The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort

It's cuti-cuti Malaysia time! Initially I planned to go to Mabul and Sipadan again but then, the Sabah Covid outbreak happens. Still wanted to go for a beach holiday sooo Redang Island it is!

My first time visiting the island and boy, I'm in love!

As it is nearing monsoon season, I decided not to go for diving this time around as the visibility is not that good. I just wanted to chill by the beach. After some browsing at Agoda and Booking.com, and tempted by numerous beautiful pictures on IG, I decided to stay at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort. 

A little bit kayangan la hahaha but since we can't travel overseas now, I'm splurging my shopping money here. 

Too lazy to drive so I flew to Kuala Terengganu (you can also fly direct to Redang from Subang Skypark but let me warn you the fare is expensiveeee). Initially booked MAS but perhaps due to low demand, my flight (both to and fro) were cancelled. Thank God AirAsia is still operating as normal. The airport was deserted and most shops were closed though. So weird seeing this as opposed to the usual KLIA2 scene, chaotic and bustling. 

Anyway, we landed safely in Kuala Terengganu, took Grab to Merang Jetty (half an hour ride) and got on a speedboat to Redang (half an hour journey, I read it is usually 45 minutes my boatman must be speeding haha). 

Note that there's two jetty to get to Redang Island - Shahbandar Jetty and Merang Jetty. Shahbandar Jetty is right in town nearby Pasar Payang. You can take ferry from there - RM55, almost 2 hours journey. Merang Jetty (don't confuse it with Marang Jetty - this one goes to Kapas Island) is located about 30 minutes drive from the airport. Boat fare is same, RM55 but the ride from there only takes 45 minutes. It is advisable to buy the ferry or boat tickets in advance to avoid disappointment as they can be filled in quickly. Also, confirm with your resort which jetty in Redang you should disembark cos there's a few jetties on the island. 

Guests of Taaras disembarked at Kampung Jetty and from there, a van from the resort picked us up.

We took the 9.30am boat and arrived around 10am. Still early as check in time is at 3pm so we went around the resort checking the facilities and activities we can do.

Saw these cuties at SEATRU Turtle Lab, the resort's very own turtle conservation efforts. 

Just before noon, our room was ready and they allowed early check in for us. 

The room is sooo spacious, with separate bedroom, living room and dining area. And oh, check this out! 

A bathtub with jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. Loveeeee!!!

View from the balcony of our room. 

So niceeeeee kannnn?? Ahhh I don't want to balik KL la like this. 

Then we went for lunch and had fun on the beach. 

Snorkeling time! 

With turtles ♥

Beautiful sandbank. 

And continued relaxing on the beach chair.

I really enjoyed my stay at the resort! Already planning my next trip next year hehe. Fyi, Taaras is open all year round though I think it's best to wait until the monsoon season is over for the blue sky and good weather.