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Kuala Terengganu is the state administrative and royal capital city of Terengganu. It is also a district of the same name and is located about 500 km. northeast of Kuala Lumpur with South China Sea delineated as its coast line. The name means the "river mouth of Terengganu", referring to the broad expanse of the Terengganu River estuary which empties into the South China Sea at this point.
Main economic activities include retail and wholesale trade in food items, fabric and apparels, fisheries, agriculture, service industries, and tourism, particularly as a jumping-off point for the nearby Islands such as Perhentian, Lang Tengah, Redang and Bidong. The town is connected to other towns via a good network of roads and also some ferries that ply the Terengganu River. On the other side of the Terengganu River, there is a medium-sized airport serving domestic routes.
Kuala Terengganu started off with only one street called Kampung Cina (Chinatown). A family of Chinese traders that were trading between China and the Malay Peninsula established it as early as the 15th century. This is evidenced by the Chinese family that lives in Kampung Cina (Chinatown) and the buildings which are hundreds of years old. It soon grows into an important trading post between the two countries. However, after the Melaka Empire conquered the town, its influence as a leading port in the Southeast Asian region diminished as most of the traders prefer to stop at Melaka, which was the center of trade between China, India and Southeast Asia.
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The Waterfront, Terengganu River Esplanade |
Visitors to the Waterfront of Kuala Terengganu will be in awe of and fascinated by the hustle and bustle of activities taking place there. Stroll down the waterfront and watch fishmongers haggling for the price of fish and other seafood, or take a boat ride to one of the many beautiful surrounding islands. Another appealing alternative is to take a passenger boat to Seberang Takir, where the most incredible view of the South China Sea can be seen. |
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Terengganu State Museum Complex |
The 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 10 galleries showcasing textiles, crafts, historical, royal, nature, art, petroleum, Islamic, new generation and contemporary arts. |
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Malaysian Handicraft Center |
Chendering, located approximately 6 km. from Kuala Terengganu, is the site of the Malaysian Handicraft Center. 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.
Batik Painting is an exquisite and delicate art which requires skill, patience and meticulousness. In batik painting, brightly colored floral motifs are painted in stages onto dyed cloths. Songket, a piece of dyed silk material weaved with gold and silver threads, is the clothing for royalties, and Malay brides and grooms at their weddings. It is also often worn during special ceremonies and occasions such as on Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (The celebration which marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month). There are many Batik and Songket Centers in and around Kuala Terengganu which produce and sell batik and songket. |
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Bukit Puteri |
Bukit Puteri 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 surrounding it. |
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Batu Buruk Beach |
Batu Buruk Beach is the main beach park in downtown Kuala Terengganu. Equipped with a playground, park benches and gazebos, it is a popular place for locals to meet and dine, with many food stalls catering to varied tastes. |
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Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah |
The Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah, located outside Kuala Terengganu is just 4.5 km. away. This is no 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. |
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Istana Maziah |
Istana Maziah is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III. It was built in 1897 to replace the Istana Hijal which was burned down during World War II. Located next to Bukit Puteri, 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. |
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Duyung Island |
Duyung Island 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. Duyung Island 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. |
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