Sunday, 26 January 2014

Attraction-Tenggol Island in Dungun


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
  1. Tenggol Island Resort
  2. Tenggol Island Beach Resort & Spa

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