Terengganu is one of the Malaysian states which is endowed with a wealth of charming and refreshing natural landscapes. Terengganu has beaches, exotic islands, lush virgin tropical jungle, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls and many, many more ! Miles and miles of white sandy beaches and crystal clear water stretches throughout its 244km coastline, extending from Besut in the north to Kemaman in the south. Terengganu islands are among the most picturesque and fascinating in the country.
1) Crystal Mosque
-The Crystal Mosque or Masjid Kristal is a mosque in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.
A grand structure made of steel, glass and crystal. The mosque is located at Islamic Heritage Park
on the island of Wan Man.
on the island of Wan Man.
-The mosque was constructed between 2006 and 2008.
-It was officially opened on 8 February 2008 by 13th Yang
di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.
-This is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.
-Masjid Kristal is a good tourism and attractive site.
-This handsome structure is symbol of Malaysian Heritage.
2) Central Market
-Pasar Payang or the Central Market is no less than an interesting place to visit.
-This double storey market houses all kind of goods that you can find, ranging from poultry to sea
products.
products.
-The lower level of this double storey building is a wet market.
3) China Town
-China Town is actually a row of prewar old building at Jalan Kg Cina.
-These buildings are believed to be the residence for the Chinese from China mainland who
arrived in Peninsular Malaysia in the 19th century.
arrived in Peninsular Malaysia in the 19th century.
-These century old building are now sundry shops, local coffee shops, offices for several
tour operators, batik and souvenir shops, restaurants etc.
tour operators, batik and souvenir shops, restaurants etc.
-There is also a Chinese Temple painted in red colour standing at the corner. The local believe
that ‘Goddess’ of the temple has given them very accurate guidance and ‘protection’ during the
hard time, therefore there is always worshipers redeem their vow to the God.
that ‘Goddess’ of the temple has given them very accurate guidance and ‘protection’ during the
hard time, therefore there is always worshipers redeem their vow to the God.
4) Pulau Duyung
-Pulau Duyung or the Mermaid Island is a venue for The Moonson Cup
(Swedish Match Tour).
-Both road and sea transport is available.
-Pulau Duyung is famous among the local and foreign with its traditional boat making industry.
NATURE PARKS
1) Kenyir Lake
-Taman Negara Kenyir. Taman Negara rainforest is the world oldest jungle believed to be
130 million years old.
130 million years old.
-It spans over 260,000 hectares (or some 369 sq km), fed by 30 rivers with 25 waterfalls and
at least 25 known species of fish swimming in this man-made lake.
at least 25 known species of fish swimming in this man-made lake.
-The 340 islands in the lake were once hilltops and highlands before the area was inundated
by water. Kenyir Lake on the map is just like a drop of water that splits into irregular drainage
by water. Kenyir Lake on the map is just like a drop of water that splits into irregular drainage
shape on the ground, but turns into a big piece of jade or green stone with smooth surface
when it comes closer to you.
when it comes closer to you.
2) Sekayu Waterfall
-The Sekayu Waterfall is located within the Sekayu Recreational Forest in Kuala Berang.
It was established in 1974 and officially launched in 1985.
-Seven cascades here with water-cut pools which become the natural swimming pools make it a
famous retreat for visitors.
famous retreat for visitors.
3) Cemerung Waterfall & National Park
-Cemerong Waterfall or some call Lata Cemeruh is located in the inner land of Dungun,
or about 30 minutes drive from Kg. Pasir Raja, another good point for trekking activities.
-Reaching 300m height, it is the tallest waterfall in Terengganu state.
-The small but tidy park furnished with hut and picnic places and ample parking space at the
entrance can tell.
entrance can tell.
CULTURES IN TERENGGANU
CUISINE
NASI DAGANG
KEROPOK LEKOR
There are three types of keropok, mainly keropok lekor (resembling sausage, boiled chewy ones), keropok goreng (also resembling sausage but fried chewy ones) and keropok keping (sliced, sun-dried and fried).
All districts produce their own keropok but the famous ones are none better than those found in Kampong Losong in Kuala Terengganu. ‘Keropok lekor’ are actually made from processed fish meat mixed with salt and sagoo flour.
TRADITIONAL DANCE
TARIAN GAMELAN
It was introduced to Terengganu state when Tengku Meriam daughter of Sultan Ahmad married with the prince of Sultan Zainal Abidin II in Terengganu. Eight ladies in colourful silk costume will be accompanied
It was introduced to Terengganu state when Tengku Meriam daughter of Sultan Ahmad married with the prince of Sultan Zainal Abidin II in Terengganu. Eight ladies in colourful silk costume will be accompanied
by musical instrument such as serunai, gambang, saron, bonang and many more.
TARIAN ULIT MAYANG
TRADITIONAL GAMES
KITES
Over the years, kite festivals have encouraged creativity in kite-making, thus resulting in kites that are designed in the shape of a fish, cat, caterpillar, and bird but the famous huge moon-kite (wau bulan)
remains as popular as it was years ago.
GASING
Each gasing or top weighs approximately 5kg and the wooden tops are as big as the size of a dinner plate. It calls for strength, coordination, and skill. The gasing, if expertly hurled, can spin for as long as 2 hours. Top spinning competitions are an annual feature in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia especially Kelantan and Terengganu.
BATIK
This coloured and patterned cloth is now becoming popular in Malaysia and the best Malaysian batiks come from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. There are two types of batik, the hand drawn and the stamped. Recently there are also machine printed batik which design is clearer and colour on one side only
SONGKET WEAVING
Songket or cloth of gold is originally from a mix of cotton and silk that was inter-woven with supplementary gold or silver thread. It is said to have evolved when the Malay sultanates began trading with China and India where the silk, gold and silver came from. Today the imitation thread is generally used to replace the gold and silver which is much expensive. Because of its unique material and weaving method, Songket was once exclusive to royalty, but today it is used during formal occasion, such as weddings.
FLORA
Because most of the forest in Terengganu are part of Titiwangsa Mountain Range which means some of the jungle are above 600m of its altitude. And so, like any of the tropical rainforest, the main types of forest are the lowland rainforest which stratifies into three main layers with the top one rising to 45m of heights. There are thousands and thousands of trees - big trees, small trees, dead trees, cut-up trees and climbing these trees are the vines and lianas. Underneath, on the ground surface is a layer of leaf-litter, fully decomposed
or in various stages of decomposition.
< Allamanda is the state flower for Terengganu.
Hibiscus is among one of the >
flora that exists in Malaysia and is the national flower of Malaysia.
FAUNA
There are myriad of creatures - great and small that depend on the jungle for their habitat and survival.
The vertebrates such as elephants, tapirs, tigers, deer, seladangs, snakes, iguanas, pangolins that roam the ground. While monkeys, squirrels, bats, birds are arboreal in habitat. Others such as frogs, tortoises, crocodiles, fishes live partially or fully in water. Beside this, there are the various kinds of insects, beetles, leeches, worms, and microorganisms that are found in the soil or above ground surface.
The vertebrates such as elephants, tapirs, tigers, deer, seladangs, snakes, iguanas, pangolins that roam the ground. While monkeys, squirrels, bats, birds are arboreal in habitat. Others such as frogs, tortoises, crocodiles, fishes live partially or fully in water. Beside this, there are the various kinds of insects, beetles, leeches, worms, and microorganisms that are found in the soil or above ground surface.
< Tapir is one of the example fauna in Terengganu.
Seladangs also is one of >
animals life that have in Terengganu.
PORMINENT LANDMARKS
Batu Bersurat Roundabout
Batu Bersurat Roundabout - The discovery of the Inscribed Stone in Kuala Berang, Hulu Terengganu
is significant for Terengganu which proven the earliest acceptance of Islam by a state ruler in the
Malay Peninsular.
There is Memorial Batu Bersurat built in Kampung Buluh in Kuala Berang to commemorate the discovery
There is Memorial Batu Bersurat built in Kampung Buluh in Kuala Berang to commemorate the discovery
of the stone. The Batu Bersurat monument located at Kampung Ladang roundabout is beautifully
landscaped.
The Floating Mosque of The East
landscaped.
The Floating Mosque of The East
The Floating Mosque of The East - Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah (Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque) which is situated about 4Km from Kuala Terengganu Centre, is built on a floating platform and is also known as the "The Floating Mosque of the East" due to its unique design that creates an illusion of itself as floating on water.
HISTORICAL SITES IN TERENGGANU
Terengganu State Museum Complex
The impressive Terengganu State Museum Complex in Jalan Losong consists of four main blocks, an adjacent Maritime Museum and five traditional houses. Set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, a small waterfall and ponds with koi fish, this is the largest museum complex in Southeast Asia. It offers a glimpse into the rich history of the state religion, royalty, culture and economy.
Bukit Puteri
The artifacts on Bukit Puteri date back to 1831 when the ruling Sultan made it a fortress to ward off invading enemies. The large bell there was originally used to warn off impending attacks and later, it was used to signal the breaking of fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
RESORTS AVAILABLE IN TERENGGANU
BEACH RESORT
Tanjong Jara Resort
Located on Malaysia’s East Coast, Tanjong Jara Resort is a 15-minute drive from Desa Golf Club, Dungun. The Kuala Terengganu Airport is an hour’s drive away. Massages and body treatments are offered at
the Spa Village. Guests can enjoy a game of tennis or have a quiet read in Tanjong Jara Resort’s library.
SPA RESORT
Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa
The resort provides a river cruise ride around the island at a charge. Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa
is a 10-minute drive from Kuala Terengganu Town.
NATURE RESORT
Lake Kenyir Resort, Taman Negara
Lake Kenyir Resort, Taman Negara is situated on the edge of one of the world’s oldest tropical
rainforests in Terengganu, Malaysia. It offers a swimming pool and several outdoor activities. Lake Kenyir
Resort is around 50 minutes’ drive from Kuala Terengganu Airport.
GOLF RESORT
Resorts World Kijal
Stretched along 7.6 km of private beach, Resorts World Kijal is located in East Terengganu. It boasts a beautiful 18-hole golf course and world-class Javanese Spa. It also has a large outdoor pool.
Resorts World is a 30-minute drive from Cherating, East Coast. Driving from Kuala Lumpur to the hotel will take 3 hours. For guests who drive, parking is provided for free.