Located on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Terengganu is famous for its cultural diversity, especially its blend of Chinese and Malay heritage. Hence, Kuala Terengganu is home to many historical sites such as mosques and temples. As it is located on the coast, Kuala Terengganu is also famous for its beautiful islands and quiet white sand beaches.
One of the top tourist attractions in Kuala Terengganu is the Crystal Mosque that presents the beauty of Islamic architecture. In addition, the Payang Market is a lively place to visit, where vendors offer a variety of traditional goods, batik fabrics, and local handicrafts. And for water lovers, there's Redang Island, a remote island that is home to a turtle conservation and research center.
For history buffs who want to learn about the city's history, the Terengganu State Museum is a great place to find interesting information and knowledge about the city's history with its extensive collection of art and culture.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Civilization Park is a great place to learn about Islamic civilization through replicas of world-famous monuments. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity, Kuala Terengganu promises an unforgettable travel experience.
Exploring Kuala Terengganu by bus is a fun and economical way to go. With fares ranging from 2-5 MYR, travelers can access a variety of interesting destinations, such as the bustling Payang Market and Duyong Island, which sells unique items.
When visiting Kuala Terengganu, you can visit many popular tourist attractions. One of the icons of the city is the Crystal Mosque with its magnificent and unique design, made of steel, glass and crystal with large chandeliers, and built on an artificial island. Here, you can either pray or simply admire the splendor of this mosque.
The Terengganu State Museum is the largest museum complex in Southeast Asia with four main blocks, a maritime museum and five traditional houses, and is built to resemble the glory of Terengganu. It includes a main museum, maritime museum, fisheries museum, four traditional houses, a botanical garden and a Malay herbal garden that showcases textiles, weaving techniques, traditional weapons, petroleum development, Islamic art and more. The ticket price is RM5 per person.
In addition, Kuala Terengganu's Chinatown is an exciting hub of cultural activities, where tourists can enjoy shopping in the traditional market, sample the culinary specialties, and experience the colorful atmosphere of the daily lives of the local people.
Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu can be done through various transportation options. If you're looking for a budget-friendly trip, buses are the way to go with tickets costing around 40-50 MYR with a final destination of Bas Shahbandar Terminal in the city center.
You can also rent a car and travel for 4.5 hours via the highway. There is also air travel by plane to Sultan Mahmud Airport with a travel time of 1 hour and a ticket price of around MYR 430. To make your vacation easier, you can book flight tickets or rent a car through Traveloka.
Taste the culinary delights of Kuala Terengganu by sampling local delicacies such as Nasi dagang which is glutinous rice cooked with tuna, grated coconut and spices. For soup lovers, Terengganu has the city's signature laksa with fresh ingredients such as prawns, fish and bean sprouts.
If you're looking for something light, you can try keropok lekor made with fried fish that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. There's also a variety of fresh seafood, grilled fish and sata, a type of delicious fish satay.
The best time to visit Kuala Terengganu is between April and August, when the weather is mild and perfect for activities and sightseeing around the city and beaches.
During this time, the sun shines throughout the day which adds to the beauty of beaches such as Batu Burok Beach and Kapas Island. Tourists can enjoy water activities, such as snorkeling and sunbathing, while feeling the cool breeze by the sea.
Enjoy the beauty of the beach at Batu Burok Beach, Merang Beach or Kapas Island and swim, sunbathe or simply picnic along the shore. You can also do snorkeling and see turtle conservation on Redang Island, which is also popular among tourists. Aside from the sandy beaches and clear waters, you can also experience the city's rich history and culture by exploring historical buildings such as Maziah Palace and the Terengganu State Museum.
Also, don't forget to visit the bustling and traditional Chinatown, where travelers can shop, sample culinary specialties and experience local hospitality. You can shop for local souvenirs, such as handicrafts, unique textiles and antiques typical of Malay and Chinese culture. Here, you can also sample local dishes such as dim sum and buns.
There is also Pasar Payang, which offers an exciting shopping and cultural experience. This traditional market is famous for its batik, songket and unique handicrafts. You can also witness the batik-making process first-hand by skilled artisans. Located on the banks of the Terengganu River, this market is not only easily accessible, but also offers a beautiful view of the river.
Travel Tips for Kuala Terengganu
Explore Kuala Terengganu