The island is also an important conservation site for sea turtles. Previously, the indiscriminate economic exploitation of turtle eggs had caused fewer turtles returning to nest on the island. This has led the Terengganu state government to set up the Koperasi Setiajaya Pulau Redang in 1989, a cooperative aiming to develop and manage socio-economic programmes that could improve the livelihood of Pulau Redang locals without endangering its natural resources.[citation needed]

The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse. The ships were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

The Pulau Redang archipelago comprises Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling and Pulau Pinang. Pulau Redang is the biggest of all the islands in the Marine Park, measuring about 7 km long and 6 km wide. Its highest peak is Bukit Besar at 359 metres above sea level. The boundary of the Pulau Redang Marine Park is established by a line linking all points 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) from the shores of Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu and Pulau Pinang. The other nearby islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Susu Dara are also gazetted and protected as Marine Parks. Today, only the bigger islands like Redang, Lang Tengah, Perhentian and Kapas have resort facilities for visitors. The management of Marine Parks primarily involves protection of the sensitive marine and terrestrial ecosystems by controlling the impact from human activities. These include waste & pollution management and conservation of coral reefs and terrestrial habitats.

The 2000 film, Summer Holiday was filmed on the Laguna Redang resort, and a replica of the tea house now serves as the resort’s gift shop.

The entire resort is built over water on stilts made of Belian Wood commonly called ironwood, laid in certain points so as to minimise damage to the existing reef. In its design, Sipadan Water Village has achieved near utopia in its over-the-water layout, splendid water cottage accommodations with flowered sidewalks, wonderfully prepared Asian and Continental cuisine, and impeccable and personable service.

Sipadan Water Village international staffs of dive guides and instructors pride themselves on knowing the intricacies of their reefs and willing to share their macro subject secrets with anyone interested.

Rawa boasts with one of the most idyllic beaches in the entire Seribuat archipelago. The sand is powdery white and clean and there is enough space for a game of beach volleyball or soccer or to stretch out and soak up the sun – all at the same time.  Along the edge of the beach, hammocks are tied between palm trees – the perfect place to relax with your favourite book or magazine.
Sea Sports

While this is not the place for serious water sport enthusiasts, Rawa is still surrounded by clear, coral-rich water and snorkelling, diving or a bit of sea kayaking are great ways to explore this.
A few metres from the beach, a bed of coral is home to a variety of marine life and if you grab a mask, snorkel and fins, you can take a closer look. Apart from the colourful fish, you may be lucky enough to spot a stingray or even a turtle.
The dive centre at the Rawa Safari resort is ready to take you deeper if you want to explore more at the nearby dive sites and the surrounding islands.
The same sea sports centre also rents out kayaks for those that want to explore the waters without getting (very) wet.
Breathtaking views

Behind the powdery white beach and the resorts, a steep hill rises up and drops down into the sea on the other side of the island in sheets of rock and straight cliffs. Steps lead up the hillside from the back of the Rawa Safari resort and into a pathway that takes you to the edge of the island and to a spectacular view of the surrounding islands and the open sea. You’ll reach the top in less than 15 minutes and the view is definitely worth the climb, especially at sunset.

The islands remain relatively untouched and the only permanent inhabitants live in a small fishing village on Perhentian Kecil. Apart from footpaths that cut through the jungle, there are no roads on the islands. The only way to get around is by walking through the jungle or taking a sea taxi. If you tread carefully, you may even encounter some of the islands’ shy wildlife on the way, such as monitor lizards, fruit bats, squirrels or even the elusive mouse deer. Simple chalets and some moderately luxurious resorts line the picturesque beaches along with restaurants, dive centres and boat operators advertising their services with hand-painted signs.

Perhaps it is the stretches of white beach or the crystal clear water and the superior scuba diving. Perhaps it is the untouched forests or the relaxed atmosphere and unspoiled charm. We like to think that is a little bit of all of this that makes the Perhentian Islands the perfect place to stop and take some time out.