What to do there?
What to do there?
Kuala Terengganu isn’t your typical city. Despite the modern surroundings and infrastructure, this city in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia retains its heritage and attractive nostalgic feel with traditional village houses amongst the tall buildings.
The capital depends heavily on the Terengganu River for trade and economic activities. To get a real glimpse of this, you can head to Seberang Takir, a small fishing village. You can see the blooming cotton industry, batik printing and the traditional method of producing ‘keropok lekor’!
At Pasar Payang, you can also find a few people selling tickets for a boat ride on the river. It can give you a new perspective on the town and a great photo opportunity during sunset. A small amount of money can typically get you a ride for about 30 minutes to an hour.
While Kuala Terengganu doesn’t have much to do in the city itself, it serves as a central location to some of Terengganu’s natural tourism areas. For example, you can organize a day trip to Tasik Kenyir, the largest man made lake in South East Asia. There are popular eco-tourism activities to be carried out here such as fishing, jungle trekking and resorts to lounge at the shores.
Another place of interest are the tropical islands just off the coast of Terengganu such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Tenggol and the Perhentian Islands. The jumping off point from the mainland to the islands is at Kuala Besut, an hour away from Kuala Terengganu. With crystal clear waters and excellent diving sites, you’re spoilt for choice with options for fun.
At Pasar Payang, you can also find a few people selling tickets for a boat ride on the river. It can give you a new perspective on the town and a great photo opportunity during sunset. A small amount of money can typically get you a ride for about 30 minutes to an hour.
While Kuala Terengganu doesn’t have much to do in the city itself, it serves as a central location to some of Terengganu’s natural tourism areas. For example, you can organize a day trip to Tasik Kenyir, the largest man made lake in South East Asia. There are popular eco-tourism activities to be carried out here such as fishing, jungle trekking and resorts to lounge at the shores.
Another place of interest are the tropical islands just off the coast of Terengganu such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Tenggol and the Perhentian Islands. The jumping off point from the mainland to the islands is at Kuala Besut, an hour away from Kuala Terengganu. With crystal clear waters and excellent diving sites, you’re spoilt for choice with options for fun.
What to see there?
What to see there?
What you can see in the east coast state of Terengganu is more to conservative traditions, as well as lifestyle and culture that complies with Islamic values. Not just that, you can also witness to see other culture including Chinese community in the Chinatown of Kuala Terengganu. The UNESCO world heritage site was established in the 19th century by local Chinese. In these shophouses, you can find fine batik art here, numerous stalls selling Chinese street food and a food court.
The Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal) could be regarded as one of the world's most beautiful mosques due to its marvelous construction using steel and glass which gives the ‘crystal’ effect. Its architecture also draws influences from Moorish and Gothic elements. As the mosque is open to all visitors, so you can enter as long as you’re in proper attire and respectful of the others praying in the mosque.
Another highlight in Kuala Terengganu is the Losong Museum. Said to be the largest museum in South East Asia, it is home to 10 galleries with exhibits ranging from prehistoric tools from the stone age to islamic manuscripts that are etched in stone. To top things off there is also an outdoor fisheries museum where you can view the traditional boats that come in all shapes and sizes.
A main attraction in the city is Pasar Payang, also known as the Big Bazaar. Here you can find a variety of fresh fruits, handicrafts and local produce sold at reasonable prices. Keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Bas Bandar’. It is a bus service where the buses are fitted with a design that makes it look like a traditional Malay house.
The first real floating mosque in Malaysia is also located in Terengganu. Just 4km from Kuala Terengganu, you can come to see the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque with its beautiful white marble finish that incorporates Moorish and modern aesthetics. The surrounding area near the coastline is also a great place to enjoy a picnic facing the South China Sea.
Aside from the island getaways Terengganu is known for, you can also find pristine beaches on the mainland itself! A good example would be Batu Buruk Beach for flying kites, the night market or just lazing around in the sand. There are also other options such as the Pandak Beach in Chendering where you can have a relaxing swim in this clean and long coast.
The Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal) could be regarded as one of the world's most beautiful mosques due to its marvelous construction using steel and glass which gives the ‘crystal’ effect. Its architecture also draws influences from Moorish and Gothic elements. As the mosque is open to all visitors, so you can enter as long as you’re in proper attire and respectful of the others praying in the mosque.
Another highlight in Kuala Terengganu is the Losong Museum. Said to be the largest museum in South East Asia, it is home to 10 galleries with exhibits ranging from prehistoric tools from the stone age to islamic manuscripts that are etched in stone. To top things off there is also an outdoor fisheries museum where you can view the traditional boats that come in all shapes and sizes.
A main attraction in the city is Pasar Payang, also known as the Big Bazaar. Here you can find a variety of fresh fruits, handicrafts and local produce sold at reasonable prices. Keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Bas Bandar’. It is a bus service where the buses are fitted with a design that makes it look like a traditional Malay house.
The first real floating mosque in Malaysia is also located in Terengganu. Just 4km from Kuala Terengganu, you can come to see the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque with its beautiful white marble finish that incorporates Moorish and modern aesthetics. The surrounding area near the coastline is also a great place to enjoy a picnic facing the South China Sea.
Aside from the island getaways Terengganu is known for, you can also find pristine beaches on the mainland itself! A good example would be Batu Buruk Beach for flying kites, the night market or just lazing around in the sand. There are also other options such as the Pandak Beach in Chendering where you can have a relaxing swim in this clean and long coast.
When is the best time to go there?
When is the best time to go there?
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
What to eat?
What to eat?
Keropok Lekor (Malay fish fritters), Nasi dagang with ikan gulai tongkol (curried tuna fish), Ikan Celup Tepung (crispy fried seafood such as fish, squid & prawn), Roti Tempayan with gulai kambing (a local take on naan bread with hot lamb gravy), Satar (traditional Malay fishcake similar to otak-otak), Laksa Terengganu, Jawa Mee, Assorted Chinese-style fresh seafood dishes
Where to eat?
Where to eat?
Kedai Keropok Bukit Tok Beng 2209 / Dynar Lekor, Nasi Dagang Warisan, Warung Pok Nong, Roti Tempayan Jalan Kamaruddin, Pok Nor Satar and Otak-otak, Madam Bee’s Kitchen, Golden Dragon Restaurant
Useful local terms
Useful local terms
Kuala Terengganu has a dialect of Malay called Terengganu Malay and a bit of Kelantanese is spoken here as well. It’s the same as Bahasa Malaysia, but with a thicker accent and intonation. Here are a few examples of some Terengganu Malay slang words:
- Ho/Ye (Yes)
- Dok (No)
- Ape Kabo/Guane Gamok (How are you?)
- Bakpe? (Why?)
- Sokmo (Always)
- Piye? (Who?)
- Tak mboh (Do not want)
- Pitih/Giya (Money)
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
- Breakfast is a big deal in Kuala Terengganu, most places will run out by 8:30 AM - 9 AM.
- Don’t drink alcohol publicly. There is limited to none nightlife in Kuala Terengganu and its nearby areas.
- There aren’t many huge shopping malls with big brands here. Expect to do your shopping in small stalls or local boutiques.
- Pasar Payang is an excellent bazaar and covered open air market to buy some fresh goods or souvenirs to bring home.
- Negotiate your price with the taxi driver before getting into the vehicle.
- It is also advisable for you to rent a car and make your trip to Kuala Terengganu with the help of GPS or maps. Just in case you get lost, the friendly locals are always willing to help you.
An attractive city by the river and coast famed for it’s fresh seafood and cuisine alongside a bucketload of eye-catching tourism destinations.
An attractive city by the river and coast famed for it’s fresh seafood and cuisine alongside a bucketload of eye-catching tourism destinations.
What to do there?
What to do there?
Kuala Terengganu isn’t your typical city. Despite the modern surroundings and infrastructure, this city in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia retains its heritage and attractive nostalgic feel with traditional village houses amongst the tall buildings.
The capital depends heavily on the Terengganu River for trade and economic activities. To get a real glimpse of this, you can head to Seberang Takir, a small fishing village. You can see the blooming cotton industry, batik printing and the traditional method of producing ‘keropok lekor’!
At Pasar Payang, you can also find a few people selling tickets for a boat ride on the river. It can give you a new perspective on the town and a great photo opportunity during sunset. A small amount of money can typically get you a ride for about 30 minutes to an hour.
While Kuala Terengganu doesn’t have much to do in the city itself, it serves as a central location to some of Terengganu’s natural tourism areas. For example, you can organize a day trip to Tasik Kenyir, the largest man made lake in South East Asia. There are popular eco-tourism activities to be carried out here such as fishing, jungle trekking and resorts to lounge at the shores.
Another place of interest are the tropical islands just off the coast of Terengganu such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Tenggol and the Perhentian Islands. The jumping off point from the mainland to the islands is at Kuala Besut, an hour away from Kuala Terengganu. With crystal clear waters and excellent diving sites, you’re spoilt for choice with options for fun.
At Pasar Payang, you can also find a few people selling tickets for a boat ride on the river. It can give you a new perspective on the town and a great photo opportunity during sunset. A small amount of money can typically get you a ride for about 30 minutes to an hour.
While Kuala Terengganu doesn’t have much to do in the city itself, it serves as a central location to some of Terengganu’s natural tourism areas. For example, you can organize a day trip to Tasik Kenyir, the largest man made lake in South East Asia. There are popular eco-tourism activities to be carried out here such as fishing, jungle trekking and resorts to lounge at the shores.
Another place of interest are the tropical islands just off the coast of Terengganu such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Tenggol and the Perhentian Islands. The jumping off point from the mainland to the islands is at Kuala Besut, an hour away from Kuala Terengganu. With crystal clear waters and excellent diving sites, you’re spoilt for choice with options for fun.
What to see there?
What to see there?
What you can see in the east coast state of Terengganu is more to conservative traditions, as well as lifestyle and culture that complies with Islamic values. Not just that, you can also witness to see other culture including Chinese community in the Chinatown of Kuala Terengganu. The UNESCO world heritage site was established in the 19th century by local Chinese. In these shophouses, you can find fine batik art here, numerous stalls selling Chinese street food and a food court.
The Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal) could be regarded as one of the world's most beautiful mosques due to its marvelous construction using steel and glass which gives the ‘crystal’ effect. Its architecture also draws influences from Moorish and Gothic elements. As the mosque is open to all visitors, so you can enter as long as you’re in proper attire and respectful of the others praying in the mosque.
Another highlight in Kuala Terengganu is the Losong Museum. Said to be the largest museum in South East Asia, it is home to 10 galleries with exhibits ranging from prehistoric tools from the stone age to islamic manuscripts that are etched in stone. To top things off there is also an outdoor fisheries museum where you can view the traditional boats that come in all shapes and sizes.
A main attraction in the city is Pasar Payang, also known as the Big Bazaar. Here you can find a variety of fresh fruits, handicrafts and local produce sold at reasonable prices. Keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Bas Bandar’. It is a bus service where the buses are fitted with a design that makes it look like a traditional Malay house.
The first real floating mosque in Malaysia is also located in Terengganu. Just 4km from Kuala Terengganu, you can come to see the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque with its beautiful white marble finish that incorporates Moorish and modern aesthetics. The surrounding area near the coastline is also a great place to enjoy a picnic facing the South China Sea.
Aside from the island getaways Terengganu is known for, you can also find pristine beaches on the mainland itself! A good example would be Batu Buruk Beach for flying kites, the night market or just lazing around in the sand. There are also other options such as the Pandak Beach in Chendering where you can have a relaxing swim in this clean and long coast.
The Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal) could be regarded as one of the world's most beautiful mosques due to its marvelous construction using steel and glass which gives the ‘crystal’ effect. Its architecture also draws influences from Moorish and Gothic elements. As the mosque is open to all visitors, so you can enter as long as you’re in proper attire and respectful of the others praying in the mosque.
Another highlight in Kuala Terengganu is the Losong Museum. Said to be the largest museum in South East Asia, it is home to 10 galleries with exhibits ranging from prehistoric tools from the stone age to islamic manuscripts that are etched in stone. To top things off there is also an outdoor fisheries museum where you can view the traditional boats that come in all shapes and sizes.
A main attraction in the city is Pasar Payang, also known as the Big Bazaar. Here you can find a variety of fresh fruits, handicrafts and local produce sold at reasonable prices. Keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Bas Bandar’. It is a bus service where the buses are fitted with a design that makes it look like a traditional Malay house.
The first real floating mosque in Malaysia is also located in Terengganu. Just 4km from Kuala Terengganu, you can come to see the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque with its beautiful white marble finish that incorporates Moorish and modern aesthetics. The surrounding area near the coastline is also a great place to enjoy a picnic facing the South China Sea.
Aside from the island getaways Terengganu is known for, you can also find pristine beaches on the mainland itself! A good example would be Batu Buruk Beach for flying kites, the night market or just lazing around in the sand. There are also other options such as the Pandak Beach in Chendering where you can have a relaxing swim in this clean and long coast.
When is the best time to go there?
When is the best time to go there?
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
What to eat?
What to eat?
Keropok Lekor (Malay fish fritters), Nasi dagang with ikan gulai tongkol (curried tuna fish), Ikan Celup Tepung (crispy fried seafood such as fish, squid & prawn), Roti Tempayan with gulai kambing (a local take on naan bread with hot lamb gravy), Satar (traditional Malay fishcake similar to otak-otak), Laksa Terengganu, Jawa Mee, Assorted Chinese-style fresh seafood dishes
Where to eat?
Where to eat?
Kedai Keropok Bukit Tok Beng 2209 / Dynar Lekor, Nasi Dagang Warisan, Warung Pok Nong, Roti Tempayan Jalan Kamaruddin, Pok Nor Satar and Otak-otak, Madam Bee’s Kitchen, Golden Dragon Restaurant
Useful local terms
Useful local terms
Kuala Terengganu has a dialect of Malay called Terengganu Malay and a bit of Kelantanese is spoken here as well. It’s the same as Bahasa Malaysia, but with a thicker accent and intonation. Here are a few examples of some Terengganu Malay slang words:
- Ho/Ye (Yes)
- Dok (No)
- Ape Kabo/Guane Gamok (How are you?)
- Bakpe? (Why?)
- Sokmo (Always)
- Piye? (Who?)
- Tak mboh (Do not want)
- Pitih/Giya (Money)
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
- Breakfast is a big deal in Kuala Terengganu, most places will run out by 8:30 AM - 9 AM.
- Don’t drink alcohol publicly. There is limited to none nightlife in Kuala Terengganu and its nearby areas.
- There aren’t many huge shopping malls with big brands here. Expect to do your shopping in small stalls or local boutiques.
- Pasar Payang is an excellent bazaar and covered open air market to buy some fresh goods or souvenirs to bring home.
- Negotiate your price with the taxi driver before getting into the vehicle.
- It is also advisable for you to rent a car and make your trip to Kuala Terengganu with the help of GPS or maps. Just in case you get lost, the friendly locals are always willing to help you.
