On the edges of the island, colourful reefs extend out into the deep, blue sea where a host of marine life continues to build and live in these rich , exuberant gardens of the sea. Pulau Kapas began to take shape some 270million years ago when the sea level was way below what it is now. Over a long period of time, sedimentation from the land was washed out into the sea, adding layer upon layer, which then formed a strip of elevated land . Eventually this area formed into an island and seeds and pollens that drifted along with the wind and the sea, settled on the drier grounds, giving life to a complete ecosystem as we see on Pulau Kapas today.

The coral reef probably started its life in the early beginnings of Pulau Kapas. It is this beauty that for so many years people have come to enjoy. As a marine park, the coral reefs and its marine inhabitants have been given full protection from any adverse activity that may destroy their habitat, and that includes fishing.

With such foresight from the local authorities, the reefs are left in its pristine state that host an abundance of beautiful coral inhabitants such as the parrotfish, pufferfish, angelfish, damselfish; eels; giant clams; rays, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and nudibranchs. This is the place to really indulge in snorkelling. There is a wonderful snorkelling spot around the rocky outcrops just to the southern end of the long stretch of beach. The water here is shallow and it is best to wear a lifejacket. In some places the water level at low tide may only be as shallow as 2 feet. There is just so much to see around that snorkellers often lose track of direction and may get trapped in the shallow ends. When this happens, they often panic and start trashing about and usually try to stand up in the process. This is dangerous as the seabed is covered with extremely sharp corals and can cause deep wounds. The other danger to look out for are the sea urchins hiding in and around the corals. The thorny spines of the sea urchin can pierce through delicate skin, believe you me - it's excruciating!

a lifejacket and a pair of fins and never, ever step on corals. Fire coral is another thing to look out for. If brushed against, it causes a searing pain as if brushing against a burning cinder. This is another reason why it is always advisable that snorkellers should never touch corals and fishes for as pretty and helpless as they seem, they often have powerful defence mechanisms against predators.

For the advanced snorkellers, a dip in the coral gardens is a delight especially on nights when the moon is full. The entire scene transforms itself and introduces a host of nocturnal marine life that are rarely seen during the day. The corals extend their feeders out in full bloom to capture tiny plankton washed in from the open sea, the nudibranchs leave their hiding place to feed on the coral polyps and squirrelfishes come out to play.

For landlubbers, there is a rough track through the middle of the island and towards the eastern side. If that's not your cup of tea, it is possible to hire canoes for exploring the more secluded shores and beaches towards the northern tip of the island.

How to go?

From Kuala Lumpur

Head east towards Kuantan. You will be driving on the Karak Highway all through to Kuantan, which takes approximately 3 hours. Once arriving on the outskirts of Kuantan town, head towards the Northeast, which will lead you to Kuala Terengganu. Marang is just on the outskirts of Kuala Trengganu town.

From Penang

Head towards Kota Baharu via the East-West Highway. From Kota Baharu, head South for Merang. This is a seaside village just outside of Kuala Terengganu. From Kuala Terengganu head down the highway 3 towards Kuantan. Marang is about 10km from the city centre.

From Johore or Singapore

Travel north on the North-South Highway and exit at Yong Peng. From Yong Peng, take highway to Labis and later take main road to Segamat. Segamat will lead you to Muadzam Shah and all the way to Kuantan. From Kuantan, head towards the Northeast which will take you to Kuala Terengganu.