Terengganu Malaysia - South East Asia

Terengganu is one of the three east coast states on Peninsular Malaysia. Terengganu is the repository of Malaysia's cultural heritage and is home to the lilting Gamelan and the mesmerizing 'Ulek Mayang' dance. It is a serene state, with numerous small villages, quiet roads, and secluded islands and beaches. The clear waters and teeming marine life of Terengganu have made it an increasingly popular destination for divers.

Location

Terengganu is one of the three east coast states on Peninsular Malaysia. It has a land area of 12,995 Sq.km and 225 Km of picturesque coastline. Kuala Terengganu, its capital, stands on the bank of the Terengganu river.

History

Terengganu's strategic location in the South China Sea made it an important trade center since ancient times. Earlier records indicate that it had trading relations with China. Like other Malay states, Terengganu practiced a Hindu-Buddhist culture combined with animist traditional beliefs for hundreds of years before the arrival of Islam. Under the influence of Srivijaya, Terengganu also traded extensively with the Majapahit Empire, and the Khmer. According to a stone monument dated 1303 with Arabic inscriptions found in Kuala Berang, Terengganu was perhaps the first Malay state to receive Islam. Terengganu became a vassal state of Melaka, but retained considerable autonomy with the emergence of Riau-Johor.

Terengganu emerged as an independent sultanate in 1724. The first Sultan was Tun Zainal Abidin, the younger brother of a former sultan of Johor, and Johor strongly influenced Terengganu politics through the 18th century. In the 19th century, Terengganu became a vassal state of Siam. Under Siamese rule, Terengganu prospered, and was given considerable autonomy. The terms of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 Siam ceded to Great Britain. A British Resident was installed after considerable reluctance in 1919, and Terengganu became one of the Unfederated Malay States. During World War II, Japan transferred Terengganu back to Siam, along with Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis, but after the defeat of Japan, these Malay states returned to British control. Terengganu became a member of the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and a state of independent Malaya in 1957.

Climate

Terengganu has tropical monsoon climate. The temperature is relatively uniform within the range of 21°C to 32°C throughout the year. During the months of January to April, the weather is generally dry and warm. Humidity is consistently high (approximately 80%). The average rainfall per year is from 2,000 mm to 2500 mm and the period from November to January is the main rainy season.

Best Time to Visit

It is better to avoid going to Terengganu during the period from November to January as it the main rainy season.

Attractions

In Kuala Terengganu Central Market

The Central Market faces the Sungai Terengganu waterfront. Besides the usual offerings of a 'wet' market, there are Terengganu specialties such as fish crackers, seasonal fruits, local handicrafts and delicacies. As with most Malaysian markets, the height of activity is in the morning.

Pantai Batu Buruk and the Cultural Centre

Pantai Batu Buruk, a popular stretch of beach in front of the Pantai Primula Hotel, is the venue of the annual Beach Festival. The Gelanggang Seni (Cultural Centre) is located along this beach. Traditional games and pastimes are displayed on Fridays, between 5pm-6:30pm.

Terengganu State Museum

Located on a hill in Jalan Cherong Lanjut, the Terengganu State Museum contains a fine collection of nineteenth-century Chinese wares, showing a clear Islamic influence, prehistoric tools from the Stone Age, and ancient manuscripts of Islamic calligraphy.

Istana Maziah

The royal palace, situated near Bukit Puteri in Kuala Terengganu, is the venue for royal birthdays and weddings, conferments of titles, and receptions of dignitaries. Its brightly-painted orange exterior and its architecture is a blend of the old and the new.

Rhusila

At Rhusila, about 10 km from Kuala Terengganu, local craftsmen and women create unusual native crafts, such as mats and baskets.

Bukit Keluang/Dendong Beach Park

This quiet beach park, 140 km north of Kuala Terengganu, is ideal for tranquil family picnics.

Suterasemai Centre

Kuala Ibai, 6 km from Kuala Terengganu, is Malaysia's pioneer silk-weaving centre, offering insights into silk production, from the spinning into yarns, to textile-weaving and batik printing. Beautiful batik, handpainted or printed are for sale in the centre's showroom.

Turtle-Watching at Rantau Abang

The warm grainy sands of Rantau Abang are thought to be the ideal nesting grounds for the giant Dermocheleys coriaca (leatherback turtles). Rantau Abang is one of the few leatherback nesting sites in the world. Turtle sanctuaries have been established in an effort to reverse the decline of leatherback turtles. Collection (except by licensed turtle egg collectors) or eating of turtle eggs are forbidden. In the Rantau Abang Visitors' Centre, a documentary on the turtle and its nesting habits is screened at regular intervals.

The Sekayu Recreational Park

A popular picnic spot, located 56 km west of Kuala Terengganu, features waterfalls, jungle trails, and lots of Malaysian fruits for sale at the orchard.

Kenyir Darn

Malaysia's largest rock-filled hydro-electric dam has a catchment area of 260,000 hectares. The area around the dam is ideal for jungle trekking and nature walks. The lake, popular with anglers, yields baung, toman, sebarau, kelah, lampam and kelisa.