Easy to reach, difficult to leave, impossible to forget.
Pulau Kapas means Cotton Island in Malay and this peculiar name is attributed to the pure white beaches that are the trademark of this island. This picturesque getaway is less than 5 km from the mainland and is reached within 15 minutes by speedboat from the coastal fishing village of Marang. Its accessibility from the mainland makes it popular among locals for daytrips, and availability of budget accommodation satisfies every backpacker. Another reason to come here are excellent snorkelling and diving spots.
The resorts on Kapas Island are mostly spread out over three beaches on the western shore, facing the mainland. More luxurious accommodation is available on Gemia Island, a small islet just a few hundred metres northwest from Kapas.
Getting There
Things to see and do
Hotels & Resorts
Getting there
Boats to Kapas 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 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.
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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
Remember to bring plenty of water and a good insect repellent.