Known by the name Pulau Kapas in local tongue, Kapas Island or Cotton Island lies 6 kilometers off the coast of Terengganu. It is made up of two islands; Gemia Island and Kapas Island.
Kapas Island features crystal clear seawater, pure powdery white beaches and untouched tropical jungle. Promoted as a “snorkeling paradise”, with several dive resorts and coral reefs, this picturesque getaway is less than 5 km from the mainland and can be reached within 15 minutes by speedboat from the coastal fishing village of Marang. Because the coral is mainly around the rocky edges of the island, one can still go swimming off the beautiful beaches, even at low tide.
Its accessibility from the mainland makes Kapas Island popular with local visitors for daytrips and the fairly good availability of budget accommodation means that it is also popular with backpackers. The resorts on Kapas Island are mostly spread out over three beaches on the western shore, facing the mainland. Accommodation here ranges from dorm rooms to moderately priced air-conditioned chalets. More luxurious accommodation is available at Gemia Island, located just a few hundred meters northwest of Kapas Island.
|
