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21 Reasons To Visit Terengganu

1) The Longest Exotic Beach In Malaysia (244 km)
The East Coast of Peninsula Malaysia have always been famed for its long stretch of unpolluted beaches and even so in Terengganu, home to the longest coastlines in Malaysia. The panoramic, untouched beaches of Terengganu spans 244 kilometers from the District of Kemaman in the south, along the scenic coast up north to the District of Besut, overlooking the South China, Sea. Simply breath taking scenery, the dazzling clean and powdery white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters in Terengganu's islands are well known. It is haven for those seeking a good time in the sun, sand and sea.

2) The Emerald Island In Malaysia - Pulau Redang
Situated 50km off the coast, Redang Island is the most developed in Terengganu. The beaches, washed by the warm waters of the South China Sea is the nature's wonder: a wonderful alchemy of fine powdery white and gold sand, magnificently wide, often times sloping gradually into the sea. Crystal clear water and vibrant underwater world invite enthusiasts to enjoy the colourful, mature coral gardens and several shipwreckeds. With the vastness of the sea, cool breezes and breathtaking sunsets, the island is nothing short of a tropical paradise. Berjaya Air operates daily direct flights to the island from KL & Singapore and speedboats at designated jetty will take 45 minutes to reach the island.

3) One Of The Most Beautiful Island In The World - Pulau Perhentian
A trip to these lush and exotic tropical twin islands is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, warm sapphire blue waters and colourful coral garden, Perhentian Island is renowned as one of Malaysia's marine paradise and is a part of the National Marine Park of Malaysia. For the passive, do enjoy watching turtles lay eggs or feeding the vibrant coloured fish or just sitting back and enjoy the sun and breeze at the Three Coves Bay. Pulau Perhentian is reachable from Kuala Besut Tourist Jetty and the 21km journey by speedboat takes 1.5 hours.

4) Pretty Little Island With Candat Sotong Activity - Pulau Kapas & Pulau Gemia
Kapas and Gemia Islands are two small islands separated by a narrow strait off the coast of Marang District. Only 6km away, it takes 10 minutes by speedboat to reach the island. Known specifically for squid fishing, guests can while away the time pulling in squids using nylon lines in lighted boats at night. As part of the Marine Park, guests can enjoy the dazzling marine life and superb coral formations. Sea eagles, reef herons, tern and the endangered giant leatherback turtles come to rest on the islands every year. The rugged hill terrain invited the adventurous to test their rock-climbing skills or just watching the birds.

5) The Best Diving Site In Peninsular Malaysia - Pulau Tenggol
Off the coast of Dungun, Pulau Tenggol is the furthest among the islands in Terengganu. A speedboat ride from Kuala Dungun jetty takes almost an hour. The well sheltered bay at Pulau Tenggol is home to intact and mature coral gardens, making it a delight for coral lovers. Divers looking for excitement would find the water a challenge because it descends to 20 meters deep at some places. Shy Garden Eels, crabs, turtles and sharks frequent the island.

6) The Highest Waterfall In Malaysia (305 metres) - Cemerong Waterfall
Terengganu is famous for her numerous waterfalls and rapids. A recently discovered waterfall 30km away trom AI Muktafi Billah Shah township in Dungun. Named the Chemerong Waterfall, it is still untouched. The area leading to the waterfall offers diversed richness of nature and wild life. It challenges the adventurous to jungle-trekking activity to the waterfall that magnificently cascade down a 305 meters slope. It is an adventure not to be forgotten, the coolness and the thunderous sound soothes the most weary travellers.

7) Terengganu Delights (Nasi Dagang, Keropok Lekor, Fried Ice Cream, Otak-Otak, Satar & More...)
Terengganu offers an array of delectable culinary delights. Its cuisine ranges from the sweet, the sour to the spicy. As Terengganu is situated along the coast, most of its dishes prominently feature fish, coconut and rice. Nasi Dagang or traders' rice is the favourite of the locals. It is a mixture of normal and glutinous rice , eaten with spicy tuna fish curry and piquent vegetable pickles. Side dishes of boiled eggs and meat curry are available upon request. A delightful yet simple dish, the Laksa is made using both wheat and rice flour and the dough is steamed. The gravy is made of fish meat which is boiled, pureed and later mixed with coconut milk. Sata is an interesting blend of succulent boneless fish marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over a flaming charcoal fire. Its sweet taste is tinged with delicate smell of the wrapping, making it a great appetizer and a healthy snack. Keropok is a popular snack in Terengganu. It is made of fish meat ground to a paste and mixed with sago. Prepared in two different forms : the long chewy ones are called Keropok Lekor (fish sausage) while the thin and crispy ones are called Keropok Keping. Keropok is best eaten hot with its special chilli dips. Other mouth-watering dishes in Terengganu are Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Minyak, Pulut Lepa, Ketupat Sotong (stuffed squids), just to name a few. Most of these dishes can be found at the central market or visit the night markets to sample the local delights.

08) One Of The Finest And Most Famous Traditional Boat Making In The World - Boat Making Industry At Pulau Duyung
The boat makers of Terengganu are famous for their skills in building traditional boats that withstand the test of time. Their acquired skills are inherited from generations of master builders. The building of traditional boats does not have master plans or blueprints, which is something unique, yet these masters are still able to inject intricate details and precision into their work. Today, these boat builders with their traditional Malay craftmanship are still surviving, receiving orders from locals and foreigners alike. They continue to be part and parcel of Terengganu's rich and vibrant heritage of arts and craft.

09) The Biggest And Oldest Cengal Tree In Malaysia (1,300 Years Old and 16.75 Metres Diameter) - Pokok Cengal Besar, Hutan Lipur Pasir Raja.
The forest reserves of Terengganu are rich in flora and fauna. In the Pasir Raja Forest Reserve, near the border of the National Park, stands the world's largest and oldest Cengal tree. The Malaysian Book of Record has verified the tree to be around 1300 years old. Its diameter at the base is 16.75 meters and at a towering 65 meters in height, it stands majestically above most Cengal trees are mainly used for building houses, bridges, offshore fishing boats and ocean going trawlers due to its quality and durability.

10) The Floating Mosque - Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque, Kuala Terengganu
Built on concrete stilts in a man-made lake that flows into the Ibai River in Kuala Terengganu is a beautiful and modern mosque. The Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque was completed in 1994, commissioned by the late Sultan Mahmud AI Muktafi Billah Shah in memory of his late mother, Tengku Tengah Zaharah, the queen mother. The water of Ibai River rises during high tide to hide the foundation and thus, creating an illusion of a floating mosque

11) Setiu Wetlands
Between the South China Sea and the hill forests lies a speckled array of habitats lagoons, marshes, deltas, peat swamps, Melaleuca forests - that offer refuge to many plants and animals. The wetlands serve as feeding and roosting ground for seasonal birds and are stopover sites for migratory birds. Marine turtles find their way to the beaches between May to September. Adding to Setiu's ecological value are the presence of endangered Painted and River terrapins that travel down river to nest in the sandy shores of the river mouth and beach fringes.

12) Teluk Mak Nik, Kemaman Turtle Watching
Turtles watching is usually available daily during the period of May to September, where Green Turtle return to Teluk Mak Nik coastline to lay her egg.

13) Abundance Underwater Marine Life - Pulau Lang Tengah
This small and beautiful island is located between Redang and Perhentian islands. A trip to either, Redang or Perhentian, is not complete if one does not venture to Lang Tengah. The island got its name from the eagles that come to breed during mating season. The Island's sparkling white sand and crystal clear water-are simply irresistable. Varieties of hard and soft corals and prolific marine life found here makes it a perfect destination for divers.

14) The Largest Man-Made Lake In South East Asia (340 Islands and 14 Waterfalls) - Tasik Kenyir (Kenyir Lake)
Tasik Kenyir is located in the interior of Terengganu and spanning 260,000 hectares, bordering Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south. This immense lake also serves as an alternative route to the National Park for the adventurous. What were once streams, hill tops and highlands, the construction of the Sultan Mahmud Hydroelectric Power Plant, has risen the water level, creating about 340 islands, 14 waterfalls and numerous rapids. It is home to a large variety of flora and fauna, many species of freshwater fish and an exotic wildlife. Its lush tropical rainforest, remains untouched and is a perfect paradise for activities such as jungle trekking, obstacle courses, wild-life observation, kayaking and fishing.

15) The Largest Museum In Malaysia - Muzium Negeri Terengganu
The Terengganu State Museum, located in Bukit Losong, Kuala Terengganu houses Terengganu's centuries worth of historical artifacts and artworks. The museum itself is an impressive architectural feat with majestic complexes covering an area of 1.7 hectares. Inside, the museum prominently displays Terengganu and Malaysia's rich and colourful heritage in its many galleries such as Islamic Gallery, Royal Gallery, Crafts Gallery, to name a few. At the main entrance, the original Batu Bersurat of Terengganu is displayed to inform visitors that Islam was officially embraced as early as 1303 AD. In the museum compound, Terengganu old palaces, traditional houses and boats are prominently displayed.

16) Terengganu Peranakan Culture & Heritage (Kg Cina Kuala Terengganu)
Chinatown of Kuala Terengganu has been acknowledged as a part of Malaysias living history of heritage architecture. Some of the buildings here are more than 100 years old, of Pre-World War II colonial designs and are regarded as heritage attractions for local or foreign tourists. Two very old Chinese temples, namely Ho Ann Kiong (1801) and Tien Hok Kong (1896) have been recognised by UNICEF as Heritage Attractions. The local born chinese are well-infused with the Malay community and speaks local dialects fluently.

17) The Mini Saigon - Memories Of The Boat People, Pulau Bidong
Located 45km off the coast, Pulau Bidong is one of the undeveloped islandsin Terengganu. During the Vietnam war, it served as a transit point for vietnamese refugees. Those stranded in Malaysia were sent to Pulau Bidong where they were selected to go to a third country in the west under UNHCR. There are still remnants and ruins left on the island. The state government does not intend to develop the island but instead to upgrade the facilities and remnants left by the refugees. Tourists are allowed to come to the island on daytrips only to see the remnants and for snorkeling, diving and exploring corals and marine lifes. University of Science & Technology Malaysia is undertaking a study on conservation of turtles, hatchery sites and sea ecosystems.

18) The World's Oldest Tropical Rainforest (130 Million Year Old) Tanjong Mentong National Park, Tasik Kenyir
Tanjong Mentong is a new and interesting new gateway to the famous Malaysia's premier National Park. As a part of the National Park itself, it is interconnected with the Tasik Kenyir. As one of the oldest untouched tropical rainforests, its 130 million years old ecosystem surroundings necessitates the growth of exotic flora and fauna. From Sungai Gawi jetty, it is accessible amidst serene waterfalls, herbal islands and rapids. The coolness and the serenity of the water evokes a sense of being a part of nature itself.

19) The Finest Songket And Batik In Malaysia
Songket and batik of Terengganu are made from the finest quality of materials and the designs and patterns that are vibrant and contemporary. The designers stress more on originality and quality. The intricate designs and motifs reveal the ingenuity and creativity of the master weavers and printers that do not diminish with the passage of time. Songket, which was once worn by royalties, is a work of art where traditional weaving technology is still being used to - create designs of exquisite elegance, while Batik is now recognized as a designer label. Batik is still either hand-drawn or block imprints. Both modes use the local floral designs with a touch of elegance for special occassions or casual use. Nowadays, Batik graces many traditional dresses and designer labels as wella s on crafts like handbags, cushions and home decorations, among other things.

20) The Finest Wood Carving In Malaysia
For many decades, Terengganu craftsmen have taken pride in their wood. carving skills. As one of the oldest crafts, Terengganu master carvers are often praised for their exquisite beauty. Most of the carvings are inspired by the rich local flora designs as well as Islamic designs. Besides being used as decorative items, these wood carvings also graces houses, palaces and buildings. The creativity, quality and ingenuity of the carvings from Terengganu enables them to stand the test of time. There has in recent years been a renewed demand for wood carving in an increasing awareness of the need to treasure their rich art heritage. Other patrons are government agencies, universities, corporations, resorts and even individuals which utilises the motifs and designs as an identity and status.

21) A Malay Culture And Heritage, Experience Mubin Shepherd - Terengganu Is A Cradle Of Malay Civilisation
Terengganu has a rich tapestry of Malay culture and heritage which are ever present and continue to influence much of her subject's way of life as they pursue modernization. Their charms and warmth are attractions themselves. The richness and distinctiveness of her culture prevailing unique heritage are an experience to amaze. It is here in Terengganu that Islam took root and accepted by the Malays, very much earlier than most other states in the Peninsula. Commercial and cultural links with its neighbours enables Terengganu to adapt and coalesce to create an identity of its own. It is regarded as the cradle of Malay civilization where the experience of adapt ability has enhance its own originality and identity.

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