Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to
Malaysia on an assignment. After work, I had two days to spare. Then, in the
spirit of seeing the sea, I went to the state of Terengganu, located about 425
kilometers east of Kuala Lumpur.
Located on the east coast of Malaysia, the
state of Terengganu is a unique destination for nature lovers and seafarers.
Among the numerous islands in this state, Redang Island is like an unearthly
paradise floating in the blue sea. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the
enchanting delta courtesy of the Malaysian High Commissioner in Bangladesh.
With its unique beauty of nature, crystal clear
waters, coral reefs and secluded environment, Redang Island is an unforgettable
experience for me.
I left my hotel room in the morning and set off
for the "Nel Ghat" in the car that I had arranged in advance. From
here, 4/5 very large speed boats leave every morning. A total of 6 islands can
be enjoyed with lunch for 120 ringgit per person.
We started our journey by speedboat from the
coast of Terengganu. As the boat moved forward in the South China Sea, one
after another natural wonders began to unfold before our eyes. Deep blue
waters, rows of islands wrapped in greenery in the distance, and white clouds
in the sky were like a living painting. After about forty minutes of walking,
we first reached a very small island floating in the ocean. It is a coral
island. Numerous snails are spread out on this island of white soft sand.
The next stop on the journey seemed to be
waiting with more surprises. We reached a beautiful island where we were given
a `snorkel', a snorkel is a device for swimming upside down in a body of water
and breathing in the surrounding air through a specially shaped tube. We were
able to see Nemo and baby sharks with the help of this. It reminded me of the
famous Hollywood movie Finding Nemo made in 2003. It was an amazing feeling.
The next island break was another exciting one.
There we saw many hundred-year-old turtles. They made us feel very welcome.
They were roaming around us. They would gather whenever we threw food from the
boat.
We didn’t realize when it was noon while
watching all this. We were given a one and a half hour break. There was a lunch
arrangement with our package. We went down to a beautiful island for food. The
food menu was pure Malay. Everyone was so hungry after wading in the water that
they ate their food very quickly. We also ate sweet raw mangoes, raw dabs and
various fruits.
The first feeling that comes after reaching
Redang Island is that this is not the real world, but a dreamland drawn by an
artist.
The biggest attraction of this trip is its
serene environment. Overshadowing the hustle and bustle of people, only the
sound of waves, birds chirping, and the gentle music of coconut trees swaying
in the wind are all around. Such an environment is truly peaceful to get rid of
the urban hustle and bustle.
In short, the experience of snorkeling in the
clear waters of Redang Island was extraordinary. The diverse forms of coral
reefs under the water, schools of colorful marine fish, and marine biodiversity
instantly fascinate the eyes. Nature has revealed its most beautiful form here.
This island is undoubtedly an ideal destination for those interested in scuba
diving or observing marine life.
The white sand beaches and green forests spread
around the island create additional attraction for tourists. It is difficult to
express in words the feeling of sitting on the beach and enjoying the sunrise
or sunset. When the golden light of the sun is reflected in the sea water, the
whole environment creates a miraculous atmosphere.
Redang Island is not only a model for beauty,
but also for environmental conservation. Local authorities and
environmentalists are very conscious about preserving the natural balance of
the island. Tourists are also encouraged to behave environmentally friendly.
Various instructions are strictly followed to limit the use of plastic, not to
damage the coral reefs, and to protect marine biodiversity. As a result, the
natural beauty of the island is still intact.
Another attraction of the trip was the sincerity of the local people. Their hospitality and welcoming smiles made the whole trip more enjoyable. The taste of the local food was also great. Especially the fresh sea fish and traditional Malay food bring a different experience to tourists.
When I was returning from the island after the trip, I repeatedly felt that nature had poured all its beauty here with a generous hand. Redang Island is not just a tourist destination; it is a unique place to connect with nature. Anyone who visits this island once will have an unforgettable memory of the blue sea, white sand and green forests in their hearts forever.
Redang Island in Terengganu is truly a paradise of unparalleled beauty. It can be a dream destination for all types of travelers, whether they are nature lovers, photographers, adventure lovers or those who want to spend a quiet vacation. Once you visit, you will want to return to this blue sea paradise again and again.
Finally, I would like to express my deepest
gratitude and thanks to Shuhada Othman, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to
Bangladesh. She made everything so beautiful and organized that I did not have
to suffer at all. Without her help, I might not have been able to witness this
memorable sea trip in such a short time.
