The MCO has ended and you might already be planning your next holiday. And it’s no wonder that your eyes have turned to Malaysia’s very own beautiful East Coast islands. There are three for us to compare: Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Lang Tengah. The question is, which one is better?
We know how subjective the “best island for a holiday” can be. So feel free to come to your own conclusions. But if you want to know what we think, read to the end where we reveal which is the best island for your next holiday.
Introduction
Malaysia’s East Coast
Malaysia’s East Coast is a part of Peninsular Malaysia. It is made up of 3 states: Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu. What’s so special about this agricultural-heavy region is that it contains some of the most untouched islands featuring white, sandy beaches and rich, unspoiled ecosystems teeming with rare wildlife.
These islands offer fantastic opportunities for diving and snorkeling; or simply a chance to kick back and experience the care-free island paradise you’ve always seen in movies (coconuts sold separately).
You can find three popular islands located in Terengganu and nearby each other. These are Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, and Pulau Lang Tengah. We’ll compare them below.
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Pulau Redang
Almost as famous as a certain hilltop-theme park, Pulau Redang is the most popular destination on Terengganu’s coast. It is one of nine islands that make up the Redang Island Marine Park. At 7KM long and 6KM wide, it is also one of the largest islands on Peninsular Malaysia. Over the years Pulau Redang has transformed into one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia for weekend family vacations or luxury getaways. It is widely known as one of the best island holiday destinations in Malaysia.
Pulau Perhentian
Pulau Perhentian, or the Perhentian Islands, comprises two islands. Perhentian Kecil is a smaller island with cheaper accommodation options catered towards backpackers and party-goers while Perhentian Besar offers better accommodation options and activities that cater to families and travelers who prefer comfort at the expense of price. Both islands have their own charm and it’s up to you to decide which suits your taste.
Pulau Lang Tengah
Snuggly nestled in between Perhentian and Redang lies Pulau Lang Tengah. This small middle island is known for its pristine beaches and lesser crowds. It has four main beaches, each privately owned by the four resorts on the island. It is considerably less crowded than Pulau Redang which makes it an ideal spot for a quiet night’s rest while still maintaining easy access to popular snorkeling and dive spots nearby. This is the best choice for those looking for a tranquil getaway in paradise.
Which is the best island?
To make things fair, we’ll list down some categories, followed by each island’s strengths and why we think it wins in that category. In this article, we’ll help you decide once and for all which is the best island for a smashing holiday! Let’s begin.
1. The Hygiene
This biggest worry on everyone’s minds now must be whether it is safe to travel around Malaysia. At the time of writing, Malaysia is still in RMCO mode. While the Malaysian government has been encouraging domestic travel, our borders are still closed to international travelers. If you’re planning a trip to these islands anytime soon, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, pack along some masks and hand sanitizer for your personal use. Make sure to have enough to get you through public spaces like restaurants, transports, or public beaches. Install the MySejahtera App as it will be needed upon entry to some locations. And of course, practice social distancing wherever possible.
Buses, shuttles, boats, and other transport are disinfected daily. Diving and all snorkeling equipment are disinfected after every use. Guests can choose to bring their own equipment or purchase a new one, or a new mouthpiece.
Hotels are doing their best to accommodate the new RMCO requirements, with every room undergoing thorough disinfection and sanitization after each checkout. When checking in, expect a much more stringent process that includes mandatory temperature checks and sanitization. Most hotels are also operating at 50% capacity to avoid large crowds. However, having fewer people around only adds to the holiday experience and is, in our books, a definite plus. However, you might have to pre-book earlier as room availability has been affected because of this.
Travelling has changed a little compared to before, but if you take enough precautions and adhere to SOPs, you’ll be able to have a stress-free island holiday with your loved ones.
The Hygiene Winner: You!