Terengganu : Eastern Traditional Charm
[Photo Gallery]

As you travel along the Terengganu coast drink in the sights of long stretches of sandy coastline, traditional coastal villages, cows wandering in the fields and picture postcard sunsets with swaying coconut trees and the setting sun dipping below the horizon. It is but the beginning of your adventure. Inland lush tropical rainforests, dazzling waterfalls and other natural wonders greet you while beyond the impressive coastline some of the most popular island destinations in Malaysia await you. With so much to see, so many traditional experiences to enjoy combined with magical sensations everywhere, you cannot help being tempted to prolong your stay. 2008 being is the ‘Visit Terengganu Year’ and spectacular events and activities planned will ensure that you have the time of your lives.

Geography
Terengganu is located along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. To the north lies the Kelantan state, and to the south, Pahang. Terengganu covers around 12,995 square kilometers and comprises seven districts: Setiu, Kemaman, Dungun, Marang, Hulu Terengganu and Kuala Terengganu.

Kuala Terengganu, the state capital, is located on the banks of the Terengganu River which flows down to the South China Sea. It features a blend of old and new buildings and appears to have stood still in time, moving at a slow and relaxed pace. Good accommodation can be found to suit all tastes is this quiet town.

History & Culture
With Terengganu's strategic location in the South China Sea it was an important trade center in ancient times. It had trading relations with China and has also long been an important area of Malay settlement. Recent archaeological finds found in Bewah Cave in Kenyir Lake indicate the existence of earlier settlements as far back as 4,000BC.

The Terengganu Sultanate originated almost 300 years ago when Tun Zainal Abidin became the first Sultan (Sultan Zainal Abidin I) in 1708. The current ruler is Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, the 16th Sultan, who was proclaimed ruler of the state on May 15, 1998, becoming the youngest ruler in Malaysia. Terengganu became a member of the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and a state of independent Malaya in 1957.

The state has a population of approximately 1 million of which 90% are Malays, followed by the Chinese and Indians and a very small percentage of aborigines.

Getting There & About
There are a few ways to get to Kuala Terengganu. You can take a leisurely drive from Kuala Lumpur and from Singapore. Alternatively express buses and taxis head to Kuala Terengganu from different major towns like Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, Kota Bahru and Johor Bahru. Malaysia Airlines offers regular flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu and Kerteh. Air Asia also offers flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu, while Berjaya Air operates flights to the famous Redang Island.

Getting around Kuala Terengganu is also easy as there are ample taxis and buses while Trishaws offer a novel way to get around.

To get to the islands the best way is to get to Kuala Terengganu and proceed to the respective jetty terminals to catch a boat ferry to the island you intend to visit.

To get around on and between the islands other than walking, the only means of transport are water taxis which offer negotiable prices.

Heritage Discovery
Bukit Puteri
This 200-metre high historical hill was the state’s fortress against enemy attacks between 1831 and 1876. Today the only remains of the fort are cannons, a flagpole, a large bell and a lighthouse. There is also a cave here known as Gua Puteri which was used for storage of gun powder, stone and iron bullets. The lighthouse on the peak of Bukit Puteri functioned as a guide for fishermen and sailors sailing into Kuala Sungai Terengganu. The view from the peak is breathtaking.

Terengganu State Museum Complex
The Terengganu State Museum Complex on 27 hectares in Bukit Losong is reputedly the largest in South East Asia. It comprises a Main Museum, a Maritime Museum, a Fisheries Museum, 4 traditional houses and botanic and herb gardens. The main Museum is built on 16 stilts, in accordance with traditional Terengganu architecture. The other 4 blocks are adjoined, to represent a large family. 10 galleries showcase textiles, crafts, historical, royal, nature, art, petroleum, Islamic, new generation and contemporary arts.

Pura Tanjung Sabtu
Pura Tanjung Sabtu built in the style of a rustic yet princely Terengganu palace was previously the country retreat of the late H.H. Sultan Zainal Abidin III of Terengganu. lLcated on 14 acres of lawns, gardens and fruit orchards it now features as a major conservation site encompassing several traditional Terengganu houses and palaces which are over 200 years old. The houses which are elevated about three meters above ground, providing air circulation and protection from flooding and stray wildlife have steep tiered roofs with curved gable ends. Guests could opt for the homestay program to experience living in a traditional Terengganu house.

Arts & Cultural Exploration
Istana Maziah (Maziah Palace)
Located near Bukit Puteri the splendid architecture of the palace is a combination of modern and traditional design. It was constructed during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III and is now the venue for royal weddings, birthdays, conferment of titles and receptions for local and foreign dignitaries.

Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque
This Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque is more popularly known as Masjid Terapung or the Floating Mosque. Located outside Kuala Terengganu it was constructed with water flowing around it like a moat, creating the illusion that it is floating. An architectural masterpiece incorporating Moorish architecture with a modern touch, the mosque is best viewed at sunset.

Fishing Villages
Fishing villages such as Marang, Kampung Marang, Chendering and Kijal, located quite close to the town centre, is where you will find old Malay village houses with villagers still maintaining their simple traditional life style Additionally between April to June you could join the Marang fisherman to go for squid jigging (Candat Sotong ). (A jig is a weighted lure with hooks arranged in a circular pattern at one end with the other end secured to a fishing line.)

Kuala Terengganu Chainatown
Chinatown in Kuala Terengganu considered an interesting location by most travellers comprises a row of prewar old building at Jalan Kg Cina.. The shophouses here have an old worldly feel with wooden tables, old books and scents and sounds from the past. Two old Chinese temples in the area, Ho Ann Kiong (1801) and Tien Hok Kong (1896) have been certified by UNICEF as Heritage attractions. The buildings in Chinatown are believed to have been the residence for the chinese who arrived in Peninsular Malaysia in the 19th century.

Coasts & Beaches
Beaches
As you drive along the coast from Kuala Besut in the north to Kemaman in the south you will be amazed by Terengganu’s lovely sandy beaches and refreshing sea breeze.

Rantau Abang
Rantau Abang located about 60 km south of Kuala Terengganu is one of only six special beach terrains in the world where the giant leatherback turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Female turtles usually arrive around midnight and each will dig a deep hole in the sand to lay its eggs. This lasts till about dawn when turtle then covers the hole and makes it way back to sea. The period to watch this phenomenon is between May and September. Many wait the whole night to catch a glimpse of these prehistoric creatures and some chalet operators even offer wake-up calls when turtles come ashore. Torchlights and cameras are prohibited and visitors are not allowed to make too much noise as the turtles scare easily.

Tanjung Jara
Tanjung Jara is another popular spot for beach lovers. Located about 60 km from Kuala Terengganu and just eight kilometres from Rantau Abang, this idyllic beach offers swimming, boating, wind surfing or simply invites you to sit back under the shade of the trees and enjoy the sea breeze.

Other beaches that are equally fascinating in Terengganu are Pantai Air Tawar, Teluk Dalam, Pantai Batu Buruk and Chendering.

Islands and Marine Parks
Exotic and amazing islands like Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Kapas are the precious emerald gems of Terengganu. Other small wonders are Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Bedong and Pulau Gemia. They are rich in magnificent marine life, corals of rainbow hues and aquamarine seawater. Many of these islands are also gazetted as marine parks. Include these precious tropical islands in your itinerary for a memorable holiday.

Pulau Redang Marine Park
Off the Terengganu coastline on the northeastern coast is the Redang Archipelago. It is made up of nine islands namely Pulau Redang (the largest), Pulau Pinang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Susu Dara and Pulau Kapas. Gazetted as a marine park the brilliant underwater world here is one of the best in Malaysia.

Pulau Redang, one of Malaysia’s most idyllic islands, offers pearly-white sandy beaches, sparkling clear seawater, lovely sunsets and a spectacular marine life. Its marvellous marine fish varieties, turtles and huge range of coral reefs make it a wonderful diving spot and its coral species are said to be among the best in the world. The five famous dive sites in Redang are Tanjung Lang, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Gua Kawah, Pasir Panjang and Batu Mak Cantek. Two historic shipwrecks, the H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse discovered around the waters off Pulau Redang are now prime sites to be explored by divers.

Apart from diving, beach lovers can also enjoy other activities like swimming, snorkelling, fishing, boating or sunbathing. For longer visits there are various resorts on the island for varied budgets.

Pulau Perhentian
Pulau Perhentian is situated about 21 km off the coast of Terengganu and comprises two islands - Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, golden sandy beaches, tall swaying palm trees and crystal blue waters, it is an ideal destination for swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing. It also boasts wonderful underwater treasures.

Coral Bay on Pulau Perhentian Kecil offers marvellous views of the sunset. It is also a perfect paradise for nature lovers with paths available for exploration of the virgin tropical jungle. On the northern shore of Pulau Perhentian Besar lie three coved bays where you can indulge in turtle watching.

Between the islands of Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Susu Dara are more spectacular dive sites. Sightings of whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, are quite common in these waters. These harmless monsters are usually found close to the equator where they enjoy basking in the warm waters and surprisingly take little or no notice of divers.

Pulau Kapas
Pulau Kapas situated offshore about 30 minutes by boat from Marang, south of Kuala Terengganu, is a lovely small island with beautiful, quiet, unspoiled sandy beaches; cool and clear blue waters, swaying coconut trees and caves with swallows’ nests. Its waters are home to beautiful marine life such as fish, turtles, corals and others. It is a great place for swimming, snorkelling, diving, wind surfing, kayaking, boating or just pure relaxation.

Pulau Pinang
Meanwhile Pulau Pinang has a visitors’ centre that houses an exhibition room, an audio-visual room, a research lab, turtle touch pools and chalets.

Pulau Duyung (Island of Boat Builders)
Pulau Duyong, is renowned as the home of Malaysia’s best boat builders. Their unique craftsmanship building timber boats, by hand and without any visible plans (except the ones that are in their heads) is truly amazing. The classic timber boats they build have a character all of their own.

Tenggol Island
Pulau Tenggol is another beautiful diving getaway island just 45 minutes from the coastal jetty in Kuala Dungun. The petite island measuring approximately 3km in length and 2km in width is considered a paradise by many people especially diving enthusiasts. The sandy beach blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment while further inland are forested rocky hills rising over 800ft to offer a panoramic view of the island.
 
This rocky terrain extends which from the interior of the island to the ocean has created a dramatic ideal hideaway for marine life. For example in Teluk Air Tawar there is a large spread of sloping reef on the rocky wall, whereas Rajawali Reef, with vertical rocky walls which fall as deep as 32m, is home to corals and other marine life like batfish and black tip reef sharks. Besides calm coral gardens, you could also chance upon humphead parrotfish, giant stingray, bat fishes, whale sharks, leopard sharks, schooling jacks and others in the diving spots around Tenggol.. Whale sharks are seen in certain areas from August to October every year.
 
Other island paradises rich with marine treasures are Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Lima and Pulau Lang Tengah. Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will not want to miss these little wonders.

Lakes & Springs
Tasik Kenyir
Tasik Kenyir is located about 55 km south of Kuala Terengganu and is the largest man-made lake in the world. Spanning over 38,000 hectares, it is a popular destination for nature lovers as it is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, more than 14 lovely waterfalls and a few rapids and rivers. It is also an angler’s haven as the lake is home to hundreds of species of freshwater fish like Baung, Toman, Kelisa, Lampam and Kelah.

LA Hot Springs
Located in Besut, the LA Hot Springs is a very popular picnic and camping spot for locals. Its sulphur-rich water has healing properties, which are said to be beneficial for those suffering from skin ailments It features a covered pool area where water is piped in from the nearby hot springs, allowing visitors to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of its rich sulphur content.

Cool Retreats
Waterfalls

Sungai Ceralak Waterfalls
Sungai Ceralak Waterfalls, comprises two waterfalls — Jeram Solo and Jeram Padang. Getting to the falls involves a boat ride from Kuala Jengai to Kuala Sungai Ceralak, a jungle hike and the river crossing across Sungai Ceralak. Upon arrival at the site, you will be greeted by the scenic view of waterfalls surrounded by glorious blooms and trees.

Chemerung Waterfalls
Thought to be the highest in Malaysia, the recently discovered Chemerung Waterfall is 305m high. The beautiful and magnificent waterfall is located in Hutan Lipur Sungai Chemerung The gushing white waters streaks down to the many beautiful steep rock faces of the East Coast Mountain Range, erupting into a cloud of spray and cloaking the surroundings in a light mist. It is a magnificent sight!

Sekayu Waterfalls
Located at Kuala Berang, about 60 km southwest of Kuala Terengganu in the Sekayu Recreational Forest, the Sekayu Waterfalls offers a magnificent view of seven cascades surrounded by lush forest. It is a favourite among visitors and locals alike. Facilities like chalets, changing rooms, rest houses and gazebos are available.

Eco-Adventures
Pelagat Forest Reserve
This forest reserve is located in Besut, 70 km northwest of Kuala Terengganu. Adventure lovers can indulge in trekking, canoeing and swimming at the Lata Tembakah Waterfalls area.

Peladang Setiu Agro Resort
A tropical rainforest, a river, caves, waterfalls and varied flora and fauna form the natural and serene surroundings. This is an ideal educational park as the trees and plants are labelled. Juicy fruits such as duku, cempedak, durian, rambai and rambutan can also be found here. The seeds of flowers and fruits can also be bought at affordable prices if you to wish to take some home with you. Others activities here are jungle trekking, mountain climbing, bird watching and fishing. Hostels and chalets are also available.

Sg. Yak Yah Fireflies Sanctuary
The fireflies sanctuary in Sg. Yak Yah in Kg. Ibok, is one of the biggest in Malaysia. Here you can see thousands of fireflies blink simultaneously, creating a symphony of vibrant light in he darkness, a truly spectacular sight to behold. The best time to visit is from July to September, the mating season for the firefly.

Kuang Ajil Pheasant Collection
Pheasants belong to a family that includes some of the most beautiful birds in the world. The Ajil Pheasant Park, the largest pheasant breeding farm in Malaysia is home to more than 30 species of protected pheasants from all over the world including the rare Malaysian Green Peafowls. The Farm is located in 1.7 acres along the way to Kuala Berang and Kenyir lake.

Culinary Delights
Due to its geographical location and historical background, Terengganu cuisine displays a strong Thai influence. Terengganu also has an abundance of rice based dishes such as nasi dagang, nasi kunyit, nasi kuning, nasi berlauk, nasi lemak and nasi kerabu. Other local dishes include laksam, laksa Terengganu, otak-otak, sata, pulut lepa, ketupat sotong and kerepok lekor.

Dining out in Terengganu is relatively inexpensive and there are always plenty of choices ranging from hotels to hawker stalls.

Sports and Recreation
In 2008 in line with Visit Trengganu Year, a whole series of events have been planned throughout the year. The includes the Kapas-Marang International Swimathon 2008, International Wau Festival 2008, Kenyir Lake International Triathlon 2008 (Half Iron-Man), Festival Songket, Batik & Kraf Malaysia 2008, Paintball World Cup Series Asia 2008, World Endurance Challenge and the Terengganu International 4WD Rainforest Challenge 2008 among others.

Monsoon Cup
The Monsoon Cup is part of World Match Racing Tour international sailing circuit, and Pulau Duyong in Terengganu is the Tour’s first Asian venue. This has effectively put Pulau Duyong, Terengganu on the world sailing map. The prestigious international event attracts the world’s top ranked sailors.

Entertainment & Shopping
Shopping

Pasar Payang
The Central Market or Pasar Payang, located by the Terengganu River is a favourite among tourists as this wet market cum shopping arcade sells interesting local handicrafts like batik, brassware, brocade and songket alongside fresh local produce like fruits, vegetables and fish, or even the local delicacies such as the Keropok Lekor(crackers made from a mixture of fish and sago). It is a great shopping destination and an interesting sight.

Sutera Semai Centre (Silk Weaving Centre)
Located about six kilometres from the town centre is Malaysia’s pioneer silk weaving centre. Beautiful, brightly coloured woven silk cloth, brocades and batik sold here make lovely souvenirs. Apart from the shopping visitors can witness the different stages of silk production and the exquisite art of batik painting.

Malaysia Handicraft Centre
Also located about six kilometres from Kuala Terengganu, the handicraft centre offers visitors a wide range of Malaysian handicraft. Some of the famous and exquisite items are songket, batik, vases, mats, hats, wallets and bags made from Pandanus leaves.

Nightlife
Nightlife in Terengganu is relatively quiet. Local nightly recreational activities include a visit to the local warung(hawker stall) for a bite and some teh tarik while catching some cable TV or local TV programmes. Restaurants in Cukai town stay open till about 10pm while the warungs may stay open till about 11 pm and some even till midnight.

Tourist Information Centre
Pusat Penerangan Pelancongan Terengganu,
Plaza Padang Negara,
Jalan Sultan Mahmud,
20400 Kuala Terengganu    
Terengganu 
 Tel: 09-6173553
E-mail : upen@tourism.terengganu.gov.my
Website: www.tourism.terengganu.gov.my