Tenggol Island Travel tip -Trengganu

You don’t have to go far to have a good dive. Visit to Pulau Tenggol was suitably laid-back. The shortest departure point from the mainland to this under-rated dive destination is via Tanjong Jara.

Tanjong Jara Resort is 40-minute jaunt south. Highlights included a little stopover to try authentic keropok lekor and other East Coast goodies. Then it was on to the resort itself. An upmarket establishment, Tanjong Jara Resort is “Unmistakably Malay”. This is immediately apparent to guests. From the architecture inspired by ancient Malay palaces to the uniforms, food and service, everything about the place is unmistakably Malay.

The resort’s dive centre. Clearly, the resort does not attempt to mass market its scuba diving activities like other resorts, nor does it need to do so for it is primary target is honeymooners.

Our smallish dive boat departed from Tanjong Jara’s own beachfront as we made our way to Tenggol. The island was in our sights barely half an hour later. Tenggol’s uniqueness lies in several sites that offer a wall-diving experience somewhat akin to Sipadan, but not quite on the same scale and not boasting as many sharks and turtles. This isn’t to say that Tenggol’s marine life is not up to scratch, though.

The Edge, our entry site, was a strange start. Reef life seemed non-existent at our descent point and continued that way for a minute or two. Coral life was a bit more promising, with plenty of soft and hard coral creating a mishmash of colour like a well-used palette.

Nudibranchs stood out every 10m or so. A lone titan triggerfish patrolled a coral bommie nearby, and we gave it a wider berth than the Queen Mary. The latter part of the dive produced small schools of damselfish and parrotfish.

Reef fish, batfish and numerous parrotfish; now this place was more like it. But if one came for walls, then Tanjong Gemuk had to be on the itinerary.

Besides enjoying the leisurely dives, one can take advantage of some land-based activities too. You can took up an offer to pedal through a Malay village with a guide. The locals are warm and inviting as you pedal past them and negotiate narrow lanes and shortcuts in between scenic lookouts.

Tenggol’s dive sites are above average and travelling time to them by boat is also minimal. If you’re travelling as a couple, your trip could probably even double as a relaxing, romantic weekend.

Notes:

GETTING THERE The road journey from KL to Tanjong Jara will take five hours. You could also fly into Kuala Terengganu and then hire a cab to the resort.

ACCOMMODATION A three-day/two-night stay at Tanjong Jara costs RM699 per person on twin-sharing basis. All meals, taxes and services charges have been included. A surcharge of RM200 per adult is applicable on Fridays, Saturdays, public holidays and during peak season.

DIVING A two-tank dive trip in Tenggol costs RM350 per person, with gear costing about RM60 per person.