Resort takes plunge to save marine world
KUALA TERENGGANU: Berjaya Hotels & Resorts took the plunge with dive teams and non-divers alike to save the marine world through the recent Redang Island Clean-up Day (RICD).
The resort group collaborated with Professional Association of Diving Instructors’ (Padi) Project Aware and Scuba Symphony on the three-day event to strengthen conservation of underwater life and educate people on the importance of coral reefs to the ecosystem.
“We are taking this opportunity to prove to people that by gathering many hands, we can change the current state of our environment for the better,” said Berjaya Hotels & Resorts group director Peggy Tan.

Heave-ho: The divers hauling the crown-of-thorns that they removed from the sea during the Redang Island Clean-up Day.
Padi Asia-Pacific regional manager Johnny Chew said the resort group had been a strong supporter of Project Aware clean-ups and activities. Read the rest of this entry »
Planning your visit to Redang Island

Beach at Redang Island.
How long one should stay at Redang depends on how much one enjoys the sun, sea and sand. Most visitors stay at least 3D/2N which is short enough for a quick weekend getaway but we feel this is quite a rush. If you’re going to be traveling quite a while or distance to get here, we recommend at least 4D/3N to at least be able to relax and enjoy the island. However long you choose to stay, try to book your package, accommodation or transfers in advance to make sure you get the dates you want.
To book a package, follow the 3 simple steps below:
- Decide when to visit.
Many resorts impose additional surcharges for peak season such as on weekends and school holidays and lower rates for off-peak season. - Book your package.
Book you package at Cheap Redang Package. Holiday packages typically include all land and sea transfers from KT to Redang, though some resorts may charge extra for these services. - Get to Kuala Terengganu (KT) or Merang.
You can drive, take a coach or fly. If you are making your own travel arrangements to get to KT or Merang, refer to the Getting There section or check with the resort for more information as you need to coordinate land and boat transfer schedules to ensure you have enough time to catch your flight or coach. If you prefer not to make your own travel arrangements, look for a Cheap Redang Package that also includes transport to KT and back.
Once you arrive in KT or Merang, you should be well taken care of. Logistics involving land and sea transfers are usually smooth and well-coordinated. Visitors will be transferred to the appropriate jetty to catch their speedboat.
Source: Redang Island Rendezvous
When patriotism hits you
A Malaysian student away from home realises how proud she is of her motherland.
THE United World College, Costa Rica (UWCCR), is a college of 160 students, with 57 countries being represented.
Recently, Costa Rica celebrated its independence day and as students in an international college, we participated in a national parade by dressing up in our national costumes.

The writer (third from left) with some of her schoolmates all dressed up in their respective national costumes.
Personally, being away from home has made me realise how important it is to be patriotic.
As a Malaysian, I’d have to say that I was proud to be Malay, wearing a Cheongsam, while carrying the Malaysian flag. I’ve never felt more patriotic than I did that day. Read the rest of this entry »
Limiting visitor numbers to protect Pulau Redang
Terengganu will limit the number of tourists, especially backpackers, going to Pulau Redang to preserve the island’s natural beauty.
State Industrial Development and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Mohamed Awang Tera said similar measures in Pulau Sipadan in Sabah and Pulau Rawa in Johor had proven to be successful.

“The government does not mean to stop backpackers from enjoying Pulau Redang’s beauty but this move can reduce the environmental degradation caused by resorts which don’t have good waste treatment facilities,” he told reporters.
Several resorts on the island would also be upgraded and the state government would focus on luring high budget tourists, he said.
As an alternative to Pulau Redang, Pulau Bidong would be turned into a recreational island complete with basic amenities but no resorts.
Mohamed said the state government had approved a project to turn the Pulau Redang jetty near the Laguna Redang Resort into a common jetty for several other resorts on the island. – Bernama.
Lucking out in Lang Tengah
The trip was a pleasant surprise of marine sightings and easy diving.
Small islands can’t offer much diving,” a friend scoffed to me once, as he pointed to Pulau Lang Tengah on a map of Malaysia, a footnote of an isle between the mighty Redang and the hedonistic Perhentian.
Piqued by his claim, I found myself on its shores earlier this year, ready to test out its diving spots with a couple of friends.

D’Coconut Lagoon has a cosy ambience.
At least the beginning of our journey was straightforward. After a hair-raising, five-hour dash to Kuala Terengganu, followed by an even quicker one to Merang up north (not Marang, mind you, which is nowhere near it), we found ourselves a mere 40-minutes away by speedboat from Lang Tengah’s shores. Read the rest of this entry »
Set up body to oversee islands in Terengganu
I TOTALLY support the views and concerns expressed in “Stop developing island,”.
The Perhentian Island issue, just like the wildlife issue, is a long neglected one.
My guess is we will only see some action once there is a big drop in tourist arrivals to the islands and Terengganu.
But by that time it will be too late.
The Perhentians, both Besar and Kecil, are known as the peninsula’s version of the much-touted and well-known Sipadan and Mabul in Sabah with their beautiful underwater world. Read the rest of this entry »
Stop Developing Island
I HAVE been visiting Pulau Perhentian for the past three years and have noticed the declining state of the environment on the island – the waters around it and the marine life.
From my observation and conversation with people on the island, one of the main causes for the degenerating coral reefs and marine life is the development on the island as well as the increase in number of irresponsible tourists, especially snorkellers with fins.
There are various development projects on the island like jetties, paths for jungle walks and several big buildings. Most of the tourists I talked to were upset with such developments on an island so well-known for its quiet and natural environment. Read the rest of this entry »




