Malaysia Attractions : Kapas Island

A heaven for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing.

Pulau Kapas abounds in numerous deserted, white sandy beaches lined with shady palm trees to make a perfect niche to laze on. Relaxation is the foremost occupation here. It offer a refreshing change from everyday haste.The island is just 4 nautical miles from Marang. It's is an ideal place to break away and chill it out. Pulau Kapas is made up of two islands Pulau Gemia and Pulau Kapas. Pulau Kapas is about easy access, choices and plenty of bargain. Places to stay ranging from camping sites to dormitory to island resorts with en suite facilities. Only thing that never change on this island is the constant number of backpackers arriving and departing each day.

July, August and the local holidays are the best times to go.An island famous for its clear waters, sandy white beaches and swaying palms, it is relatively isolated. Home to an infinite variety of hard and soft corals, the waters around the island abound with sea-shells, fish and turtles.The island's laid back atmosphere is ideal for relaxation but the more adventurous will find it is also a haven for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing.Kapas has somehow become the refuge of those who refuse or could not join the Perhentian' crowd.The island is favorite with the local people in the very high season and the public holidays.

A taxi from Kuala Terengganu airport or the bus terminal costs RM 30.00 per cab for the journey to Marang Jetty. Boat transfer service may start as early as 7:00 and costs RM 25.00 per person (two way).Services such as snorkelling around the island is very much standardised and priced accordingly. The standard price of equipment is RM5 per day for mask & tuba and RM5 per day for fins.Tourist are never been over charged on these services. The only item that sometimes may seemed over priced are the food. Be sure that all menu has price listed before ordering.Just north of the pier, a couple of small restaurants serves the cheapest basic dishes of the island : Nasi or Mee Goreng. The first one gives good portions and sell big bottle of mineral water. One of the best local eating place on this island is at Zaki's.

Due to its close proximity to shore, Pulau Kapas is exposed to the occasional visits from unwelcome parties.
Be sure that any valuables is locked in the room or better still be carried along where ever you go. Local islanders is always helpful and on the watch for these trouble makers. Anyone caught on any unlawful acts will be deal with accordingly. However, they did not guarantee that your belonging will not be stolen. Mosquito can be a serious nuisance at dusk and dawn. Most resorts have mosquito net but for the outdoors, bring enough repellent.

Diving:
A few dive shops offer the basic gears and instructions.The key attraction for diving at Pulau Kapas is the World WarII shipwreck located 5 nautical miles offshore.The outer reefs on her seaward side has are good diving spots as well. Its shallow water make it an ideal training ground for divers.Thai fishing boats caught on illegal entry in Terengganu waters are also sunk here as artificial reefs.Besides staying on the island, one may choose to stay at better facilities available in town and may do the diving on day trips

Pulau Kapas offers a variety of adventures to the Sun and Sea lovers. The hidden sweats of nature's splendors both on land and below the sea. You could track into the island's interior and amazed at the colorful natural flora and fauna along the way. Explore the most varied marine life among the many coral reefs around the island. Snorkeling and underwater diving is popular along stretches of shallow coral reefs of the island's western shore.