You may not know this, but your ultimate island getaway might be in Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, or Pulau Kapas, the top three islands in Terengganu.
Yes, Perhentian, Redang, and Kapas are the region’s Big 3, and they each deserve a spot on your travel list. But before you set off, do you know which jetty to use, how to get there, how long the trip takes, and what to do when you arrive?
Here’s your checklist for exploring Terengganu’s Big 3 Islands: Perhentian, Redang, and Kapas.
Meet Terengganu‘s Big 3 Islands: Location & Jetty
| Island | Best For | Main Jetty | Boat Time | Don’t Miss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulau Perhentian | Snorkelling, diving, backpackers | Kuala Besut | ~45 min – 1 hour | Marine life, beaches, island hopping |
| Pulau Redang | Resorts, families, snorkelling | Merang/Taman Tamadun Islam | ~1–2 hours | Beaches, snorkelling, diving |
| Pulau Kapas | Short getaways, quieter beaches | Marang | ~30 min | Snorkelling, kayaking, relaxing |
Choosing the Right Terengganu Island
Pick Perhentian Island if…
- You want more snorkelling/diving options
- You’re looking for a livelier island atmosphere
- You want to spend several days exploring
Go for Redang Island if…
- You prefer resort-style holidays
- You’re travelling with family/couples
- You want a more polished island getaway
Choose Kapas Island if…
- You have a shorter getaway
- You prefer a quieter beach experience
- You want something relatively simple and accessible
Which island sounds like you?
How to Get to the Islands
You don’t have to drive all the way to Terengganu to experience its islands. Take a flight or bus, and enjoy the serene rides to the three islands.
1) By Flight to Kuala Terengganu
Fly to Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) to cut your travel time. Connecting flights are only available to Redang (RDN), while you can reach Kapas and Perhentian by land transfer.
2) By Bus from Kuala Lumpur and Other Cities
There are several bus routes across West Malaysia to reach Terengganu, including from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. From left to right are the main cities for Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, and Pulau Kapas.
3) By Ferry to Each Island
Finally, complete your journey by taking a short yet breathtaking ride to the islands.
Terengganu Island Jetties and Departure Points
Your island is only half the answer. The other half is knowing which jetty to reach. Based on where you’re staying and landing, double-check your ferry ticket booking for the jetty location.
| Island | Pickup Point | Dropoff Point |
|---|---|---|
| Pulau Perhentian | Kuala Besut Jetty | Perhentian Island Ferry Terminal |
| Pulau Redang | – Merang Jetty, Setiu- Taman Tamadun Islam Jetty, Kuala Terengganu | – Redang Island Jetty – Pasir Panjang Jetty |
| Pulau Kapas | Marang Jetty, Terengganu | Kapas Island Jetty |
Where to Stay on the Islands
Your choice of stay can shape your island experience. Whether you want a comfortable resort, a simple chalet or a quiet beachfront escape, here’s what to expect across the three islands.
Accommodation Choices in Perhentian Island
Perhentian offers the widest range of accommodation options, making it easy to find something that fits your travel style and budget.
- Beach resorts – Ideal for couples, families and travellers who want more comfort.
- Chalets – A popular choice for a simple, relaxed island stay.
- Homestays – Great for budget travellers looking for a more local experience.
Accommodation Choices in Redang Island
Redang is more resort-focused, so it’s a good pick if you want to spend less time planning and more time enjoying the beach.
- Beach resorts – Choose from resort-style stays, often with easy access to beaches and island activities.
- Island packages – Convenient if you prefer accommodation bundled with meals, transfers, or activities.
Accommodation Choices in Kapas Island
Kapas Island is the smallest of the three and has a more laid-back atmosphere. Accommodation is generally simpler, making it ideal for a short getaway.
- Beachfront stays – Wake up close to the sea and spend your days swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing.
- Chalets – A fuss-free option for travellers who want to keep things simple.
How Many Days You Need (Comparison)
| Trip Duration | Best For | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| 2D1N | A quick escape to Pulau Kapas | Enjoy the beach, go swimming or snorkelling, try kayaking, and unwind by the sea without squeezing too many activities into your schedule. |
| 3D2N | First-time visitors to Pulau Perhentian or a short stay on Pulau Redang | Set aside time for a snorkelling trip, explore different beaches and enjoy the island at a comfortable pace. |
| 4D3N+ | A more relaxed holiday on Pulau Redang or Pulau Perhentian | Fit in more water activities, explore additional beaches and enjoy downtime between excursions. A longer trip may also suit travellers planning to visit nearby islets, subject to available boat trips. |
Planning tip: Remember to factor in your journey to and from the mainland jetty, not just the time spent on the island. If you are travelling by bus or flight, check your arrival time against the boat schedule and allow sufficient time for transfers.
Things to Do on Each Island
Perhentian Island
- Snorkelling Daytrip (including to Rawa Island)
- Scuba Diving
- Island Hopping
- Beach Time
Redang Island
- Pulau Redang Snorkelling Packages
- Scuba Diving
- Boat Trip to Little Maldives, Nemo Point & Turtle Bay
Kapas Island
- Kapas Island Snorkelling Daytrip
- Kayaking
- Beach Hopping
- Relaxing
Best Time to Visit the Islands
Planning an island trip isn’t just about finding a free weekend. Perhentian, Redang, and Kapas are generally best visited outside the Northeast Monsoon, especially if you’re planning beach activities and boat transfers.
- Peak Season (March–October): The seas are calmer and perfect for snorkelling, diving, and island hopping. Ferry and boat services also typically operate during this period, subject to weather conditions.
- Northeast Monsoon (November–February): Rain, strong winds and rougher seas are more common. Ferry crossings and boat activities may be reduced or suspended, while some resorts may also close for the season.
- Peak Holiday Periods: International tourists might miss this. Local school holidays and long weekends can mean more people, higher prices and fuller ferries. Even during the monsoon, the islands can be crowded.
- Shoulder Months (Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov): Weather is unpredictable during these months. Some ferries still operate, but always check your ferry schedule and the resort’s operating dates before setting off.
Our pick? Go during the peak season for the best chance of sunny island days, or try the shoulder months if you prefer a quieter getaway and don’t mind taking a weather gamble.
Terengganu Island Trip Checklist
☐ Pick your island
☐ Check the correct jetty
☐ Book your flight/bus to the departure point
☐ Book your ferry
☐ Check ferry departure times
☐ Plan your island activities
☐ Check weather/operating conditions
☐ Confirm your accommodation
☐ Check your ticket/booking requirements
Got all 9 checked? Your Terengganu island itinerary is looking pretty solid. Make your getaway even more memorable with exciting island activities and experiences. Explore and book your Things To Do tickets on redBus to plan your island adventures with ease!
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your travel style. Perhentian Island is great for snorkelling, diving and a more laid-back island experience, while Redang Island suits travellers looking for a more resort-focused getaway. Kapas Island is a quieter option if you want a simple beach escape without packing your itinerary too tightly.
There’s more to Perhentian Island (Pulau Perhentian) than lying on the beach, including:
– Snorkelling
– Scuba diving
– Island hopping
– Kayaking
– Exploring different beaches (Perhentian Kecil & Perhentian Besar)
Most things to do in Redang Island revolve around the sea, such as:
– Snorkelling
– Scuba diving
– Island hopping to Bidong Island and Lang Tengah Island
– Swimming
– Catching sunset
Absolutely, especially if you’re after a quieter island getaway. Kapas Island (Pulau Kapas) is smaller and more laid-back than Perhentian or Redang, a good choice for travellers who want to spend their trip swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying the beach at a slower pace.
For a first trip, 3D2N is a comfortable starting point for any of the three. It gives you enough time to settle in, try a few activities and still have plenty of time to enjoy the island without rushing.
You can, but it takes more planning than staying on one island. Perhentian and Redang have different mainland departure points, so you’ll need to account for the transfer between jetties and boat schedules. If you only have a few days, choosing one island may give you a more relaxed trip.
The usual island season is around March to October, outside the Northeast Monsoon. This is generally when sea conditions are more suitable for ferry crossings and water activities. However, operating dates can vary by resort and boat operator, so check before booking your trip.
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