Terengganu, Malaysia - Tourist Guide & Destinations

Knowing Terengganu - Kenali Terengganu

2007-07-18T15:00:00.000+08:00

Introdution,

Terengganu is one of the Malaysian state which is endowed with a wealth of charming and refreshing natural landscapes. She has beaches, exotic islands, lush virgin tropical jungle, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls and many, many more. Her miles and miles of white, sandy beaches and crystal clear water stretches throughout its 225 km coastline, extending from Besut in the Nnorth to Kemaman in the South. Her island are among the most picturesque and fascinating in the country.

From its myriad of colourful pastimes which include batik printing and songket weaving to thge rapturous celebration of its manys generations of cultural and traditional heritage, Terengganu is needed a very blessed state.

Terengganu's population, which stands at approximately 1 million people, consist of 90% of Malays, with the rest being made up of Chinese,Indians and others. The pace of life in Kuala Terengganu, its capital state, and all the towns and villages in Terengganu is unhurried and unaffected by the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Puteri Hill (Bukit Puteri)

2007-07-17T16:45:00.000+08:00

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.

Sekayu Waterfall & Nature Park

2007-07-17T13:44:00.000+08:00

Sekayu Waterfall is located within the Sekayu Recreational Forest in Kuala Berang. It was established in 1974 and officially launched in 1985.

Seven cascades here with water-cut pools which become the natural swimming pools make it famous retreat for visitors. In wet season, you can hear the sound of rushing water falling from a high altitude from far away as you trek up the hill towards the pool. It is a pleasure experience. Not much trekking to be done for lowest level of the waterfall except you have to climb the concrete stairs.

Picnicking places and resting huts are along the way. Only when you are not satisfied with the lowest pool and intend to challenge the mountain, there the real trekking will take place. Even so, is not going to be a difficult one as the mountain is not steep. If you are an expert in trees perhaps you can name some of the names of the trees along your way up.

Because of the long established history, the recreational park is well facilitated with public facilities such a shelters, changing room, chalets and rest house, providing for visitor's convenience besides three units of fully finished chalets with the reasonable price. Sekayu Waterfall is said to be of the most comprehensive picnicking and trekking area in the state.

To offer more choices to the visitor's, there is a fruit orchard, a mini zoo, a bird park and a flower garden. Because of the ease in access to this waterfall, during the weekends or public holidays, people come here for picnic or camping. It is no doubt why this recreational park has become one of the promoted agro-tourism destinations for the state.

Perhentian Island ( Pulau Perhentian )

2007-07-16T15:18:00.000+08:00

Perhentian Island, meaning `Stopover Island', is not to be missed. Situated some 21 km off the coast of Terengganu, it consist of the two (2) islands of Perhentian Island Besar and Perhentian Island Kecil.

Covered by virgin jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters, Perhentian Island is a sanctuary to fisherman, migratory birds and of course, discerning holiday-maker.

Located just off the edge of the Redand Island Marine Park, Perhentian's coral-fringed waters have excellent underwater seascapes for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Arrangements can also be made for island cruises and boats can be hired to look for private small bays and secluded coves. A trip to these tropical islands is also a must for those who enjoy windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, and deep-sea fishing.

Of the two (2) islands, Perhentian Island Kecil is the more secluded and isolated with only minimum facilities. Perhentian Island Besar is more developed and therefore offers better facilities. Nevertheless, there are chalets, dormitories and campsites on both islands.

For getting there, take a taxi or bus from Kuala Terengganu to the fishing port of Kuala Besut. Then board a boat at the Fisheries Complex for Perhentian Island. The boat ride to the island takes about an hour.

Kapas Island ( Pulau Kapas )

2007-07-16T10:26:00.001+08:00

Kapas Island abounds in numerous deserted, white sandy beaches lined with shady palm trees to make a perfect niche to laze on.

The Island is just 4 nautical miles from Marang. It's an ideal place to break away and chill it out. Kapas Island is made up of two (2) islands Gem Island (Pulau Gemia) and Kapas Island (Pulau Kapas).

Kapas Island is about easy access, choices and plenty of bargain. Places to stay ranging from camping sites to dormitory to island resorts with en suite facilities. Only thing that never change on this island is the constant number of backpackers arriving and departing each day.

An island famous for its clear waters, sandy white beaches and swaying palms, it is relatively isolated. Home to an infinite variety of hard and soft corals, the waters around the island abound with seashells, fish and turtles.

The island's laid back atmosphere is ideal for relaxation but the more adventurous will find it is also a haven for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing. The island is favorite with the local people in the very high season and the public holidays.