| Redang | |
| Native Name: | Pulau Redang ڤولاو رداڠ |
| Location: | South China Sea |
| Coordinates: | 5.775°N 103.015°W |
| Archipelago: | Redang Archipelago |
| Total Islands: | 9 |
| Country: | Malaysia |
| Country Admin Divisions Title: | State |
| Country Admin Divisions: | Terengganu |
| Country Admin Divisions Title 1: | District |
| Country Admin Divisions 1: | Kuala Nerus |
| Population: | 2,000 |
| Ethnic Groups: | Malays |
| Pushpin Map: | Malaysia West#Malaysia#South China Sea |
| Pushpin Map Mark: | Cercle rouge 100%.svg |
| Pushpin Mark Width: | 20 |
Redang Island (Malay: Pulau Redang, Terengganu Malay: Pula Redang) is an island in Kuala Nerus District, Terengganu, Malaysia. It is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is famous for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine sanctuary park offering snorkeling and diving opportunities for tourists.
The Redang archipelago comprises Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling and Pulau Pinang. Pulau Redang is the biggest of all the islands in the Marine Park, measuring about 7km (04miles) long and 6km (04miles) wide. Its highest peak is Bukit Besar at 359m (1,178feet) above sea level. The boundary of the Pulau Redang Marine Park is established by a line linking all points 2nmi from the shores of Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu and Pulau Pinang. The other nearby islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Susu Dara are also gazetted and protected as Marine Parks. Today, only the bigger islands like Redang, Lang Tengah, Perhentian and Kapas have resort facilities for visitors. The management of Marine Parks primarily involves protection of the sensitive marine and terrestrial ecosystems by controlling the impact from human activities. These include waste pollution management and conservation of coral reefs and terrestrial habitats.
In contrast to the neighbouring Perhentian Islands, Redang has a more upmarket image, as almost all accommodation on the island is resort-based. The largest beach is Pasir Panjang on the east side, featuring half a dozen resorts. The beach is covered with soft white sand. Coral and fish can be seen just a few metres from the beach. The other beach resorts are located in Teluk Dalam on the north and Teluk Kalong to the south. The 2000 film, Summer Holiday was filmed on the Laguna Redang Island Resort, and a replica of the tea house now serves as the resort's gift shop.
Summer Collection is one of the most popular oldest souvenir, beachwear, and swimwear seller on the island after the island became famous through the film. They started their business about 20 years ago at Redang Pelangi Resort.
The island is a turtle nesting site, and these turtles serve as a draw for ecotourism.[1]
Redang has a tropical climate with temperatures steadily around 30C and frequent but brief thunderstorms. Like the rest of Malaysia's east coast, Redang is affected by the northeast monsoon from the South China Sea, so most resorts are closed and ferry transport schedules are severely restricted between October and March. The amount of monthly rainfall varies throughout the year, with November to February being the wettest months, whilst April to August being the driest. The island experiences on average about 2600mm of rain per year.
Access is from Merang or Shahbandar jetty on boats operated by the resorts. If opting for air travel, SKS Airways also provides daily scheduled flights from Subang Airport. Berjaya Air is also available for charter flights to the island from both Subang Airport and Singapore's Seletar Airport.