So, Terengganu is famous for its islands. White sand beaches with warm water clear enough to snorkel or dive in. They are so ridiculously nice, it's hard to believe they're real. But, having actually been on one, I can confirm that they're real and they're spectacular.
After orientation in KL wrapped up, we were all shipped out to our respective state capitals. For me and my 19 fellow ETAs, that meant an eight hour bus ride to the city of Kuala Terengganu, which is in the northern half of the state and along the coast, followed by two solid days of free time. Though our chaperone warned us that swimming in the South China Sea was not to be attempted at this time of year due to monsoons ("You an Olympic swimmer? DOESN'T MATTER."), free days and seemingly nice weather led half of our group to make a trip to an island.
Due to its proximity, we chose Pulau Kapas, a nice, but by no means the "nicest" of Terengganu's islands, just opposite the town of Marang.
Our intrepid leader, Elle (a fellow Seattlite), figured out that we could hire a boat to take us to the island and to pick us up whenever we wanted. Having only a vague idea of what we were in for, we packed our suits, books and sandwiches, and stocked up on fruit and water at the local market and headed toward the jetty. About two minutes out from the island's dock, it became very clear that we'd made the right choice. Not only were there white sand beaches and warm clear water, but said beaches were almost completely empty. Aside from a few chalet owners and the odd kayakers, we had the beaches to ourselves. A day of reading, sunning, swimming and exploring were much needed and has made me very keen to check out the other, "better" islands. Stay tuned on that front.
PS - Total cost for this little adventure? Just shy of $30 USD. Not too shabby.
looks amazing. glad your having a great time so far!
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