Kapas Island is a laid back tropical hideaway just a few miles from the mainland of Terengganu.
The speedboat ferry service from the fishing village of Marang takes about 15 minutes to cover the 6km distance to the island.
Kapas is the Malay word for cotton and refers to the pure white sandy beaches found here.
All the beaches and accommodation are on the western side of the island facing the mainland. It is possible to take a short jungle trek over the low hill on the island to the eastern coast for a view of the sunrise.
The turquoise seas hereabouts contain plenty of rocks, some patches of coral and a couple of shipwrecks.
Snorkelling and diving are popular pursuits apart from during the monsoon season which runs from November to March.
Other activities are swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing. Night fishing for squid (squid jigging) takes place during the months of April to September.
Apart from these activities there is nothing to do on this sleepy island besides sunbathing and relaxing.
You can find more photos and information about Kapas on my blog.
The accommodation on the island is fairly basic and rustic, ranging from budget to moderate in price. There are 8 or nine beachfront resorts including:
Kapas Turtle Valley with beach bungalows ranging from RM 170 - RM 360 per night.
The Light House. Basic fan room RM 75 Dorm RM 25.
Kapas Island Resort.
Air conditioned chalets from RM 130 to RM 200 per night.
Makcik Gemuk Beach Resort.
No frills accommodation from RM 40 to RM 120 per night. No website but again you can book through Marang Guest House.
Kapas Beach Chalet.
Budget place with fan rooms: RM 40 - RM 70. Use Marang Guest House for bookings.
Kapas Coral Beach.
Choice of fan or AC. RM 70 - RM 160. Book through Marang Guest House.
Qimi Chalet. This is probably the pick of the bunch on Kapas Island. It is located on the next beach along from all the others. Rooms range from RM 80 - RM 300.
Harmony Campsite.
If all the above are too expensive you always try camping for RM 10 - RM 16 per person. Contact Marang Guest House for details.
Gemia Island is a privately owned island right next door to Kapas. It has a single resort on it, the Gem Island Resort & Spa.
This hotel is a bit more up-market than its neighbours and this is reflected in the room rates (RM 260 - RM 860).
Suria Link Boat Service runs regular speed boat transfers from Marang Jetty to Pulau Kapas Jetty for RM 40 per person return.
Kids ( ages 4 -12) travel half price.
Boats leave from Marang at:
9.30am
11.30am
1.30pm
4.30pm
Boats leave from Kapas at:
10am
12 noon
2pm
5pm
Suria's phone number is 6019-983 9454, 6019-982 9454.
MGH Ferry Service offers Squid Jigging at RM 550 and Fishing Trips + Bait at RM 600.
Tel/Fax 09-618 1976
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