After a gruelling 12-hours coach and ferry ride (10 and 2-hours respectively) from Singapore's Golden Mile Complex, we finally made it to Redang Island! Locally known as Pulau Redang, it is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia and which offers snorkeling and diving opportunities at its picturesque, crystal-clear waters. And if one would to watch the Hong Kong film titled Summer Holiday (夏日的麼麼茶) prior, which was released in 2000 and stars Richie Ren and Sammi Cheng, this island should be no stranger to you.
It was during the mid March, when my travel buddies and I decided to embark on a short getaway from our hectic schedules. Oh well, all part and parcel of growing up, but again, we have gained the trust from our parents and freedom to travel overseas ourselves. A few suggestions were put up on the discussion table prior to the trip, such as Phuket, Kota Kinabalu among other places.
8 a.m. (2nd day) of the picturesque beach
A friendly staff of the resort briefed us on the what and what-not to do on the trip, timings of meal breaks, as well as snorkeling schedules. We actually longed to obtain our diving certificates, but oh, snorkeling should do perfectly well for the time being. Soon after, a welcome drink of sour-plum juice was served to alleviate the effect of sea-sickness. Being a person who was very much proned to motion sickness, I thanked God for the calm weathers.
One of the resort staff with the colorful tram which ferries holiday-goers to and fro the jetty.
Laguna Redang Island Resort was our resting haven for the two nights, Supposedly a 4-star resort, Laguna has quite a number of impressive facilities, such as an outdoor leisure pool with jacuzzi set amidst lush gardens, buffet restaurants which serves a wide variety of local and international dishes, as well as other recreation like snorkeling, kayak and banana boat, massage and American pool.
Lobby area of Laguna Resort
We were lucky enough to be one of the first few to get our room keys before the official check-in timing, offering us a much needed rest and to freshen ourselves up. Our stomachs growled, as the lunch buffet was being set up at the main dining area and I did say, I am very much impressed with the variety and quality of food they served.
Travel mates - Jesline, Victor, myself with Peiyi
In between the scrumptious lunch and snorkeling trip, we had sufficient time to indulge in some camwhore on the beautiful beaches. I am not going much into that though, but to start off here's a lonely boat. Would you just look at the beautiful blue waters? Can't wait to jump right in, aye?
Unlike Pulau Tioman, Redang Island is much more commercialised and developed, with a handful of modern apartments, shops and resorts, such as Laguna resort which was designed as a modern interpretation of traditional Malay architecture.
Before every embarkation, we were briefed on how to use the snorkeling equipments, things to take note and a short introductory to the place itself, such as the types of corals and animals we can expect, the depth ectera. The staff never fails to make every giggle, and that's definitely a plus.
Just take note that if you get the full package, you are entitled to two snorkeling trips (Marine Park and Open Sea) per day. They do provide underwater photography for a fee (RM$7 per photo) as well. It's quite a hefty price, but oh well, that's for not getting an underwater camera.
A map of Pulau Redang with its neighbouring islands
In the second part of this travelogue, I will give more information on our snorkeling experience at Pulau Redang, so stay tuned for it!
Now tell me how fabulous Victor looks
The sun went into its slumber. And what's better to grab a cup of thirst-quenching bubble tea, accompanied by an almond Magnum, and stroll along the cooling beach hand-in-hand with your beloved? You are surrounded by the sounds of gentle waves, soft chatters and live music bands jamming away. The cooling powder-white sand seeping through your toes. Oh, such a beautiful night it was! After a hot bath, a few games of Poker and Saboteur were just enough to send everyone off to their dreamlands.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of Our Great Redang Escapade!