Redang Island has no public airport of its own, only two real jetties on the mainland, and resort transfer times that shift with tide and weather. Most first-time visitors discover this the hard way, scrambling between Kuala Terengganu and the coast on the same day they’re meant to be relaxing on a beach. For a wider overview of the islands and regions covered in this guide, the Terengganu Travel Guide: Destination, Islands, Weather, Getting There & Who It’s For is a useful starting point before you commit to a route.
For those looking to the best way to travel to Redang, here is he short answer: fly or drive into Kuala Terengganu, spend at least one night on the Setiu coast at a mainland property such as Katsetiu Villas, then cross to Redang from Merang Jetty, which sits only minutes away. This guide breaks that down into two route plans — one for travellers with 2–3 days, and one for travellers with five or more days — plus the jetty logistics, timing windows, and accommodation decisions that make each version work.
Why Stop in Setiu Before Crossing to Redang Island
Most itineraries treat the mainland as something to get through as quickly as possible. That overlooks one of the more underrated stretches of coastline in Terengganu.
Setiu sits directly between Kuala Terengganu and the Redang jetties, and it’s home to mangrove wetlands, quiet beaches facing the Redang Island, and a handful of homestay private villas that look out toward Redang and Perhentian on the horizon.
Spending a night at Katsetiu Villas in Pantai Bari before crossing over does three things: it shortens your actual jetty transfer to a five-to-ten-minute drive, gives you a buffer against delayed flights or rough seas, and adds a completely different kind of scenery to the trip — mangroves, turtle nesting beaches, and firefly rivers rather than just reef and sand. The Setiu Wetlands: Terengganu’s Underrated Natural Treasure guide covers the boat tours through the mangrove system in more detail, and Top 10 Places You Can Visit or Must Do in Setiu, Terengganu rounds up the rest of the area if you have time to spare.
If you’re weighing up where exactly to base yourself, Penarik Beach: Top Accommodation & Homestay Villas and Pantai Chalok: A Hidden Pristine Beach Spot in Terengganu both cover nearby stretches of coast worth comparing, while 10 Best Pristine Beaches in Malaysia (Terengganu) That You Must Visit gives a state-wide shortlist.
Understanding Your Jetty Options: Merang vs Shahbandar
There are two points of departure for Redang Island, and choosing the right one saves real time. Merang Jetty is roughly 40km north of Kuala Terengganu and is used by most resort speedboats; Shahbandar Jetty sits in Kuala Terengganu town itself and is mainly used for the public ferry service.
| Factor | Merang Jetty | Shahbandar Jetty (KT Town) |
| Distance from Katsetiu Villas | 5–10 minutes | About 45 minutes |
| Distance from KT Airport | About 35–40 minutes | About 20–25 minutes |
| Crossing time to Redang | 30–45 minutes | Up to 90 minutes (public ferry) |
| Boat frequency | Frequent — most resort speedboats depart here | Limited — one main public ferry operator |
| Best for | Travellers basing in Setiu / Penarik / Merang | Travellers staying in KT town or using the public ferry only |
Merang Jetty is the better default for almost everyone reading this guide. It’s closer to Katsetiu Villas, the crossing is shorter, and most resorts route their own boats through it rather than Shahbandar. The How to Get to Redang Island: Traveller’s Guide and Redang Island Travel Guide: Tourism Information, What to Expect and FAQ both go deeper into route options, ticketing, and what to expect at each terminal.
A few logistics worth knowing regardless of jetty: boats typically run from around 8am to mid-afternoon, sea conditions are calmer earlier in the day, and almost every resort will ask you to confirm departure timing the evening before, since schedules shift with tides and weather. Redang is also largely closed to resort traffic during the November–February monsoon season — the timing section below has the detail you need before booking.
Option 1 — Short-Term Travellers (2–3 Days)
If you’re working with a long weekend, the goal is to maximise water time without losing a day to transition. The trick is treating the Setiu stop as a one-night decompression point rather than a full side trip.
Day 1 — Arrive and Unwind in Setiu
Fly or drive into Kuala Terengganu and head to Katsetiu Villas — about 40 minutes from Sultan Mahmud Airport, or a similar distance from the KT bus terminal by taxi or Grab. The villas offer their own Airport Transfer Service if you’d rather not arrange your own ride. Check in, settle into the villa, and spend the afternoon on the beach. This is also when to lock in a Redang Island snorkelling day trip if you want a preview of the reef before checking into an island resort — many guests use the budget-friendly route covered in Pakej Day Trip Snorkeling Pulau Redang RM99 Seorang (Bahasa Melayu). For dinner, 11 Best Places to Eat Lunch or Dinner in Setiu, Terengganu has solid, low-key options nearby.
Day 2 — Cross Over to Redang
Take the short ride to Merang Jetty and catch a morning boat to Redang. Most resorts run their own speedboats from Merang, so confirm pickup time with the resort directly rather than relying on the public ferry schedule. Spend the rest of the day, and the following morning, in the water.
Day 3 — Last Swim and Departure
Use the morning for a final snorkel or beach walk, then take the early-afternoon boat back to Merang in time to connect to Kuala Terengganu for your flight or drive home.
| Leg | From → To | Mode | Approx. Time |
| Arrival | KT Airport → Katsetiu Villas | Taxi / Grab / Airport Transfer | 35–40 min |
| Night 1 | Katsetiu Villas | Stay | 1 night |
| Crossing | Merang Jetty → Redang Island | Speedboat | 30–45 min |
| Island stay | Redang resort | Stay | 1–2 nights |
| Return | Redang → Merang → KT Airport | Speedboat + taxi | ~1.5 hrs total |
Option 2 — Long-Term Travellers (5+ Days)
With more time on hand, Setiu stops being a stopover and becomes a destination in its own right — and Redang can be explored properly instead of rushed.
Days 1–2 — Settle Into Setiu
Spend two nights at Katsetiu Villas instead of one. This gives room to actually explore the area: a boat trip through the Setiu Wetlands, a visit to a nearby turtle conservation site, and — if you’re up for it — a hike up Bukit Keluang for sweeping coastal views. If you’d rather slow the pace further, What To Do in Terengganu: Day & Night Itineraries for Every Traveller and Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Terengganu That You Must Visit both offer half-day add-ons, including a cultural detour through some of the 12 Stunning Mosques in Terengganu if architecture and heritage interest you.
Days 3–5 — Redang Island, Properly
Cross via Merang Jetty and check into a Redang resort for at least three nights. That’s enough time to rotate between snorkelling spots — Pasir Panjang, Teluk Kalong, Mak Simpan, Tanjung Tengah — take a dive course or trip if you’re certified, and still have lazy beach days without racing the clock. Top 5 Must-Do Activities in Redang Island and Terengganu is a good shortlist to work from. Divers with extra time sometimes add a short hop to Lang Tengah Island, or use Top 7 Islands in Terengganu: Traveller’s Guide to Redang, Perhentian, Tenggol, Kapas, Lang Tengah, Bidong and Gemia Islands to plan a wider island-hopping route.
Days 6–7 — Wind Down Back on the Mainland
Instead of flying out straight from the island transfer, head back to Katsetiu Villas for a final night or two. It softens the re-entry to normal life and leaves room for a private BBQ dinner on the beach — bookable through the Private BBQ / BBQ Equipment Rental service — or a few Setiu-area meals you’d have missed the first time around. Top Places to Visit in Terengganu After Your Diving Trip in Redang Island is built specifically for this stretch of the trip, and Is Terengganu or Langkawi Island Worth Visiting? Here’s What I Discover After 5 Days is worth a read if you’re still weighing up how much time the region deserves on a future trip.
| Leg | From → To | Mode | Approx. Time |
| Arrival | KT Airport → Katsetiu Villas | Taxi / Grab / Airport Transfer | 35–40 min |
| Setiu exploration | Katsetiu Villas | Stay | 2 nights |
| Crossing | Merang Jetty → Redang Island | Speedboat | 30–45 min |
| Island stay | Redang resort | Stay | 3+ nights |
| Return crossing | Redang → Merang Jetty | Speedboat | 30–45 min |
| Wind-down | Katsetiu Villas | Stay | 1–2 nights |
| Departure | Katsetiu Villas → KT Airport | Taxi / Grab | 35–40 min |
Where to Stay: Mainland Villa vs Island Resort
Splitting your stay between a mainland villa and an island resort is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to a Redang trip, and it’s worth understanding why before you book either leg.
Island resorts are convenient once you’re there, but pricing usually bundles meals and transfers whether you want them or not, and you’re committed to the resort’s own kitchen and schedule for every day of your stay. Mainland villas — particularly ones near Merang Jetty — give you a kitchen, more flexible meal options, and lower nightly rates, while still being a short boat ride from the same reefs. The case for and against each is laid out in Should You Stay in Redang Island Resort or Private Villas in Terengganu? Here Is What We Found and Five Reasons Why Mainland Beach Villas in Terengganu Are Better Than Resorts in Redang Island. For a shortlist of specific properties, see The Best Top Terengganu Private Villas and Vacation Rental If You Plan to Go to Redang Island and Top 5 Beach Holiday Destinations to Stay in Terengganu.
First-hand accounts are useful here too — Discover a Resort-Like Hotel Villa Experience in Setiu, Terengganu, A Traveler’s Escapade to Katsetiu Villas: A Review of Terengganu’s Hidden Coastal Gem Beyond the Island, and This Healing Staycation Home Rental Villa in Terengganu Is the Best Vacation Experience I Had all walk through what an actual stay looks like, from the main villa layout to the surrounding beach.
| Aspect | Katsetiu Villas (Mainland) | Redang Island Resort |
| Kitchen & meal flexibility | Full kitchen, café, BBQ option | Set meal times, resort menu only |
| Nightly rate (per person) | From around RM140 | Typically higher, often package-bundled |
| Privacy | Whole-villa, private group bookings | Shared resort grounds and dining |
| Access to reef | Day-trip snorkelling packages available | Direct, included in most stays |
| Best for | Groups, families, flexible itineraries | Travellers who want to be fully island-based |
Choosing Your Room at Katsetiu Villas
Katsetiu Villas has four separate units that can be booked individually or together as a full property — useful if you’re travelling as a group. The Large Beach Main Villa sleeps the most guests and anchors the property; Beach Villa A and Beach Villa B suit couples or small families; and the Garden Rear Villa is a quieter option set back from the shorefront. Full floor plans are available via Villas Floor Plan & Layout, and current rates are listed on the Price List. For a wider sense of how this compares to other private rental options across the state, see Best Vacation Rental Homes in Malaysia: Top 10 Best Luxury Homestay Private Villas That You Can Choose.
Best Time to Visit Redang Island and Terengganu
Terengganu’s east coast runs on a fairly predictable seasonal pattern: clear skies and calm seas for most of the year, with the monsoon bringing rough water and resort closures roughly between November and February. The Weather in Terengganu: Best Time to Visit guide breaks this down month by month, including the shoulder periods worth targeting if you want fewer crowds without the monsoon risk. Booking tends to tighten up between May and September, so a stay at Katsetiu Villas is worth locking in early if you’re travelling in that window — keep an eye on Year End Deals – Stay 2 Nights, Get the 3rd Night FREE style promotions for off-peak savings.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Confirm your resort’s boat departure time the evening before — schedules shift with tide and weather, and most resorts use Merang Jetty rather than Shahbandar.
- Book Redang resorts and Katsetiu Villas separately rather than as one package; it gives you more control over how many nights you spend on each side of the crossing.
- Travelling as a larger family or group? Villa Homestay di Terengganu yang Boleh Menampung 20 hingga 27 Orang (Bahasa Melayu) and Homestay Villa Tepi Pantai Terengganu RM 140 (Bahasa Melayu) cover booking all four villas together at a reduced per-person rate.
- Drinking water and general water quality at the villas is covered directly in Water Quality and Clean Supply at Katsetiu Villas, useful if you’re travelling with young children.
- Special occasion? The Honeymoon / Birthday Deco Service can be arranged in advance for anniversaries, proposals, or birthdays at either the villa or before your island crossing.
- Check the House Rules and FAQ pages before booking, and see the Gallery and Location pages for a visual sense of the property and exact directions from Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu, and the airport.
- Setiu’s beaches are part of an active conservation area — the Beach Clean Up in Setiu, Terengganu: 150kg Collected at Pantai Bari initiative is a good example of the community effort behind keeping this stretch of coast clean for both wildlife and visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which jetty should I use to get to Redang Island?
Merang Jetty, for almost all travellers. It’s closer to Setiu accommodation, has more frequent resort speedboat departures, and the crossing is shorter than from Shahbandar Jetty in Kuala Terengganu town.
How long does the boat ride to Redang Island take?
From Merang Jetty, crossings typically take 30–45 minutes by speedboat. From Shahbandar Jetty via the public ferry, the trip can take up to 90 minutes.
Is it worth staying on the mainland before going to Redang Island?
Yes. An overnight stop in Setiu adds very little extra travel time but gives you a buffer against flight delays or rough seas, plus access to mangroves, turtle beaches, and local food that the island itself doesn’t offer.
When is the best time to visit Redang Island?
Roughly March through October, outside the November–February monsoon season when most resorts close and seas are rough. May to September is peak season, so book early if travelling then.
Can I do a Redang Island day trip without staying overnight on the island?
Yes — day-trip snorkelling packages departing from Merang are widely available and a good way to sample the reef if you’re short on time or budget.
Do I need to book boat transfers in advance?
Yes. Most resorts arrange transfers as part of your booking, but confirm the exact departure time and jetty the evening before, since schedules are weather-dependent.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” way to travel to Redang Island, but there is a best structure: don’t treat the mainland as something to rush through. A night or two in Setiu costs you almost nothing in travel time and changes the trip from “we went to a resort” into something that actually shows you a slice of Terengganu’s coast before the island takes over. Whichever timeline you’re working with — a long weekend or a full week — start with where you’ll sleep before you cross, and the rest of the logistics fall into place around it.
Ready to plan the mainland leg of your trip? Browse villa options, check the snorkelling packages, or get in touch directly with Katsetiu Villas for current availability.
More Travel Resources from Katsetiu Villas
A few additional guides from the Katsetiu Villas blog that didn’t fit neatly above but are worth bookmarking:
- Redang Island Travel Guide: Tourism Information, What to Expect and FAQ
- Top 5 Must-Do Activities in Redang Island and Terengganu
- Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Terengganu That You Must Visit
- 12 Stunning Mosques in Terengganu You Should Visit at Least Once
- Sewaan Penginapan Tepi Pantai yang Terbaik di Terengganu (Bahasa Melayu)
- Homestay Tepi Pantai Dengan Kolam di Terengganu: Pengalaman Kami di Pantai Penarik dan Bari Besar (Bahasa Melayu)
- About Katsetiu Villas — for full property and host information.
- Browse the full Katsetiu Villas blog for more Terengganu and Redang Island travel content.