Kuala Terengganu - Wikitravel (original) (raw)
Kuala Terengganu is the state capital of Terengganu, on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia.
Get in[edit]
By plane[edit]
Kuala Terengganu's Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) has around half a dozen flights per day to Kuala Lumpur (1 hour) on Malaysia Airlines [1] and AirAsia [2]. Fares to Kuala Terengganu varies with Malaysia Airlines, offering as low as RM136 (full service) and AirAsia with as low as RM60. Firefly [3] Malindo link Kuala Terengganu directly with Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur.
By bus[edit]
The long distance bus station has buses to all main Malaysian cities outside Terengganu : Kuala Lumpur (7 hours), Penang (7-8 hours), Johor Bahru (9 hours), Kota Bharu (3 hours), Malacca, Kuantan.
Transnasional [4] also runs buses direct to Singapore (10 hours, S$36/15.10 to/from Singapore).
The local bus station has buses to most places in town and in Terengganu : Merang (for Redang), Kuala Besut (for the Perhentians), Dungun, etc.
By ferry[edit]
In season (March-October), there are two ferries a day from the central Shahbandar Jetty direct to Redang Island (75 min). These are operated by and intended primarily for guests of the Berjaya Redang Resort, but they'll take non-guests on board (for a price) if there's space.
Most travellers to Redang, however, will go via the main jetty at Merang, 45 min north of town.You can get to Merang by taxi or local municipal bus.
Get around[edit]
- The only way you can get to the town from airport is by taxis and Grabcar
- Local municipal buses are served by MyBas Maraliner and departs from Kuala Terenganu bus station to Airport, Merang, Marang and Bukit Payong. The frequency is every hour till 7 or 8pm in the evening. The buses also serve local attraction such as Crystal Mosque.
- The market jetty has ferries to Seberang Takir (70c) and Pulau Duyung (70c).
- The Seri Malaysia jetty has a ferry to Pulau Duyung (1RM).
See[edit]
- Terengganu State Museum. Where you can see local folks in a very nice building and can have a walk in a park where there are local boats.
- 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.
- K Terengganu Chinatown, looks for beautiful rows of old chinese buildings where you can try local Terengganu and Chinese tasty cuisines in the small,cheap but cozy restaurant scattered around.
- Taman Tamadun Islam is the newly-completed Islamic-themed recreational park located near the state museum. Models of famous Muslim's landmark around the world are built here in smaller size. You can compare this as Mini Europe version of Terengganu. The famous Masjid Kristal, located here. The entrance fee is RM10.00.
- Masjid Terapung or translated as 'the floating mosque', is located around 10km from the town centre. Beautiful,simple white mosque built on the man-made lake flowing from the Ibai river attracted 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 occasion such as Royal Raya Open House or the installation of a new king.
- Pasar Payang (market) is well known among local tourists, some of whom consider it the best place to visit in Kuala Terengganu.
Do[edit]
- Go to the Pasar Besar (Big Bazaar) and the covered open-air market across the street and buy some delicious fresh fruits or whatever else your heart desires.
- Ride a special bus called Cas Ligas bus, beautifully designed mirroring a moving traditional house
- Take a short small boat trip from Kuala Terengganu jetty to the fisherman 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
- If you are there around December, prepare yourself for some world-class Monsoon Cup action, featuring the finest athletes such as Peter Gilmour.
- Catch some local foods around Night Market.Find one near Dataran Shahbandar on Friday night, as it is one of the biggest night market in town.
Buy[edit]
- Silk or cotton batik sarongs.
Eat[edit]
- Keropok lekor, a kind of fish sausage served with chili sauce, is a must-try. You can ask the receptionist for the nicest keropok lekor in the town.
- Many traditionally prepared Malay cakes (kuih) are sold in Kuala Terengganu - among other places, in the Pasar.
- Laksa Terengganu
- Nasi Dagang , most famous dish in Terengganu itself, often served as breakfast or lunch at small stall and restaurants. The delicious,sweet but spicy sauce with glutinous rice are traditionally originated here.
Drink[edit]
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 ~ 5 p.m. 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 town. 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 comunity surrounds you. You can drink at any restaurant which providing them, or back at your hotel room.
Sleep[edit]
In Kuala Terengganu, you will find all types of hotels from top range to small Chinese basic places.
- Felda Residence Kuala Terengganu [5] offers guests luxurious accommodations with a resort ambience. 101 rooms furnished with cable television and WiFi access are available. Personal butler and limousine service also available. Address: Jalan Hiliran, 21400 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu darul Iman, Malaysia. Telephone No.: 609-632-1111. Fax: 609-632-1122.
- In Pulau Duyung: *Ri-Yaz Heritage Resort & Spa, Pulau Duyung, ☎ 609-627-7888, [x]. checkin: 1500; checkout: 1200. A beautiful resort style hotel. Chalet Rooms and Suites RM 288++.
- Hotel PT, 3 Jalan Jail. 30 minutes from the bus station. Currently open but under renovations (August 2010). 30 RM for a fan room with shared bathroom. Dorms available. It seems like a perfect backpacker place, but there are no backpackers here! 20-80? RM.
- Sumai Suite Hotel, Lot 4479 Jalan Persinggahan, ☎ 09-631 0099, [x]. All rooms furnished with air-conditioner, cable TV, mini-bar and refrigerator, and coffee/tea maker. Some of their amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, high-speed Internet access, and airport transfer. Rates on official website start at MYR 320.00.
- Primula Beach Hotel, Jalan Persinggahan, ☎ +609 622 2100, [x]. Although fronting the South China Sea, this hotel is not far from the center of town. All rooms have air-conditioner, cable TV, and refrigerator/mini-bar. Some of the hotel's amenities are swimming pool, spa and massage centre, and high-speed Internet access. Rates start at MYR 210.00.
- The Royale Aryani Terengganu, Jalan Rhu Tapai, Merang, Setiu, ☎ +603-6532111, [x]. A charming and rustic boutique resort designed for guests to experience gracious "kampung" living, but fully equipped with modern amenities, fantastic dining and traditional spa services (massage, scrubs, etc). Located only 5 minutes from Merang Jetty (jumping point to the famous islands of Redang, Bidong and Lang Tengah).
- Ping Anchorage Travellers Inn. Simple rooms. From 25 MR for a twin bedroom with shared bathroom. Ask at the travel agency for the key and check in. 25.
Get out[edit]
- Redang Island - one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia and a scuba diver's paradise
