 Numerous small islets to the south & west of Redang have excellent reefs and there are a few sea mounts too. Big Mount is possibly the area’s most famous dive site, an underwater mount dropping down to around 30 metres, where larger life gathers, including occasional Manta Rays & Whale Sharks.
Ekor Tebu has occasional Eagle Rays & Shovel-nose Rays, while Ma Chantik has beautiful Anemone gardens. Tanjung Tokong in the north of Redang is a great place to encounter both Green & Hawksbill Turtles. Spanish Dancers can also sometimes be seen around Redang.
A little south from Redang are another small group of islands centred around Palau Bidong. These sites are not visited so often but have good diving, with some slightly deeper sites for more experienced divers. Bumphead Parrotfish can be seen around these islands, along with some Reef Sharks & Barracuda. There is some interesting macro life as well.
The southern-most island in the area is Palau Tenggol. Despite its proximity to the mainland, the eastern side of the small island has steep walls dropping to around 45m, with good corals and pelagics cruising the blue. Smaller critters can also be found along the reef wall. The western side of this small island is more shallow & good for snorkelling.
To the west, the small island of Lang Tengah also now has a dive resort. The corals here are in excellent condition and divers have the chance to encounter schools of snapper & fusiliers, Bumphead Parrotfish, Bamboo Sharks, Turtles & even Shovel-nose Rays
The main dive season here runs from Apr-Sept, with monsoon winds & rains affecting conditions outside these months.
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| There are around 15 good dive sites in the area, not including the sites around the Perhentians, all of which can be reached in a short boat journey from Redang. Due to their proximity, it is possible to use the Perhentians as a dive base for the area as well as Redang itself |
 
Redang is located around 45km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea, not too far from the Perhentian Islands. It is a lovely, laid back island with beautiful, unspoilt beaches.
Diving is relatively new to Redang and there are still only a handful of dive shops. Day trips are run to the sites around Redang, as well as Lang Tengah & the Perhentians to the north.
The island can be reached by boat from the mainland. In high season, from April to October, there are regular ferries to Redang. Outside these months, it is sometimes difficult to reach the island because of the eastern monsoon. There is also one flight a day from Kuala Lumpur to Redang's small airstrip.
Most accommodation on the island is either mid-range or upmarket with little or no options for budget travellers, who normally find their way to the Perhentians. Most of the resorts are on the east coast.
The island is surrounded by nice shallow reefs close to shore, making snorkelling very popular. Aside from this, sunbathing and relaxing are about as active as Redang generally gets.
The Perhentians are the most northerly of Malaysia's east coast islands, close to the border with Thailand. The name Perhentians means 'place to stop', a name that suits these stunning, laid-back islands.
Diving is well established in the Perhentians, with numerous dive shops, especially on Perhentian Kecil, the smaller island. There is plenty of competition, which keeps prices low. Regular trips are made to all the local dive sites.
The only way to reach the islands is by ferry or speedboat from the mainland and trips are made regularly each day in high season. For much of low season, from November - February, there is a limited service to the islands and sometimes no boats at all.
Most of the cheap accommodation is on Perhentian Kecil, which tends to attract independent & budget travellers. Perhentian Besar has more upmarket accommodation. There is plenty of choice, especially for budget travellers. The island is in a marine park and there is a small fee to visit. There is also a dive resort on the small island of Lang Tengah to the south which makes for an excellent base.
Aside from diving, there is not a great deal to do not the island. Relaxing, sun-bathing, snorkelling & kayaking are the main pass-times. It is also possible to go trekking in the jungle. The island is fairly quiet, with limited night-life.
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| Just of the coast, not far from Singapore, is the picturesque island of Tioman.
The steep-sided jungle clad slopes of the island rise straight out the water and smaller islets dot the coastline, making for a beautiful tropical dive spot... |
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Sometimes it is difficult to know where to start with all the cameras & underwater imaging equipment out there these days.
Our Photography Equipment Guide helps you make sense of all the gear and gadgets... |
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