Located in Malaysia, Pulau Redang (Redang Island) is one of the most popular destinations on the island. It is famous for its marine park, beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, ideal for diving enthusiasts. Getting here will involve a combination of air, road and sea travel. The steps below will guide you on how to get to this tropical paradise!
Getting to Pulau Redang by plane
The nearest airport is Pulau Redang with domestic connectionsLotnisko Sultão Mahmud Shah w Kuala Terengganu.From Kuala Terengganu Airport, take public transport (bus or taxi) to one of the piers where public ferries depart regularly to Redang Island.
From Shahbandar Pier (5 minutes from Kuala Terengganu Bus Station), it takes a 2-hour ferry ride to Redang. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Merang Pier, 30 km from Kuala Terengganu. It takes only 45 minutes by boat from Merang to Redang Island.
Flying to Kota Bahru from Kelantan is a less popular option. However, a trip to the pier may add another 3 hours to the journey time. The good news is that there are frequent daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bahru.
Berjaya Air offers a limited number of direct flights to Redang Airport from Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. The flight time is approximately 30 minutes. However, the flight schedule is subject to change and the number of flights may change at any time.
readRedang over the watera guide to the latest updates and schedules.
Ferry to Redang Island
Cais Merang and Cais Shahbandarthey serve as the main transfer points for ferries to Pulau Redang.
Ships to Redang Island depart from Merang Pier more frequently. You probably bought a holiday package that included a ferry transfer to a private resort from Merang. Although it takes only 45 minutes to reach Redang Island, the pier is 30 km from Kuala Terengganu.
Alternatively, Shahbandar Pier is a short walk from Kuala Terengganu Bus Station. To reach Redang Island, you can take the public ferry, which takes about two hours. The public ferry operator is Sejahtera Ferry Services Sdn Bhd.
->Check the latest ferry schedules and ticket prices
Please note that there are no direct public boats to Redang Island from the Perhentian Islands. A boat needs to be rented, which can cost over RM1,000 each way.
Access to Redang Island by car
For those who are new to Malaysia and who own a car or prefer to drive themselves, driving in Malaysia will be easy. You can use Waze or Google Maps GPS to navigate your way. Road signs are legible.
First you need to drive to Merang Jetty or Shahbandar Jetty in Terengganu. Parking is available at both quays and most are around RM10 per day. The parking lot is secure and the vehicle is supervised by a security guard. However, it is recommended not to leave valuables in the car. Shahbandar Jetty has limited parking spaces.
However, as it is located in the heart of the city, there are plenty of car parks nearby and within walking distance.
Directed from Kuala Lumpur by Kuala Terengganu
Kuala Terengganu is 451 km from Kuala Lumpur and it will take about 5 hours to get there. You can leave KL by taking the E8 highway towards Kuantan. Take the Karak Expressway then take the East Coast Expressway/ECE (Lebuhraya Pantai Timur/LPT) to Kuala Terengganu.
Directed from Penang to Kuala Terengganu
From Penang, head towards Kota Bharu on East-West Highway 4. You will pass Gerik and Jeteh then drive south on the highway towards Merang Highway. The total distance is approximately 454 km and will take approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
You will enjoy spectacular views along the east-west highway and it is one of a kind. You won't find plantations or buildings on this route like on any other major highway. If you're lucky, you might even see wild animals crossing the road at night. For this reason, drive carefully near Grik, especially when you see the "Elephant Pass" signs.
Dirigindo de Cingapura do Kuala Terengganu
From Singapore or Johor Bahru, take North-South Highway Plus (Lebuhraya Utara Selatan) and exit at Yong Peng 242. Take Highway 1 to Segamat, then Route 12 towards Kuantan via Muadzam Shah and Gambang. Following this route will take you to the E8 (East Coast Expressway/LPT), which you can go straight to Kuala Terengganu. The total distance is approximately 602 km and the journey takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
The second option is to exit the Johor Causeway by staying left and exiting Route 3 (Lebuh Persekutuan 3) towards Mersing. Continue driving and take E8 on the East Coast Expressway. The journey takes 7 hours and 30 minutes and is 565 km long.
Thirdly, you can take the scenic route 3 of the coastal highway, but it will take more time. Along the way, you'll see many kampongs and pristine beaches. Do not take this route during the monsoon season as heavy rains can flood the highway and close roads.
Getting to Redang Island by bus
Traveling by coach is one of the most convenient and effective ways to get to Kuala Terengganu. You won't get tired of driving and you'll have plenty of energy to enjoy the island. Upon arrival, you will easily find yourself in Kuala Terengganu. Typically, express and luxury buses make one or two stops along the way for a snack and toilet break. Traveling by bus is convenient and comfortable.
Most travelers prefer to take the overnight bus from KL and arrive early enough to head to the city center for breakfast, then board the first boat at 9am. Interstate buses will arrive at Kuala Terengganu Bus Station (MPKT Hentian) in the city center. Shahbandar Pier, where regular public ferries leave for Redang Island, is about a five-minute walk from the Central Bus Station.
However, if you are going to Merang Jetty, you will need to take the SP Bumi or MyBas T102 bus, which runs every hour from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the KT Bus Station ticket office for RM5 to RM10. You can also take a taxi from KT to Merang for around RM60. Journey time to Merang Jetty is approximately 45 minutes.
Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu
Kuala Lumpur (KL) is well connected to Kuala Terengganu by buses and buses. The bus journey takes 7 hours and covers 450 kilometers, and a one-way ticket costs between 43 and 50 Rm.
If you are coming from downtown KL, you need to go to Bersepadu Selatan Bus Terminal (TBS), the main long-distance bus hub. There are several ways to get to TBS from KL City:
a) Linia LRT Sri Petaling do station Bandar Tasik Selatan (BTS)
b) KTM commuter tram for Bandar Tasik Selatan (BTS)
c) KLIA transit train to BTS station
d) RapidKL bus line 690 - Pudu Sentral - TBS - Hang Tuah Station
e) Taxi or e-mail rides like GrabCar.
After arriving at the TBS station by LRT, KTM or KLIA, you will need to cross the footbridge in approximately 5 minutes to reach the main building of the Bersepadu Selatan Terminal (TBS). Level 3 is the main lobby where the ticket office is located.
Tips: Plan your return journey by purchasing your return ticket in advance.
Check tickets online:Timetable KL - Kuala Terengganu
Bus from Penang to Kuala Terengganu
Penang to Kuala Terengganu buses and coaches leave from Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal or Komtar Penang. The 443 km journey takes 9 hours and costs RM 50 to RM 70 one way.
A limited number of bus operators serve this route. It's a good idea to make a reservation online in advance to ensure seats will be available.
Check tickets online:Bus schedule Penang – Kuala Terengganu
Bus from Johor Bahru to Kuala Terengganu
Johor Bahru is well connected to Kuala Terengganu as there are many buses going there. Buses depart from Larkin Terminal or Taman University. The journey takes 8 and a half hours and is 602 km long. One-way tickets can cost from 48 to 60 Rm.
Check tickets online:Bus schedule JB – Kuala Terengganu
Bus from Singapore to Kuala Terengganu
Alternatively, you can book buses (usually 27-seat buses/VIP buses) that offer direct travel from the city center to Kuala Terengganu, with a pick-up point at the Golden Mile complex on Beach Road. Seating is usually limited and they sell out quickly on weekends. Travel time to Kuala Terengganu is 9 hours and 15 minutes. The distance is 610 kilometers. Ticket prices range from 55 to 60 Singapore dollars.
Check tickets online:Singapore VIP Bus / Bus Schedules - Kuala Terengganu
Take the train to Pulau Redang
Traveling by train from KL to Terengganu to Redang is impractical. If you are adventurous and have plenty of time, you can take the KTM Intercity Rail operated by KTMB. It runs from Gemas in Negeri Sembilan to Tumpat in Kelantan.
Once the train arrives at Tanah Merah, take the overland route to Merang Pier, which is approximately 110 km away and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can also stop at Wakaf Bharu Station (Kota Bharu) or Kuala Prai and travel overland for 2 hours to Merang.
Kuala Lumpur for Tanah Merah / Kuala Prai / Waqf Bharu
If you are coming from KL, take the train from KL Sentral to Gemas and then to Tanah Merah/Kuala Prai/Wakaf Bharu. It takes approximately 11.5 hours by train from Gemas Station to Tanah Merah Station.
Penang for Tanah Merah/Kuala Prai/Waqf Bharu
Unfortunately, there is no direct rail link between Penang and East Malaysia. Trains are not a very good option if you come from North Malaysia. Alternatively, you can take the ETS KTM train from Butterworth in Penang to Gemas via KL, which takes approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes. Then you can take the train to Tanah Merah which takes 11.5 hours.
Johor/ Singapore Para Tanah Merah/ Kuala Prai/ Waqf Bharu
From South Malaysia you can take the KTM Intercity from Johor Bharu Sentral at Bukit Chagar. The station is connected to Malaysian Customs and Immigration. Singaporeans can catch a KTM at Woodland, Singapore's terminus. If you are from Singapore, make sure you have your passport ready.