Getting to Redang Island is straightforward once you know the steps, but it does involve a flight and a boat transfer. Here’s exactly how to get there from Kuala Lumpur, based on my own experience, so you know what to expect.
If you’re planning a wider trip, this Malaysia travel guide explains how Redang fits into a full route and what else to include.
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Step 1: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu
The easiest way to reach Redang Island is to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. The flight takes around one hour, and there are multiple departures each day.
You can quickly compare flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu here to find the best times and prices.
If you’re spending time in the city first, this Kuala Lumpur guide covers where to stay, what to do and how to plan your time.
Step 2: Travel to the jetty
From Kuala Terengganu airport, you’ll need to travel to one of the departure jetties.
- Shahbandar Jetty: around 15–20 minutes from the airport
- Merang Jetty: around 30–40 minutes away
Most resorts use Merang Jetty, and transfers are often included in your package.
If you already have the Grab app, you can use it to get to the jetty from the airport, which is the easiest option for most travellers.
Step 3: Boat transfer to Redang Island
The final step is the boat journey to the island, which usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on conditions.
From my experience:
- The journey can be choppy
- You may get splashed
- Keep valuables in a dry bag
- If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s worth taking medication in advance as the journey can be rough.
What happens when you arrive
Most boats stop at a central jetty first, before you’re transferred to your resort. In some cases, this involves a short tractor ride along the beach.
Important tip
- Make sure you confirm your departure jetty in advance.
- Merang Jetty has multiple small departure points used by different resorts, and it can be confusing if you’re not sure where to go.
Total travel time
From Kuala Lumpur to Redang Island, the full journey usually takes:
- 1 hour flight
- 40-60 minutes transfer
- 45–90 minute boat
Total travel time: around 3–5 hours
Is it easy to get to Redang?
Getting to Redang is straightforward once everything is arranged, especially if your resort includes transfers. However, it’s slightly more effort than destinations like Langkawi, which have direct flights.
If you’re deciding whether it’s worth the trip, this Redang Island guide breaks down the costs, pros and what to expect.
