Print this article if you're a tour operator, accommodation provider or touristAn introduction to Terengganu
Terengganu, on Malaysia's east coast, is a constitutive state and a Sultanate of Federal Malaysia. The state is amongst the most distinctive in the nation for its intrinsic mix of culture and tradition with a dash of modernism. Regardless of the many developments that the state has undergone, it maintains its rustic charm making it an idyllic getaway for holidaymakers the world over.
Kuala Terengganu, at the mouth of the Terangganu River, is the state and royal capital and also the largest city in Terengganu. The hallmark of this friendly, charming settlement is the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque also known as 'Floating Mosque'. The beautiful and modern mosque is built on stilts within an artificial lake on the banks of Ibai River. The mosque was the brainchild of the late Sultan as a gift for his mother, and was completed in 1964. The waters of the river rise in the high tide masking the building's foundations thus bringing about the remarkable illusion of the 'floating mosque'.
 |
Emerald waters wash the Terengganu coastline but one resort, above all others, has been carved with outstanding beauty: Berjaya Beach Resort (pictured), MalaysiaExplorer.net's accommodation top-pick for visitors to Kuala Terengganu & Redang |
| Find out about the award |
The wider Terengganu is a state abound in rich history with many stories to tell. Many theories surround the origin of its name. Tereng ganu, which translates into “Bright rainbow” in Malay, is one. Its Arabic honorific is Darul Iman meaning "Abode of Faith".
The east coast of Malaysia has always been popular for its beaches and in that sense Terengganu is truly a tropical getaway. It has the longest coastline of any state in the nation, standing at 244kms with huge stretches of smooth golden sandy beach and stunning islands surrounded by glistening emerald waters, lapped by the South China Sea.
Things to see & do: Redang Island
Among its many islands, Redang, located a little over 30 miles off the coastline, is highly popular. Berjaya Air operates daily flights to the island from the nations capital, KL, and Singapore. The island is a 45 minute speedboat ride from the coast. Redang has magnificent wide beaches with beautiful soft white to golden sands. The surrounding crisp waters house a very vibrant and colourful marine life and there are several shipwrecks making it a preferred diving spot.
 |
Diving Adventures
Pulau Perhentian, also on the South China Sea is another haven for both lovers of nature and all who wish to take part in diving, sailing, fishing and boating, amongst other watersport activities. The island is accessible by boat from Kuala Besut, a small charming fishing village on the coast. Perhentian is notably one of the most beautiful islands in the world, with many awards to its name in the Travel & Tourism industry. Surrounded by the calm and serenity of perfect beach and sunkissed blue waters washed by the South China Sea you will find nothing but relaxation! Under water you'll have your breath taken by colourful coral gardens in a marine paradise - an area of Malaysia's National Marine Park. The Perhentian Islands are also home to some of Malaysia's most acclaimed resorts and hotels, the perfect way to round-off a holiday destination.
Amongst the Terengganu islands, Palau Tango is the furthest away from the coastline, which lies off Dungun on the mainland. The island is a 1-hour boat trip from the jetty at Kuala Dungun. The island’s shielded bay is home to unhindered and beautifully developed coral gardens. It is a favourite amongst experienced divers as the water has some challenging sudden descents to almost 20 meters in places.
Apart from these, the coast is also surrounded by many smaller islands with equally dazzling marine life and superb coral formations and a myriad of activities like rock-climbing and bird watching.
Landscape, Nature & Trekking
Dungun is also home to Malaysia’s highest Waterfall, Cemerong with a 305 metre drop. Jungle trekking along this 305-metre rock face is arduous but the cool water spray thundering downwards is soothing to even the weariest travellers.
Terengganu is a state of many superlatives. It is home to Malaysia’s largest museum, the world’s oldest tropical rain forest, biggest heritage sites and the list goes on.
Notable amongst those is the Cengal tree in the Pasir Raja forest reserves of Terengganu. It is the world's largest and oldest. The tree is verified to be around 1300 years old, towering 65 metres high and with a diameter of 16.75 meters at its base.
Cengal trees are mainly used for building houses, bridges, offshore fishing boats and ocean going trawlers due to its quality and durability. Boat construction in Pulau Duyung is one of the biggest industries in Terengganu and serves locals and foreigners alike. Terengganu's boat makers are famed for making traditional, authentic boats with unrivalled durability using skills acquired and passed down by ancestor after ancestor of skilled builders.
 |
Kenyir Lake
The Tasik Kenyir or Kenyir Lake, with over 300 islands and 14 individual waterfalls respectively, is the largest of its kind anywhere in Southeast Asia. The lake is situated in Terengganu's interior and spans over 200,000 hectares with Kelantan and Pahang on its western and southern borders respectively. What was once a scatter of streams, hilltops and highlands has transformed into hundreds of beautiful islands, over a dozen waterfalls and numerous rapids. The lake houses numerous kinds of freshwater fish and its lush untouched tropical rainforest houses an exotic wildlife and is an ideal spot for jungle treks, exploration courses, wildlife observation, fishing and of course, kayaking!
 |
Terengganu is truly a blessed state with abundant nature, beautiful lush rainforests, lush virgin tropical jungle, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls and much more making it a place worth visiting.
Dining
It is a cradle of Malaysian civilization rich with its customs and traditions visible in its way of life, arts and handicrafts. Even the uniqueness of its traditional foods with its array of delectable culinary delights ranging from the sweet, the sour to the spicy make the state very unique. The ‘keropok lekor’ and ‘nasi dagang’ are the most popular and truly Terengganu in identity.
Search the widest range of accommodation options and resorts in Kuala Terengganu's capital city Terengganu and it's gorgeous coastal delight Redang Island with MalaysiaExplorer.net's booking partner - also find verified guest reviews™ and image galleries.
Complete your trip with our travel essentials checklist: Tours, Flights and Car Rental
- Tailor all aspects of your holiday or visit to Kuala Terengganu with comprehensive tour and package choices.
- Read our top tips on car rental to ensure you choose a suitable vehicle at a good price.
- Our guide to Malaysia flights is packed with advice and pointers on finding the best routes and super deals.
For those seeking a perfect mix of fun, sun, sea, art and culture, Terengganu is in a league of its own. Double click the map below to zoom in on Terengganu, and double right-click to zoom out!
