Redang island, called Pulau Redang in the local language, is located 45 km offshore of Terengganu, a state in the northeast of the peninsula of Malaysia. The size of the island about 7 km long and 6 meters wide, is small. Together with some other islands, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Susu Dara, Pulau Lang Tengah and Pulau Kapas, this group of islands forming the Pulau Redang Marine Park, which is wonderful abundant marine fish, turtles and coral reef offers great snorkelling and scuba diving experience. There are over 500 species of live coral, 1000 species of invertebrates and almost 3000 species of fish including manta rays, stingrays, sharks and whale sharks, all living in harmony in the fringing reefs of the islands.

Redang Island is famous for its white sand beaches, crystal clear blue sea, brilliant underwater world and has one of the best coral reefs in the world. With over 20 different dive sites, is a haven for the diving enthusiasts and underwater photographers. Some of them are black coral gardens, shipwrecks near Pinang Island, a mysterious underground chamber and Mini Mount.

Redang Diving season starts around March and lasts until early October. The ranges of daily temperature of 22 º C at night to 34oC at noon. Visibiity averages 15 meters. On good days, you can improve to 30 meters. Some of the favorite dive sites are:

Monte Big

Located about 50 to 100 meters from the northern tip of Pulau Lima, Big attachment is completely submerged seamount oval. This is possibly the best of all sites diving around this island with a large pillar coral and more appreciated by the local divers .. The most superficial part of the reef at 20 meters and drops to ground rock 30 meters and is full of many varieties of hard and soft corals, gorgonian fans, sea anemones and coral gardens whip. Divers can expect to encounter huge clown fish, sea cucumbers, starfish, stonefish, groupers, parrot fish.

Mini Monte.

100 meters east outside Kerengga Pulau Besar, with the deeper at about 20 meters. The rock surfaces are covered with a variety of soft corals, Tubastrea corals, sea squirts, sponges and stinging hydroids. Moreover, divers can see here a unique blend of sponges, shrimp, molluscs, echinoderms and soft corals. This is a popular choice for the night dive, where divers are rewarded with an abundance of creatures of the night in search of food around the reef.

Terumbu Kili

Located at the southern tip of Pulau Pinang, this is one of the best dive sites in Redang. The rocky seascape is encrusted with corals both hard and soft, about 15 meters, 20 meters down to the bottom sandy. Fish life include the cardinal fish, damselfish, Chromis, snapper, parrot fish and soldierfish. While in open water will likely find cats Rifles, yellow, batfish and black tip sharks. Due to strong currents, this site is best left to more advanced divers with experience as you can get washed out to sea, if not you care.

The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: The HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse, sunk here at the beginning World War II.

Other dive sites include Tanjung Lang, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Gua Kawah, Pasir Panjang, Batu Mak Chantek, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Ling, Batu Chipor, Terumbu Putih, Black Coral Garden, "Mysterious underwater camera, the southeast, the northeast, Kerangga Kecil and Pulau Pulau Tebu Ekor.

Divers, Packed your bags and heading to Redang island already?

About the Author:

Marilyn loves travelling and maintains a travelling blog – All About Travellings.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Diving at Redang Island, Malaysia

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