Terengganu, on the East coast of Malaysia is a constitutive state and a Sultanate of Federal Malaysia. The state is probably the most unique in the nation for its intrinsic mix of culture and tradition with modernism. Regardless of the many developments that the state has undergone, it maintains its rustic charm making it an idyllic getaway.
The state abounds in rich history and truly has many stories to tell. Many theories surround the origin of its name. Tereng ganu, which translates into “Bright rainbow” in Malay, is one. Its Arabic honorific is Darul Iman meaning "Abode of Faith".
The east coast of Malaysia has always been popular for its beaches and in that sense Terengganu is truly a tropical getaway. It has the longest coastline in the nation, 244kms with powdery white sandy beaches and stunning islands surrounded by glistening emerald waters.
Among its many islands, Redang, situated 50km off the coast on the South China Sea, is the most developed. Berjaya Air operates daily flights to the island from the nations capital and Singapore. The island is a 45 minute speedboat ride from the coast. Redang has magnificent wide beaches with fine powdery white and gold sand. Its crystal clear water houses a very vibrant and colourful marine life and has several shipwrecks making it also a preferred diving spot.
 |
Pulau Perhentian, also on the South China Sea is another haven for nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing. The island is accessible by boat from Kuala Besut, a small charming fishing village on the coast. Perhentian is notably one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, warm sapphire blue waters housing colourful coral gardens; this marine paradise is a part of the National Marine Park of Malaysia.
Amongst the Terengganu islands, Palau Tango is the furthest away from the coastline, which lies off the coast of Dungun. The island is a 1-hour speedboat ride from Kuala Dungun jetty. The island’s well-sheltered Bay is home to unhindered and mature coral gardens. It is a favourite amongst experienced divers as the water has some challenging sudden descents to almost 20 meters at some places.
Apart from these, the coast is also surrounded by many smaller islands with equally dazzling marine life and superb coral formations and a myriad of activities like rock-climbing and bird watching.
Dungun is also home to Malaysia’s highest Waterfall, Cemerong with a 305 metre drop. Jungle trekking along this 305-metre rock face is arduous but the cool water spray thundering downwards is soothing to even the weariest travellers.
Terengganu is a state of many superlatives. It is home to Malaysia’s largest museum, the world’s oldest tropical rain forest, biggest heritage sites and the list goes on.
Notable amongst those is the Cengal tree in the Pasir Raja forest reserves of Terengganu. It is the world's largest and oldest. The tree is verified to be around 1300 years old, towering 65 metres high and with a diameter of 16.75 meters at its base.
Cengal trees are mainly used for building houses, bridges, offshore fishing boats and ocean going trawlers due to its quality and durability. The Boat Making Industry at Pulau Duyung is one of the biggest industries in Terengganu and serves locals and foreigners alike. The boat makers of the state are famous for building traditional boats that withstand the test of time using skills acquired and inherited from generations of master builders.
Kuala Terengganu, at the mouth of the Terangganu River is the state capital as well as its royal capital and also the largest city in the state. The hallmark of the city is the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque also called the Floating mosque. The beautiful and modern mosque is built on stilts within a man-made lake on the banks of the Ibai River. The mosque was commissioned by the late Sultan for his mother and completed in 1964. The water of Ibai River rises during high tide to hide the foundation thus, creating an illusion of a floating mosque.
Talking of man-made lakes the largest man-made lake In South East Asia with 340 Islands and 14 Waterfalls is the Tasik Kenyir or Kenyir Lake. The lake is located in the interior of Terengganu spanning 260,000 hectares with Kelantan and Pahang on its western and southern borders respectively. What was once a scatter of streams, hilltops and highlands has transformed into 340 islands, 14 waterfalls and numerous rapids. The construction of the Sultan Mahmud Hydroelectric Power Plant made the water level rise thus altering its geography. The lake is home to many species of freshwater fish and its lush untouched tropical rainforest houses an exotic wildlife and is a perfect paradise for jungle trekking, obstacle courses, wildlife observation, kayaking and fishing.
 |
Terengganu is truly a blessed state with abundant nature, beautiful lush rainforests, lush virgin tropical jungle, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls and much more making it a place worth visiting.
It is a cradle of Malaysian civilization rich with its customs and traditions visible in its way of life, arts and handicrafts. Even the uniqueness of its traditional foods with its array of delectable culinary delights ranging from the sweet, the sour to the spicy make the state very unique. The ‘keropok lekor’ and ‘nasi dagang’ are the most popular and truly Terengganu in identity.
For those seeking a perfect mix of fun, sun, sea, art and culture, Terengganu is in a league of its own. Double click the map for a closer look!
