TERENGGANU

Terengganu at a glance | Location | History | Attractions

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TERENGGANU AT A GLANCE:

The State of Terengganu is the land of the lilting Gamelan and the mesmerizing "Ulek Mayang" dance - living testimony to the state's centuries-old guardianship of Malaysia's cultural heritage.  It is a quiet state, with many small villages, quiet roads, and secluded islands and beaches.  The clear waters and teeming marine life of Terengganu have made it an increasingly popular destination for divers.  Visitors can witness giant leatherback turtles lay their eggs at Rantau Abang between May to September each year.  Those who love the sea, sun and sand can visit Tanjung Jara whose resort is designed after an old Malay palace.  Other enchanting beaches can be found at Pulau Tioman and Pulau Sibu on the South China Sea.  Despite the discovery of offshore oilfields, Terengganu with its fine beaches remains a holiday maker's dream.  Terengganu is endowed with a wealth of charming and refreshing natural landscapes.  She has beaches, exotic islands, lush virgin tropical jungles, quaint fishing villages, and dazzling waterfalls.  Her islands are among the most picturesque and fascinating.

LOCATION:
Terengganu is one of the three east coast states on Peninsular Malaysia.  It has a land area of 12,995 sq.km and 225km of picturesque coastline.  Kuala Terengganu, its capital, stands on the bank of the Terengganu River.

HISTORY:

Terengganu's history goes back to as far as the 1st Century and has long been an important area of Malay settlement.  Throughout that time up to the present day, Terengganu has been ruled by 16 Sultans.
 

ATTRACTIONS:

Pulau Perhentian:  Situated 21km off the coast of Terengganu, Perhentian Islands consist of two islands: Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil, which are revered by sunbathers.  A trip to this  exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating, and canoeing.  It is surrounded by a virgin jungle, swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, warm sapphire blue waters, and a colorful coral garden.  Perhentian Islands is renowned as one of Malaysia's marine paradise.  Kenyir Lake:  Located in the interior part of Terengganu, Kenyir Lake is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia.  Covering an area of 369 sq.km, it is also Malaysia's largest rock-f illed hydroelectric dam.  Sharing its border with Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south, this immense lake also servers as another gateway to Malaysia's National Park.  With about 340 islands, which were once hilltops and highlands, more than 14 waterfalls, and numerous rapids and rivers, Tasik Kenyir is also home to numerous species of freshwater fishes and exotic wildlife.  Surrounded by a lush tropical jungle, the Kenyir Lake is a popular and ideal retreat for nature lovers, anglers, photo enthusiasts and fun seekers.  Some of the activities that could be carried out here are fishing, water sports, canoeing, boating, bird watching, cave exploration, and jungle trekking.  The main gateway to the lake is Pengkalan Gawi or Gawi Jetty.  Visitors can make full use of its facilities such as the Tourist Information Centre, parking bays, food stalls, and more.  Boat rentals and transfers can also be easily arranged through respective representatives stationed there.  Redang Island is a scuba diver's paradise.  Located 50km from the mainland and a 2 hour boat ride from the Marang Jetty, the island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset, and what could be the world's most mature coral garden.  The park is arguable among the best diving spots in the world where marine life is protected and souvenir hunters are liable for prosecution.  This paradise-like island is perfect for swimming,  snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, fishing, boating, and canoeing.  Until recently, accommodation has been in the form of chalets, but if you are keen on luxury, an international class hotel had just opened its doors.  Tanjung Jara is a stretch of golden sandy beach embraced by the blue-green waters of the South China Sea. Located here is the Tanjung Jara Beach Resort which sprawls on 31 hectares of tropical setting.  The hotel, styled after a Malay palace, won the prestigious Aga Khan award for the best architecture among hotels.  Recreational activities on the beach include windsurfing, sailing and speed boating.  Tours to the neighbouring islands such as Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Kapas can be arranged.  Pulau Perhentian lies 21km off Besut in Terengganu.  The sea journey takes about one and a half hour from Besut. Blessed with a long stretch of white sandy beach, Pulau Perhentian is the ultimate sun-n-surf paradise.  The waters off the island are perfect for snorkelling, scuba-diving, wind surfing, sailing and deep-sea fishing.  The island is developed with chalets and campsites.  Pulau Kapas - From Marang, hop in to a boat and head out about 6km to this island renowned for its clear emerald waters and fantastic coral find.  Perfect for boating, fishing and snorkelling, it just takes a 30 minute boat ride to reach this dream of a hideaway.