When To Go · Destination Guide

Tenggol Island (Pulau Tenggol)

Tokong pinnacles, wrecks, and a quiet marine-park island off Terengganu

Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 13 sources

When to go

Best time to visit Tenggol Island (Pulau Tenggol)

Tenggol follows Malaysia's eastcoast rhythm: the reliable island season is March to October, while the northeast monsoon (rougher seas and heavier rain) runs roughly November to February and often closes island operations.

Best overall window

March to October

Most stable sea state and typical best visibility for island stays and boat transfers.

Outside that window

Northeast monsoon brings rough seas and heavy rain; many resorts and dive centers close and boat transfers can be unsafe.

Choose your trip style

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

Month-by-month planner

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable

Scope	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Overall	Overall - Jan: Tradeoffs	Overall - Feb: Tradeoffs	Overall - Mar: Good	Overall - Apr: Good	Overall - May: Good	Overall - Jun: Best	Overall - Jul: Best	Overall - Aug: Best	Overall - Sep: Good	Overall - Oct: Good	Overall - Nov: Tradeoffs	Overall - Dec: Tradeoffs

Wildlife goals and seasonal highlights

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

Whale shark season (best odds)
Best for Scuba
Aug to Sep
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Whale sharks are most commonly reported around late summer.
Pelagic schooling runs on current-swept walls
Best for Scuba
Mar to Apr, Sep to Oct
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sites like Tokong Laut are often recommended in shoulder months when current can bring in schooling fish and occasional larger visitors.
Northeast monsoon sea state
Nov to Feb
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
The northeast monsoon is the main disruptive season on Malaysia's east coast, bringing heavier rain and rougher seas that can close resorts and make boat transfers unsafe.

Always true for this destination

If you must travel near season edges, build buffer days for boat transfer changes.

Seasonal cautions

Mar to May, Sep to Oct: Generally good conditions, with occasional wind and rain shifts. Operators often favor the north side earlier in season and the south side later.
Nov to Feb: Northeast monsoon brings rough seas and heavy rain; many resorts and dive centers close and boat transfers can be unsafe.

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.