Pulau Redang: Sea Turtles and Diving Sites

Chagar Hutang lies in the north of Pulau Redang and is an important nesting beach for green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. The sheltered bay, its crescent-shaped beach and the coral reef there give this place a special focus on nature. At the same time, the experiences range from marine conservation to diving sites with very different underwater landscapes.

An Island in Terengganu Marine Park

Pulau Redang is the largest island in the state of Terengganu and lies about 45 kilometres off its coast. It is one of nine islands that make up the Redang Archipelago Marine Park in Terengganu, Malaysia. The Pulau Redang archipelago is itself one of four major marine park archipelagos in the state. This context makes clear that the island is part of a larger marine area and that marine conservation is one of its defining themes.

The coastal areas also differ in their location and character. Long Beach, locally known as Pasir Panjang, is on the east coast of Pulau Redang; Pasir Panjang Beach stretches for 800 metres. Teluk Dalam Kecil is a sheltered bay on the northeastern side of the island. Chagar Hutang, by contrast, is in the north: the sheltered bay is framed by rocky cliffs and includes a 350-metre-long crescent-shaped beach with clear blue water and a coral reef.

Sea Turtles and Conservation at Chagar Hutang

Chagar Hutang Beach was declared a sea turtle sanctuary in 2005. Those interested in protecting these animals can get a firsthand look at the subject there: as part of the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary’s public programme, SEATRU staff introduce visitors to sea turtle conservation. Visitors can also take part in a nest check.

Those interested can book a place on the Chagar Hutang programme by email at least three days in advance. The public programme offers visits for individuals, families, schools and universities, clubs, NGOs, businesses and government agencies. People of all ages can take part; however, no more than 30 people are admitted at a time. There is an important time restriction for the bay: from 1:00 p.m. onwards, it is closed to boats, visitors, snorkellers, divers and other activities.

The Turtle Lab on Pulau Redang provides local and international visitors with further information about marine conservation. The focus there is on protecting the sea and sea turtles. The Turtle Lab also runs an annual sea turtle volunteer programme in which tourists can take part.

Corals and Diving Sites

The diving sites offer a variety of sights. Terumbu Kili has a rocky underwater landscape: soft and hard corals grow at a depth of about 15 metres; the seabed then slopes down to a sandy area at a depth of 20 metres. At Big Mount, divers can observe small marine life and may see whale sharks. Mini Mount is known for its many cowries, winged snails and large clusters of colourful tube worms covering coral blocks. Tunnel Point is another diving site near Pulau Redang.

Snorkelling offers its own nature experience, too: wrasses, sergeant majors and bream gather around snorkellers at the Marine Park Centre. Sea turtle conservation, coastal scenery, snorkelling and diving thus offer different focal points for a stay. Which of these matters most to you may influence your choice of a holiday apartment on Pulau Redang.

When to Visit and Other Destinations

During the northeast monsoon, resorts on Pulau Redang usually close for a few months, most often from November to February. Take this period into account when considering your preferred travel dates.

If you would like to compare other destinations, you can also find Kijal, Kuala Terengganu, Kerteh, Kuala Besut, Paka, Kampong Basong, Cukai and Marang here.

For the main travel overview: Terengganu.