Feb
Prophet Muhammad's b/day	Thu 20 Mar	-
Good Friday	-	Fri 21 Mar
Labour Day	Thu 1 May	Thu 1 May
Vesak Day	Mon 19 May	Mon 19 May
King's birthday	Sat 7 Jun	-
National Day	Sun 31 Aug (Mon 1 Sep)	Sat 9 Aug
Hari Raya Puasa	Wed-Thu 1-2 Oct	Wed 1 Oct
Deepavali	Mon 27 Oct	Tue 28 Oct
Hari Raya Haji	Mon-Tue 8-9 Dec	Mon 8 Dec
Christmas Day	Thu 25 Dec	Thu 25 Dec
Awal Muharam	Mon 29 Dec	-
2008 School hols	Malaysia	Singapore
School vacation	8-16 Mar	8-16 Mar
School vacation	24 May - 8 Jun	24 May - 22 Jun
School vacation	16-24 Aug	30 Aug - 7 Sep
School vacation	15 Nov - 4 Jan '09	15 Nov - 31 Dec
* subject to change

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.

Although it's possible for walk-in guests to hop on a private ferry to Redang (tickets can be purchased at ticket kiosks at Shahbandar jetty in KT), walk into a resort and check-in, this is not recommended especially during peak season when room availability is scarce. Furthermore, the private ferry will only stop at the Redang Kampung jetty and visitors will have to arrange their own transfers from the Kampung jetty to the resort.

It is better to book a resort package in advance that includes accommodation, meals and sea transfers. This is the simplest and smoothest way to get to Redang. Many resorts operate their own speedboats or use the services of private ferry operators. They will also provide land transfers between Kuala Terengganu and Merang jetty (included in the package or for a small fee).

Most visitors will stay in Redang for at least 3D/2N. For daytrippers, there are companies like Deutzia Nautical run by Derek and Quee that provide personalized boat charters. Guests can charter their boats for day-trips with customized itineraries depending on their interests. These can include trips to Redang and other nearby less-frequented islands for snorkelling, canoeing, diving and other sea activities, complete with meals served on-board, or even lunch in Redang if you wish. Great for those who just have a day to spend or prefer to stay on the mainland at Merang and enjoy a day-trip to the islands.

Booking a holiday package

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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.

If you need to be contacted in case of emergencies, give the number of the resort to the people who may need to get in touch with you or bring your mobile phone - there is strong MAXIS, DIGI and CELCOM mobile signal coverage in Redang where most resorts are located.

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

There is an in-house medical doctor at Laguna and another at 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 made the walk on the beach less painful especially when there is a lot of broken coral or shells. 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.