Puteri Hill (Bukit Puteri)

Puteri Hill (Bukit Puteri) is situated at the mouth of Terengganu River. Located about 200 meters height from the sea level. Bukit Puteri was built to defend the Rulers of Terengganu from attacks by the enemies. Puteri Hill is easily accessible as there are steps leading to the top. Puteri Hill was said to have originated as a place of residence for Puteri Bunian. However, the princess left Puteri Hill when the local residents borrowed her cutlery and did not return them to her. According to legend, this hill was opened by a chieftain from Johor named Tok Raja Menteri who came to Terengganu to install Sultan Zainal Abidin I as the first Sultan of Terengganu. A few historical artifacts still exists on Puteri Hill till this present day. Among them are a big bell, cannon, a flag pole, light house, graves and a defence wall. However, long time ago there were many cannons at Puteri Hill. The cannons were believed to have originated from Portugal and the Malay States and were given names such as Seri Jamlor, Seri Buih, Seri Johor and Laila Majnun. A cave known as Gua Puteri can also be found here. It was used as a place to keep the gun powder, stone and iron bullets. The flag pole that is on top of Puteri Hill was used to raise the royal flag when there were any royal ceremonies held. The weight of the flag pole was around 18 meters high. The lighthouse on the peak of Puteri Hill functioned as a guide for fishermen and sailors that siles into Kuala Sungai Terengganu. During the reign of Tengku Umar, he built a palace called the Green Palace at the foot of Puteri Hill but was burned down in 1882. He built a new palace near the site of the Green Palace and was named Istana Maziah which still exit until today. Nowadays, Puteri Hill is used as a firing range for cannon when royal ceremonies are held. Besides that, Puteri Hill has been developed into a tourist attraction.