Redang trip – Prologue

This is an impromptu trip as the airtickets and accommodation are booked one month before the trip. My ex-colleague Sarah suggested a trip to Redang and end up only 2 of us are able to make it. 

Many years ago, most of my friends went on a trip to Redang after graduation as it is a very popular destination back then. The only option was to take 10 hours over night bus ride. In the past, Berjaya airline used to fly from Singapore to Redang island but this route was terminated few years ago. Johor Senai airport is the nearest airport which serve direct flight to Kuala Terengganu (the nearest airport to Shahbandar Jetty) and the other option is fly to KL and change to a domestic flight to Kuala Terengganu. 

The return airticket from Johor to Kuala Terengganu cost RM130 ~ S$ 41 which is very cheap! The airticket will be even cheaper if it is bought during the free seats promo. When booking the airticket, I have to select the currency as SGD before searching for the flight otherwise there is no eNets option at the payment page. Although the airticket is in MYR, Airasia will convert the amount using their prevailing exchange rate and reflect the SGD equivalent. I choose to pay by eNets as the processing fee is per booking compared to credit card processing fee which is per guest per sector.

There is airport shuttle service from JB Sentral (behind the Malaysia custom) to Senai airport and one way fare is MYR8. The ticket can be purchase online or at JB Sentral counter. There is an hourly departure from JB Sentral and the bus journey to Senai airport takes approximately an hour.

Map of Redang

As the latest ferry departs Shahbandar Jetty at 3pm, we will not be able to make it hence we have to stay one night at DJ Citi Point Hotel which is located near the Jetty. The rate for 2 single beds is MYR84.

There are many resorts in Redang and most resorts offer full board package. After researching, I proceed to book 4D3N package with Redang Bay Resort. A 4D3N package cost MYR568 which includes  4 daily meals: breakfast, lunch, tea break and buffet/ BBQ dinner, 5 snorkelling trips, return ferry from Shahbandar Jetty to Redang. I have requested for return airport transfer MYR25 and land transfer from DJ Citi Point Hotel to Shahbandar Jetty MYR10. I have checked that the taxi fare from airport to Shahbandar Jetty is RM30 one way hence it is slightly cheaper by booking the airport transfer through Redang Bay Resort. In addition, the marine conservative fees for foreigner MYR30 and for Malaysian is RM5 has to be paid on top of the package. On the last day, we will be taking the 7am ferry from Redang as we may not be able to make it to the airport if we take the 12pm ferry. I have asked Redang Bay Resort to allow us to deposit our belongings at their shop near the jetty so we have some time to explore the surrounding before leaving for the airport in the afternoon.

Itinerary for this trip:
Day 1: Reach Kuala Terengganu at 2.50pm and check into DJ Citi Point Hotel
Day 2: Depart Shahbandar Jetty at 10am and check into Redang Bay Resort
Day 3: Redang Bay Resort
Day 4: Redang Bay Resort
Day 5: Depart Redang at 7am and tour around at Kuala Terengganu. Depart Kuala Terengganu airport at 3.15pm

Budget for this trip is $300:
- $220 for accommodation
- $20 for transport & rental of snorkelling equipment
- $60 for food

>>Day 1: 26 Sep 17