Tourism footprint in Redang
Redang Island has been among the most popular tourist islands in Malaysia for a long time, drawing over a million tourists each year. Its glassy turquoise waters and white sandy beaches have always been known to domestic visitors. The healthy population of nesting turtles is also a major attraction. Despite this, the island has maintained a fairly limited tourism footprint, which is mostly concentrated along a single beach. While it draws mainly budget holidaymakers, it also has an exclusive beach resort option.
Tourism is a significant economic activity for the people of Redang, and has been for a long time. While the island still retains its beauty, water quality issues have begun to emerge, particularly during peak crowd periods, as rising tourist arrivals have begun to outgrow the infrastructure. Coupled with global warming causing an increasing frequency of coral bleaching events, the health of reefs around the islands is under threat. The island is also seeing more plastic pollution, putting its nesting turtles at risk.
Tourism footprint in Lang Tengah
Nearby Lang Tengah Island is pint-sized, only two miles in length. It was uninhabited until recently, and then only by a few tourism operators. Apart from these, Lang Tengah also hosts two conservation projects: PULIHARA for turtle conservation, and Coralku coral rehabilitation (in Summer Bay resort).
Redang & Lang Tengah sustainable tourism
Conventional tourism is still the norm in Redang & Lang Tengah. You can support the island's transition to sustainable tourism by making eco-friendly choices when you come on holiday. This shows that tourists want businesses to invest in these choices, and that sustainable business is good business.
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VOLUNTEER ON HOLIDAY IN REDANG & LANG TENGAH
For tourists who are interested in giving back to nature, you have a few options depending on commitment level. You can volunteer for a conservation project, or just visit them as an activity on your holiday in Redang and Lang Tengah. See our Sustainable Redang map above for where to find these projects.
TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN REDANG & LANG TENGAH
SEATRU runs a turtle conservation project on Chagar Hutang beach in Redang Island. The volunteering project requires a commitment of five days. However, you can also visit them as a day trip by arranging a visit in advance.
On Lang Tengah Island, PULIHARA turtle conservation project is located on Tok Enjut beach. The project welcomes volunteers who can commit to staying for a week or longer.
CORAL REHABILITATION PROJECTS IN REDANG & LANG TENGAH
Malaysia Tidal Garden Association, a Redang local community group, runs a coral rehabilitation program in Redang. The project site, however, isn't on Redang Island itself. Instead, it is on Pinang Island, the tiny island just south of Redang where the Marine Park Centre is located. Visit the project on a day trip to the Marine Park Centre.
On Lang Tengah, PULIHARA also carries out coral rehabilitation. Additionally, Summer Bay Resort hosts a coral rehabilitation project run by the NGO Coralku. You can visit Summer Bay Resort to see the Coralku project and support their effort.
