The Enchanting Shores of Redang Island

• HelloHai
  [haɪ]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [səˈlamat ˈtiŋɡal]
• YesYa
  [jɑː]
• NoTidak
  [tiˈdak]
• Please/You're welcomeSila
  [ˈsila]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [təˈrima kaˈsih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ˈmaaf]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ˈapa ˈkhabar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awak?
  [baɪk dæn ˈawak]
• Do you speak English?Boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [ˈbʊlə tʃaˈkap baˈhasa ˈɪŋərɪs]
• I don't understandSaya tak faham
  [saja tak ˈfaham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya hendak melihat menu, sila
  [ˈsaja hənˈdak məˈlihat ˈmenu ˈsila]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [saja tiˈdak maˈkan ˈdaɪəŋ]
• Cheers!Yam seng!
  [jæm sɛŋ]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya hendak membayar, sila
  [ˈsaja hənˈdak məmˈbaɪər ˈsila]

• Help!Tolong!
  [ˈtoloŋ]
• Go away!Pergi jauh!
  [ˈpərɡi dʒaʊ]
• Call the Police!Panggil Polis!
  [ˈpaŋɡil ˈpolis]
• Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [ˈpaŋɡil ˈdoʊktər]
• I'm lostSaya sesat
  [ˈsaja səˈsat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [ˈsaja ˈsakit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya hendak membeli...
  [ˈsaja hənˈdak məmˈbeli]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [ˈsaja ˈhanya məˈlihat ˈlihat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [bəˈrapa hərˈɡanə]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ˈitʊ tərˈlaːlʊ maˈhal]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [ˈbʊlə kʊˈraŋkan ˈhərɡə]

• What time is it?Berapa pukul sekarang?
  [bəˈrapa pəˈkul səˈkaraŋ]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [pəˈkul saˈtu]
• Half past (10)Setengah pukul (10)
  [səˈtəŋa pəˈkul (10)]
• MorningPagi
  [ˈpaɡi]
• AfternoonPetang
  [pəˈtaŋ]
• EveningMalam
  [ˈmalaːm]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [səˈmalaːm]
• TodayHari ini
  [ˈhari ˈini]
• TomorrowEsok
  [ˈɛsok]
• 1Satu
  [saˈtu]
• 2Dua
  [ˈdua]
• 3Tiga
  [ˈtiɡa]
• 4Empat
  [əmˈpat]
• 5Lima
  [ˈlima]
• 6Enam
  [əˈnam]
• 7Tujuh
  [ˈtuʤo]
• 8Lapan
  [ˈlapən]
• 9Sembilan
  [səmˈbilan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [səˈpulu]

• Where's a/the...?Di manakah...
  [di məˈnaʔkə]
• What's the address?Berapakah alamatnya?
  [bəˈrapaʔkə ˌalamatnja]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan kepada saya (pada peta)?
  [ˈbʊlə tʊnˈdʒukkən kəpada ˈsaja (ˈpada ˈpɛta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [ˈbila bas səˈtərəsnja]
• A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [saˈtu ˈtikət (kə)]

Redang Island, known as Pulau Redang in Malay, has a rich history of early settlement. The island was originally inhabited by the Orang Laut, also known as 'sea people,' who were seafaring tribes living along the coastal regions of Malaysia. Their presence on the island is evidenced by ancient artifacts and oral traditions passed down through generations.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Redang Island found itself at the crossroads of maritime trade routes. Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers recognized the strategic importance of Redang due to its proximity to the South China Sea. The island served as a waypoint for ships and a temporary refuge for sailors. The influence of these colonial powers is still evident in some of the island's architectural remnants.

During World War II, Redang Island played a significant role as a strategic point for both the Allied and Axis powers. Japanese forces occupied the island in their bid to control the Malay Peninsula and the South China Sea. The remnants of bunkers and wartime structures can still be explored by visitors today, offering a glimpse into this turbulent period of the island's history.

In the late 20th century, recognizing the ecological importance of Redang Island, the Malaysian government established the Redang Marine Park in 1991. This initiative was aimed at preserving the island's rich marine biodiversity and coral reefs. The park status afforded the island a level of protection that has helped maintain its natural beauty and attract eco-tourists from around the world.

The cultural heritage of Redang Island is a tapestry woven from various influences over centuries. The local Malay population has maintained traditions such as fishing, boat building, and traditional crafts. Festivals and ceremonies, like the annual Hari Raya celebrations, are vibrant displays of community spirit and cultural pride. These traditions offer visitors a unique insight into the island's way of life.

In recent decades, Redang Island has transformed into a popular tourist destination. The development of resorts, dive centers, and other tourist facilities has brought economic growth to the island. Despite this modernization, efforts have been made to balance development with conservation, ensuring that the island's natural and cultural heritage remains intact for future generations to enjoy.

Redang Island is located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea. The nearest airport is Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to the Shabandar Jetty or Merang Jetty, where you can catch a ferry to Redang Island. The ferry ride typically takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang to Redang Airport, which is located on the island itself.

Once on Redang Island, transportation options are somewhat limited. Most resorts offer shuttle services to and from the jetty. Renting a bicycle or a motorbike is also an option for exploring the island at your own pace. Taxis and private car hires are available but may be pricier. Walking is a viable option as many of the island's attractions are within close proximity to each other.

The official currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). While major hotels and resorts accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller shops or local eateries. ATMs are available on the island, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before arriving. Currency exchange services are limited, so exchanging money at the airport or in Kuala Terengganu is recommended.

Redang Island is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is always prudent to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended on the beach and be cautious when walking alone at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The island has a small medical clinic for minor health issues, but for more serious medical emergencies, you may need to be transported to the mainland. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Most resorts have basic first aid kits and can assist in contacting emergency services if needed.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public areas and when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering homes and places of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Note that public transport options are limited on the island. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight nod. A handshake is common but not necessary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Redang Island like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh seafood and traditional Malaysian snacks. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to snorkel or dive at the island's pristine coral reefs. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to explore the smaller, less-known islands surrounding Redang.