This city is located at the
Terengganu River and is the capitol of the State Terengganu. The city is located
a mere 20 minutes drive away from the airport, but when you arrive by car it
will be your second stop at the East coast.
In front of Kuala Terengganu, right in the South China Sea are the islands Pulau Kapas
and Pulau Rendang. The islands are renowned for its clear waters, sandy
white beaches and swaying palms. Home to an infinite variety of hard and
soft corals, the waters around the islands are abound with sea-shells, fish
and turtles. The islands laid back atmosphere is ideal for relaxation but
the more adventurous will find it is also a haven for swimming, snorkelling,
windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing.
To take the boat to Pulau Kapas
you have to go Marang, South of Kuala Terengganu. This fishing village is famous for its sweeping scenery. Beauty
and function converge in the rows of colourful, elegantly carved fishing
boats moored on the sparkling waters.
By bus it will take 30 minutes to come to Marang from Kuala Terengganu and
the speedboat will bring in 15 minutes to Pulau Kapas. This jetty goes from
9 in the morning till 5/6 in the late afternoon.
Remember: m-A-rang you go to k-A-pas and m-E-rang you go to
r-E-dang.
Rantau Abang (60 km from Kuala Terengganu) is a place where the turtles come
ashore to lay eggs. This coast is one of the few leatherback nesting sites in the
world. Turtle sanctuaries have been established in an effort to reverse the decline
of leatherback turtles. Collection (except by licensed turtle egg collectors) or eating of
turtle eggs are forbidden.
In the Rantau Abang Visitors' Center, a documentary on the turtle and its nesting habits is screened at
regular intervals.
Visitors who want to see the turtles have to be alert quietly from midnight to
dawn to watch the memorable sight of these Giant Leatherbacks laying their eggs. These giant turtles,
up to 2.5 meters in length and sometimes weighing more than 375 kg is indeed a phenomenal sight to
behold. Rantau Abang is one of only six places in the world visited by these turtles, from the months of
May to September.
If you want to go to Pulau Redang, then you have to go Kuala Besut in the
North of the State. That's also the kampong, where you can take the jetty
for the Perhentian Islands.
You can also leave from Merang to Pulau Redang.
Remember: m-A-rang you go to k-A-pas and m-E-rang you go to
r-E-dang.
De Central Market in Kuala Terengganu
The times that
we were here in this region at the East Coast ( 13 times) we always
stayed at the Tanjong
Jara Resort. The resort is built on a 17-hectare site facing the South China
Sea. It has beautiful beaches and the resorts has a "turtle watch"
at night between May and September when the turtles visit the beach to lay
eggs.
Just tell the reception, that you want to be called, if they have spotted
a turtle coming on the beach and they will phone you at night in your
room. A little van will take you to the right place on the beach.
People at the East Coast consider eating this delicacy of the ping-pong to
tennis ball sized eggs as a tradition. The lure of sea turtle eggs has spawned a collecting frenzy, treating them like buried
treasure, because of the good prices fetched in the local markets. With buyers shelling out one or two ringget for each egg, depending on the
species. A collector can haul in a small bonanza with each nest averaging between 80 to 140 precious pieces.
Unfortunately, the strong demand for these appetizers has lead to the over-collection and over-consumption of all
types of sea turtle eggs due to illegal harvesting and sale by non-licensed
locals.
Unfortunately
we could buy turtle eggs on the Central Market in Kuala Terengganu!
Worth visiting in Kuala Terengganu:
Terengganu State Museum
Complex. consists of a
Main Museum, a Maritime Museum, a Fisheries Museum, 4 traditional
houses and botanic and herbs gardens. The Main Museum is built on 16
stilts, in accordance with the traditional architecture of Terengganu.
Its 4 blocks are adjoined, to represent a big family. There are ten
galleries showcasing textiles, crafts, historical, royal, nature, art,
petroleum, Islamic, new generation and contemporary arts.
Sutera Semai Centre
is at Chendering (6km south of Kuala Terengganu). It is Malaysia's
pioneer silk weaving center, where visitors can witness different
stages of silk manufacturing. There, witness the painting of batik
designs onto the fabrics, resulting in beautiful batik shirts,
kaftans, scarves, handkerchiefs, etc.
Bukit
Peturi,
is a 200 m high historical hill, situated next to Istana Maziah.
It was used as a fortress between the years of 1831 to 1876 to defend
the state from enemy attacks. Some of the historical remains which can
be seen on Bukit Puteri are cannons, a flagpole, a large bell and a
fort. Today, as it is the highest point in Kuala Terengganu, visitors
standing on top of Bukit Puteri can witness the magnificent view of
the areas sur-rounding it.
Istana
Maziah. is believed to have been constructed during the
reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III. It was built in 1897 and it is the
venue for royal birthdays, weddings, conferment of titles and
receptions for local and foreign dignitaries. A product of the blend
between splendid modern and traditional architecture, it is also
well-known as one of Malaysia's cultural attractions.
Masjid Tengku Tengah
Zaharah, located outside
Kuala Terengganu is just 4.5km away. This is not an ordinary mosque
but said to be the only one of its kind in Malaysia. Combining modern
and traditional architectural designs, the mosque creates an illusion
of itself as floating on water
Central Market
or locally known as Pasar Payang which is located by the Terengganu
River is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Terengganu.
Housed in a modern building complete with a shopping arcade and a car
park, it offers visitors a variety of traditional handicrafts such as
batik, silk, songket, brocade and brassware, other fresh produce such
as fruits, vegetables and 'Keropok Lekor', which is a special local
delicacy made from a mixture of fish and sago. Visitors to this market
will have a delightful experi-ence shopping in local fares at
reasonable prices.
Desa
Craft. formerly known as Usaha Desa, is an interes-ting
handicraft centre which showcases songket, brassware, batik, souvenir
items and also fashion wear of current batik designs.
Pulau
Duyung.is the most well-known boat building ground in
Terengganu. There, you can see boats being made by skilled boat
builders who implement skills which have been passed down from
generation to generation. Boat building is an art form therefore the
boat builders take pride in their skill. The boat builders are unique,
for they work entirely from their memory and experience, and without
any set plans. Pulau Duyung is also renowned for its dried and salted
fish, and fish crackers industries. It is easily accessible by the
Sultan Mahmud Bridge, or for those who enjoy using sea transportation,
take a boat from the Kuala Terengganu waterfront.
Malaysian Handicraft
Centre in Chendering ( 6km).The centre offers visitors a
wide variety of Malaysian handicraft and also an insight into
handicraft making. Some of the exquisite items which can be found here
are songket, batik, vases, and mats, hats, wallets and bags made from
pandanus leaves. Visitors will also get a chance to witness first hand
the skills of local artisans in songket weaving, batik painting,
basket weaving, etc.
Primula Beach Resort (formerly the Primula Parkroyal)
situated on the pristine white beach of Terengganu, fronting the
South China Sea, offers international hospitality with a touch of
graciousness. This landmark hotel has tastefully furnished sea view
rooms and suites The Primula Beach Resort's
warmth embraces you within a setting of unsurpassed hospitality to
make you feel right at home. Come over to the Primula Beach Resort.
Experience the old world charm and new world allure of Kuala
Terengganu at the Primula Beach Resort. An exciting breakaway
destination for the young and old alike.
