One of the islands in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia is Redang Island. It’s one of the largest islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the world’s most beautiful island. Redang Island is acknowledged for its crystal clear water and white sandy beaches, as well as forms a marine sanctuary park offering snorkeling and diving opportunities for tourists.

Compared to the Perhentian Islands, Redang is more popular because the island’s most accommodations are resort-based, making it an absolute haven for tourists from around the world. Its largest beach, Pasir Panjang, features half a dozen resorts, while the beach itself is covered with soft white sand where coral and fish are visible just a few meters from it.

An interesting fact about Redang Island is it’s a location where Summer Holiday was filmed. Hence, it can be said to create movie-induced tourism, since lots of tourists may come to Redang Island as a result of a movie featured here. Additionally, this island is also known for one of the most popular oldest souvenir, beachwear, and swimwear shops, Summer Collection; and the turtle nesting site. With all of these attractions, however, you don’t have to spend even a single penny to navigate the island. Here are some free things to do in Redang Island for your economical getaway:

Pasir Panjang, or Long Beach, is a wide, sandy beach facing Redang Island’s eastern side. This breathtakingly beautiful beach boasts many resorts, eateries, and activities, like snorkeling. The terrain feature of the beach allows many snorkelers and divers to see the underwater life. Tanjung Tengah, Tanjung Mak Cantik, and the middle area are the best snorkeling spots in Long Beach. Bring your own gear, start around noon, and explore the colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life close to the shore.

For those who don’t want to get into the water, you can just explore the island’s beaches. Follow the broadwalk all the way to the end, then go left up the hill. There’s a hiking trail on which would bring you to a viewing tower on the hill’s top and a lighthouse. On your arrival, you would be greeted by a spectacular far-reaching panorama of Redang Island. Remember, this moment is begging for a photo op!

Some popular routes for beachcombing in Redang Island are from Long Beach to Teluk Dalam and Teluk Kalong. The journey to Teluk Dalam may take 45 minutes to an hour by walking, yet you can also walk up the main road to the village after the trails end at Teluk Dalam. Meanwhile, a way to Teluk Kalong is well-marked, so you can just head to the jetty from the Laguna Beach Resort at Teluk Bakau, follow the trail, keep left, onto Teluk Kalong Beach,

Compared to Long Beach, Teluk Dalam and Kalong may not be so crowded and have many resorts, but you can find beautiful shells, unique rocks, and some interesting driftwoods. Make sure to put on comfortable footwears and pack your drinking water during the journey.

There’s no better place to observe turtles than Redang Islands. It’s so easy to spot turtles during dives and snorkeling around the island. Green and hawksbill turtles are the species easily found here during the mating season. If you want a more immersive experience (at additional costs) with turtles, you can visit the lab, see the turtle eggs, learn how they grow, and watch them released to the sea.

Marine Park Center in Redang Island is an area of the sea zoned as a sanctuary for the coral reefs and other diverse flora and fauna. It has become a research facility protecting, conserving, and managing marine environments. Therefore, here, you can have an excellent chance to learn about marine life and conservatory activities. Most activities in this zone may require fees, but some informative displays and a small museum are free to explore.

As the day gets darker, don’t miss a chance to watch how beautiful the sunset is in Redang Island. You really don’t want to end your day without taking part in this moment. Surrounded by picturesque views and good weather with few clouds in the sky, get ready to be amazed at the myriads of stars, or a shooting star if you’re lucky enough! Look down, then you’d spot some tiny blue specks on the sand.

Besides diverse marine life, you’ll also have an opportunity to meet land animals, such as macaques, mouse deers, monkeys, and more if you allot some time to go for jungle trekking. Hiking to the depth of the island’s forest is the right thing for you to do in the morning while breathing in the fresh air or catching up the sunrise. Don’t forget to wear your comfortable shoes during this expedition to find many serene tropical paradises.

As you do jungle trekking, you may also encounter a range of bird species, since the island is also a home to diverse birdlife. Bring a pair of binoculars in the early morning or late afternoon to spot Purple-Throated Sunbirds, Malaysian Hawk Cuckoo, Little Heron, White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Chinese Pond Heron, and give them a ‘hi’!

Walk around and explore the local villages on the island. It may give you a chance to observe their traditional way of life and interact with the friendly locals. During this visit, there are lots of thing you can do, such as witness traditional fishing methods/craftsmanship, try local cuisines, engage in community activities, enjoy the scenic settings close to the sea, make great photographs, and walk through the villages for more captivating observations of the local atmosphere and everyday life.

This would be the last option when you don’t feel like doing anything the whole day. You can just relax on the beach, inhaling the island’s ocean breeze, taking delight in the surrounding bird’s-eye view, and seeing where the wind takes you. Don’t feel pressured to be constantly active. Sometimes, appreciating beauty is the best adventure. Since the island’s peace is a melody, all you have to do is to just listen.

Those are several free things to do in Redang Island, so you no longer have to worry if you don’t have this island on your trip’s budget plans. However, to head to the island, you still need to prepare your flights and accommodations. Don’t worry–Traveloka got your back! With many advantages, like hassle-free reservations, payments, reschedule, refund, and promotions; now, spend your money on this worthwhile travel agent for your seamless vacations!