Pulau Redang is one of the largest and most popular islands off Malaysia's east coast, about 25 km offshore from Kuala Terengganu. It is part of a marine park encompassing the nine islands of the Redang Archipelago, and the main draw is the water — clear, warm, and rich with coral and tropical fish.
There are no real sights on land. Visitors come to snorkel, dive, or simply lie on the white sand of Pasir Panjang, the main beach, which has a good reef right offshore. Most package deals include boat trips to snorkelling spots around the neighbouring islands. Diving conditions are excellent, with visibility often exceeding 20 metres.
Redang is more upmarket than the neighbouring Perhentian Islands. Nearly all accommodation is resort-based, and most visitors arrive on package deals that include ferry transfers from Merang Jetty (30 km north of Kuala Terengganu), accommodation, and meals. There is one mid-range campground at Teluk Kelong for those on a tighter budget.
The main season runs from March to October, peaking in July and August. Most resorts close during the northeast monsoon season from November to February, when seas are rough and ferry services are severely reduced.