Kapas Island Destination
Guide
OVERVIEW
About 6km off the coast of Marang is Pulau Kapas, an island
renowned for its clear waters, sandy white beaches and swaying
palms.
Relatively isolated from the hustle and bustle of the mainland,
this island is the perfect getaway for those looking for some
blissful relaxation.
Making it a must-visit destinationis the incredible variety
of hard and soft corals, seashells, fish and turtles.
The laidback atmosphere gives perfect excuse to do nothing.
Still, if you are feeling restless, there's plenty of activities
to keep you occupied. Take your pick: diving, swimming, Snorkeling,
windsurfing, kayaking, boating and even fishing!
MAP
View Kapas Island in a larger map
GETTING TO KAPAS ISLAND
There is a daily bus service from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu.
From here, transfer to Marang by bus or taxi. Pulau Kapas
is about 30 minutes from Marang by boat.
By Air
Both the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines, and the budget
carrier, AirAsia, fly directly to Kuala Terengganu from Kuala
Lumpur twice daily. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
By Car
From Kuala Lumpur
Head east towards Kuantan. You will be driving on the Karak
Highway (Highway 2) all through to Kuantan, which takes approximately
3 - 3½ hours. Once arriving on the outskirts of Kuantan
town, it can get a little tricky. Head towards the Northeast,
on highway 3 (the coastal road) or Highway 14 which will lead
you to Kuala Terengganu. Marang is just on the outskirts of
Kuala Trengganu town.
From Penang
Head towards Kota Baharu via the East-West Highway (highway
4). Perhaps one of the most scenic routes found in the Peninsular,
the East-West Highway is one of the last frontiers to be conquered,
so to speak. A stronghold for the communists in the 60's and
70's where terrorist activity was rampant in the area then.
This may be the reason why going through this part of Malaysia
seems a little alien. There are neither plantations nor housing
development lining the highway. Zip back 60years and this
would probably have been the landscape for most parts of Malaysia.
Little trunk roads splitting dense forests, with no evidence
of civilisation far into the horizon.
Look out for the ‘Elephant Crossing' Signs. Wild elephants
forage at night and may cross the highway to other feeding
grounds within their roaming range
From Johore or Singapore
travel north on the North-South Highway and exit at Yong Peng.
From Yong Peng, take highway 1 to Labis and later onto Segamat.
Segamat will lead you to Highway 12 and all the way to Kuantan.
From Kuantan, head towards the Northeast on highway 3 (the
coastal road) or Highway 14 which will take you to Kuala Terengganu.
From Kuala Terengganu, transfer to Marang by bus or taxi.
Pulau Kapas is about 30 minutes from Marang by boat.
Dive around Pulau Kapas and be dazzled by superb marine life
and corals.
Pictures courtesy of:
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