Malaysia States & Federal Territories (Terengganu)

11. Terengganu

     Terengganu formerly spelt (Trengganu or Tringganu), is a sultanate and constitutive state of federal Malaysia. The state is also known by its Arabic honorific, Dāru l-Īmān ("Abode of Faith"). The coastal city of Kuala Terengganu which stands at the mouth of the broad Terengganu River is both the state and royal capital as well as the largest city in Terengganu. There are many islands located close to the coast of Terengganu state, such as Redang Island.

Terengganu is endowed with unmatched natural beauty. Having the longest coastline (244km) of wonderful beaches, the lush tropical rainforests, a hidden paradise unmoved by time and stunning islands with its tranquil emerald waters turn magnificently golden hues at the touch of the sun’s first rays. Terengganu is also rich with its customs and tradition, upheld through generations and visible in its way of life, its arts and handicrafts, its tradition culinary and its heritage. Terengganu is in a league of its own as a vibrant tourist destination. The State today is a melting pot of old and news, set against the backdrop of Terengganu’s traditional poise and beauty, where progressive change has meshed with values that have dear for generation by the people.

Terengganu is truly a blessed state. It is in the early 1970s that tourists start arriving. Unspoilt beaches, the wonders of watching giant leatherback turtles, the crystal clear azure waters, the splendours of marine lives and the untouched tropical rainforests are totally and experience to cherish. Even the uniqueness of its traditional foods are distinctively sought after and remains a part of Terengganu’s identity. Such as the ‘Keropok Lekor’ and ‘Nasi Dagang’ which truly shows originality and so famous that it is regarded as the trademark of Terengganu.

With the present Government gearing ahead to create an impressive state to visit, an immense opportunity waits for investors. Terengganu is mobilizing its full force in developing modern infrastructures. All the required potentials, endless opportunities and fascination can only be found here in Terengganu.

                                         Attraction Place's in Terengganu

1. Redang Island

    Redang Island beaches are some of the best in Malaysia. The beautiful heart-shaped paradise island of Redang is one of Malaysia’s top beach destinations, situated about 30 km off the Terengganu coast, just north of Kuala Terengganu.

Much of the island’s coastline is rocky with jungle-clad hills dropping straight into the sea. These conditions are good for coral reef formation and with deep water close to the shoreline, the island is popular with snorkelers and scuba divers.

2. Perhentian Islands

      The Perhentian Islands (Malay: Kepulauan Perhentian) are islands in Besut District, Terengganu, Malaysia. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar ("Greater Perhentian") and Perhentian Kecil ("Lesser Perhentian"). The small, uninhabited islands of Susu Dara (Virgin Milk), Serengeh and Rawa lie off Kecil. 

Like Besut, people here generally speak Kelantanese Malay, however, English is widely spoken and understood to accommodate the growing tourism market. The Perhentian Islands have become a popular travel destination for families and backpackers alike due to the many lodging options that accommodate almost any budget.

The name "Perhentian" means "stopping point" in Malay, referring to the islands' traditional role as a waypoint for traders between Bangkok and Malaysia. The islands were sparsely inhabited by fishermen for centuries, although tourism now accounts for most economic activity.

The Perhentian Islands appear on many maps of the nineteenth and twentieth century as 'The Station Islands'. This arises from the British colonial period, like an English translation of "stopping point". Pulau Perhentian was one of the islands where Vietnamese refugees or boat people landed during the 1970s.

Nature tourism provides the economic base for the islands. Both the islands have palm-fringed white coral sand beaches (that can be tough on the feet) and turquoise blue sea. Popular tourist activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, and swimming. On most beaches, the water is shallow with many rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish. For diving, there are dozens of dive sites around both main islands, as well as several off-shore sites. Apart from these, activities like camping, canoeing, fishing, jungle trekking, and banana boat riding are also available.

3. Lang Tengah Island

     Lang Tengah Island is a very small island located between Perhentian Island and Redang Island. This little island is accessible by a 30 minutes boat ride from Merang jetty.

According to the locals, Lang Tengah takes it to name from 2 sayings. The first one saying that ‘Lang’ comes from ‘Helang’ in the Malay language which means an eagle, therefore Lang Tengah means eagles resting on the middle island. The second saying spread among the villagers where once upon a time the island used to be the post road for traders and fisherman from the north to replenish their supplies while taking a rest after a long journey.

It is small, very small. A round-island trip in speed boat only takes 10 minutes. The beach is narrow and the land is limited. However, Lang Tengah Island gains its advantages from its size. Due to the limitation in the land, there are only 4 resorts operators on the island. This is somehow limiting the number of visitors to the island thus reduces the chances of environmental pollution to the island while offering more privacies to the holiday seekers who seek for a piece of quiet and peaceful land.

4. Air Terjun Sekayu

    The Sekayu Reservation Forest or better known as the Sekayu Waterfall is located within the Additional Hulu Terengganu reserve forest area. It is located in the Hulu Terengganu district of Terengganu, 16 kilometres from the town of Kuala Berang and 56 kilometres from the town of Kuala Terengganu. This area is accessible via the junction of the East Coast Highway.

The forest covers an area of ​​about 405 hectares. Various plant and tree species are found in this forest including trees with high medicinal properties. There are also infrastructure and recreational facilities provided by the authorities such as lodging, children's playground, rest huts, campsites and forest trails (for forest crossings). Entry fee is charged to visitors.

The beauty of the forest is that it has a beautiful 3-tiered waterfall that is a major attraction for visitors here regardless of domestic or foreign visitors. Its clear, cool waters make anyone attractive when they come here.

5. Lake Kenyir

    Lake Kenyir (Tasik Kenyir) is the largest man-made lake in Malaysia. There are various estimates of its size but Tourism Malaysia says it covers 209,199 hectares. It was formed from 1978 to 1985 by damming the Kenyir River. The dam produces hydroelectric power and helps control flooding in Terengganu State.

The valleys and plains behind the dam filled up with water and the hilltops and uplands remained to form islands, some 340 of them. River fish soon adapted to their new environment and today this interestingly shaped freshwater lake has become a challenging spot for anglers to try their skills.

The water level of the lake goes up and down according to the seasons and is at its fullest and most beautiful during the March and April wet season. Anglers, on the other hand, prefer the dry season around August.