In 15 minutes we were in Berjaya Redang Beach Resort, resting snugly amidst a big expanse of tropical forest, fronting a private, long white sandy beach and a private bay with crystal clear water. The resort, with 206 units of accommodation and restaurants, is what dreams are made of.

On arrival, we were offered a refreshing lemony drink. The vista from my room — perched on a verdant hillock — was amazing. I could see the white powder beach hemmed in by lush mountains. Quickly I prepared tea and sat on the comfy sofa on the balcony, savoring the commanding view of area. It is no wonder that Redang is dubbed as a perfect leisure getaway.

The pristine coastline caressed by the South China Sea is suited for windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking and powerboat racing. After lunch (at the poolside restaurant), we set out for island hopping and snorkeling. Snorkeling in the waters of Redang Island is real fun, especially if you love water and have a taste for adventure. Strapped into our snorkeling gear, we set off in our rowboat. It was my first snorkeling experience though I have been to many dive sites in Oman. And, I can vouch you will love it to the hilt. Our guide said that coral reefs are “the rainforests of the seas, the nurseries of life,” and so we were instructed to be careful not to damage them.

We swam along huge rocks of coral reefs in deep red, pale pink and green with beautiful natural patterns. Some of them looked like graffiti, some like brain cells and others like criss-crossing lines on a road map. It’s a real underwater Discovery Channel experience, and the thrill is so much more if you’re a first timer — like we were. Water sports are naturally the biggest attraction for tourists visiting Redang. We snorkeled at three different sites, including at a beach, which is home to a marine park. It’s an exciting underworld — stunning coral reefs in red, pale pink and green, yellow with beautiful natural patterns and colorful fish. There are also diving facilities at the island. If only I had an underwater camera! Other diving enthusiasts and underwater photographers would definitely be entranced by the sights of the islands, which are ranked among the best coral reefs in the world.

After the snorkeling session, we got back to our rooms, refreshed and then just lazed on the beach. We could see two couples enjoying kayaking. The beaches there beckon. I then retreated to the cozy confines of my room. Dinner was amazing with mussels, crabs, prawns and local fruit. I was also told one could go on jungle tours, as the island is lush with tropical forest. The island is fairly developed and has a few resorts. Besides the island, the state of Terengganu itself has many attractions including the beautiful Crystal Mosque, the Islamic Civilization Park, etc.

Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia and Berjaya Air fly to Terengganu from Kuala Lumpur on a regular basis. Redang Island offers solace to those who want to get away from the madding crowd. With its rare combination of rustic charm and pristine natural beauty, the island is a welcome respite from the hectic world.