SHOPPING PLACES IN TERENGGANU

On the previous posts, we've giving a few most visited places in Terengganu. You can go through our previous post to explore the most visited places in Terengganu. And today, we will share the shopping places in Terengganu that you should go when you reach Terengganu.

• CENTRAL MARKET, KUALA TERENGGANU (PASAR PAYANG)

Central Market or known as Pasar Payang is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Terengganu. Located in the town and housed in a modern building complete with a shopping arcade and a car park, it offers visitors a variety of traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk, songket and other fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and Keropok Lekor. You also can buy the turtle eggs in the market. Visitors to this market will have a delightful experience shopping in local fares at reasonable prices.

• BAZAAR WARISAN (HERITAGE BAZAAR)

Bazaar Warisan is the latest shopping arcade in Kuala Terengganu. Situated just opposite to Pasar Payang and facing the mouth of Terengganu River, so it will have a good view of Terengganu River. Designed with the Terengganu traditional architecture and is now becomes one of the landmarks of Kuala Terengganu. The bazaar has many shop lots which sell Terengganu products like batik, songket and other handicraft. Since it is new and unique in design, and perhaps close to Pasar Payang, Bukit Puteri, Tourist Information Centre and jetty, many people are tempted to this place.

• PERKAMPUNGAN KEROPOK LOSONG

Perkampungan Keropok Losong is not so far away from the city. It's just about 10 min ride from the city. Here, you will find many shops selling keropok lekor. The keropok lekor lover will definitely go to the village to buy keropok lekor in bulk with cheaper price. You also can eat straight away at the shop. Some of the villagers shop that you can find in this village are Kak Yah Kg. Losong, Haji Su Keropok Lekor, Haji Awang Keropok Lekor and many more.

• NOOR ARFA CRAFT COMPLEX

This is a handicraft centre selling a large stock of batik shirts and dresses, songket, basket-ware and glass. Printed cotton batik pieces start at RM 15 for 2 sq m. In NACC, you can shop pure batik originally made by NACC well-trained staffs. You also can experience the process on batik making.

• MALAYSIA HANDICRAFT CENTRE

Located near the Floating Mosque, deals in a variety of local handicrafts. While this is a great place to shop for gifts and souvenirs, it doubles as a sort of candid artists’ workshop where you can watch crafts men and women weaving songket (fabric with gold filigree), detailing batik-work and weaving baskets. Products ranging from clothing and jewelry to home furnishings created using traditional techniques.

For the most comprehensive shopping experience, take a stroll through one of the many outdoor markets. These popular shopping centres usually convene at weekends and offer anything from traditional clothing and handicrafts to fresh seafood. You will get the best shopping experience with the reasonable price in Terengganu!

MUST VISITED PLACES - PART 2 (ISLANDS)

REDANG ISLAND

Redang Island is the largest of the state's islands. It is famous for its picture-postcard views and fabulous dive sites. The most popular stretch is the 800m Long Beach. Futher away on the northeastern coast Teluk Dalam Kecil and, a sheltered cove that houses five-star resort. Berjaya Air, a private carrier, provides direct air links to the island. Redang also accessible by sea. The jumping-off points are the Shahbandar Jetty situated in Kuala Terengganu town or Merang Jetty, situated about an hours drive from Kuala Terengganu. 

You can experience:  

• Snorkeling at the Marine Park

• Explore the 31 dive sites on the island

• Take a walk along the breathtaking Long Beach

• Enjoy a jungle walk to see monkeys, squirrels, and birds

REDANG ISLAND

PERHENTIAN BESAR AND KECIL ISLAND

Perhentian Island  (Besar and Kecil) offer amazing views of sparkling white sand a clear blue waters. The excellent visibility makes these island a firm favourite among divers and snorkellers. A 10 minutes boat ride is all it takes to get from one island to other. Access to the island is via a 45 minutes boat ride from Kuala Besut Jetty on the mainland.

You can experience:

• Island-hopping
• Diving at Tokong Laut to see bamboo sharks
• Banana boat ride or try canoeing

PERHENTIAN BESAR ISLAND

PERHENTIAN KECIL ISLAND

LANG TENGAH ISLAND

Lang Tengah is a smaller, most scluded gateaway located between Redang and Perhentian Island. The waters are crystal clear, the view stunningly beautiful and the atmosphere totally peaceful. There are only three rseorts in this island that can give visitors total relaxation lots of privacy. Access to this island via Merang Jetty. There are about 15 dive sites around Lang Tengah, all within 10 minutes boat rides from one another. 

LANG TENGAH ISLAND

KAPAS ISLAND AND GEMIA ISLAND

Kapas Island lies a short distance off the coast of Terengganu. A tiny tropical paradise, the island is home to a variety of both hard and soft coral, amongst which reside rich marine life. The island is known for squid, fishing at certain time of the year.

Gemia Island is a privately-owned island with a solitary boutique. It is the place for a quite holiday with activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, jungle trekking and beach games. The island is just 15 minutes away from the mainland. The jumping-off point id Marang Jetty (not to be confused with Merang Jetty which is the staging point to Redang Island). 

KAPAS ISLAND

GEMIA ISLAND

MUST VISITED PLACES - Part 1

One thing you should know about Terengganu is that whatever you do in your travels such as cycling, scuba diving or etc, you have countless high-quality options here. Another thing you should know is that whenever you are here, you will be served with great and beautiful experiences. So we will welcome you to this state that is Truly Asia !

Let's move on to the most visited places in Terengganu that will bring you to the great experiences:

• ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION PARK, PULAU WAN WAN  

The Islamic Civilisation Park is one of the state's most distinguished attractions. The featuring impressive edifices and intricate craftsmanship, the park takes visitors on a spellbinding tour of the finest in Islamic architecture. The park's icon is the glittering Crystal Mosque, a grand structure made of steel and glass. Take a stroll around the Monument Park, where visitors can view the replicas of 22 historical Islamic monuments that found in the world. Among them are the Al-Hambra Citadel in Spain, Masjidil Haram in Saudi Arabia and etc.

• TERENGGANU STATE MUSEUM COMPLEX

It has beautifully landscaped gardens and the museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of the state. It is also known as the largest museum complex in Southeast Asia that housing four main blocks, an adjacent Maritime Museum and five traditional houses in Terengganu. You must visit this museum to get to know further about history of Terengganu from the earlier stage.

• PULAU DUYONG 

This is not as the existing island that we heard before. This name as Pulau Duyong because it shows the way of Terengganu's local people made a boat by themselves. Traditional boat building activities are the main draw of this island. Fine, seaworthy vessels are created by local craftsmen using traditional boat-making methods. The vessels are sold both locally and internationally. Pulau Dayong is also the venue of the Monsoon Cup Terengganu, a prestigious international sailing event. If you came in here, you can watch how the skilled craftsmen build these boat entirely from their memory without using blueprint.

• TENGKU TENGAH ZAHARAH MOSQUE

This mosque representing a combination of Moorish and modern architectural elements. This unique and special mosque situated at the estuary of Sungai Ibai, 5km from Kuala Terengganu. It is well-known as the 'Floating Mosque' for its unique design. This mosque is built on a submerged platform. When the water level rises during high tide, it creates the illusion of a floating mosque and you will experience by yourself how beautiful the architecture itself.

• ISTANA MAZIAH TERENGGANU

Istana Maziah is the flagship of Institution Maziah Sultanate of Terengganu. It is located near Bukit Puteri and dealing with the Harbor Master Park that is the official residence of Sultan of Terengganu. This castle is beautiful and unique because the architecture symbolizes the historic state. When you visiting here, you also can relaxing at the Medan Maziah beside the Maziah Palace Building.   KINDLY REMINDING THAT, YOU CAN'T ENTER THIS PALACE BUT YOU JUST CAN VISIT FROM OUTSIDE !

• BATU BERSURAT (INSCRIBED STONE MEMORIAL), HULU TERENGGANU

The Inscribed Stone of Terengganu constitutes the earliest evidence of Islamic acceptance by a local ruler. The Arabic alphabets is written on the stone. It is one of the most important historical evidence that represent Islam in Malaysia. The replica of the stone has been built as a memorial in Kampung Buluh, Kuala Berang where the originally was discovered and displayed at the State Museum. Terengganu's Batu Bersurat has been listed under the United Nation's Memory of The World as a preservation and dissemination of valuable heritage archive worldwide.

FANCY A TASTE OF TERENGGANU?

Terengganu offers an array of delectable culinary delights. As in other states, rice is the staple food. The cuisine displays a strong influence of Thai, Chinese and Indian cuisines. The food is reasonably priced and visitors have a wide range of delicious food to try out. Because of the state close to the sea, seafood plays a main role in its culinary scene. Fresh ingredients are said to give Terengganu's food its lip-smacking taste and distinct fragrance. 

The uniqueness of its traditional food are distinctively sought and remains a part of Terengganu's identity. Let's try the authentic local favourite food in Terengganu which are :

• NASI DAGANG

If you visit Terengganu, head on over to the stalls or restaurant that selling nasi dagang. A mix pf white and brown glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk infused with blended onions, garlic and spices such as the fenugreek. The dish is complemented with a side of fish curry and pickled vegetables. The aromatic rice literally means travellers or trader's rice, as it was often taken along by traders who traveled far.

• SATAR

This interesting dish consists of succulent boneless fish marinated in spices. Satar is wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over a flaming charcoal fire. Through the word of mouth, this food are selling at many stalls in Terengganu. The place is flocked by locals as well as visitors from other states to get a taste of this delicious food with coconut drinks.

• KEROPOK LEKOR

A fried snack, keropok lekor is a thick, chewy cracker made of ground fish meat. Keropok lekor is best eaten with its special chili dip. Even though other states also have this kind of food, the one in Terengganu is very special because it used a fresh fish meat.

• LAKSA TERENGGANU

Rice noodles and a fragrant fish gravy make Laksa Terengganu a simple but highly satisfying dish. It is normally eaten for breakfast although it is now being served during dinner and lunch as well. What differentiates Laksa Teregganu from other states is the coconut creamy gravy thickly filled with shredded fish meat and best eaten with concoctions of traditional garnishing of eatable herbs, vegetables and beans. Shrimp paste and blended chili are added to enhance its flavors. Those who are allergic to shrimp paste should avoid taking it and could replace with a dash of salt.

• KETUPAT SOTONG

Seafood lovers can try this unusual dish. Glutinous rice is cooked with thick coconut milk until it is fragrant and tender. It is then used as a filling in boiled squids. Finally, the cooked squids are lightly sweetened with palm sugar. Ketupat sotong is a popular teatime snack.

* SELECTED RESTAURANTS IN TERENGGANU :

• MALAY
• Di Atas Sungai, Dungun (09-8451100)
• D'Muara Live Seafood, Kuala Terengganu (09-6229622)
• CHINESE
• Ocean Restaurant, Kuala Terengganu (09-6239154)
• INDIAN
• Kari Asha Restaurant, Kuala Terengganu (09-6232469)

PLACE TO STAY IN TERENGGANU DARUL IMAN

As chosen by travelers in Malaysia..

Looking for a fascinating and interesting place to stay in Terengganu Darul Iman??

Terengganu is fortunate to have a wide variety of accommodations choices including hotels and resorts. Whatever standard you seek, there is a price and quality to suit. Here are the chosen places to stay in this state which are :

• TANJUNG JARA RESORT, DUNGUN TERENGGANU

Located on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Tanjung Jara Resort is a sanctuary of luxury and well being steeped in age-old Malay traditions. Designed to reflect the elegance and grandeur of 17th century Malay palaces, Tanjung Jara is a 99-room resorts with an authentic taste of the region's spirit and an enduring embodiment of the gentle Malay art of service and hospitality. This resort is set on its own private beach. The regional attractions also include Golf Desa Dungun and Bukit Bauk Forest Reserve. You can spend the day relaxing at the full-service spa and enjoy a meal at one of the resort's restaurants.

There are a couple of ways to get to Tanjung Jara Resort (TJR) :

1. Fly in to Kuantan International Airport (Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport) and take 2.5 hours ride to TJR.

2. Fly in to Terengganu International Airport (Sultan Mahmud Airport) and take 1.5 hours ride to TJR.

(Airport pick-up and transfers can be arranged with TJR and subjected to separate charges from accommodations bookings)

3. If you travel by car, approximately 1km from the main road of Kuala Terengganu, you will see the Tanjong Jara Resort signboard on your left just outside the main entrance.

Contact information : 03-27198000/09-8451100

If you want further information about this resort, you can click here: 

http://www.tanjungjararesort.com/

• THE TAARAS BEACH AND SPA RESORT, PULAU REDANG TERENGGANU

'The Taaras' is a bespoke Private Beach Residence, tucked away and hidden from the outside world on a small island found just off the unspoiled East Coast of tropical Malaysia. Each suite or room contains over sized beds and hand-picked linens and fabrics for your comfort. Most rooms and all suites have larger washrooms contains both bath tub and separate rain or monsoon shower. For visitors who prefer or require further privacy 'The Cliff Villa', this private bedroom residence perched high up on the cliff more than meets the requirements, private access, a Villa Host at your 'beck and call' as well as twenty four hour security.

Contact information : 09-6308888

• BUBU LONG BEACH RESORT, PULAU PERHENTIAN KECIL, TERENGGANU

This beautiful resort strategically located on Long Beach, Perhentian Island Kecil is the one and only deluxe resort hotel on the island. Long Beach is undoubtedly the most popular spot on Perhentian Island. It has uniquely designed right on the beach, the resort incorporates local architecture with modern day facilities. This island resort has the most wonderful view of South China Sea. 

How to get there?

Pulau Perhentian is located 21km off the Teerengganu shore and is accessible via Kuala Besut jetty. It takes only 30 minutes by boat to reach the island. The jetty is 40 minutes drive Kota Bharu and 1 hour 15 minutes from Kuala Terengganu and  is easily accessible by road and air. There are bus services to Besut from almost all major points in the Peninsula.

Contact information : 03-21426688/09-6911333

If you want further information about this resort, you can click in here : 

http://www.buburesort.com.my/

• LAGUNA REDANG ISLAND RESORT, PULAU REDANG, TERENGGANU

This resort located on of the best beaches on the island, the hotel is set against a backdrop of fine powder-white sand, crystal-clear waters and emerald hills. It designed as a modern interpretation of traditional Malay architecture, the low-rise resort blends harmoniously with the environment, making it one of the loveliest resorts in the island. All rooms are extra spacious and lined with timber striped flooring.  Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia operate international flights from major destinations around the world to Kuala Lumpur. 

How to get there?

From Kuala Lumpur, you may continue your journey by air or by land towards Kuala Terengganu, which is the closest mainland from the island.

Contact information : 09-6310888

If you want further information about this resort, you can click in here :

https://www.lagunaredang.com.my/

• CORAL VIEW ISLAND RESORT, PULAU PERHENTIAN BESAR, TERENGGANU

Coral View Island Resort is based on Pulau Perhentian Besar, 21 kilometers from the north-east coast of peninsular Malaysia. The chalets are built into the natural environment. Rising up from the beach into the jungle, surrounded by perfect white sand beaches and turquoise blue water. With the jungle and the beach at your doorstep it is possible to discover many animals both on land and under the sea. 

Contact information : 09-6974943

If you want further information about this resort, you can click in here :

http://www.coralviewislandresort.com/

• PERHENTIAN TUNA BAY ISLAND RESORT

Tuna Bay Island Resort is located on the south west coast of Pulau Perhentian Besar. The peaceful, relaxing ambiance surrounding the resort and the laid back lifestyle is ideally geared towards holidaymakers. All chalets are just a minute's walk from the beach and command spectacular views of neighboring Pulau Perhentian Kecil and the shimmering South China Sea. 

Contact information : 09-6902902

If you want further information about this resort, you can click in here :

http://www.tunabay.com.my/

• DJ CITI POINT HOTEL, KUALA TERENGGANU, TERENGGANU

DJ Citi Point Hotel is located in the heart of Terengganu's City, a 2-minute walk from Central Market. It features affordable accommodation with city views and free Wi-Fi. Various local and Western food options are available within a 15-minute walk away. DJ Citi Point Hotel is 300 meters from Chinatown and a 15-minute drive from Sultan Mahmud Airport.

Contact information : 09-6309909
If you want further information about this resort, you can click in here :
http://www.citipointhotel.com/

• MING PARAGON HOTEL & SPA, KUALA TERENGGANU, TERENGGANU

This hotel strategically located, highly accessible and conveniently surrounded by various well-known landmarks, restaurants and places of interests, Ming Paragon Hotel & Spa is perfect either for a business or family trip to Kuala Terengganu. Hotel Ming Paragon is a 25-minute ride from Sultan Mahmud Airport, while the Istana Maziah and the Pasar Besar Kedai Payang are only a few minutes drive away.

Contact information : 09-6228666

A FEW SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN TERENGGANU :

• Merang Suria Resort, Kg Rhu Tapai Merang, Terengganu (09-6531600)
• Terrapuri Heritage Village Penarik, Kg Mangkuk , Setiu, Terengganu (09-6245020)
• The Aryani Terengganu, Merang, Setiu, Terengganu (09-6532111)

TERENGGANU DISCOVERIES

Malaysia is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia and it has a vibrant destination with a diversity of cultures and traditions. With the beautiful flora and fauna, islands and unique attractions, Malaysia has 'something' that will charm every visitor. One of the beautiful and attractive place in Malaysia that you can experience of which is in, TERENGGANU DARUL IMAN !

Terengganu Darul Iman is situated in north-eastern Peninsular Malaysia and it is bordered in the northwest by Kelantan, southwest by Pahang, and the east by the South China Sea. Several outlying islands, including Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Kapas, and Pulau Redang are also a part of the state. The state has a total area of 13,035km (5033 sq mi). Terengganu is divided into seven administrative districts.

MAP OF TERENGGANU

In its earliest state, Terengganu practiced a Hindu-Buddhist culture combined with animist traditional beliefs for hundreds of years before the arrival of Islam. According to historical accounts, it could have been art of the Srivijaya Empire between 7th to the 13th or 14th century. Furthermore, Terengganu did not receive many Indian or Chinese migrants, and therefore Malay cultural influences predominate. Traditional pursuits such as kite-flying contests, top-spinning contests, and traditional arts & crafts, such as batik and songket are still very much alive. 

Terengganu also a place stepped in Malay traditions and it has a epitome of rustic charm with quaint fishing villages and a rich cultural heritage. The state is well known not just for its quality craftsmanship but also for its scenic, sandy beaches and picturesque off-shore islands. This state endowed with a wealth of beautiful natural landscapes which has virgin tropical villages, dazzling waterfalls and more unique attractions. In addition, the people of Terengganu have always had a reputation for being socially conservative and devout Muslims.

* ENSURE THAT TERENGGANU DARUL IMAN WILL BE ON YOUR 'MUST VISIT LIST' WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELLING TO MALAYSIA! *