The waters off the white beaches are home to at least 3,000 species of fish and 500 species of reef-building coral.
What to do
Snorkelling and scuba-diving are favourite activities at Redang.
Hotel resorts offer equipment and instructors at additional cost and you can find a variety of coral and fishes at different dive sites.
At Mak Cantik, swim among the large coral garden with sea fans and sea whips with rays, angelfish and wrasses.
Barracuda can be found at Barracuda Rock, north-west of Batu Barat, along with moray eels and reef sharks. You might even get a chance encounter with rare sea turtles, who nest on Redang beaches.
For adventures out of the water, try jungle trekking along a two-kilometre trail between Pasir Panjang and Teluk Dalam beach.
Besides meetings with mousedeer and monkeys, exploring rocky cliffs and outcrops also offers very spectacular views of Redang.
If you're raring for a challenge, you can take part in the Redang Ultimate Challenge with DJs from 883 Jia, organised by Five Stars Tours.
This three-day, four-night trip to Redang costs $378 per person, and includes two snorkelling trips and a two nights' stay at Laguna Redang.
The top prize is a 6D4N Australia tour for four worth $5,552. For more details, call 6533 5555.
How to get there
Travel to Merang, a fishing village north of Terengganu, by bus.
The easiest way to get across from Merang jetty to Redang is a pre-arranged ferry ride by your hotel or tour operator. Unchartered boats can be difficult to find.
Boat transfers usually come as part of a package deal, and each hotel resort has its own boat transfer schedule.
Where to stay
THERE are quite a few resorts on the island, ranging from budget to four-star. Here's one resort that offers value for money:
Laguna Redang Island Resort
This Malay-style low-rise resort blends with its surroundings, making you feel at home among the sun, sand and sea.
$$$: RM288 for an adult and RM158 for a child for a 2D1N stay in a deluxe room.
The package includes a snorkelling trip with free gear rental, three meals and boat and land transfers.
This promotion is valid only if you check into the hotel on 3 Jun.
This article was first published in The New Paper on May 16, 2008.
