The eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia is made up of the states of Kelantan and Terengganu. Kuala Terengganu is the state capital of the latter in which it is located not far from the seaside overlooking the South China Sea. The town center is located around the river mouth that leads out to the sea.
About the State of Terengganu
Terengganu is an eastern coast in Peninsular Malaysia. It goes with its Arabic honorific Darul Iman and its capital is Kuala Terengganu. Some of the attractions from this tate are Perhentian Islands and Redang Island.
Bordered with Kelantan and Pahang, its east coast overlooks the South China Sea. The beach here are very famous and popular among tourists who normally frequent here to enjoy the seaside and its resorts.
People and community
Terengganu is populated with more than 1 million people divided among 7 administrative districts. It used to be one of the poorest states in the country up until oil and gas was discovered. Ever since then, national oil and gas company Petronas has set up base here and many others as well. Apart from that, other industries here include tourism and fishing.
Major cities
Major cities here apart from Kuala Terengganu its capital are:
- Marang
- Kemaman
- Kuala Besut
- Merang
- Kerteh
- Besut
- Dungun
- and Seberang Takir.
It was also previously famous for its boat building industry where wooden boats are carved known as the Bangau.
Attractions here circles around tourism in around places like Perhentian Island, Kapas Island, Redang Island, Tasik Kenyir, Rantau Abang and Lang Tengah. Many events have since been running in the state of late including the internationally popular Monsoon Cup which grew into an annual affair since 2005.
Significant events
A Horse Endurance Race are also held known as the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge. The Kapas-Marang International Swimathon too is a common attraction while the Kenyir Motorcross Championship is also held annually. Other events include the Kenyir International Mountain Bike Challenge, Terengganu Starhill Tasik Kenyir 4×4 Challenge, the Terengganu Golf Masters, the Terengganu International 4WD Rainforest Challenge 2007, the Candat Sotong’ Fiesta, which is a fishing competition, the Terengganu Traditional Games Competition, the Kenyir Lake International Triathlon and the Tasik Puteri Water Festival.
Accommodation
There are many Homestay options located around Kuala Terengganu mainly because it attracts a lot of visitors and tourists. Wisma Pantai Apartment is among the more popular apartments for rent while the Sumai Suite Hotel offers affordable rates as well.
Education
There are a few major universities located around Kuala Terengganu with University Malaysia Terengganu operating around the northern parts of the state. Meanwhile, there is a private institution here, the UCSI University, Terengganu Campus which is located around the Marang area, not far from town center. As such, there are a wide range of places to stay and rooms to rent around these areas like the Dheera Homestay located around Jalan Bukit Khor and towards Kampung Ciak and Kampung Bukit Parit, among others.
Transportation
Kuala Terengganu has a unique geographical setup in which there is a river that goes between the city center. Getting around within Kuala Terengganu would be most ideal using taxi services as there are very minimal bus options available. Meanwhile, the inter-city bus services ferry passengers between the major towns of the state, towards other states and as far as Singapore.
Commercial and Entertainment
The main commercial areas of Kuala Terengganu are located around the tourist attractions like the Terengganu State Museum which is located in Bukit Losong located along Jalan Losong Feri. Meanwhile, not far from the river mouth is the Chinatown of Kuala Terengganu, a popular place for shoppers and bargain hunters. There is a Masjid Terapung or ‘floating mosque’ not far from the city center. Other roads which are popular for their commercial and business options include Jalan Sultan Mohamad, Jalan Sultan Omar and Jalan Kamaruddin.
The night life in Terengganu can be very bland due to its more conservative image of the state. As such, entertainment here basically covers shopping, island hopping and limited to the markets at nights and mornings around the towns and villages.
Government Offices
Kuala Terengganu is the main administrative town for the state of Terengganu. Along Jalan Tengku Mizan and Jalan Sultan Mohamad are many of the government offices which operate within the state. The Jabatan Perkhidmatan Haiwan is located in Jalan Bukit Kechil, together with Jabatan Pengairan and Saliran. The Road Transport Department is housed at Jalan Kemajuan while the Terengganu Education Department or Jabatan Pelajaran Negeri Terengganu is located around Jalan Sekolah Cina. The Kompleks Belia dan Sukan Negeri Terengganu operates along Jalan Pasir Panjang while the Menteri Besar’s Official Residence is located further up east along Jalan Sultan Mahmud.
Safety
Kuala Terengganu is not like other state capitals which are usually busy and filled with activities. Traffic congestion is not very common here during the day while at night time, it can be quite peaceful. However, a popular local habit among the youngsters here are those who goes on their Mat Rempit and ‘Lepak’ culture. The former involves youngster doing stunts on their modified motorcycles which is an illegal practice. They usually come out at nights and on eves of public holidays and can be heard along the main roads like Jalan Tengku Mizan and the surroundings. Apart from that, the other areas in the town center are known to be quite safe.