PULAUKAN PULAU REDANG?

Yesterday I read something about Terengganu that I can blog about.
The Terengganu state government feels that there are too many people visiting Pulau Redang. For the newsreaders out there Redang is pronounced as ray-dung. Remember that you ignoramus.
Somehow, Redang has become famous. 40 years ago, when I first stepped foot on Redang. There was no chalet or resort. I had to do my business in the bush. 10 years ago, when I brought my cucu to the island, there were resorts and chalets all over the place. There is even an airstrip to bring rich tourists to the island. At Kilau's resort (the former Redang Government Rest House) I met a few Chinese from Perak. They were tradesmen and they were not rich. They scrimped and saved to get to the island. They heard about the beauty of the island and they had to come. So how do you discourage people like these?
One way I guess is to promote other islands. In case you forget, there are many more islands in Terengganu. If you want to relax and snorkel, you can do that at Pulau Kapas and Pulau Perhentian too. Honeymooners can choose Pulau Gemia. Serious scuba divers know that the islands for them are Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Lang Tengah. I have been told that even Bidong has some nice diving spots.
Promote these islands and you can ease the strain on Redang. Otherwise some form of control has to be introduced and enforced. This is easier said than done. I think it is more difficult than bringing married couples to the island to reignite their passion and romance.
I shall wait for the detailed plan of action. In the meantime, you are welcome to offer suggestions.

Labels: Redang

I AM BACK

Alhamdullillah I am able to update my blog. Pak Idrus would be happy.
There were letters in the papers recently unhappy with the announcement that no more "bed and breakfast" chalets would be built on Pulau Redang. Some of the writers thought that only the rich would be allowed on the island. I do not think that this is true. So I phoned a few people who earn a living from people visiting the island. They told me that they would not be affected by the announcement. It is just an announcement, not a pronouncement yet. What they know is that from now on, only NEW 5 star resorts would be allowed to be built on Redang. I guessed that these resorts would have to be built with anti-pollution and other measures to preserve the ecology of the island.
So, go ahead and plan to spend a few days on Redang. Try the resort where the old Redang Rest House was. The beaches there have no dead corals to irritate your bare feet.
If you want exclusivity, go to Pulau Gemia (next to Pulau Kapas). There is only one resort there and it is without karaoke. The owner does not want off-key renditions of Widuri or My Way driving away the turtles of which Terengganu is famous for.
Another thing that made Terenggany famous (or infamous, if you want to nitpick) is complexes falling down. It was debated in the State Assembly recently. My friends had a good laugh. A few phoned me and asked me what's Terengganu's Arabic name. I told them "Darul Iman". They said no, it is not. Iasked them what is ist now?
They told me it is "Darul Runtuh".
Ha ha.

Labels: Redang, Terengganu