Luxury Hotels in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Kuala Terengganu is a district, town, main economic center, royal capital and administrative capital of the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. Often abbreviated as K.T., it is the only royal capital in the country that bears its state’s name. In terms of size, the area might be the smallest in comparison to other places within district, nonetheless it is the most populated area with Kuala Nerus combined.

From a geographical point of view, the area is located at the confluence of the Terengganu River, which is strategic for its role as fishing and trading ports. Administered by the Kuala Terengganu City Council, Kuala Terengganu has twenty mukims or sub-districts placed under its jurisdiction. The area is also rich in history where there have been earlier records from China about having a relationship with the state. While Kuala Terengganu alongside with the state have changed hands from government to government from 15th to 17th centuries, the current sultanate is established in 1708, where Kuala Terengganu was still a small town at the time. Kuala Terengganu later retained being the state capital despite the state being subjected to become a vassal state for Siam. Then when Terengganu fell into British control, Kuala Terengganu continued to be the administrative capital with the appointment as a local government area in 1928.

Moving forward to the present day, Kuala Terengganu has been awarded the city status since 2008 which carries with it the title of Coastal Heritage City. While gaining the city status implies that the Kuala Terengganu has experienced modernization, it still retains strong Malay influences interwoven with other cultures from the melting pot of settlers that have resided here since the early days of the town as a port. In terms of tourism, the capital of Terengganu is a major entry point to a multitude of tourist destinations that Terengganu has to offer such as Kampung Cina or Chinese Village, Terengganu State Museum, Batu Buruk Beach and many more.

How to Get There

By Car

People driving from Kuala Lumpur may drive via E8 route for immediate access to Kuala Terengganu. The journey could take up around 4 hours and 40 minutes depending on the traffic.

By Bus

The express bus terminal is located at Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin. Take the trip directly to Kuala Terengganu from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) terminal using express bus services such as Express Kesatuan or Transnational Express before opting for taxi or local buses to go around Kuala Terengganu.

Tourist Attractions

Crystal Mosque

Situated in Wan Man Island, Crystal Mosque is a unique mosque made of steel, glass and crystal in entirety, with the crystal giving the mosque its name. It is the first intelligent mosque with ready Wi-Fi access and built-in IT infrastructure, being officially opened in 2008 by the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu after two years of building work in progress. The architecture reeks of Moorish and Gothic elements with a contemporary twist. During peak hours of Friday prayers as well as Eid Fitri and Eid Adha celebrations, the mosque is able to accommodate up to 1, 500 congregants at a time.

Islamic Heritage Park

Another interesting place for sightseeing when visitors are in Kuala Terengganu is this heritage park that exhibits 22 scaled-down monuments from the Muslim world. Located on the man-made island of Wan Man, the park is also acting as an education center for visitors to learn more about the Muslim civilization all over the world.

Hotels

TH Hotel & Convention Centre Terengganu

Situated in Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Gong Badak, this four-star hotel offers an amazing accommodation at a slightly premium rate with a slew of hotel services and facilities that include minibar, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurant, fitness centers, concierge and airport transfers.

Duyong Marina Resort

An exquisite five-star hotel located at Pulau Duyong which is close to the various attractions around the city. A wide range of facilities and services come with the wonderful stay such as coffee maker, cable television, shower, hairdryer, balcony, outdoor pool, table tennis, fitness center, restaurant and coffee shop.