Went to Redang in 1999 and it was much quieter and peaceful then.
In June 2001 visited the island again and it has changed quite a bit. It was packed with mostly teenagers and snorkelers, with disco music blasting all over the beach during the nights. The last I heard they are building another modern 200 room hotel on the most popular stretch of the beach, which is schedule to open next year. Most of the weekends the island is fully booked nowadays. If you like that kind of crowd, Redang is your place.
On the other hand, I have also gone to Perhentian island in 1999 and again a few months back in June, and found the island still maintain much of its charm, much quieter and relaxing. Both times I have stayed at Coral View Island Resort on the Besar (not Kecil).
Both Redang and Perhentian have great beaches and great dive sites of their own. Personally, I prefer Perhentian over Redang simply because of the quietness and relaxing atmosphere it offers. In fact I am making another trip up there again this September.
Towkay, since you have decided to go to Perhentian and stay at Coral View, you will probably dive with Pro Diver's World on the resort's premise or Watercolors a few doors down at Paradise.
Both of them are great. Watercolors usually runs more dives per day though.
Have fun.
