Malaysia, Terengganu, Lang Tengah - Island Paradise in the South China Sea

Many beautiful tropical islands can be found in Malaysia. One particular island that I usually visit is located in the state of Terengganu in West Malaysia.

Pulau Lang Tengah (or Lang Tengah island; Pulau is the Malay word for island) is located geographically about 40km north-east of Kuala Terengganu (the state capital of Terengganu). It is a much lesser known island compared to the nearby and more popular resort island of Pulau Redang.

Pulau Lang Tengah is the perfect place for those looking for a quiet and small island paradise without the usual tourist traps. There are only a four small resorts here catering mostly to locals from the Malaysian mainland and these resorts are nowhere near the standards of 4 or 5-stars establishments. Instead, these are small family-run resorts with basic amenities and the local kampung (a.k.a. village) feel. A stay at any of the resorts will include accommodation and meals simply because there are no other shops or restaurants on the island.

It should be noted that these resorts are usually only open for business between the months of April to October. During the rainy season in this part of Southeast Asia which occurs between the months of November and March, these resorts are closed. This is understandable as the Northeast Monsoon usually brings with it heavy rains and rough seas.

I usually timed my trips in the months of August and September because these are the best months to visit Lang Tengah.

From Singapore, it is an 8-hour bus ride to Kuala Terengganu. At Tanjung Merang (near Kuala Terengganu), I would transfer to a small speedboat which takes about 40 minutes to reach the island. The speedboat transfer from Tanjung Merang to Lang Tengah can be arranged by the resort.

This small Speedboat transfers visitors between Tanjung Merang and Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Once you reach Lang Tengah, you will find a sparsely populated island with nice white sandy beach and clear waters. 

Pualu Lang Tengah - A quiet and beautiful island in the South China Sea, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

The tropical island paradise that is Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Because Lang Tengah is situated in the midst of a Marine Park, the sea life here is excellent. Juvenile Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus), Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are common in the waters around the island. Sea cucumbers are also plentiful just meters from the beach and are clearly visible as one wads in the sea during low tides.

Baby Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Baby Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) in a hatchery before they were released into the sea, Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Beautiful sea shell found on the beach, Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Sea Cucumber as seen at low tides along the beach of Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Sea Cucumber as seen at low tides along the beach of Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Sea Cucumber as seen at low tides along the beach of Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Not much to occupy time on this island except to swim, sun tan, relax, read and sleep. That's the ideal island life. Cell phone reception can be received but who needs the cell phone when the island and its natural wonders beckons!

Island life at Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Sea Anemone seen during low tides just meters from the shore, Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Sea Anemone seen during low tides just meters from the shore, Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Sea Urchins are plentiful in the waters around Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

The rocky beach in another part of the island, Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Sunset at Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Sunset at Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu, Malaysia (2004)

Although the relatively long bus and boat journey from Singapore to Pulau Lang Tengah can be a hassle, I still regularly visit this island for its tranquility, clean waters, unhurried life and beautiful natural wonders.

If you are living in or traveling to Singapore or Malaysia and love the island life, then Pulau Lang Tengah is a really good vacation destination.