Port information & tips for Redang Island
Pulau Redang is a true tropical paradise in the South China Sea and enchants visitors as part of a protected marine park off the east coast of Malaysia. The island impresses with its crystal-clear, turquoise water and powder-white beaches, offering a first-class area for snorkeling and diving thanks to its vibrant coral reefs. Absolute highlights include the Redang Marine Park Centre with its colorful underwater world, the lively main beach Pasir Panjang, and the turtle sanctuary of Chagar Hutang. Since larger cruise ships lie at anchor off the coast, guests reach the island comfortably by tender boat at Pasir Panjang Jetty or the Marine Park Pier. From these central arrival points, the island's picturesque beaches and exclusive resorts are within direct and easy walking distance.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Pulau Redang, an enchanting island off the east coast of Malaysia, is mostly accessible to cruise guests from the DACH region via Fly & Cruise. Arrival typically requires a flight to the nearest airport on the mainland, followed by a ferry crossing to the resorts on the island.
Airplane
The journey to Pulau Redang begins for guests from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with a long-haul flight to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). From there, convenient connecting flights are available to Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) in Kuala Terengganu. This airport is the closest to the mainland departure point for Pulau Redang and is served by several Malaysian airlines. The flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu is approximately 50 minutes.
Transfer & Ferry
From Kuala Terengganu Airport (TGG), it is a short drive of about 30 to 40 minutes to the departure jetties on the mainland. The main jetties for Pulau Redang are the Merang Jetty (north of Kuala Terengganu) and the Shahbandar Jetty (in the city center of Kuala Terengganu). Most resorts on Pulau Redang organize the transfer from the airport to one of these jetties as well as the subsequent ferry or speedboat crossing to the island. The ferry crossing takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on weather conditions and the landing point on Redang. It is advisable to coordinate the exact transfer details and ferry times in advance with the respective resort or cruise line.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the need to coordinate a connecting flight and a ferry crossing, an overnight stay on the mainland—for example, in Kuala Terengganu or Kuala Lumpur—is strongly recommended at least one day before the planned embarkation or ferry crossing to Pulau Redang. This allows for a relaxed start to the holiday, compensates for potential flight delays, and ensures that you can reach the ferry to Redang without any time pressure. Many hotels in Kuala Terengganu also offer shuttle services to the jetties.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination area—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
Even during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Access to the island is usually via tender boat directly to one of the piers, allowing you a quick start in this tropical island paradise.
Water Taxis
These agile boats are the most important means of transport and will take you directly from the pier to various beach sections, such as the popular Long Beach. The drivers usually wait at the jetties and offer a flexible way to explore the picturesque coastline.
On Foot
From the main jetty in Kampung Air, you can reach the local village and small local shops within a few minutes. The flat paths along the coast are also excellent for relaxed walks and provide direct access to the fine sandy beaches in the immediate vicinity.
Resort Shuttles and Minivans
Vans are often available at the larger jetties to transport guests over the island's only paved road. These vehicles safely connect the port with various accommodations and also offer a comfortable ride through the green interior of the island.
To make the most of your stay on Pulau Redang, it is recommended to focus on the impressive underwater world of the marine park and the island's fine-sand, picture-perfect beaches.
Redang Marine Park Centre
Thanks to its crystal-clear waters and enormous biodiversity of colorful corals, this protected marine reserve is a true paradise for snorkelers and also offers the unique opportunity to observe tropical fish directly from the beach.
Long Beach (Pasir Panjang)
This extensive stretch of beach with its powdery white sand is the island's lively center and, thanks to the adjacent resorts and small cafes, is perfect for a relaxed day of swimming in a dreamlike tropical setting.
Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary
The remote bay in the north of the island serves as an important protection center for sea turtles and, through guided programs, gives visitors a fascinating insight into the conservation of this endangered species in the midst of almost untouched nature.
Long Beach (Pasir Panjang)
The dreamlike Long Beach, also known as Pasir Panjang, is easily accessible by tender boat or a short water taxi ride and impresses with its powdery white sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water. This stretch of coastline is ideal for cruise guests, as it offers excellent infrastructure with cozy beach bars, charming cafes, and first-class snorkeling opportunities directly from the shore. Thanks to the expansive bay, you will always find an inviting spot to relax and can also explore the colorful underwater world in the shallow coral reefs. It is best to visit the beach immediately after arrival in the morning to enjoy the gentle sea breeze in peace, and plan your return to the tender boat about ninety minutes before the scheduled departure.
Returning to the tender boat on Pulau Redang is very relaxed and safe, thanks to the manageable distances and helpful locals. Since cruise ships usually anchor off the coast, the central pier at Kampung Air or marked beach sections at Long Beach serve as fixed meeting points for the return journey.
Water Taxis
The nimble water taxis bring you comfortably from various beach sections, such as Pasir Panjang, back to the main pier or directly to the tender station. These boats can be easily organized on the beach through resort receptions or directly with local captains, and they also offer a picturesque return route over the water.
Island Shuttle Taxis
At central points like the Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, off-road vehicles are available to take guests via the paved road to the harbor in the fishing village. These trips are well-coordinated with the ships' departure times and ensure a punctual arrival at the pier thanks to the short distances.
On Foot
Within the extensive beach zone at Long Beach, you can simply stroll along the shore directly to the marked meeting points for the tenders. Orientation is effortless at all times thanks to the clear view of the ship lying in the bay and the short distances between the resorts and the landing stages.
