Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is the state capital of Terengganu, on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia.

• Terengganu State Museum. The largest museum complex in Malaysia, with detailed exhibits on textiles, the history of the petroleum industry and nature. It contains a park by the river with maritime exhibits. The museum also houses the Batu Bersurat Terengganu (Terengganu Stone), which contains the oldest example of classical Jawi Malay writing. Entrance fee: 5 RM (Malaysian citizens), 15 RM (non-citizens).
• Pulau Duyung, in the middle of the estuary, has some interesting shipyards and an old wooden mansion (kota lama). This is also a fishing village.
• Seberang Takir, across from the market jetty, has some interesting cottage industries ranging from keropok lekor to batik.
• Bukit Puteri (Princess Hill), is a hill fort behind the Bazar Warisan. It played a key role during the Terengganu civil war between competing sultans (1831-1876). The hilltop contains a bell, several keramat, a 'throne' and cannons facing the sea. Good for a view of the waterfront. Entrance fee: 1 RM (but normally not enforced).
• Chinatown, along Jalan Kampung Cina. Look for beautiful rows of old Chinese buildings where you can try tasty local Terengganu and Chinese food in the small, cheap but cozy restaurants scattered around.
• Taman Tamadun Islam. Is the recently-completed Islamic-themed recreational park located near the state museum. Models of famous mosques around the world are built here in smaller size. The famous 'Masjid Kristal' is also here. Entrance fee: 30 RM (to the park), free (to Masjid Kristal)
• Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah (also known as the 'floating mosque'), is located around 10 km from the city centre on Jalan Batu Buruk. This beautiful, simple white mosque built on the created lake flowing from the Ibai river attracts locals, especially in the late afternoon and weekends, for family activities.
• Istana Maziah, or Maziah Palace is a well known palace, standing strong at the foot of Bukit Puteri. One of few palaces owned by the Terengganu Royal Family, this beautiful palace is now used for royal occasions such as Royal Raya Open House or the installation of a new king.

Terengganu State Museum. The largest museum complex in Malaysia, with detailed exhibits on textiles, the history of the petroleum industry and nature. It contains a park by the river with maritime exhibits. The museum also houses the Batu Bersurat Terengganu (Terengganu Stone), which contains the oldest example of classical Jawi Malay writing. Entrance fee: 5 RM (Malaysian citizens), 15 RM (non-citizens).

Pulau Duyung, in the middle of the estuary, has some interesting shipyards and an old wooden mansion (kota lama). This is also a fishing village.

Seberang Takir, across from the market jetty, has some interesting cottage industries ranging from keropok lekor to batik.

Bukit Puteri (Princess Hill), is a hill fort behind the Bazar Warisan. It played a key role during the Terengganu civil war between competing sultans (1831-1876). The hilltop contains a bell, several keramat, a 'throne' and cannons facing the sea. Good for a view of the waterfront. Entrance fee: 1 RM (but normally not enforced).

Chinatown, along Jalan Kampung Cina. Look for beautiful rows of old Chinese buildings where you can try tasty local Terengganu and Chinese food in the small, cheap but cozy restaurants scattered around.

Taman Tamadun Islam. Is the recently-completed Islamic-themed recreational park located near the state museum. Models of famous mosques around the world are built here in smaller size. The famous 'Masjid Kristal' is also here. Entrance fee: 30 RM (to the park), free (to Masjid Kristal)

Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah (also known as the 'floating mosque'), is located around 10 km from the city centre on Jalan Batu Buruk. This beautiful, simple white mosque built on the created lake flowing from the Ibai river attracts locals, especially in the late afternoon and weekends, for family activities.

Istana Maziah, or Maziah Palace is a well known palace, standing strong at the foot of Bukit Puteri. One of few palaces owned by the Terengganu Royal Family, this beautiful palace is now used for royal occasions such as Royal Raya Open House or the installation of a new king.

• Go to the Pasar Payang (Big Bazaar) and the covered open-air market across the street and buy some delicious fresh fruits.
• Ride a special bus called Bas Bandar, beautifully designed mirroring a moving traditional house
• Take a short small boat trip from Kuala Terengganu jetty to the fishing village of Seberang Takir, which will cost you RM1. The jetty is located beside the floating restaurant in front of Terengganu Tourism office at Pasar Besar Payang.
• Catch some local foods in one of the Night Markets in the city:
  • At the park near Dataran Shahbandar jetty on weekend nights
  • On Pulau Warisan behind Jalan Kapung Cina
  • In front of the City Hall (MBKT) along Jalan Sultan Ismail on Friday nights

Go to the Pasar Payang (Big Bazaar) and the covered open-air market across the street and buy some delicious fresh fruits.

Ride a special bus called Bas Bandar, beautifully designed mirroring a moving traditional house

Catch some local foods in one of the Night Markets in the city:

• At the park near Dataran Shahbandar jetty on weekend nights
• On Pulau Warisan behind Jalan Kapung Cina
• In front of the City Hall (MBKT) along Jalan Sultan Ismail on Friday nights

• Giant Hypermarket & Kuala Terengganu Mall, JL Padang Hiliran. 9am-9pm.
• The Store, 218/1-10 JL Bandar, +60 9-6225399. 9am-9pm. Supermarket & department store.
• Mydin Mall, JL Sultan Mohamad. 9am-11pm. Known in the area as a discount store.

Giant Hypermarket & Kuala Terengganu Mall, JL Padang Hiliran. 9am-9pm.

The Store, 218/1-10 JL Bandar, +60 9-6225399. 9am-9pm. Supermarket & department store.

Mydin Mall, JL Sultan Mohamad. 9am-11pm. Known in the area as a discount store.

• Keropok lekor, a kind of fish sausage served with sweet chili sauce, is a must-try.
• Many traditionally prepared Malay cakes (kuih) are sold in Kuala Terengganu - among other places, in the Pasar.
• Laksa Terengganu, the state's version of the pan-Malaysian spicy noodle soup
• Nasi dagang, the most famous dish in Terengganu, is often served as breakfast or lunch at small stall and restaurants. This is a dish of delicious sweet and spicy sauce with glutinous rice.

Keropok lekor, a kind of fish sausage served with sweet chili sauce, is a must-try.

Laksa Terengganu, the state's version of the pan-Malaysian spicy noodle soup

Nasi dagang, the most famous dish in Terengganu, is often served as breakfast or lunch at small stall and restaurants. This is a dish of delicious sweet and spicy sauce with glutinous rice.

You can find locally popular fruit juice in a big mug known as "air buah gelas besar". Many choices of fresh fruit juice are available. You can find it in Seberang Takir (about 5 km from KT on the road heading to Kuala Terengganu airport). It operates from ~ 17:00 to midnight.

You can also buy a variety of different fresh fruit juices, coconut water, etc. from vendors outside the Pasar Besar in Kuala Terengganu.

There are reportedly no more than 10 bars in the city. Kris n Cheng, near the waterfront, has pleasant owners and is good for darts, drinks and light singing.

Locals are mostly made up of Muslims, but you can find alcohol supplies in the most chinese restaurants around Chinatown. Do not drink publicly as this will often offend locals. You can drink at restaurants or back at your hotel room.

• Kota Bharu 3 hour bus ride north.
• Kuantan 3 hour bus ride south.
• Pulau Redang - one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia and a scuba diver's paradise.
• Pulau Perhentian - cluster of islands known for their excellent scuba-diving, snorkeling and jungle trekking.
• Pulau Kapas - Just an hour's trip from Kuala Terengganu, this is where locals go to relax and unwind. Great place to unwind with few backpackers and no parties.
• Lata Cemerong (Cemerong waterfalls) - Remote, very tall waterfall in a (near) pristine forest at Pasir Raja. Only accessible after an hour's trekking through difficult terrain, the waterfall is located at Hutan Lipur Cemerong (Cemerong Recreation Park). One trail at the park leads to Cemerong; the other leads to the 1108-metre Gunung Berumbun. Park contains shower, camping and lodging facilities. About 100km (2 hours by car) south of Kuala Terengganu & 40km (an hour) from Dungun.