Hotels in Gemia Island

Gemia Island or Coral Island is an island located 6 kilometres off Marang, Terengganu, Malaysia. It is located north of Kapas Island, a bigger island which is very well-known as a top travel destination. Due to Pulau Kapas being promoted as a “diving and snorkeling paradise”, the island too has received an influx of visitors for snorkeling and diving purposes. Similar to Kapas Island, Gemia Island has a lush tropical jungle, crystal clear seawater and coral reefs in the surrounding waters. In comparison to the other islands, Gemia Island together with Kapas Island still maintain their natural beauty; development works happened less frequently here. Therefore, visitors may have to prepare cash in-hand and get ready for lack of consistence in electricity and Internet access – all these as an equal trade for a magnificent view of the island and its beaches. In fact it feels incomplete to go to Gemia Island and skipping Kapas Island entirely – experiences in both islands complement each other really well.

From the historical point of view, Gemia Island, Kapas Island and Marang as a district in a whole was established way back in 1839. Initially it was administered by the district dignitaries which oversee the villages within their own jurisdictions. When the British made their way in the 1920s, J L Humphreys which is the very first British commissioner for Terengganu state has introduced a new territorial management system that includes Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Berang and Marang under the Central Colony jurisdiction. Post-1985, the Marang district was revised to add another two sub-districts, Bukit Payong and Alor Limbat into its jurisdiction.

How to Get There

By Car

People driving from Kuala Lumpur may drive via E8 route for immediate access to Marang jetty. The journey could take up around 4 hours and 35 minutes depending on the traffic.

By Bus

There is no major bus terminal, instead guests can opt to stop by the Marang district office which has the bus stop. Take the trip directly to Marang from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) terminal using express bus services such as UBT Group Liner before opting for taxi to go to the jetty.

By Plane

There are flights to Kuala Terengganu from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) which are provided by both Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia. Upon touchdown, from the airport, guests can head downtown using public transportation to the Marang jetty terminal.

By Boat

There are speedboats available from Marang to Gemia Island and Kapas Island jetties on a daily basis from 9.30 am till 4.30 pm. The journey usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Tourist Attractions

Jetty Cafe

One of the earliest cafes to be encountered by the visitors when they first reached Kapas Island. Run by a family of locals, the hospitality offered is great and the food is delicious. The price is affordable too. Another attraction point is that this café is one of the places on the island with a working Internet connection, hence if some emails are needed to be sent, this café is the place to be.

Aquasport Divers

This is the one-stop centre for all things diving located in the island. Extensive diving services are offered by experienced staffs at a good rate. Multitude of options are provided, whether is just a casual diving activity to have a look at the underwater biodiversity that could be offered by the island seawaters or courses that cater to more experienced divers who intend to get serious.

Kapas Turtle Valley

Kapas Turtle Valley is a great place for turtle-spotting. Here, visitors can expect to see turtles laying eggs and the baby turtles hatching out to head back to sea. Other add-on services include arranged trips to see the turtle conservation and hatchery centres in both Kapas Island and Gemia Island and accommodations that are also provided in-house.

Hotels

Gem Island Resort and Spa

A three-star hotel resort situated very closely to the jetty. With slightly premium rates, this hotel offers comfort stay with a nice feeling and features such as private beach and tours around the island.