Exploring the Beautiful Terengganu: Diving Adventures on Tenggol Island

Tenggol Island, the southernmost island in Terengganu, is a hidden gem amongst the cluster of islands that form the Terengganu Marine Park. The island group, which includes Pulau Nyireh, Tokong Timur, Tokong Burung and Tokong Talang/Tokong Kemudi and Tokong Laut, is blessed with numerous stunning beaches and trails that cross the 3 by 2km island, perfect for light trekking.

While Tenggol is less crowded than the other islands to the north, it is a well-known magnet for hardcore divers seeking adventure. With 20 dive sites around the island, divers can explore the rich marine life and experience night diving, diving around shipwrecks, and deep-sea diving. Some parts of the sea surrounding the island are known for strong currents, which attract experienced divers who take it as an adrenaline-pumping challenge.

One of the most sought-after marine creatures in the waters around Pulau Tenggol is the migratory whale shark, which typically appears from August to October. As divers descend into the waters of Tenggol for its rich marine life, so do the whale sharks. For divers seeking close encounters with larger marine life, spotting a whale shark is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they do not linger in any one location for long.

While Tenggol is known for its diving possibilities, non-divers can also enjoy snorkeling around the island, though Perhentian Island may be a better choice for this activity. With its pristine natural beauty and diverse marine life, Tenggol Island is a paradise waiting to be explored.

Tenggol Island is home to several popular dive sites, such as Tanjung Api, Tokong Timur, Tokong Laut, Tanjong Gemuk, and Pulau Nyireh, with an average diving depth of around 21 meters and a maximum depth of about 35 meters. The best time for diving at Tenggol is between April and early October, when the waters are calmer and the weather is favorable. Divers can enjoy the colorful coral gardens and diverse marine life, such as whale sharks, bumphead parrotfish, turtles, yellowtail fusilier, nudibranchs, giant clams, stingrays, and batfish. If you dive from March to May, you might also catch a glimpse of manta rays in the area.

How to reach Tenggol

Terengganu is a state located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, known for its beautiful beaches, islands, and cultural attractions. There are several ways to reach Terengganu:

By plane: The main airport in Terengganu is the Sultan Mahmud Airport, which is located about 15km from the city center of Kuala Terengganu. You can take a direct flight to Sultan Mahmud Airport from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Singapore.Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia offer daily flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA & LCCT) to Kuala Terengganu. Once you arrive at Kuala Terengganu, you can take a public bus or a taxi to Kuala Dungun, which takes about an hour. The bus ride is relatively cheap, costing only a few ringgits, while a taxi will cost you around RM60. Once you arrive at Kuala Dungun jetty, you can arrange for a boat to take you to Tenggol Island. The island is situated 25km from the coast, so it takes around 50 minutes by boat to reach your resort.Alternatively, you can take a flight by Firefly from Subang Airport, which is closer to Kuala Lumpur than KLIA/LCCT, to Kerteh town. From Kerteh, it only takes a 20-minute taxi ride to reach Kuala Dungun. This option is more time-efficient if you’re traveling from Kuala Lumpur.
By car: If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, take the East Coast Expressway (E8) and follow the signs to Terengganu. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
By bus: There are regular bus services from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and other major cities to Terengganu. The journey takes around 6-7 hours from Kuala Lumpur.
By train: The nearest train station to Terengganu is the Wakaf Bharu Station in Kelantan, which is about 50km from Kuala Terengganu. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Terengganu.

Overall, Terengganu is well-connected and easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

Important notes

ATM: It’s important to note that there are no ATMs available on Tenggol Island, so visitors should plan accordingly. While some resorts may accept credit cards, it’s recommended to bring enough cash to cover expenses during your stay. Visitors can find an ATM in Kuala Dungun or at the Kuala Terengganu Airport. It’s also worth noting that there are no shops on Tenggol Island, so visitors should bring all necessary supplies from the mainland.
BEST TIME TO VISIT :It is important to note that Tenggol Island is closed to visitors during the monsoon season from October to February. This is due to the severe weather conditions during this period, and most of the resort staff will temporarily move to the mainland. The best time to visit Tenggol Island is from April to early October, when the weather is calmer and more conducive for outdoor activities.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of Pulau Tenggol

Discover the beauty of Pulau Tenggol, a small yet stunning island located off the southern coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. This three by two kilometre island is part of a group of islands that includes Pulau Nyireh, Tokong Timur, Tokong Talang, Tokong Burung and Tokong Kemudi (Tokong Laut). With a rich history, the island was once uninhabited until Vietnamese refugees who fled by boat were stranded on its shores after the Vietnam War.

Pulau Tenggol boasts crystal clear waters and rugged terrain covered with dense jungle, surrounded by beautiful steep cliffs. The island has two pristine beaches, located on Teluk Ayer Tawar and Pasir Tenggara, where visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery and relax under the tropical sun.

For adventure seekers, Pulau Tenggol is a must-visit destination, offering some of the best diving experiences in Peninsular Malaysia. With over 20 dive sites, divers can explore enchanting wrecks, vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. From whale sharks to nudibranchs, there is no shortage of fascinating creatures to discover in the island’s surrounding waters.

Dive Sites in Tenggol

Tenggol Island is a diver’s paradise with its vibrant marine life, underwater caves, and colorful coral reefs. With over 20 dive sites surrounding the island, Tenggol offers an incredible diving experience for both experienced and novice divers.

One of the most popular dive sites is Tanjung Gemuk, which features a large underwater cave that divers can explore. This dive site is also known for its strong currents, making it a thrilling and challenging dive.

Another popular dive site is Tokong Burung, where divers can spot schools of barracudas, jacks, and trevallies. This dive site is also home to large boulders covered in colorful soft corals and sea fans.

Divers looking for a unique experience should check out the Tenggol Coral Garden, where they can swim through coral-covered arches and tunnels. This dive site is also a great spot for macro photography, with numerous species of nudibranchs, shrimps, and crabs hiding in the colorful coral reefs.

For experienced divers looking for a challenge, the House Reef offers a thrilling night dive with the opportunity to spot various nocturnal sea creatures such as octopuses, eels, and cuttlefish.

Overall, Tenggol Island’s dive sites offer a diverse range of underwater experiences that are sure to captivate divers of all skill levels.

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Shallow Reef

Turtle Point is a shallow fringing reef dive site located on the western side of Pulau Tenggol. The site begins at a depth of around 4 meters and gently slopes to approximately 18 meters. It is an ideal spot for novice divers, with a sheltered location in a deep bay. The area is teeming with vibrant reef fish and fascinating marine creatures. Divers may even catch sight of guitar sharks and eagle rays in the deeper sandy areas on occasion.

Pinnacles & Boulders: Exploring the Depths of Tenggol Island

Tenggol Island is home to an array of dive sites that cater to both novice and seasoned divers. Among the top dive sites are the submerged rock formations and pinnacles that offer challenging conditions and an opportunity to encounter big pelagics. These sites can reach depths of up to 40 metres, making them a favourite among experienced divers. Divers can expect to see giant trevallies, bonitos, barracudas and the magnificent whale shark. Popular sites include Tokong Timur, Tokong Burung, Tokong Talang, Tokong Laut, Tokong Dolah, Berolok and Fish Bowl.

For those who prefer exploring deep sloping reefs, Tenggol Island also has much to offer. Sites like Amazing Grace and Tanjung Gemok boast healthy coral formations and huge soft coral colonies. On a clear visibility day, the view is simply breathtaking. These dive sites are perfect for divers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the underwater world.

Drift Dive

Experience the thrill of drift diving at Tenggol Island, thanks to its ideal location with strong currents. Advanced divers can take on the challenge at famous sites like Moon Raker, Mini Highway, and Tanjung Api, where the deep and lengthy areas are perfect for drift diving. As you glide along with the currents, you’ll be mesmerized by the beautiful scenery and have the opportunity to spot hunting pelagic creatures. This is not an activity for the faint-hearted, but for those seeking a thrilling adventure underwater.

Macro Dive

Tenggol Island’s underwater world is not just about the big pelagics and beautiful reefs, but also has a lot to offer for macro enthusiasts. Wall dives around the island are particularly popular among macro hunters, especially those who are into underwater photography. The dives are relatively calm and tranquil, allowing divers to take their time in searching for tiny marine creatures. Nudibranchs in vibrant colors, elusive ornate ghost pipefish, and curious shrimps are just some of the macro species that can be found in the area. These wall dives offer a great opportunity for critter lovers to explore the island’s diverse marine life in a more relaxed and focused manner.

Dive into History: Exploring the Wrecks of Tenggol Island

Tenggol Island offers a unique diving experience for those who seek adventure and history. The Malaysian Marine Park Department has deliberately sunk several vessels around the island to create artificial reefs, providing a fascinating backdrop for divers. Fisherman Wreck, Deep Wreck, Sawadee Wreck and Five Sisters Wreck are accessible to most divers with advanced certification training. The wrecks are located at various depths, with the deepest being at 34 metres, which is still within the recreational depth limit.

Apart from the artificial reefs, Tenggol Island has two other wrecks with historical significance – Kapal Kain (Cloth Wreck) and Propeller Wreck. These wrecks were sunk several decades ago, and diving here is strictly limited to Technical Divers due to the extreme depth of over 50 metres.

Exploring these shipwrecks offers an exciting glimpse into the past and provides an opportunity to observe marine life that has made these wrecks their home. With Tenggol Island’s clear waters and diverse marine life, wreck diving is an experience not to be missed.

Tenggol Island boasts a range of unspoiled dive sites, with much of the reef remaining intact. The surrounding islands are also blessed with various reef types, making them well-suited for divers of all levels, from beginners to technical divers. Most of the dive sites are accessible throughout the diving season, but the southern part of the island is ideal from March to late June, while the northern part is best from the middle towards the end of the season, which is in late October.

Nearest Boat Jetty : Kuala Dungun

Tenggol Island, also known as Pulau Tenggol in Indonesian and Malaysian, is located 14 nautical miles (26 km) off the coast of the peaceful fishing town of Kuala Dungun, Terengganu in Malaysia. This small rocky island, covering less than 50 hectares with a length of 3 kilometers and a width of 2 kilometers, is a stunning and tranquil destination in Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast, boasting magnificent cliffs that host numerous fantastic dive sites. What makes Tenggol Island special is that it remains largely unspoiled and preserved in its natural state, with pristine white sandy beaches fringed by lush forested hills, providing an ideal escape from urban life. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Kuala Dungun, a coastal fishing town in the Malaysian state of Terengganu, is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur as it is only 366 km away and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours to drive on the new highway (LPT2). Once an important port for iron ore imported from the neighbouring town of Bukit Besi, which was a bustling mining town from the 1940s until the early 1980s, Kuala Dungun now has a laid-back and tranquil atmosphere. However, the town comes alive every Thursday night when the night market or “pasar malam” opens up, offering a vast selection of food stalls and used imported goods. The night market is one of the biggest in Terengganu and is a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Kuala Dungun boasts several beaches, including Pantai Teluk Lipat, Pantai Teluk Bidara, Pantai Batu Pelanduk, and Pantai Teluk Gadong. In the evenings, many locals flock to the beaches for kite flying, fishing, or to simply enjoy the stunning views with family and friends.

Tengool IslandApril 30, 2023May 1, 2023

Tenggol Coral Beach Resort: A Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Paradise in Malaysia’s National Marine Park

Tenggol Coral Beach Resort is an exceptional retreat situated on the pristine Tenggol Island, renowned for its scuba diving and snorkeling spots. At our resort, customer satisfaction is our topmost priority, and we go the extra mile to cater to your needs and ensure that you have a memorable stay. Our team takes great pride in providing exemplary service to our guests, which is evident in the positive reviews and accolades we have received on Trip Advisor, and we are honored to have been awarded the yearly Certificate of Excellence.

Located in the heart of a Malaysian national marine park, our resort seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, offering beachfront chalets and hillside view apartments that provide stunning views of the island. Our restaurant serves mouthwatering local and international cuisine, and our PADI dive center offers a range of courses, from beginners to advanced levels, for those who want to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

We strive to create a tranquil and comfortable atmosphere for our guests, where you can relax and unwind amidst the beauty of nature. Our team of friendly and experienced staff is always on hand to assist you with any queries or requests you may have, ensuring that you have a stress-free and enjoyable stay. At Tenggol Coral Beach Resort, we aim to provide an unparalleled experience that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.

Tenggol Coral Beach Resort is a popular accommodation option for those visiting the beautiful Pulau Tenggol island. The resort is strategically located along the main beach of the island, offering guests breathtaking views of the crystal clear waters and the surrounding lush greenery.

The resort features 20 cosy chalets that are designed to provide guests with utmost comfort during their stay. Each chalet is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and comfortable beds to ensure a good night’s sleep. The chalets are also designed with a traditional Malay architecture that blends perfectly with the natural surroundings.

Apart from the comfortable accommodation, Tenggol Coral Beach Resort also offers a range of facilities and services to make your stay enjoyable. The resort has an on-site restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in the stunning views of the sea.

For those looking for adventure, the resort also offers scuba diving packages that allow guests to explore the beautiful marine life around Pulau Tenggol. The resort has its own diving centre that is manned by experienced divemasters who will guide guests through the diving sites.

The resort’s location also makes it an ideal place for various water activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing. Guests can also take a leisurely stroll along the beach or simply relax and soak up the sun.

Overall, Tenggol Coral Beach Resort is the perfect destination for those looking for a serene and peaceful getaway. With its comfortable accommodation, stunning location, and a range of facilities and services, guests are guaranteed to have a memorable stay on this beautiful island.

Dive SitesApril 30, 2023May 1, 2023

Exploring Malaysia’s Island Treasures: Pulau Tenggol

Pulau Tenggol’s unspoiled natural beauty, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.Off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, lay some of Malaysia’s best diving islands. Tenggol Island, in particular, is a hidden gem that should not be missed by diving enthusiasts. Located in Dungun, Terengganu, Tenggol Island offers an unforgettable underwater experience with over 20 dive sites that showcase unique treasures such as soft corals, batfish, nudibranchs, clownfish, and eerie shipwrecks. Despite its relatively small size, Tenggol Island attracts a vast amount of marine life and is a popular destination for thalassophiles.

Pulau Tenggol, a true haven for divers, is not just limited to underwater adventures. This tropical island also boasts a 200-year-old forest reserve, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts. The lush forest reserve is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and butterflies. Trekking through the dense jungle is an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to discover the island’s natural beauty and take a break from the underwater excitement. Pulau Tenggol is truly a paradise for those seeking both thrilling diving experiences and serene nature exploration.

Pulau Tenggol, also known as the island that resembles a crocodile, is a renowned diving paradise located off the coast of central Terengganu. The island is highly sought after by divers due to its healthy coral reefs and thriving marine life, making it stand out among other resort islands in the region.

However, what many do not realize is that this island, situated in the Dungun district, is also home to an abundance of natural treasures that remain untouched and unpolluted. The Pulau Tenggol Forest Reserve, which spans over 207 hectares, is over 200 years old and is a permanent forest reserve that was gazetted in 1941 to safeguard the virgin forest from encroachment and development.

According to Roslan Rani, the director of the State Forestry Department, the Pulau Tenggol Forest Reserve is one of Terengganu’s 44 permanent forest reserves. The forest reserve is home to various plant species such as the Balau Laut and Meranti trees, some of which are aged between 150 and 200 years old.

Where is Pulau Tenggol located and what makes it a great destination for scuba diving? When is the best time to visit and how can you get there from Kuala Lumpur? Can you provide a list of the top scuba diving sites in Pulau Tenggol?

Pulau Tenggol is an island located off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia, and is part of the Terengganu Marine Park. It measures only 3km in length and 2km in its longest width. Pulau Tenggol offers pristine marine life that is relatively untouched by tourism, making it the most popular choice among divers.

The island is secluded, serene and is well-known among the diving community as the best island to dive in Peninsular Malaysia. Highlights during scuba diving in Pulau Tenggol include diving with whale sharks and rare turtle species.

The best time to visit Pulau Tenggol is between March and the end of October, and October is recommended as the visibility is usually the best around that month. From November to the end of February is the monsoon season in the East Coast of Malaysia, and the island around Pulau Tenggol are off-limits to tourists.

To get to Pulau Tenggol from Kuala Lumpur, you can fly from KL to Kuala Terengganu or Kerteh Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Kuala Dungun Jetty. Once at Kuala Dungun Jetty, the only way to get to Pulau Tenggol Island is by private boat transfer via the resorts or dive centres. You can also drive by car from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Dungun Jetty and then take the private boat to get to the island. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Dungun, which takes approximately 7 hours.

Here are some of the top scuba diving sites in Pulau Tenggol:

Easy Dive Sites:

Turtle Point: Perfect for beginners with calm and clear conditions. Highlights include small nudibranch, sting rays, angel fish, and turtles.
The Lost World: A great spot to seek out micro sea life with an area totally covered in hard and soft corals, sea whips, sponges, and anemones.
Coral Garden: Teeming with pretty corals on every inch, this dive site offers calm conditions and shallow waters.

Easy to Intermediate Dive Sites:

Fisherman Wreck: A fishing boat that sank in an upright position and is bustling with underwater life when night falls. Highlights include long arm boxer shrimps, puffer fish, and baby leopard sharks.
Gua Rajawali: With a depth range of 8m – 25m, this dive site offers abundant soft corals and sea whips. Highlights include yellowtail barracudas, bamboo sharks, and nurse sharks.
Rajawali Reef: With its stunning coral garden and large schools of fish, this dive site is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
Tanjung Gemuk: With clear water and an abundance of marine life, this dive site offers a chance to spot leopard sharks, manta rays, and even whale sharks.
Batu Tokong: With its amazing underwater rock formations and diverse marine life, this dive site offers a unique diving experience. Highlights include large schools of fish, nudibranch, and bamboo sharks.
Tenggol Channel: With its strong currents and deep waters, this dive site is suitable for advanced divers. Highlights include schools of jacks, barracudas, and the occasional whale shark.
Tokong Laut: With its amazing underwater

Tengool IslandApril 30, 2023May 1, 2023

Discovering Pulau Tenggol: A Thalassophile’s Paradise in Malaysia

Exploring Tioman Island’s Underwater Wonders – The Gem of Malaysia

Pulau Tenggol, also known as Tenggol Island, is a unique destination among the many beautiful islands that surround Malaysia. Located in Dungun, Terengganu, it stands out for being only recently discovered despite its long existence as an uninhabited island. Today, Tenggol Island has become a popular tourist destination after being developed with accommodations and facilities for visitors.

How to Reach

To reach Tenggol Island, visitors must take a boat from the jetty of the Kuala Dungun Bridge. However, it’s important to note that boat trips to the island are limited. Boat tickets can be purchased as part of lodging packages on the island, with two types of transportation available: speed boats and fishing boats. Speed boats will take about 45 minutes to reach the island, while fishing boats take around 2 hours.

Things to do

Tenggol Island boasts a stunning coastline that will leave you mesmerized. The activities on the island mainly revolve around exploring the diverse marine life and flora and fauna both on land and underwater. For those who love the ocean, Tenggol Island is a must-visit destination. With 20 dive sites to choose from, you can look forward to an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Embark on a scuba diving adventure to uncover the unique treasures of Tenggol Island’s seabed, which you won’t find anywhere else. Immerse yourself in the vibrant soft corals, schools of batfish, mesmerizing nudibranchs, and the famous clownfish, Nemo. Moreover, explore the haunting shipwrecks and uncover their mysteries!

For those who prefer to stay above the water, snorkelling is a must-try activity on Tenggol Island’s shallow seas. You will witness the breathtaking beauty of the coral reefs and marine life beneath. Additionally, do not miss out on the picturesque sunset as dusk approaches, and watch as the sea turns to golden hues while fishermen boats return to the shore.

It’s interesting to note that Tenggol Island is also a shelter for fishermen during stormy weather. So, add this charming island to your bucket list and pack the necessary beach accessories, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Also, don’t forget to bring plenty of beach attire for that perfect OOTD!

Pulau Tenggol in Terengganu is an absolute paradise for lovers of the sea. It is considered to be a gem among the beautiful islands that Malaysia has to offer. With its breathtaking coastline and abundant marine life, Tenggol Island is a must-visit destination for all those who appreciate the beauty of the ocean.

Dive SitesApril 30, 2023May 1, 2023

Exploring Tenggol Island, a Scenic Destination for Diving in Malaysia

Discover the Beauty of Diving in Pulau Tenggol, a Secluded Island in Malaysia

Nestled off the eastern coast of Malaysia, Pulau Tenggol is a small, hidden gem boasting only 3km in length. This idyllic island is surrounded by pristine, white sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and lush vegetation.

If you’re an avid diver, Pulau Tenggol is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re exploring enchanting shipwrecks or gliding through magnificent underwater formations comprised of boulders, pinnacles, and stunning hard and soft corals, Tenggol Island is truly a diver’s paradise.

The island’s elaborate coral reefs and rock formations host some of the world’s most diverse underwater species. Encounterings with large pelagic creatures such as whale sharks and manta rays are not uncommon, along with eagle rays, black-tipped reef sharks, and massive barracudas. Pulau Tenggol offers an unforgettable diving experience for enthusiasts and nature lovers alike

Best Time for Diving in Pulau Tenggol

Pulau Tenggol boasts a tropical climate all year round, making it an excellent diving destination throughout the year. A 3mm wetsuit is sufficient to protect against the island’s sea temperature.

Located off the coast of Terengganu in Malaysia, Tenggol Island may be small, measuring just three by two kilometers (1.8 by 1.24 miles), but its underwater world is vast and captivating. With over twenty dive sites available, this South China Sea island is a true gem worth exploring.

Diving around Tenggol Island offers an array of underwater experiences, from sloping fringing reefs teeming with marine life to dramatic drop-offs, walls, and massive boulder formations. Some dive sites provide sheltered conditions with near swimming pool-like waters, while others feature rugged rocky landscapes where strong currents and surges rock the shallows.

Tokong Timur Dive Site

Tokong Timur is one of Tenggol Island’s most renowned dive sites and is famous for its whale shark sightings from August to October. Located just off a small rock island to the south of Tenggol Island, this dive site is packed with action. To increase your chances of spotting whale sharks, it’s recommended to dive on the south side of the island, where you can find vibrant coral reefs in the shallows and fascinating boulders in the deeper sections (up to 30 meters/100 feet). Although the currents can be challenging, they also bring plankton-rich waters that attract these magnificent creatures.

Even if you’re diving outside the whale shark season, Tokong Timur still offers a plethora of marine life to discover. You may encounter lone hunting great barracuda, schools of batfish, moray eels hiding in crevices, and a variety of colorful damsels and tropical reef fish in the shallows.

Tanjung Api Dive Site

Located on the protrusion of the west coast of Tenggol Island’s northern tip, Tanjung Api is an exciting dive site due to the water currents that flow around the point, creating a fantastic drift dive experience. Be prepared to “go with the flow” and enjoy the picturesque scenery along the way!

The topography of Tanjung Api is rugged, featuring walls and deep rock formations, some of which are massive. These large boulders are adorned with an array of hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sea whips. The fans provide a sanctuary for a plethora of reef species, and keen-eyed divers may spot macro life among their branches and nudibranchs on the rocks. Other noteworthy sightings include bumphead parrotfish, angelfish, puffers, moray eels, and schools of batfish. It’s even possible to catch a glimpse of passing mantas or eagle rays!

Rajawali Point

The northernmost part of Tenggol Island is home to a cluster of dive sites called “Rajawali”, which include Rajawali Reef, Tanjung Rajawali, and Teluk Rajawali, each offering their own unique entry points. These sites boast an abundance of marine life and vibrant coral gardens in shallow waters.

The eastern side of the point boasts a large reef area teeming with diverse corals, including hard and soft corals, sponges, barrels, whips, and anemones, providing a habitat for a wide range of reef fish, such as clownfish, angelfish, lionfish, Moorish idols, and parrotfish species.

On the west side, you can expect to encounter schools of snappers, triggerfish, moray eels, and scorpionfish among the shallow reef and sandy bottom. At the very tip of the point, keep an eye out in the blue for surprises, such as manta rays, eagle rays, and reef sharks, which have been spotted here on occasion.

The Edge

Located between the main Tenggol landmass and the small outlying lighthouse island, The Edge dive site gets its name from a drop off at 18 meters/60 feet. From this point, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the vast blue expanse. The dive itself offers a mix of boulder formations, bommies, and reefs, providing divers with the opportunity to search for critters or simply observe the underwater world.

As you drift with the current, be on the lookout for larger pelagic species and predators that may be patrolling the area.

Tenggol Wreck Diving

Tenggol offers more than just reef diving and whale shark sightings. In fact, the Malaysian Government has authorized the intentional sinking of several wrecks in the region for diving purposes, including two deep wrecks that are suitable for technical diving.

There are four noteworthy wrecks that lie beyond 40 meters/131 feet, namely Sawadee, Five Sisters, Fisherman Wreck, and the Deep Wreck. All of them are easily accessible and home to a wide variety of marine life. The Fisherman Wreck is a 20-meter/66-feet long fishing boat that can be explored at depths of up to 18 meters/60 feet, making it an excellent dive site for Open Water Divers and those who are new to wreck diving.

Tengool IslandApril 1, 2023

Discover the Best of Tenggol Island and Beyond: A Guide to Activities, Diving, and Nearby Places to Explore

Tenggol Island in Kuala Terengganu is a beautiful destination known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. While the island itself offers plenty of activities and attractions, there are also several nearby places worth exploring.

Nearby Places of Interest:

Redang Island – Located just a short boat ride away, Redang Island is another popular destination for beach lovers and scuba divers alike. The island boasts stunning coral reefs and a variety of marine life, making it an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling.
Perhentian Islands – The Perhentian Islands are a pair of small islands located off the coast of Terengganu. Like Tenggol Island, they are known for their clear waters and vibrant marine life, and offer a range of activities including diving, snorkeling, and island-hopping.
Kenyir Lake – For those looking for a break from the beach, Kenyir Lake is a nearby freshwater lake that offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and jungle trekking.
Lang Tengah Island- This is a small and relatively undeveloped island located between Redang Island and Perhentian Island. The island is known for its secluded beaches, lush jungle, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. While it may not be as well-known as its neighboring islands, Lang Tengah offers a peaceful and unspoiled escape for visitors looking to get away from the crowds.

Activities in Tenggol:

Scuba Diving – Tenggol Island is particularly popular among scuba diving enthusiasts, thanks to its clear waters and diverse marine life. The island is home to several diving centers that offer PADI-certified courses and guided dives, making it easy for visitors of all skill levels to experience the underwater world.
Snorkeling – For those who prefer to stay closer to the surface, snorkeling is a great way to explore the reefs and see the marine life up close. Many of the resorts and diving centers on Tenggol Island offer snorkeling equipment and guided tours.
Beach Activities – With its pristine beaches and clear waters, Tenggol Island is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball, or simply unwind with a good book on the sand.

Diving Experience:

Tenggol Island is one of the best places in Malaysia for scuba diving. The island is surrounded by several dive sites that offer a range of depths and marine life. Some of the most popular dive sites include Tokong Laut, which is known for its large schools of fish and colorful corals, and Coral Garden, which is home to a variety of macro marine life such as nudibranchs and sea horses. Divers can expect to see a wide range of marine life on their dives, including reef sharks, turtles, and barracudas.

In conclusion, Tenggol Island and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors. Whether you’re looking to explore the underwater world, relax on the beach, or venture out to nearby destinations, Tenggol Island is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kuala Terengganu.

Tengool IslandApril 1, 2023April 1, 2023

Explore the Natural Wonders of Tenggol Island: Experience Diving and More at Tenggol Coral Beach Resort

Tenggol Island is a beautiful island located off the east coast of Malaysia, in the state of Terengganu. It is part of the Terengganu Marine Park and is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The island is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, as well as those who simply want to relax on the beach and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Getting to Tenggol Island typically involves taking a boat from the coastal town of Kuala Dungun, which is about an hour’s drive from Kuala Terengganu. The boat ride takes approximately 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the coastline and surrounding islands.

Once on the island, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The waters around Tenggol Island are home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even occasional sightings of larger creatures like whale sharks.

Tenggol Island offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including the luxurious Tenggol Coral Beach Resort. This resort offers air-conditioned rooms and facilities, as well as easy access to the beach and stunning views of the surrounding area. Tenggol Coral Beach Resort is particularly popular with diving enthusiasts, as it offers PADI-certified diving experiences and packages. However, they also cater to non-divers with various activities available such as island-hopping, snorkeling, and beach volleyball. Whether you’re looking for a diving adventure or a relaxing beach vacation, Tenggol Coral Beach Resort is a great choice for your stay on Tenggol Island.

Overall, Tenggol Island is a beautiful and serene destination that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty and marine life of Malaysia’s east coast. Whether you’re an avid diver or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Tenggol Island is definitely worth considering for your next vacation.

Dive SitesMarch 21, 2023March 21, 2023

North Western Dive sites

“Around the north section of Tenggol island, we have eight dive sites. These sites range from sloping fringing coral edges to step sheer rock face drop-offs. The north part of Tenggol is the rockiest and has some of the most interesting rock formations with giant rock walls and structures almost temple-like underwater.”

Rajawali Reef and Gua Rajaiwali & Tanjung Rajawai

Experience Level : Easy – Intermediate Depth: 8m to 25m Avg Visibility : 10-15m

Rajawali Reef and Gua Rajaiwali lay along the northwest tip of Tenggol island. Gua Rajawali starts as a shallow reef that banks down into the sand where soft corals and sea whips are plentiful. Schools of Yellow snapper and Jacks play here and the triggerfish can be frisky at certain times of the year. Always keep a lookout in the blue here for other larger paraplegic fish especially as you get further north closer to Rajawali reef leading into Tanjung Rajawali. Here the depth drops off faster and Manta-Ray and eagle Rays can sometimes be seen swimming by.

Teluk Rajawali Reef and The Lost World

Experience Level : Easy Depth: 10m to 18m Avg Visibility : 5m-15m

As we come around the Northwest tip of Tenggol you will see a large bay where the water laps the steep rocky inclines of the north of the island. Just around the corner and similar in topography to Tanjung Rajawali Teluk Rajawali flattens out to a more consistent depth. This reef is huge and leads right to and through what is known as the Lost world. Hard coral, soft corals, whips, sponges, and anemones totally cover this area. Large schools of fish play in the shallows and micro life happily hide and thrive in and among the rocks. Sometimes baby blacktip reef shark is seen here but they are very cautious of approaching divers. Great place for snorkeling also.

Tanjung Api and Sri Nokhota

Experience Level : Intermediate – Expert Depth: 12m to 30+m Avg Visibility : 10m-25m

On the most western tip of Tenggol towards the north, we have Tanjung Api and Sri Nokhota. These dive sites can be visited by open water divers but a reasonable range in experience ability is recommended due to the potential depth, current, and surge that can occur at these dive sites. This side of the island is characterized by steep rock faces that extend and slip down into the ocean floor. These rock walls are famous on Tenggol for the Nudibranch. As you venture deeper the rock formations get even bigger, some rocks under the ocean here are 20m tall and create vast underwater mounts covered in giant sea fans to explore. There are a vast range of Angle fish in these areas as well as large hump head parrotfish and schools of batfish. if you’re lucky and venture out deeper you might even catch the manta rays playing around the end of the season.

Dive SitesMarch 21, 2023March 21, 2023

South Western Dive sites

“Down at the southern end of Tenggol we have six dive sites to visit. The south end is a nice mixture of everything great about Tenggol dive sites. Huge Rocks, Fringing coral slopes, underwater formations, deep blue drifts and everything in between. One of the most famous and possibly best dive sites in Tenggol, Tokong Timur is located south of the island and is the best place to see the Tenggol Whale sharks from Aug to October every year.”

Sarang Lang & Tanjung Sarang Lang

Experience Level : Intermediate Depth: 12m to 20m Avg Visibility : 10-15m

The most southwestern tip of Tenggol is probably one of the least visited areas of the island. Winds can make surge waves and surge here that throw you from side to side over 6m at certain times of the year. The reef is very nice and large schools of jacks and yellow back fusilier illuminate the coral backdrops. This is a good place to look out for stingrays in the sand as well as blue spot stingrays among the corals.

Batu Chachang & The Edge

Experience Level : Intermediate Depth: 12m to 25+m Avg Visibility : 10-20m

These sites usually begin with a drop off over shallow water close to the island. shortly after descending you can usually expect some mild to moderate current to drift you along a coralline littered with large rock formations. Sea whips cover the sand areas and the rocks on the southwestern edge drop down beyond 25m. one rock, in particular, gives the later part of this dive site the nickname ” The Edge” because that’s exactly what you get as you drift over a rock at about 17m and all of a sudden it drops away over the edge into the deep blue. a great place to see larger Pelagic fish playing with the currents and hunting.

Tokong Timur

Experience Level : Intermediate – Expert Depth: 12m to 30+m Avg Visibility : 15-30m

One of the most famous dives sites in Tenggol. Tokong Timur. This dive site is awesome all year round. frequently you can see hunting great barracuda and giant schools of 20+ Batfish here. It’s actually a small island in its self just south of Tenggol with a lighthouse on it. the south side is bar far the best with very nice colorful corals and fish in the shallows and interesting rocks to search around down deeper. It’s between Aug and Oct every year that the Whale Sharks Are seen swimming around this rock feeding. The currents can be very strong here and even have undertow on the western side of it hence careful dive planning and a recommended Intermediate to expert level of experience.

NewsMarch 15, 2023March 21, 2023

Diving Disaster Averted At Tenggol Coral

Recently a Diving Disaster was Averted at Tenggol Coral Tenggol Coral Beach Dive Team and friends. Our instructors and Divemaster crew along with our Dive Interns and diver friends located and cut out a huge fishing net that had snagged and covered one of our most treasured dive sites, Tokong Timur. This absolutely huge fishing net was about 60-70 meters long and 30 meters deep and practically covered the whole south side of the nearby Tenggol island. It’s so sad to see how our underwater friends died tragically.. among the casualties we found baby blacktip reef sharks, giant trevally fish, stingrays, grouper and queenfish. The hardest part of this kind of project isn’t just removing the fishing net but seeing how some of the aquatic life that was still stuck on the net were still alive! Fortunately, we did manage to help them, cut them free and release a few. Irresponsible fishing activities should not be allowed to happen around this beautiful island because Tenggol Island is part of a larger Marine Park group, meaning its reefs and wildlife are protected and no fishing should occur here. Thankfully, we caught this threat and disaster quickly and therefore minimized the impact on most of the aquatic life and corals are still healthy and beautiful. We already work closely with Project Aware to keep this pristine island and its reefs in the best possible condition and we also look to assist Taman Laut Malaysia and Marine Team Malaysia To monitor those irresponsible Fisherman. Thank you to our dive friends underwaterclicks everyone who helped and took part in this rescue project.

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