Kapas Island, or Pulau Kapas, is a lesser-known gem in Terengganu, compared to the popular Perhentian and Redang islands. Other than beach chilling, snorkeling and diving, Pulau Kapas is also popular for its hiking activity to Bukit Singa (Lion Hill).
How to go to Pulau Kapas & Accommodation at Longsha Campsite
Usually, you would need to book your accommodation in advance if you plan to stay in Kapas Island. Some accommodations will arrange a boat transfer service for you, else you can simply walk to any of the boat service shops near Marang Jetty to buy a ticket. Many parking spaces (RM6 per day) are provided near the jetty but it could still run out during peak holidays.
As I had booked my accommodation with Longsha Campsite (RM20 booking deposit), I headed over to their boat service counter to make the full payment (RM40 for return boat transfers + RM18 per night for a tent). Other than that, I had to pay another RM5 island conservation fee at the jetty counter before boarding the boat.
After a 20-minute smooth boat ride, I arrived at the beach of Pulau Kapas and checked-in to Longsha Campsite.
Tents are already set up for us. You can also bring your own tent if you wish.
A mini library by the beach, with some books and tabletop games.
Longsha Campsite features basic open-air shower areas (male and female separated) and toilet rooms.
Shared kitchen with gas stoves and cookwares. There is also a BBQ stove (bring your own charcoal).
Most (if not all) of the resorts, campsites and restaurants don’t provide fillable drinking water. The purchase and usage of plastic bottles were very high on the island. To reduce the environmental impact, we should bring along a portable water filter, such as this HydroBlu Versa Flow water filter, to turn tap water (NOT SALT WATER) into drinking water. Without it, a person could easily use more than 10 plastic bottles per day.
Heading to Bukit Singa via Pulau Kapas coast
While there is a jungle trail that connects the main beach area to Pantai Pasir Panjang close to Bukit Singa, the most common way to reach Bukit Singa is through the open coast of Pulau Kapas. Also, during my hike at the Berakit trails on the next day, I found out the jungle trail toward Bukit Singa was blocked off. There are also boat tours you can pay to have them taking you straight to Bukit Singa. On a side note, there are also Berakit hiking trails, which I visited on the next day.
At the main beach areas, about three stairways like this are built along the coastline to make crossing over to the other part of the beach more accessible, without having to walk over the rocks or swim over.
Near the second stairway, I saw a big school of fish swimming just by the seaside. So, I went down to the water to film them. Video version here
Along the way, pass the jetty, there’s this mini island called Batu Berhala. It is accessible by walking over the rocky ground and wading through a bit of shallow water (be careful of the razor sharp oyster shells).
The views looking back to the island vs out to the sea.
The third stairway is the tallest one with a nice sea view on top.
After the last stairway, I had to cross several beaches and rocky banks. At some places where the paths are blocked by hills or rocky areas that are not suitable to climb, I had to cross by going down the water (some were knee-deep and waist-deep, and one was almost chest-deep).
The neighboring small private Gemia Island can be seen across the water.
Almost there…
Bukit Singa Pulau Kapas - The Northern Tip of Kapas Island
It took me about an hour to walk (including some distractions / sightseeings) from the Southern beach to the Northern tip of Pulau Kapas, where Bukit Singa is located. A hill on the right is where people usually climb and take photos. Right in front is the rocky outcrop at the tip of the island, where the ‘hidden blue lagoon’ is located.
A beautiful rock cliff behind the hill.
A view from the hill.
Bukit Singa Blue Lagoon
Heading towards the furthest outcrop at the tip of the island. You may need to walk through some submerged rock surfaces, which can be very slippery. Some parts have razor sharp rocks or oyster shells, so move carefully.
Along the way, I spotted a few beautiful translucent deep pools, where I could watch corals, fish and other sea life from above.
Some underwater shots I took from the pools full of sea life, some marble ones are parrot fish and bright corals:
You can watch the video footage here.
A bigger emerald blue lagoon at the further rock cliff.
There’s a small opening gap in the middle of the rock hill.
The beautiful view looking back at the island from the rocky tip of Kapas Island. Two adventurous foreigners were snorkeling around the back of the island.
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
Affiliate Links to support this site:
Yay for transparency!: The links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a booking/purchase after clicking the links. I recommend only products and companies I use. Your support helps me keep the site going 🙂
Want to do the same affiliate marketing with your site? Use this AccessTrade platform link to receive RM5 reward.
