Date: End July 2015
Type: Package tour
Duration: 3D2N
Price: RM550/pax fullboard

Beautiful scene

After Hari Raya, me and my Europe travel buddies decided to go for an island getaway. We choose Redang Island. We managed to get a flight ticket costing RM145 via Firefly. We took the RM550 package offered by Laguna Redang which includes accommodation, boat transfer, meals for 3 days and 2 snorkeling trips.

Taken to the lobby by a truck pulled wagon.

We land in Kuala Terengganu around 10 am and the Resort van took us to the Shahbandar Jetty. This jetty is located near the Pasar Payang. We boarded a huge ferry to Redang Island. Disembarking, we were picked up by a tractor to the lobby. We checked in and was given our meal coupons for 3 days. After having lunch, we pick up our snorkeling gear and went for the Open Sea snorkeling via fishing boats. There are around 200 people joining this activity. The tour guide inform us on the rules and the timing for activities.

We were dropped off in the middle of the sea where there's a coral platform not far away from the drop off. The water is a bit choppy and we manage to see plenty of marine life. The fact that the crowd is huge, was a downside. And, Dila got seasick so we cut short our snorkeling adventure for the day.

We had dinner at the restaurant and we managed to witness a full moon. We always bid for the outside table to get some fresh air. The food at Laguna has a huge variety and it taste good for a resort. I was contemplating on how many dives should I do - the dive price is pretty expensive.

I choose to take 1 dive at 2 pm since I want to join the snorkeling at the Marine Park. After breakfast, we went to the Marine Park about 10 minutes from the resort. The Marine Park offers plenty of beautiful corals and fishes. We bring ourselves some bread to feed the fish and obviously this was a better spot for snorkeling.

The crowd are much better at the Marine Park

After lunch, I straight away went to the dive shop. I fill some forms and pick my gear. I was nervous since this is the first dive since my ear injury. I was accompanied by 3 divers from Singapore and 1 from Switzerland (well, I told her a lot of times of how much I love Swiss).

Our dive site is called Pulau Paku Kecil, the visilibilty was not great but we do see some marine creatures. Suddenly, I saw a huge stingray - about 3 meteres wide. I did not manage to capture it though since I was saving on my camera battery. By the time I switch on my camera, the stingray went hiding under the rock.

Hard corals during Paku kecil dive

The current was so strong that day. As a new diver, I panicked a bit since the current drag me until I almost hit the coral reef. It was not a relaxing dive as I had hoped for. I hit the reef walls and scratch my foot while trying to reposition my body to streamline with the current.

For me, the best snorkeling spot in Perhentian is on the far left of the beach. I circle the spot as below. All of us went snorkeling after I had a less pleasurable diving day. The corals are beautiful and so lively. You can see plenty of clown fish and brace  yourself - plenty of reef sharks!

I took this while snorkeling off the beach.

We take pictures of the unique looking gift shop at the resort

The snorkel site provide a channel-like snorkeling where you can go between reef walls to experience an amazing snorkeling. The only downside is the current itself. Redang has a strong current so if the red flag is up, please do not snorkel or swim. I can say this site offers the most beautiful snorkeling experience I had ever had.