Kapas Island means ‘cotton’ island in Malay. The beaches resemble cotton.
Getting There
Kapas Island is reached by boat from Marang (not to be confused with Merang) on the east coast of Malaysia. It takes between 10 and 40 minutes to get there, depending upon whether you take one of the speedboats or a slower boat. Ticket prices range from 20RM to 40RM return. The boats will usually require at least 4 passengers in order to make it worth their while.
Marang is about 18kms south of Kuala Terrenganu and can be reached from there by catching the frequent local bus from the main bus station , bound for Kuala Dungun. The bus ticket, which you buy from the conductor on board, costs 2RM.
Places to Stay and Eat
Most accommodation options also have attached restaurants. All are located on the western side of the island, the side closest to the mainland. From north to south there are the following options:
Harmony Campsite: Located on a small section of beach with calm waters.
Qimi Chalet: Options here range from 80RM up to 300RM. It is located on the same section of beach as the campsite.
Kapas Coral Beach: This place is currently having some new bungalows built and to a degree resembles a building site.
Mak Cik Gemok Beach Resort: Chalets a few metres from the beach will cost 70RM, or 60RM if you stay for a few days. For this price you even get a television. But the chalets have become a bit tatty over the years.
Kapas Beach Chalets (KBC): A popular choice, this place has dorm beds for 15RM, rooms for 40RM and chalets for 60RM and 70RM. The dorms sleep up to four people. The staff are very friendly. In the evening guests can sit in the communal lounge area and play board games and cards. It has a very sociable backpacker vibe. Cans of beer cost 8RM or 9RM. There is a pricy, but good, seafood BBQ for 45RM. There is a vegetarian equivalent for 25RM.
Pak Ya Sea View: This new place has seven new A-frame chalets, which face the beach and ocean. At this place you really do get a sea-view from your balcony. Chalets come with attached cold-water shower and western sit-down style toilet. They go for 70RM if you stay one night and 60RM for two or three nights. Further discounts may be negotiable for even longer stays. This represents very good value. This is a relatively cheap place for eating, except the breakfast options, which are pricier than they should be.
Kapas Island Resort: Everywhere here has air-con. Prices start at 130RM. This place has Wi-Fi. Non-guests can use it if they buy something in the restaurant.
Captain’s Longhouse: There is a slightly odd ‘breakfast basket’ for 10RM. This includes unlimited tea/coffee/milo from the sachets in the basket, so may be a good option for those who drink a lot!
Kapas Turtle Valley: Located at the very southern end, this boutique resort has Wi-Fi access. Non-residents can get access by paying 5RM for the password.
Things to See and Do
Jungle Trekking
A separate article describes the trekking on the island.
Kayaking
Kayaks can be rented for 25RM an hour, or 50RM for the day from Captain’s Longhouse. Pak Ya Sea View charges 10RM an hour.
Snorkelling
Most places rent snorkelling equipment. KBC allows guests to use its equipment for free.
Richard Milnes - Richard was born in London, England, but has since spent much of his life travelling the world and has visited nearly 50 ...
