On Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast, facing the South China Sea is the state of Terengganu. Each state also has its unique attractions. Like every state, Terengganu is well-known for its islands, gorgeous beaches, and diverse marine life. People of different races share neighbourhood bonds, a strong preference for local food, and speak the same local dialect. Terengganu has Malaysia’s longest beach, stretching 244 kilometres from north to south.
Terengganu’s islands are well known for their breathtaking scenery, dazzling clean and powdery white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters. It is a haven for those looking for fun in the sun, sand, and sea. So, here are the top 10 best islands in Terengganu 2023 for a quick getaway.
Is Terengganu A Safe Place To Visit?
In terms of crime, Terengganu is one of Malaysia’s safest states, but swim with caution. Any beach on the Terengganu coast unprotected by a cape or not openly advertised as a swimming area should be considered extremely dangerous.
When Is It Best To Visit Terengganu?
The best months to visit Terengganu are February through April, when daily temperatures average 28°C and an average of 70–80 mm of precipitation per month. Summer months from May to September have an average temperature of 31°C and 100 mm of monthly precipitation.
10 Best Islands in Terengganu 2023
1. Lang Tengah Island
Due to its small size, Lang Tengah Island is frequently disregarded as a peaceful retreat. From the Merang jetty, you can take a 30-minute boat ride to Lang Tengah, which has a small number of resorts but equally stunning sea views. It is a true oasis, combining a breathtaking desert landscape of sand with every shade of blue imaginable. Expect untouched sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a laid-back way of life. It is renowned as a top-diving location as well.
If beach hopping, trekking for the best views, and stuffing yourself silly on seafood BBQ sounds like your thing, Lang Tengah should be your next destination. Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy the various activities available here, including three snorkelling locations and eight scuba diving locations, while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking trails and bioluminescent beaches.
Address: Pulau Lang Tengah, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
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2. Redang Island
The upside is that a wide range of accommodations is available, from budget-friendly beach shacks to luxury seaside offerings with all the creature comforts. Because it is located within a protected marine park, numerous excellent diving and snorkelling spots are nearby. Redang Island is the largest of the nine islands that make up a government-protected marine sanctuary park. It’s also a popular nesting location for turtles, so you might swim with some of them while on Redang Island.
Scuba diving, snorkelling, and swimming are all popular activities on the island. Other activities available include boating, canoeing, and jungle trekking. Every dive site on the island has something unique to see and do. At the same time, Mini Mount has numerous cowries, spider shells, and a large aggregation of colourful Christmas tree worms carpeting coral blocks. It’s also a popular spot for night diving.
Address: Pulau Redang, 21090 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
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3. Kapas Island
Unsurprisingly, this island, which translates to Cotton Island in Malay, got its cotton candy name. It is the epitome of an isolated island and is ideal for those seeking relaxed beach vibes away from nightlife and action. Kapas Island is a popular backpacker destination due to its low-cost accommodations, which range from hilltop chalets to run-of-the-mill budget hotels.
The island’s distinguishing feature is that you can walk from one stretch of beach to another using a built-in pathway that is only accessible during low tide, so you’re likely to find a secluded beach all to yourself. Because Kapas Island is home to turtles, you’ll spend the day alternating between the turquoise waters and a refreshing drink by the beach. You can hike up Bukit Singa, the two small hills on Kapas Island that lead to an enchanted blue lagoon, or go cliff jumping for an adrenaline rush.
Address: Pulau Kapas, Terengganu
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4. Perhentian Kecil Island
Perhentian Kecil Island, located off Malaysia’s northeastern coast, is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular backpacker islands. Perhentian Kecil Island, the smaller and rowdier of the two Perhentian Islands, is great for excellent diving, sunbathing, and socialising with other budget travellers. Despite being the smallest island in the group, Perhentian Kecil Island is the busiest, with cheaper accommodations and more activities.
Warm, turquoise water teeming with marine life laces white sand beaches, while the jungle provides a lush, green backdrop to this island paradise. Perhentian Kecil Island has two different beaches, each with its vibe and personality. Long Beach and Coral Beach are connected by a narrow jungle trail that can be walked in about 15 minutes.
Address: Terengganu
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5. Perhentian Besar Island
Exploring underwater life is one of the reasons people come to this island. The Perhentian Islands have some of Malaysia’s best snorkelling spots. Swimming with the fish is a fantastic idea. You’re almost sure to see turtles, sharks, beautiful fish, and beautiful corals. You must snorkel at least once while visiting the Perhentian Islands.
It also provides more fantastic opportunities to go scuba diving. Perhentian Besar Island has a more significant number of resorts and caters to families, honeymooners, and upscale travellers. The islands are more expensive than the rest of Malaysia but are well worth it. They’re the ideal place to unwind, soak up the sun, and lounge away the days.
Address: Terengganu
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6. Duyong Island
Duyong Island is located at the mouth of the Terengganu River in the Malaysian state of Terengganu. It was previously divided into Duyong Besar Island and the smaller Duyong Kecil Island, but sedimentation and reclamation have united it and significantly altered its coastline. Duyong Island is an idyllic Malay village with traditional daily scenes of local life, architecture, and boat-making workshops.
Don’t miss the Duyong Art Fest in April, an annual art event showcasing the traditional anyaman or weaving craft and a marketplace on the jetty selling various Terengganu food and products. Duyong Island is an island in the Terengganu River that can be reached by road or boat. Unlike Redang or Perhentian, this island is not well known for its beaches or scuba diving but is well known for its traditional boat building.
Address: Pulau Duyung Besar, 21200 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
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7. Tenggol Island
Tenggol Island is the third and final island linking Redang Island and Perhentian Island. This island was previously uninhabited, but hotels are now available for those who wish to stay there. You can then take the hotel ferry boat to the island. Tenggol is one of the most pristine islands off Malaysia’s east coast, with stunning rocky, forested cliffs, white-sand beaches, and some of Peninsular Malaysia’s best diving.
Divers will appreciate the virgin coral formations, amazing marine life, and excellent visibility. Visit between August and October to glimpse the elusive whale shark. Not to worry, the shallow dives here are also ideal for first-time divers and snorkelers. This island offers you the chance to find amazing marine life in shipwrecks and house reefs, thanks to its more than 20 dive sites.
Address: Pulau Tenggul, Terengganu
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8. Bidong Island
Bidong Island is best known for housing thousands of South Vietnamese refugees following the Vietnam War between 1978 and 1985. Although the camp for refugees has been abandoned since 1991, there are still signs of it on the island. For a fee, some local tour operators will gladly take you there. Bidong Island, dubbed Malaysia’s “Little Saigon,” is ideal for tourists and locals who enjoy a little history with their adventures.
From the early 1970s to 1991, this island was inhabited by Vietnamese. Sign up for a guided tour to scuba dive in the island’s open waters, where there are many remnants of traps constructed by Vietnamese villagers in the form of abandoned wells when digging for fresh water. Aside from its mysterious history, it has exciting diving spots to find furniture, vehicles, and other items.
Address: Pulau Bidung Laut, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
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9. Rawa Island
Rawa Island has the same crystal clear waters as Redang Island but in a much quieter and more relaxing setting. It resembles the islands found in Europe, more specifically, the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also a snorkeler’s paradise, thanks to the vibrant corals and fish garden that thrive throughout the year’s 300+ days of sunshine.
The island is a popular tourist day trip destination and turtle nesting site, but it is uninhabited, so you’ll be in heaven here. It is, without a doubt, one of Terengganu’s most beautiful spots. The island’s lack of development makes it ideal for a day trip as there isn’t much to do other than relax on the sand, in the water, or underwater, so prepare to be very relaxed.
Address: Terengganu
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10. Gemia Island
Gem Island Resort and Spa owns this tiny private island, which offers over 40 seafront villas at various price points. There are three private beaches on the island, one of which has a spa, a turtle hatchery, and activities like kayaking to neighbouring islands. You might see green and giant leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs if lucky.
This small island is right next to Kapas Island but attracts an entirely different crowd, and despite being so close to the mainland, the water at Gemia Island is clear. The island has only one resort, and to be honest, the main attraction on the island is the stay itself. Gemia Island is a true gem if you’re looking for a private, romantic getaway. The only resort operator on the island is Gem Island Resort & Spa, which offers villas with balconies overlooking the South China Sea.
Address: Terengganu
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Google Review: Here
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us [email protected]. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
