The monsoon season on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia sets in towards end of October and lasts through till late February/Early March. The best time to visit the East Coast is in March and April especially for diving where visibility can hit 40m. It is not advisable to visit this part of Peninsular Malaysia at its peak of the monsoon season - that is, November till early January. The seas are rough and the boat and resort operators are closed between October and February.
Packing Checklist
Swimsuit
Snorkelling gear - mask, snorkel, fins, booties, life jacket (prescriptive mask if required)
Diving equipment- mask, snorkel, fins, booties, regulator and octopus, BCD, dive table, dive logs, marine life ready reckoner, dive computers, knife, lycra or 3mm skin suits, gloves, underwater torches, dive watch - it's advisable to bring your own kit as rental can be expensive
Dive card
Life jackets especially for children
Waterproof pouches, torch
Clothing - shorts, t-shirts, sarong, towel, light dress
Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturiser, after-tan lotion, shampoo, soap, women's sanitary products, shaving foam and shaver, comb
Sun block, mosquito repellent, mosquito netting, hammock(e-shoppe)
T ravel journal, reading material
Binoculars
Prescriptive medicine, dietary supplements, motion sickness tablets
Amenities
- Electricity
There is electricity on the island and run on normal 240V.
- Telecommunication
The general phones are at the reception and some resorts allow overseas call. However there is no Internet service on the island. 012,018,019 can be received at certain areas on the island
- Nursery
The resorts on Pasir Panjang beach do not carry such facilities
- Photo Developing
There are no developing shops on the island. If required, Kuala Terengganu town has 1 hour developing shops.
- Money changer
A few resorts will be able to change US dollars and Singapore Dollars. All resorts have credit card facilities: visa and MasterCard preferred.
- Language
The staff at all resorts can speak English but if need to, it will be best to talk to the reception for any enquiries, requests or grievances.
- Things to buy
The resorts do sell some toiletries and some t-shirts and island souvenirs but nothing to shout about. There is however, a sundry shop at Redang Bay Resort where snacks, bottled mineral water and toiletries can be bought.
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DO NOT BUY any souvenirs made from corals, shells and other marine animals such as starfishes. Anyone found in possession of such items will be fined RM5,000. If the villagers don't know better, advise them not to exploit their environment. Even dead corals - the bleached ones sometimes found washed ashore should be left where it is found. Did you know that hermit crabs do not grow their own shells? ..they inhabit abandoned or empty shells. For all you shell collectors out there, have a thought for these poor, homeless creatures.
Women travellers please take heed! If you're travelling on your own or with a few fellow women travellers, please try not to take privately arranged snorkelling trips or tours while on the islands. Private boat operators may approach you and offer cheaper rates than what the resort can offer, but it is at your own risk. Best to stick with the resorts and make sure that the boatmen that is providing the service from the resort is validated by the resort itself. There have been several unpleasant accounts of harrassments and indecent proposals. Thank you. |
Accommodation and Holiday Packages to Kuala Terengganu, Merang, Marang, Kapas Island, Tenggol Island, Gemia Island, Redang Island, Lang Tengah Island, Bidong Island, Penarik, Rantau Abang, Kenyir Lake, Tanjong Jara, Dungun, Paka and Surroundings
Peninsula Malaysia Islands |
| Pulau Aur | Pulau Besar | Pulau Bidong | Pulau Duyung Besar | Pulau Gemia | Pulau Kapas | Pulau Langkawi | Pulau Lang Tengah | Pulau Pangkor | Pulau Payar | Pulau Perhentian | Pulau Pemanggil | Penang | Pulau Rawa | Pulau Redang | Pulau Sibu | Pulau Tenggol | Pulau Tioman | |
Peninsula Malaysia Coastal Beaches |
| Marang | Merang | Rantau Abang | Penarik | Port Dickson | Tanjung Jara | Cherating | |
Sabah and Sarawak ~ Borneo Islands & Coastal Beaches |
Sabah ~ | Kapalai | Pulau Mabul | Pulau Sipadan | Selingan Turtle Island | Mataking Island | Tuaran | Lankayan Island | Pulau Tiga Resort (Survivor Island) | Sarawak ~ | Damai Beach, Santubong | Kayakking with Dolphins | |
Getting There and Away
Best Time to Go
