About an hour away by speedboat from Kuala Dungun jetty,
this island boast one of the deepest waters in the east coast and it is a
haven for divers looking for thrilling night dives.
Hard and soft corals of different types add a dash of color to the monochromatic
escape while the underwater creature-eels, crabs, turtles and baby sharks
will definitely amaze divers and are found abundance in their undisturbed
habitat. Resorts are available to cater the needs of visitors looking for a
memorable snorkeling or diving experience.
Tenggol Island is another beautiful diving getaway island
just 45 minutes from the coastal jetty in Kuala Dungun. Its size is
approximately 3km in length and 2km in width. However, this has not prevented
it from becoming a paradise for many people especially diving enthusiasts. The
sandy beach blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Further
inland are forested rocky hills that make it a scenic destination for adventure
seekers. The hills rising over 800ft offer a panoramic view of the island. This
rocky terrain extends from the interior of the island to the ocean and has
created a dramatic ideal hideaway for marine life. For example in Teluk Air
Tawar there is a large spread of sloping reef on the rocky wall, whereas
Rajawali Reef, with vertical rocky walls which fall as deep as 32m, is home to
corals and other marine life like batfish and black tip reef sharks.
Besides calm coral gardens, you could also chance upon
humphead parrotfish, giant stingray, bat fishes, whale sharks, leopard sharks,
schooling jacks and others in the diving spots around Tenggol. Pulau Tenggol is
located along the whale sharks migratory route normally from August to October
every year. It is much anticipated by divers as not many places in the world
that these whale sharks stays longer at a certain place. The surroundings of
Pulau Tenggol is rich in its marine life and coral haven and this might be the
reason that whale sharks choose Pulau Tenggol as their playground.
How To Get Here
By Bus
There are regular and daily bus services from most of the
major cities and towns within Peninsular Malaysia. The nearest destination is
Dungun town. Journey normally takes 5-6 hours from Kuala Lumpur. There are boat
operators and travel agents at Kuala Dungun jetty that provides boat and tour
packages to Pulau Tenggol.
By Air
There are daily and regular flights to the nearest
destination of Kuala Terengganu. Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia and Firefly ply
direct routes either from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. There are taxi and car
rental services at the Kuala Terengganu Airport. Journey takes an hour to Kuala
Dungun Jetty.
By car
The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Dungun takes about 5-6 hours.
Take the Karak Highway to get to Kuantan. From there, follow the sign board to
Dungun town. Dungun town is 79 km before Kuala Terengganu. Departing early in
the morning should be convenient as one reaches Dungun around noon. The boat
services starts as early as 8.00 am and last boat usually by 5.00 pm but it
depends upon the weather condition. It is advisable to catch the early morning
boat. There are few hotels and resorts around Dungun town should one wish to
spend a night or two in Dungun or should one prefer to arrange a day trip to
the island.
Where To Stay
- Tenggol Island Resort
- Tenggol Island Beach Resort & Spa