Only five kilometres from the north-east coast of peninsular Malaysia, Gemia Island is easy to miss on a map. This tiny island is covered with lush tropical greenery and fringed by curves of pure white sand.
Situated only a few hundred metres from the better known Kapas Island, but offers a completely different experience. There is only one resort on Gemia, guaranteeing that you will have the beach coves and the aquamarine water almost to yourself.
Getting There
Things to see and do
Accommodation
Getting there
Boats to Gemia Island
Boat tickets can be bought at the jetty in Marang or pre-arranged with the resort and included in your package. Boat operators that offer transfers to the neighbouring Kapas Island also do transfers to Gemia in the same trip. Return trips cost around RM 25 and take 15 minutes by speedboat.
Getting to Marang
Marang is south of Kuala Terengganu and is not to be confused with Merang which is north of Kuala Terengganu and the departure point for boats to Redang and Lang Tengah Islands.
By plane
- The closest airport is in Kuala Terengganu, about 30 minutes away.
- Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines fly daily to Kuala Terengganu from Kuala Lumpur.
- From the airport you can get a local bus or a taxi (around RM 15-20) to Marang.
By road – public transport
There aren’t any direct coach services to Marang, but buses approaching Kuala Terengganu from the south can drop you off here on request. There are also local buses and taxis from Kuala Terengganu to Marang.
From Singapore buses depart from the Lavender St bus station and are operated by Transnational. Tickets cost around SGD 40 and the journey takes around 10 hours. Buses depart early in the morning or late evening for overnight journeys.
From Johor Bahru buses depart from the Larkin bus station. Several choices are available, including Transnational, Damai, Adik Beradik and Cepat express. Tickets cost around RM 40 and the journey takes just under 9 hours. Buses depart early in the morning or late evening for overnight journeys.
From Kuala Lumpur buses depart from the Hentian Putra bus station. Several choices are available, including Transnational, Damai, Konsortium, Plusliner, Sutera and Mutiara. Tickets cost around RM 30 and the journey takes around 7 hours. Buses depart early in the morning or late evening for overnight journeys.
Snorkelling
Shallow, accessible reefs and calm water ensure a pleasant experience for the whole family. There are excellent snorkelling spots all around the island and the area between Kapas and Gemia Island is said to be particularly good.
The marine species that you are likely to encounter here include eels, giant clams, cuttlefish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, pufferfish, angelfish, damsels, nudibranchs (colourful sea slugs) and even turtles. There are plenty of hard and soft corals, including sea anemones with tiny clownfish hiding between their tentacles.
Scuba Diving
While Kapas and Gemia Islands are known as snorkelling paradise - partly because of the relatively shallow reefs - there are a number of excellent scuba diving spots as well. One of the most popular sites in the vicinity is a World War II shipwreck. Some illegal fishing trawlers have also been sunk here to serve as artificial reefs.
If you enjoy exploring the underwater world, do your part to protect it. The golden rule, apart from never holding your breath, is to take only photographs and leave only bubbles!
Jungle Trekking
Those that prefer to stay out of the water can enjoy the untouched jungle on the neighbouring Kapas Island, as the resort is able to arrange a jungle trekking excursion for you. The 45 minute trek from the jetty to Kapas View Point is one of the favourite routes to take: the spectacular view from the top is a well-earned reward for a sweaty walk. Remember to bring plenty of water and a good insect repellent.
Other
- Sea kayaks for rent
- Yoda and meditation classes available
- Fishing trips and other excursions
- Banana boat
- Water ski
- Wake boarding & knee boarding
Gem Wellness Spa & Island Resort
Gem Wellness Spa & Island Resort is a treasure awaiting your discovery, just seven minutes off the coastline of Kuala Terengganu, surrounded by a marine conservation park. Most of the elegant, romantic 47 villas are built on stilts over the water and offer a superior level of comfort and spaciousness. As the resort doesn’t compromise on comfort, Spa is at hand as well.
Photo Gallery
Top