Introduction
Trying to work out how to get to Redang Island can be confusing because different websites mention Merang Jetty, Shahbandar Jetty and, increasingly, Taman Tamadun Islam Jetty. The reason is simple: there is no single departure point used by every resort or boat operator.
For most international visitors, the journey involves first reaching Kuala Terengganu on Malaysia’s east coast, travelling by road to the jetty specified in their booking, and then continuing to Redang by boat.
The most important rule is to check your resort confirmation before travelling to the jetty. Current 2026 packages show that some resorts depart from Merang while others use Taman Tamadun Islam Jetty.
- Fly or travel overland to Kuala Terengganu first.
- Merang Jetty is widely used for speedboat transfers to Redang.
- Some resorts now use Taman Tamadun Islam Jetty, or TTI Jetty.
- Boat journeys generally take around 45 minutes from Merang and about 1½ hours from Kuala Terengganu-area jetties.
- Never choose your jetty based only on an old blog post—follow your resort or ferry booking instructions.
How Do You Get to Redang Island?
Redang lies about 45 kilometres off the coast of Kuala Terengganu and forms part of a protected marine-park area. For regular tourists, boats from the Terengganu mainland are the practical way to reach the island.
A typical journey looks like this:
Kuala Lumpur or another Malaysian city → Kuala Terengganu → designated jetty → Redang Island
If you are flying internationally into Kuala Lumpur, you will normally continue domestically to Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu or travel east by bus or car.
Which Jetty Should You Use for Redang Island?
This is the part travellers need to check most carefully.
Merang Jetty
Merang Jetty is north of central Kuala Terengganu and remains one of the main departure points for Redang.
Tourism Malaysia identifies Merang as one of Redang’s mainland gateways, and current 2026 Tourism Malaysia packages for Redang Pelangi Resort and Redang Reef Resort include return boat transfers from Merang.
The boat journey from Merang to Redang is around 45 minutes under normal conditions, according to Tourism Malaysia.
A 2026 Redang Pelangi itinerary shows boat boarding from Merang during the morning, while the resort notes that exact timing can change with weather and sea conditions.
Merang is particularly useful if: your resort package specifically states “Merang Jetty – Redang Island”.
Taman Tamadun Islam Jetty
Taman Tamadun Islam Jetty, commonly shortened to TTI Jetty, is on Pulau Wan Man in Kuala Terengganu.
Several current 2026 Redang packages use TTI instead of Merang. Tourism Malaysia’s 2026 packages for Laguna Redang, Redang Bay Resort and Redang Beach Resort all specify transfers from Taman Tamadun Islam Jetty.
Laguna Redang’s official website currently lists two daily scheduled departures from TTI Jetty, at 9:30 AM and 12:00 noon, with return departures from the resort at 9:00 AM and 11:45 AM. Its direct boat journey takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Those timings apply specifically to Laguna’s service. They should not be assumed to apply to every Redang resort.
What About Shahbandar Jetty?
You may still see Shahbandar or Shahbandar Jetty mentioned in travel guides. Tourism Malaysia’s Terengganu guide lists both Merang and Syahbandar as traditional jumping-off points for Pulau Redang.
However, current 2026 packages demonstrate why travellers should not automatically travel there: many resort transfers now specify either Merang or TTI Jetty.
Use the jetty written on your current booking confirmation, even if an older article names a different departure point.
How to Get to Redang From Kuala Lumpur
By Plane
For most international travellers, flying to Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu is the simplest option.
From the airport, continue by taxi, e-hailing car or a pre-arranged resort shuttle to your assigned jetty. Laguna states that its airport-to-TTI transfer typically takes around 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
For Merang, allow more road-transfer time because the jetty lies north of the city. Redang Pelangi advises allowing around 40 minutes between the airport and Merang.
The key is not simply booking the cheapest flight. Your arrival must leave enough time to reach the jetty before the last suitable boat.
By Express Bus
Kuala Lumpur has express buses to Kuala Terengganu. Tourism Malaysia estimates the journey at approximately five to seven hours.
An overnight coach can work well when your boat departs in the morning, but build in a reasonable delay buffer. From Kuala Terengganu’s bus terminal, continue by taxi, e-hailing service or resort transfer.
By Car
The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu covers roughly 455 kilometres via the East Coast Expressway.
If driving, confirm parking arrangements at your chosen jetty before departure. Your car remains on the mainland while you continue to Redang by boat.
How Long Is the Ferry to Redang Island?
The answer depends on your departure point and boat operator.
From Merang Jetty, Tourism Malaysia describes the speedboat journey as approximately 45 minutes.
From TTI Jetty in Kuala Terengganu, expect a longer trip. Laguna currently states around 1 hour 45 minutes, while current Tourism Malaysia Redang Bay packages describe their ferry journey as approximately 1 1⁄2 hours.
Weather, sea conditions and vessel type can change actual journey times.
Should You Book the Ferry Separately?
Check your accommodation package first.
Many Redang resort packages already include return boat transfers. Tourism Malaysia’s current 2026 offers for Laguna, Redang Pelangi, Redang Reef, Redang Bay and Redang Beach all include some form of round-trip sea transfer.
Booking another ferry before checking your resort arrangements could therefore create unnecessary cost or send you to the wrong jetty.
If you booked accommodation only, contact the property directly and ask:
- Which mainland jetty should I use?
- Is the boat included in my booking?
- What time should I check in?
- What is the final boat to the island?
- Where will the boat arrive on Redang?
Redang has different resort areas, so getting onto any available boat is not necessarily the same as getting directly to your accommodation.
When Is the Best Time to Travel to Redang?
Tourism Malaysia recommends visiting between March and October. During the northeast monsoon, resorts normally close for several months, generally between November and February.
Sea conditions are particularly important because ferry and speedboat operations can be delayed, changed or cancelled when conditions become unsafe.
Even during the normal operating season, avoid building an extremely tight connection between your boat and an international flight.
Redang Marine Park Conservation Charge
Redang is within Malaysia’s marine-park system.
The Department of Fisheries’ current official page lists a conservation charge of RM30 for non-MYKAD adults and RM15 for non-MYKAD children aged 6–12 and senior citizens aged 60 or older. Malaysian MyKad holders pay lower rates.
Because fees can be revised, international travellers should confirm the latest rate before departure. Some resort packages specifically state that the Marine Park fee is not included.
Important Travel Tips Before Taking the Ferry
Confirm your jetty 24–48 hours before travelling. Resort operators can change departure arrangements because of weather, sea conditions or operational requirements. Laguna’s 2026 terms explicitly allow boat timing or venue changes.
Choose an early arrival into Kuala Terengganu. Missing a scheduled resort transfer can mean waiting for another boat or paying for alternative transport.
Do not book an early flight home on checkout day. Allow enough time for the boat to reach the mainland, road transfer to the airport and possible weather delays.
Protect electronics and documents. A waterproof pouch or dry bag is useful when boarding smaller boats or travelling in wet weather.
Prepare for motion sickness if necessary. Sea conditions vary. Travellers who are sensitive to boat movement may want to prepare before boarding.
Keep your booking confirmation accessible. Resort counters may ask for your reservation details before issuing boat-transfer instructions.
Travel light where possible. Moving luggage between vehicles, jetty areas and boats is easier with manageable bags.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to get to Redang Island is mainly about choosing the correct jetty.
Merang remains a major gateway and offers the shorter sea crossing, while Taman Tamadun Islam Jetty is currently used by several resort transfers departing from Kuala Terengganu itself. Older references to Shahbandar are still found online, but current 2026 bookings should always take priority.
For the smoothest journey, arrange your mainland arrival around your resort’s boat schedule rather than planning the ferry as an afterthought. Confirm the jetty, departure time and transfer inclusion before booking flights or buses.
