Pulau Lang Tengah

 The intrepid explorer may have heard of Pulau Kapas or Pulau Redang, two islands along the Malaysian East Coast that are favourites among dive enthusiasts. But only the lucky few know about Lang Tengah. And those lucky few probably don't want you to know about it either. So if you absolutely must read any further, make sure that you only share the following information with other nature lovers who will respect this island paradise and try to keep it pristine.

Lang Tengah is a tiny island surrounded by a protected coral reef that is situated off the coast of Kuala Terengganu. It houses two resorts - Squarepoint Lang Tengah and Blue Coral Island Resort. (Another 2 has been added since this article was posted, namely D'Coconut Lagoon and Redang Lang Resort)

From the Kuala Terengganu airport, you could  board a  shuttle to Merang jetty and then take a speedboat to Lang Tengah. The ride was extremely bumpy and fast. Suffice to say if you suffer motion sickness, don't forget you seasick pills! The island's beach is still the best along the front of Blue Coral and during the off peak season, there may be chances of spotting a turtle or two in this tiny bay.

Anyway, once you submit yourself to the sea, all those clichés about humanity's insolence and insignificance ring true. It's indescribable that otherworldly feeling you get once you swim among the denizens of this surreal and magnificent environment. 

Visibility was clear up to at least 10 meters (30ft) and the fish were not too shy or bothered by our presence. In fact if you happen to "accidentally" have a stale piece of bread on you, the parrot fish will mistake you for a stale piece of bread and you will feel like an unfortunate cow in a documentary about piranha. Actually, it was awe we felt, not fear when we discovered the amazing diversity and quantity of fish and coral around us. From huge "brain coral" and giant clams to schools of tiny dacyllus, hours flew by as we marveled at the variety and splendour of the underwater fauna.

Lang Tengah offers plenty of communing with nature and less interference from man than many other island resorts around the area. It isn't one of those totally deserted islands that hardcore divers prefer, nor is it an overdeveloped project favoured by those who like the concept but not the reality of getting close to nature. What it does offer is enough comfort and privacy to commune with an underwater Eden.

Lang Tengah offers the deep satisfaction of being able to dig your toes into the warm soft white sand, as dusk approaches and the huge flying foxes swoop down from the coconut trees to feast on insects buzzing overhead. Watching the sun set into the ocean, you know that at dawn you can rise from a comfortable bed, walk but a few yards and submerge yourself into that same ocean, losing yourself in a world of myriad shapes, sizes, colours and mysteries; a place where grace, power and beauty extend way beyond the province of human imagination.