Paradise Found: 5 Great Things About Lang Tenggah Island
A quiet, sleepy island between Redang and the Perhentians, Lang Tenggah island is ringed by pristine, fish-filled water. Dive in as we show you its 5 Best Sights
A little-known piece of heaven lies between Redang and the Perhentians. This quiet, sleepy island is ringed by pristine, fish-filled water. Head out to dive the wrecks, and meet the whale sharks, and fill your surface interval with historical architecture and verdant topside ecosystems. Time to get Lang Tenggah on your radar!
1. TAMAN NEGARA RAINFOREST
Around 130 million years old, this rainforest is home to tigers, macaques, and hundreds of bird species. Make your way to Kuala Tahan, the jumping off point for the canopy walk, river trips, and exciting treks.
2. CRYSTAL MOSQUE
The Crystal Mosque or “Masjid Kristal” in Kuala Terengganu is a grand, fairy-tale creation of steel, glass and crystal. Pop down to the Islamic Heritage Park on the island of Wan Man for an unforgettable visit.
3. SETIU WETLANDS
Part of the Setiu River basin, and the larger Setiu-Chalok-Bari-Merang basin wetland complex, this thriving ecosystem is teeming with birdlife – a must for any Nature enthusiast.
4. TENGKU TENGAH ZAHARAH MOSQUE
The ethereal Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque is the first real “Floating Mosque” in Malaysia. It is situated in the Kuala Ibai Lagoon near the estuary of Kuala Ibai River, just 4km from Kuala Terengganu Town.
5. BUKIT PUTERI
Bukit Puteri, or Princess Hill, served as a defensive fortress and royal residence in 1831 under the rule of Sultan Baginda Omar. Feel the burn as you ascend the 200m to the top and enjoy the view!
a) KARANG NIBONG
For: Three dramatic boulders surrounded by healthy coral, nudibranchs, great barracuda, giant grouper, giant moral eel
Conditions: Warm water; mild currents; max. depth 24 metres
When: March – October
b) SUMMERBAY WRECKS
For: Lagoon dive with three mysterious shipwrecks, great photo ops, ideal site for sidemount training
Conditions: Warm, clear water; mild currents; max. depth 18m
When: March–October
c) SUMMERBAY HOUSE REEF
For: A relaxing lagoon dive full of angelfish, giant morays, blacktip sharks, big grouper, scad and more
Conditions: No waves; mild currents, max. depth 14 metres
When: March – October
d) BATU BULAN
For: Coral garden, angelfish, butterflyfish and myriad coral species
Conditions: Warm water; outstanding visibility all year ’round; no current
When: March – October
e) GHOST WRECK
For: Groups of yellowtail barracuda, lionfish, pufferfish and box fish surrounding the old fish boat
Conditions: Warm water; currents can be strong; max. depth 24m
When: March–October
f) KARANG BAHAR
For: Schooling spadefish, eels, snapper and abundant macro life, such as shrimps, pipefish and nudis
Conditions: Warm, clear water; max. depth 24m; currents can be strong
When: March–October
g) TANJUNG TELUNJUK
For: Whale sharks, sea fans, reef fishes; a flexible multilevel dive site
Conditions: Warm water; a great site for all levels of diver; mild currents; some waves on occasion
When: Whale sharks are most often seen in March and April
h) FISH HEAVEN
For: Schools of barracuda, snapper, bamboo sharks and more surrounding an intact cargo wreck
Conditions: Warm, clear water; max. depth 24m; currents can be strong
When: March–October
Read the rest of this article in No.108 Issue 2/2017 of Scuba Diver magazine by subscribing here or check out all of our publications here.