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Redang Island
Terengganu | Malaysia
MAP
& PHOTOS © PING ANCHORAGE
LONELY
PLANET "Accommodation on Pulau Redang is best organised as
a package in Kuala Terengganu; Ping Anchorage (Tel : 626 2020) sells
packages for all the resorts listed at competitive prices."
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Introduction |
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White
sandy beaches, crystal clear blue sea, brilliant
underwater world..... Redang Island is located at 45 km
offshore of Terengganu.
Redang archipelago comprises 9 islands, the Lima Island,
Paku Besar Island, Paku Kecil Island, Kerengga Besar
Island, Kerengga Kecil Island, Ekor Tebu Island, Ling
Island, Pinang Island and Redang Island. This
archipelago is abounds with marvelous marine fishes,
turtles and coral reefs, ensuring a great snorkelling
and scuba-diving experience. Redang Island which is
approximately 7km in length 6km in width, is the largest
of all other islands in the Marine Park.
The
Redang archipelago has been designated as Pulau Redang
Marine Parks Malaysia as to conserve the islands’
unique ecosystem. There are 500 species of live corals,
more than a thousand species of invertebrates and almost
3000 species of fishes which includes manta rays,
stingrays, sharks and whale sharks, all living in
harmony in the reefs fringing the islands. It is a real
heaven for divers.
Diving
enthusiasts and underwater photographers will definitely
be entranced by the sights of the islands, which are
ranked among the best coral reef in the world. Among the
attractions at the twenty over different diving spots,
there are shipwrecks near Pinang Island, black coral
garden as well as the mysterious submerged chamber, both
located in the vicinity of Lima Island. And not
Forgetting is the Mini Mount situated between Kerenggan
Besar Island and Kerenggan Kecil Island. Redang waters
also contains two historic shipwrecks. The H.M.S Prince
of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse were sunk here during the
WWII, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of
Malaya.
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History
of The People
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The
early settlers of Redang Island were believed to have
descended from the Bugis of Celebes, Indonesia.
It was said that there were seven Bugis siblings
traveled from Celebes to look for new settlement. One of
the members, Batin Talib has finally decided to make
Redang Island his new home. He established the first
village faced towards the lagoon at Telok Kalong Besar
on the east of the island. To shelter from the strong
monsoon wind, he moved to a smaller island on the south
which he named Pinang Island due to the betel nut palms
(pinang) here. Another member, Batin Mina was said to
have settled down in Perhentian Island and his sister
Batin Cik Siti headed to Hulu Terengganu. The
whereabouts of the rest Batins was however unknown.
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Population
of Redang Island
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Today,
Redang Island is a home for a community of nearly 250
fisherman families who are believed to be the
descendents of the Bugis. They build their homeland in a
new village at the left bank of Sungai Redang estuary,
approximately 3 kilometers inland from the previous one.
It has been characterized by rapid economic growth and
improvement in most social indicators in recent years,
mainly contributed by tourism and fishing industry.
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Legendary
Redang |
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It is always says that, the multi races Malaysian
society has created an ideal environment to the country
to nurture a rich cultural background with lot of
legends. This is especially obvious in name of places.
Due to its strategic location, Redang Archipelago was
once a traders' passage-by between Siam (Thailand today)
and the Malaya Archipelago. It was a temporary anchorage
for them in their miles long trading journey.
Among
these passers-by, there was a trader from Terengganu,
Awang Sulong Muda whose wife was Cik Hitam Pasir Panjang
Muda Elok Terenganu. The Awang couples together with
their lady-in-waiting, Dayang Sri Jawa and Hulubalang,
Awang Selamat were used to stop and had their break in
Redang Island in their trading route. They tided the
fowls which they brought along at southeastern of the
island which is called Pasir Macam Ayam (chicken-alike
sand) today. The rock that this family tided their fowls
is still standing there in the island until today, but
one might wonder the size of the fowls when looking at
the huge size of this rock.
Other
than this fowls tided rock, there are two other rocks
both embedded with each other standing on a hill in
Teluk Kalong. These embedded rocks look very much like
the rears of an elephant and therefore are called Batu
Gajah (elephant rocks) by the local. Batu Gajah is
believed to be the marine elephants or Gajah Laut which
were turned into stones due to some unknown reasons.
The
cultural rich condition in Malaysia has further enriched by
mythos found in folk’s believes. The existence of Orang Bunian
(the fairies) in legendary stories is no longer an unfamiliar
topic.
In
Redang Island, Orang Bunian were said to have resided at the
five cluster stones, Batu Surat or Batu Bedung (letter stones)
near Pasir Changar Hutang. It was very usual in those days that
the villagers will come to these Orang Bunian to inform them of
any kenduri
(banguet) to be held. They will also inform the fairies of the
number of guests expected. Then, on the day of the kenduri,
a full set of crockery will appear from nowhere for the kenduri
purposes.
Not
far from here is another group of rocks, the Batu Tok Kong
which, is a worshiping place for some devotees due to the belief
that there are Orang Bunian reside here.
To
the southeastern of the island is another worship rock, Tanjung
Telaga Batu. The worshipping practices started due to a saying
that there stayed a man called Syeikh Samarani who would grant
requests. No one can tell how true is the saying but up to late
1970’s, there were still people placing their offering and
requesting for favours.
The
legendary of Redang Archipelago will never be completed if
without the turtle like stone laying on top of a rock at Tajung
Batu Pepanji, somewhere between Teluk Dalam and Pasir Changar
Hutang. This turtle stone is said to be the guardian of all the
turtles in Redang Waters.
Whether
the fragrant reported by the villagers came from Puteri Mayang
Mas who is reputed to reside at Pasir Mak Kepit or there are
magic which made the water puddle in Pasir Gontang supplies
inexhaustible water, it is all suggesting a room for the readers
to imagine and buy-in. However this will never influence the
mysterious of Redang Archipelago, instead has become part of its
heritage which added to the fascination of these islands.
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Marine Life |
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Garden Under The Sea
As the
largest island among the Redang Archipelago, Pulau Redang is not
only made famous by its white sandy beach but also the world lying
beneath this crystal clear water which, is not only paradise for
marine life but also for natural lovers. Snorkeling or diving in the
sea around Pulau Redang is a breathtaking experience where, the
water surrounding Pulau Redang is home to some 3,000 species of
fish, 1.000 of species of bivalves and 500 species of reef-building
coral.
Coral
reefs are found in the shallow as well as the deep water around the
islands. They are formed by gradual accumulation and transformation
of tiny soft-bodied animals, closely related to sea anemones. One of
the very common coral found in the waters of Pulau Redang is
Staghorn corals. This reef-building corals are often found in
shallow areas. They are green, brown or yellowish in colour and they
provide shelter for a variety of small fishes and other sea
animals.
In the
deeper water there are sea fans, soft tree corals, cup coral and
several species of nudibranch. Some deeper rocks are covered with
leathery soft corals with some soft tree corals, cup corals,
tunicates and sponges. Large giant clams are often found here.
Then on
the sand itself are larger soft corals and sea fans, whip corals,
table corals, mushroom corals, boulder corals, nudibranch, sea
stars, cushin stars and sea urchin.
Perhaps
you will agree that the glory of this underwater garden will eclipse
if without the existence of fish. Fish chasing each other in the
coral or swimming in groups in the dark blue sea like a group of
patrolling soldiers, making this garden as fascinating and as
colourful as the colour palette of an artist.
Shoaling
fish such as jacks and snappers and rabbitfish, or groupers silver
barracudas, clownfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, stingrays,
hammerheads and Green turtles etc. is always surprises the divers.
There have been a few times when divers have spotted a whale shark
at Big Mount, one of the popular dive sites in Pulau Redang. And if
you are lucky, you might spot a cuttlefish, squid and/or Eagle ray
while snorkeling.
The best
location for snorkeling on this island is found at the southern
coast around the Pulau Pinang and Pulau Ekor Tebu. Below sea level,
you will get to see some of the more beautiful sea creatures
including the batfish, angelfish, boxfish and butterfly fish. There
are also many multicolored creatures that eat off anemone, sponges
and bivalves. For diving enthusiasts, there are about 18 dive sites
around Pulau Redang, each has its own way to surprise the divers.
Conservation has been taken place by gazetted this island as one of
the marine park in Malaysia in order to protect the marine life in
this marine paradise. Activities such as fishing, collecting corals
and marine life, and anchoring boats directly on the reef are
prohibited within two nautical miles of these islands.
Did You Know?
Bioluminescent Ostracods (also know as Firefleas/Sea firefly) Found
at front beach of Redang Reef Resort, The guide call as blue sand.
Ostracods are microscopic crustaceans, typically 0.2mm to 2mm long
but are readily fossilised and can occur in enormous numbers in some
sediments. Ostracods inhabit in aquatic environment use
bioluminescence during mating where the males will attract females
to them. Males ostracods flash in a sequence as they swim to attract
females. Bioluminescence is blue colour because all colors of light
do not transmit equally through ocean water, so if the purpose of
bioluminescence is to provide a signal that is detected by other
organisms, then it is important that the light be transmitted
through seawater. Blue light transmits best through seawater.
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Turtles |
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Turtles
has appeared on earth for more than 100 million years, to the age of
dinosaurs, with the different that these living dinosaurs are still
surviving through the decades, despite that environment on earth has
been changing throughout the this period. Studies reports show that
it is possible for a turtle to live for hundreds years of time, and
this explains why the Chinese society treats turtles as a symbol of
longevity.
Turtles
are categorised according to its physical appearance, behaviour and
nesting site. To your surprise, sex of hatchings is determined by
the temperature of the surrounding sand, which a female turtle lays
its eggs. A warm nest will result in mostly female hatchings while
males are mostly come from a cooler nest.
There are
seven recognized species of sea turtle in the world, which are
divided into two families, Dermochelydae and Cheloniidae.
The only species that is categorised in the Dermochelydae family is
the Leatherback turtle The rest six species, i.e. Green turtle,
Olive Ridley turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley
turtle and Flatback turtle are all belong to the Cheloniidae family.
Among these seven species, four choose to nest in Malaysia beaches.
Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys
coriacea)
The name
Leatherback turtle derives from its smooth leathery carapace or
shell. Because of its star fruit-like leathery soft shell, the
locals also call Leatherback ‘Penyu Belimbing’. An adult Leatherback
can reach a length of 2 meters and weigh up to 900 kg. It is the
largest turtle in the world.
Although
leatherback breeds in the tropics, they spend much of their life
foraging in very cold seas. Their body temperature raises several
degrees above that of their environment. The powerful front flippers
of these turtles enable them to swim for a long periods of time in
the sea. They regularly dive to depth of over 400 meters with a
recorded maximum depth of 1200 meters. Leatherbacks are excellent
swimmers and divers, indeed.
In
Malaysia, Leatherback nests only in beaches in Terengganu with
Rantau Abang famous to be the major nesting concentration.
Green
turtle
(Chelonia
mydas)
Green
turtle or Penyu agar is called by this name because of its greenish
soft body and jelly like substance. Unfortunately this special
feature has also made them a very popular food in some restaurants.
Green turtles are carnivorous in the first few days of their lives
and subsequently become herbivorous. They feed on seaweeds and
algae. An adult Green turtle can reach the length of 110cm and
weight of 150kg. Female Green turtles can lay 140 eggs per nesting
and each takes 50-70 days for incubation.
To date,
Green turtles are among the most widely spread turtles in Malaysia
waters with the nesting site can be found in Pulau Redang Pulau
Perhentian and Cherating in east coast, Pantai Remis in west coast
of Peninsular Malaysia and some other beaches in west Malaysia.
Hawksbill
turtle
(Eretmochelys imbricata)
The
Hawksbill turtle or Penyu Karah derives it names from the hawk-like
beak. Hawksbill turtle has hard attractive dark brown shell or shell
with yellow and brown overlapping scales. This beautiful shell makes
Hawksbill turtle a hunting target for the tortoise-shell jewelry
trading which lead them to endangering. Adult Hawksbill has a
carapace of 70-90cm and weighted up to 60kg.
Beaches in
Pulau Gulisaan of Sabah is the major nesting site of Hawksbill
turtle found in South East Asian region. However, this beautiful
turtle can also been found in Pulau Redang of Terengganu.
Olive
Ridley turtle
(Lepidochelys
olivacea)
Another
species, which is found in Malaysia waters is the Olive Ridley
turtle. Olive Ridley turtle is the smallest of all the turtle found
in the world where an adult Olive Ridley is only 60-65cm in length
and 35-40kg in weight. It is also called Penyu Lipas by the locals.
Just like the name implies, Olive Ridley turtle has olive-green or
gray colour shell. This turtle feeds mainly on shrimps, jellyfish,
crabs and snails.
Although nesting of Olive Ridley in Malaysia is not concentrated and
sparse, some nesting can still be found in Pulau Redang and beaches
in Kelantan.
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Conservation |
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Marine Park Regulation and Conservation
Marine park are ideal places for viewing the rich aquatic life that
abound in Malaysia's water. There are 5 marine parks and tourist
wishing to visit these parks must take note of regulations.
What is Marine Park ?
A Marine park is an area of the sea zoned as a sanctuary for the
coral reef community which is considered as possibly the most
productive ecosystem in the world, with its diversity of flora and
fauna. Coral reefs are also important breeding and nursery grounds
for many commercially important species of marine organisms and
fish. Among the objectives of the marine park and Marine reserves
are :
Preservation and protection of coral reef areas from the impact of
development.
Upgrade and preserve the natural habitat of endangered species of
aquatic life.
Establishment of zones for preservation of the aquatic flora and
fauna and also for the purpose of research and educational
activities.
Establishment of zones for recreational uses consistent with the
carrying capacity of the area.
What are the benefits of Marine Park?
With the establishment of the Marine Park, the benefits are as
follows:
The ecosystem and habitat of marine life will be protected and
maintained
Rejuvenation of over exploited zones and their maintenance for the
protection of endangered species of marine organisms.
Establishment of zones for research and educational purposes.
Establishment of zones for recreational uses and tourism.
Do's and Don'ts in Marine Park
Provisions for the establishment and management of the marine parks
in the Fisheries Act 1985 allows for the control of the following
activities. Permitted Activities :
- Underwater photography
- Swimming
- Observation and appreciation of the aquatic flora and fauna
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkelling
Prohibited Activities (except with permission) :
- Water skiing, speed boat racing and jet skiing
- Destruction, removal or collection of the corals
and other aquatic life
- Vandalizing and structure or object within the marine park
- Anchoring of boats over the coral areas.
- Carrying and using weapons that endanger aquatic life.
- Fishing in the park vicinity. (within a 3.2km radius)
- Discharging of pollutants and rubbish
Conservation fees
A levy of RM5.00 for adult and RM2.50 for children is charged for
entry to all marine parks in the country.
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Dive Site |
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Malaysia is renowned for its natural
beauty but it is the coral reefs located primarily around these off
-shore islands that will lure you to one of the best diving
destinations in the world, the Redang archipelago. Suitable
substrates, clear water with temperatures ranging from 27 ° to 31.5
° C as well as salinity in range of 31 to 34 ppt are conducive to
coral reef development and healthy growth of marine life. These
conditions are just as suitable for you to explore the underwater
realm of the following islands in comfort and ease.
Visibility generally depends on sea conditions but is excellent from
the months of April till October. All dive spots are located within
a 30 minute speedboat ride from the resort.
A. PULAU
REDANG
Dive Site # 1. Tanjung Lang
Located on the northern tip of Pulau
Redang, this spot offers a variety of corals such as hydrozoans,
siphonophorans and anthozoans which include sea fans and sea whips
as well as crustaceans and fish of different colours for all to
feast their eyes upon. With a maximum depth of 60 feet, it is
accessible to any certified diver.
Dive Site # 2. Tanjung Tok Kong
Situated a short distance away, this
dive location offers an amazing array of marine flora and fauna till
a depth of 80 feet. Sea turtles are an almost site of green and
hawksbill turtles. Sights include feather stars; tube worms,
nudibranchs and schools of tuna forming a magnificent screen right
before you.
Dive Site # 3. Tanjung Gua Kawah
At a maximum depth of 70 feet, this
dive spot is a must for those who are willing to brave the currents
and waves. Rest assured that your efforts will be rewarded
handsomely in the from of the marvelous underwater realm before
you.
Dive Site # 4. Pasir Panjang
Just a stone's throw away from the
resort, one is able to see fascinating species of corals and sea
life living in harmony. With a maximum depth of just 40 feet, this
spot could very well be your first taste of Redang. Not to be missed
is the sight of the resident grouper recently christened KAREN.
Dive Site # 5. Batu Mak Chantek
Situated near Pasir Panjang, this spot
which reaches down to 60 feet, is bountiful with colourful reef
fishes and invertebrates including echinoderms, moluscs are well as
feather stars and hydrozoans. Night diving here features the
nocturnal world at its best.
B. PULAU PAKU BESAR
Dive Site # 6.
Offering spectacular sights till a depth of 50 feet, this area is
rather popular with local and foreign diving enthusiasts alike. This
is no surprise as it is teeming with a diversity of marine organisms
like Tubinaria, Tubastrea, mushroom and brain corals, staghorn coral
plus giant clams, shrimps and crabs.
C. PULAU
PAKU KECIL
Dive Site # 7.
This island, an extension of Tanjung Tengah in Pulau Redang, is
commonly included in any diver's itinerary as it offers a mix of
soft corals, invertebrates and fish until a depth of 60 feet. Sights
include staghorn coral, tube worms and moluscs.
D. PULAU LING
Dive Site # 8.
The Northern Side.
This relatively shallow dive spot where maximum depth is at 60 feet
is teeming with Acropora sp. coral, also known as staghorn coral,
providing a nutriently rich home for an array of marine organism
including anemones and small wrasses, bottlebrush worms, plychaetes,
crustaceans and moluscs.
Dive Side # 9. Batu Chipor
Standing independently like a minute
island off the coast of Pulau Ling, this rock is constantly washed
over by he waves. Rich with sea fans and soft corals as well as
unique shaped fish which include pufferfish reaching all the way
down to 80 feet, it is a must for all to see.
E. PULAU PINANG
Dive Site # 10. Submerged Wreck
Located 40 feet below surface, this
wreck is carpeted with corals and sponges. Reef fish including
groupers and snappers as well as a variety of moluscs including
cowries, helmet shells and spider shells plus an array of hermit
crabs live in the deeper areas of the ship.
Dive Site # 11. Terumbu Kili
Another popular location for divers
where inhabitants include soldier fish, black tip sharks and the
majestic lion ish. Maximum depth is at 70 feet. Do look out for the
magnificent array of hard and soft coral, sea fans, and feather
stars.
F. PULAU LIMA
In a class of its own, this island is renowned for its beauty, this
making it a diver's paradise.
Dive Site # 12. Terumbu Putih
Offering a maximum depth of 120 feet,
only those willing to accept the dare rewarded with unbelievable
pristine beauty of the sea whips, barrel sponges and reef
inhabitants which included soldier fish, cardinal fish, sea-squirts,
bryozoans and squid living here.
Dive Site # 13. Black Coral Garden
Venture to the depth between 90 to 110
feet and an underwater Garden of Eden filled with Antipathes sp.
corals or more commonly referred to as black corals, will unfold
before your very eyes. Also interesting are the sights along the
way, which include sea fans, sea fans, sea whips, harp corals and a
kaleidoscope of fish.
Dive Site # 14. "Mysterious Submerged Chamber"
A newly discovered dive spot with
spectacular sights and sounds providing a serene surrounding to
soothe all ills. Unbelievable? Come and experience it for
yourselves. Be seen until a depth of 70 feet.
Dive Site # 15. The Southeastern Side
Pocked surface underwater housing
minutes and colourful reef fish including pipefish and wrasses and
bottom feeders such as schools of fusiliers and crustaceans can be
seen until a depth of 70 feet.
Dive Site # 16. The Northeastern Side
Another area common among divers with
the sea floor located 100 feet below the surface. Colours and shapes
in the from of corals, sponges, sea-squirts, feather stars and fish
will put a smile on any diver's face.
G. PULAU KERENGGA KECIL
Dive Site # 17.
Feast your eyes on the Mini Mount at depth of 60 feet off the waters
of this island featuring a unique blend of sponges, shrimps, moluscs,
echinoderms and soft corals.
H. PULAU KERENGGA BESAR
Dive Site # 18.
Uneven terrain offering caves and other crevices make this island
popular among all divers. Maximum depth is at 60 feet. Marine life
includes rainbow-like wrasses, clown fish, coral trout and delight
looking nudibranches.
I. PULAU EKOR TEBU
Dive Site # 19.
Divers will enjoy the sights along the steep walls located on the
eastern side of the island. Corals found here include staghorns,
vase corals, dead mans's finger and daisy corals. Not to be missed
are the reptiles and rays roaming around freely in the sea. Located
almost 100 meters off the coast of this island is a submerged reef
with the maximum depth of 60 feet. It is abundant with fish of
various size, shape and colour. An irresistible dive site!
Dive Sites
Of Lang Tengah Island:
1. Goby Garden
2. Blue Coral
3. Batu Banyak Keras
4. Batu June
5. Terumbu Kuning
6. Karang Bahar
7. Tanjung Telunjuk
8. Batu Kuching
9. Batu Kapal
10. Terumbu Putih
11. Batu Bulan
12. Batu Broler
13. Tanjung Nibong
14. Karang Nibong
15. Karang
Nibong Laut
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Weather |
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Ping Anchorage Travel & Tours,
the top agent for most of Terengganu's island resorts, offers
adventure and nature in attractive packages.
(New Strait Times
24th July 2007) |
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Ping Anchorage Travel
& Tours Sdn. Bhd.
77A, Jalan Sultan Sulaiman, 20000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu,
Malaysia.
Tel : (609) 626 2020 E-mail :
sales@pinganchorage.com.my
(KPL/LN2117 / 209874W)
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© PING
ANCHORAGE . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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