Getting to Redang in Redang Island

Part of the Redang Island travel guide — see every topic in All Redang Island Guides.

Getting to Redang takes two steps. First you travel to Kuala Terengganu, the main city on this part of the coast. Then you take a boat across to the island. Most resorts include the boat in their package and choose the jetty for you, so book the package first and plan your flights to match its boat times.

Fly to Kuala Terengganu

The nearest main airport is Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu. There are daily flights from Kuala Lumpur, which take about an hour, and some flights from other Malaysian cities. From Singapore you usually connect through Kuala Lumpur. Buses also run from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu, but the trip takes many hours, often overnight. Morning flights are best, because most boats to Redang leave in the morning or around midday. Many resort packages include a car transfer from the airport to the jetty.

Merang jetty

Merang is a small fishing village on the coast about 30 kilometres north of Kuala Terengganu, and it is the main jetty for Redang. The drive from the airport takes about 40 minutes to an hour. Boats from Merang take about 40 minutes to an hour to reach the resorts, depending on the boat and the sea. There are shops, toilets and parking at the jetty. Arrive well before your boat time, as the boats leave on fixed schedules. Long-stay parking is available if you drive yourself.

Shahbandar jetty

Shahbandar jetty is in the centre of Kuala Terengganu, close to the river mouth and the town's waterfront. Some resorts run boats from here, which saves the drive to Merang. The trip is longer, at roughly an hour and a quarter, and the service runs mainly in the open season. It is a good choice if you stay a night in Kuala Terengganu before or after the island. Check with your resort which jetty it uses, as you cannot always choose.

Boats and tips

Boats are fast speedboats or larger ferries, and the ride can be bumpy when the wind is up. If you get seasick, sit near the back and take medicine before you leave. Keep your passport, phone and money in a waterproof bag. Luggage goes in an open area and can get wet, so a soft bag or a cover helps. The marine park conservation fee may be collected at the jetty. Redang has a small airstrip, but there are no regular scheduled flights, so do not plan to fly to the island itself.

Getting to Redang at a glance

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