Pulau Redang – Reefs, Beaches and Sea Turtle Conservation

Pulau Redang combines a distinctive island coastline with a focus on marine conservation. It is the largest island in the state of Terengganu and lies about 45 kilometres off its coast. It is one of nine islands that make up the Redang Archipelago Marine Park. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the coastal landscape, underwater world and rules for visiting the protected area separately.

Beaches and Sheltered Bays

Long Beach, locally known as Pasir Panjang, is on Pulau Redang’s east coast and stretches for 800 metres. Teluk Dalam Kecil, a sheltered bay, lies on the northeast side. Farther north is Chagar Hutang: the protected bay has rocky cliffs and a 350-metre crescent-shaped beach. Clear blue water and a coral reef are also part of its described landscape.

Chagar Hutang is also an important nesting beach for Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. The beach was declared a sea turtle conservation area in 2005. Here, the coastal landscape and the protection of these animals are closely connected, so visits are subject to specific rules.

Sea Turtles and Visits to Chagar Hutang

The Turtle Lab on Pulau Redang provides local and international visitors with information about marine conservation and the protection of sea turtles. Tourists also take part in the Turtle Lab’s annual sea turtle volunteer programme. Programme details may change.

The public SEATRU programme offers visits to the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary for individuals as well as families, schools and universities, associations, NGOs, companies and government agencies. People of all ages can take part; however, no more than 30 people are admitted at a time. As part of the programme, SEATRU staff give an introduction to sea turtle conservation, and visitors can take part in a nest check.

Those interested in the Chagar Hutang programme can book an appointment by email at least three days in advance. Also note the time restriction: from 1:00 pm, the bay is closed to boats, visitors, snorkellers, divers and other activities. Check the programme information before your trip if you are planning a visit.

Snorkelling, Diving and Maritime History

At the Marine Park Centre, wrasses, Sergeant Majors and bream gather around snorkellers. The dive sites described offer different highlights. Terumbu Kili has a rocky underwater landscape with soft and hard corals beginning at a depth of around 15 metres; the seabed slopes down to a sandy area at a depth of 20 metres.

At the Big Mount dive site, divers can observe small marine life and may spot whale sharks. Mini Mount is known for cowrie shells, winged snails and large clusters of colourful tube worms covering coral blocks. These details highlight specific differences between the sites described without promising that marine animals will be sighted. The historic wreck of the H.M.S. Prince of Wales is also associated with Pulau Redang.

When to Visit and Find Hotels

The time of year is also part of planning: resorts on Pulau Redang usually close for a few months during the northeast monsoon, mostly from November to February. Individual resort calendars may differ. If you are looking for a hotel for specific dates, check the dates and availability of your preferred option before booking. If you are planning a visit to Chagar Hutang, also take the booking requirements and the bay’s closing time into account.

Discover more destinations: Permaisuri, Kemaman, Paka, Kuala Besut, Kampong Pasir Hantu, Kampong Basong, Bukit Payong, Marang.

For the main travel overview: Terengganu.