Where to Stay on Redang Island: Resorts and Packages

Redang Island is one of Malaysia’s better-known dive and snorkel destinations. It sits in the South China Sea off the coast of Terengganu and is protected as part of the Redang Marine Park. Compared to the Perhentians, Redang is generally more upscale — the resorts are better built, the beach at Pasir Panjang is genuinely excellent, and the water clarity around the offshore reefs is among the best in Peninsular Malaysia.

The key difference from most other Malaysian island destinations is how accommodation is sold. The large majority of resorts here operate on all-inclusive package rates that bundle accommodation, three meals a day, and two or three snorkelling boat trips. Prices quoted are per person per night and can look higher at face value than they are in practice, because meals and activities are included.

Getting to Redang Island

Ferries run from Shahbandar Jetty near Kuala Terengganu, roughly 45–60 minutes to the island depending on conditions and which jetty on Redang you’re heading to. Most resort packages include the ferry in their pricing. If you’re booking independently, ferry tickets from Shahbandar cost approximately MYR 70–90 return.

Kuala Terengganu is a 45-minute flight from Kuala Lumpur (KL), or roughly a 5–6 hour drive north on the East Coast Expressway.

The island is open approximately March through October. The northeast monsoon closes Redang from November through February, when nearly all resorts shut entirely.

Marine Park Fee

Redang Island sits within a marine protected area. A marine park conservation fee of MYR 30 per person is charged on top of your accommodation — some resorts include this in the package price, others add it separately. Confirm when booking.

Turtle Season

Green and hawksbill sea turtles nest on Redang’s beaches from May through October, with peak nesting in June–August. The Redang Island Turtle Hatchery on the main beach operates a monitored egg collection and release programme. If turtle nesting is on your agenda, plan your trip between May and October.

Recommended Resorts

Coral Redang Island Resort — MYR 350–600/person/night (all-inclusive)

One of the better-established resorts on the island, with well-maintained chalet-style rooms fronting the main beach at Pasir Panjang. The all-inclusive package includes three meals at the resort restaurant and two snorkelling boat trips daily to the marine park reefs. Rooms vary from standard garden-facing units to beachfront chalets. The house reef directly off the beach is good for independent snorkelling without a boat.

Book early for June–August; this resort is popular with Malaysian family groups and tour packages from KL.

Redang Beach Resort — MYR 250–450/person/night (all-inclusive)

Mid-range option with a comparable location and similar package structure to Coral Redang. Rooms are older but functional and well-maintained. The snorkelling trips here are frequently praised for taking guests to the better offshore sites around the island, including the area around the wreck of the HTMS Chang (a decommissioned Thai navy vessel) that sits in shallow water and has become an artificial reef.

A reasonable choice if you want a full package without paying the premium of the top-tier resorts.

Ayu Mayang — MYR 200–380/person/night (all-inclusive)

One of the more affordable full-package options on the island. The rooms are basic but clean, and the package covers meals and daily snorkelling trips. Suits travellers whose primary goal is the marine park rather than premium room fittings.

Redang Reef Resort — MYR 300–500/person/night (all-inclusive)

Positioned on a slightly quieter section of beach. Smaller operation than Coral Redang, which tends to mean a less crowded boat trip experience. The reef snorkelling access here is well-regarded. Book direct for better rates.

Staying Outside the Packages

A small number of independent chalets and budget guesthouses operate on Redang outside the full-package model, primarily targeting backpackers and divers who want to plan their own activities. These are fewer in number than on the Perhentians, and the island is more package-oriented overall. If you’re booking independently, you’ll need to arrange your own meals (the resort restaurants and a few food stalls are the main options on the island) and pay for snorkelling or diving trips separately.

Independent diving is popular on Redang — there are several PADI dive centres operating from the island, and the marine park reefs including the offshore sites off Pulau Pinang (part of the Redang Archipelago) are accessible.

Comparing Redang to the Perhentians

Redang and the Perhentians are often compared and they suit different kinds of travellers.

Redang has better beach infrastructure, a better main beach (Pasir Panjang is cleaner and wider), and more polished resort accommodation. It’s more family-friendly and better suited to travellers who want everything organised.

The Perhentians are more raw, more backpacker-oriented on Kecil island, and generally cheaper per night — though the Perhentians’ package scene is smaller. The Perhentians also have no alcohol on Besar island; Redang has no such restriction.

Practical Notes

• No ATMs on the island. Bring MYR cash from the mainland.
• Snorkelling equipment is included in most packages or available to hire cheaply on the island.
• Accommodation is almost exclusively on Pasir Panjang (the main beach) and the adjacent coves. There’s no island-wide road or transit.
• The island is almost entirely closed November through February. Confirm your dates before booking.
• If you plan to dive rather than snorkel, confirm your resort has a dive centre or that an independent operator is based there before booking.