Recently, on February 21–22, 2025, my son and I decided to visit Redang Island. We found that only two resorts were operating before March 1, 2025 – Redang Paradise Resort and The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort.
Redang Paradise Resort was priced at RM 270 per night, inclusive of breakfast, while The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort was RM 1,500 per night, also inclusive of breakfast. I decided to give Redang Paradise Resort a try.
This turned out to be the worst experience of my life—I genuinely feared for my safety in the middle of the angry waves and strong winds.
The Journey to Redang
In the end, we managed to arrive at Redang Island safely, but not without consequences. Our luggage was completely soaked in seawater due to the relentless splashing on the boat. We were unprepared—we didn’t cover our luggage with plastic bags, and we ended up completely drenched.
We arrived at Redang Jetty around 12 PM after a terrifying 1.5-hour boat ride (which was supposed to take only 45 minutes). When the boat docked at the empty jetty, there was no one there—just us. The boat crew left, and we stood waiting for Redang Paradise Resort’s transport to pick us up.
The jetty was eerily quiet, with no shops open—no place to buy water, snacks, or even use the restroom (as the toilets were locked). Sand covered everything, even the tops of dustbins, making the whole area feel abandoned.
After a while, a truck finally arrived to pick us up. That’s when we realized—there were practically no other tourists around. Besides us, only six Malaysian travelers and two Western tourists checked in on the same day, all of them experiencing the same eerie atmosphere.
An Abandoned Paradise
The beach where our hotel was located—Redang Long Beach—is supposed to be the heart of the island’s tourism scene. Normally, this area is lively, with multiple resorts lined up along the shore:
This is the famous beach where people snorkel right from the shore, with colorful fish swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
But now? What I saw felt like a ghost town—abandoned buildings left in disrepair, as if hit by an earthquake. The only sign of life was a small grocery store at Redang Bay Resort, selling basic necessities to the island’s workers. These workers had stayed behind to maintain the resorts and were now preparing for repairs and renovations ahead of the official reopening in March. Some resorts planned to open in March, while others would wait until April.
The Stay at Redang Paradise Resort
The staff at Redang Paradise Resort were incredibly kind. They allowed us to check in early and immediately prepared a hot meal for us upon arrival.
Unfortunately, we had no dry clothes—everything was soaked in seawater. I laid all my belongings out on the balcony to dry. I had booked an oceanfront room, so the view was nice, but the atmosphere felt unsettling.
The strong winds, huge waves, and deserted beach created a dramatic scene. I had been told that Redang is usually 100 times more beautiful, with fish swimming in the clear blue waters just steps from the shore. But all I saw were endless waves, one after another. It was cold, and I had to put on a jacket to keep warm.
The Decision to Leave
Despite the eerie environment, the staff at Redang Paradise Resort were absolutely wonderful—helpful, caring, and attentive. They provided hot meals, hot water, and anything else we needed, including clothes hangers, extra towels, extra blankets, and even additional food (which was both delicious and generously portioned).
Our room was basic but located very close to the beach, meaning I could hear the waves roaring all day and night. Instead of feeling relaxed, I felt anxious. That night, I made up my mind—I couldn’t stay.
Even though I had booked a 3-day, 2-night package that included two breakfasts, two lunches, and return boat transfers, I decided to leave the very next day. I didn’t blame anyone for this decision, and I truly appreciated the kindness of the resort staff—especially Imran from Lahore, Pakistan, who went above and beyond to help us.
Returning to the Mainland
Right now, after a life-threatening return boat journey—with massive waves and moments where I feared the boat might capsize as water continuously splashed in—I am relieved to finally set foot on solid ground.
I have booked a two-night stay at The Grand Puteri Hotel in Kuala Terengganu, which is a 40-minute drive from Merang Jetty, where the boat docked.
Remarks:
I took a Grab from Merang Jetty to Kuala Terengganu, stopping en route at Firdausy Seafood Corner, near Kuala Terengganu Airport, to try the famous Celup Tepung.
I checked into The Grand Puteri Hotel around 2:30 PM, took a hot shower, sent all my seawater-soaked clothes to the laundry, and cleaned all my items, including my luggage and backpack, with wet tissues.
I felt reborn—alive again.
Glad to be back to civilization.
Final Thoughts – Should You Visit Redang in February?
Now that I have two extra days in Kuala Terengganu (since I cut my Redang stay short), I see this as a chance to explore this beautiful city. The people here are incredibly kind, gentle, and friendly. I’ll share more about my experiences in Kuala Terengganu in my next blog.
But for now, this blog has one important message: DO NOT visit Redang Island during the monsoon season (October to March).
If anyone tells you the monsoon is over in February—don’t believe it. The best time to visit is still April to September.
Don’t be like me.
Don’t risk your life visiting Redang Island in February.
The monsoon is NOT over yet.
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