INTRODUCTION
Kuala Terengganu is the state capital of Terengganu, on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia.
DIRECTIONS TO KUALA TERENGGANU
By plane
Kuala Terengganu's Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) has around half a dozen flights per day to Kuala Lumpur (1 hour) on Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia. Fares to Kuala Terengganu varies with Malaysia Airlines offering as low as RM136 (full service) and Air Asia with as low as RM60 (low cost carrier).
By bus
The long distance bus station has buses to all main Malaysian cities outside Terengganu : Kuala Lumpur (7 hours), Penang (9 hours), Johor Bahru (9 hours), Kota Bharu, Malacca, Kuantan.
Transnasional also runs buses direct to Singapore (10 hours, S$36.00/15.10 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
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.
GETTING AROUND KUALA TERENGGANU
- The market jetty has ferries to Seberang Takir (70c) and Pulau Duyung (70c).
- The Seri Malaysia jetty has a ferry to Pulau Duyung (70c).
THINGS TO DO
See
- 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 industry ranging from keropok lekor to batik.
Do
- 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.
SHOPPING
- Keropok lekor is an excellent local "fish sausage" to fry.
- Silk or cotton batik sarongs.
CUISINE
Eat
- Keropok lekor, a local favorite snack, is a must-try.
- For its rich Malay culture, while you are in Kuala Terengganu, try the traditionally prepared Malay cakes.
Drink
You can find locally popular fruit juice in a big mug known as "air buah gelas besar". Many choices of fresh fruit juice 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.
ACCOMMODATION
- In Kuala Terengganu, you will find all types of hotels from top range to small chinese basic places.
- In Pulau Duyung you can stay in a marvellous place : Awi Yellow House (or "Rumah kuning"). You will stay in a wooden bungalow on the river (stilt house) and have a shared kitchen. The place is very quiet, friendly and you live with flowers, boats, etc. There is a night market near the bridge every friday.
JUST OUTSIDE KUALA TERENGGANU
Redang Island - one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia and a scuba diver's paradise
