Thursday, September 16, 2010

Hotels

Hi again. So this time around I've decided that I should cover more on the stay in Terengganu. There are many hotels you can choose from however these are some of the hotels you can choose to make your stay a truly pleasant one. :)






Click on the links to find out more:












Good luck choosing the hotel that suits you, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

People

Terengganu, like most states around Malaysia, have a vast variety of races. Although they have different races and religions, come from different backgrounds and are different in every way, appearance etc, however - all their hearts beats as one - truly 1Malaysia.

It's wonderful to see such tolerance and love for one another. Malaysians in Terengganu truly have good values for friendship and strong family bonds.


This is what's special of Malaysia - and of course, Terengganu :)
What goes around comes around, so spread love and cheer.
Cause really, that's what life is all about, and now you know - you can find it in Terengganu too.


Kuala Terengganu - The Capital City of Terengganu

Below are some of the most interesting places I have compiled which you can find in Kuala Terengganu, the capital city of Terengganu. Enjoy!Central Market

Pasar Payang or the Central Market is no less than an interesting place to visit. This double storey market houses all kind of goods that you can find, ranging from poultry to sea products, utensils to bed sheet….almost like ‘you name it, you get it’.
The lower level of this double storey building is a wet market. You can find fresh seafood or preserved sea products such as ikan bilis in all sizes, salted fish and dried cuttlefish etc. Consult the stall owner if you do not know how to choose between a salted fish for stir frying and a salted fish for steaming purposes.

Vegetables are sold in the middle. Don’t be surprise if you see chilies in milky green colour, fern leaves like vege, banana trunk, etc… these are the ulam, some wild vegetation eaten by the local here..

Keropok or crackers made from fish or prawn, asam, local made candies and snacks are sold in stalls beside the entrance too. Look for one special cracker, Keropok Belinjau that is made from a kind of gnetum called Belinjau (gnetum gnenom).

Bukit Puteri

Or Princess hill, is located just a few steps opposite of Central Market. This 173 year-old 200m hill only came to known when the Sultan Baginda Omar turned it into a defensive fortress in 1831 during his reign period. To perform the function of a protective fortress, a few units of cannon and a bell was placed. The bell served as an ‘alarm’ whenever there are enemies were detected. It was also the residence for the Sultan during the early days of his ruling.

Today stairs are properly built for people to climb to the top. Most of the cannon had taken back by the Siam during the period when they ruled Terengganu in 1843-1845. Remaining there are a flagpole, a few left over cannons, a bell and a lighthouse. The bell, however, is still performing its function but no more to alert the existence of enemies instead a breaking fast reminder during the fasting month.

Best time to visit the fort in the morning or evening time when temperature is not too extreme. From the platform at the top, you can see fishing boat coming back home after a hard day. To the other side, you have a panoramic view of Kuala Terengganu.


China Town

China Town is actually a row of prewar old building at Jalan Kg Cina. These buildings are believed to be the residence for the Chinese from China mainland who arrived in Peninsular Malaysia in the 19th century. Most of the houses are 2 stories, with brick or concrete structure and wooden flooring in the second storey. Some still keep its wood carving on the windows and huge heavy wooden front door whereas some were turned into the renewed modern concrete building.

The colourful long roof has created a unique and beautiful photographing spot for photo taking especially in evening before the sun disappears from the sky.

These century old building are now sundry shops, local coffee shops, offices for several tour operators, batik and souvenir shops, restaurants etc. Recently there are people who buy over the house from the original owners and turn it a ‘swiftlet house’ for their bird nest business.

There is also a Chinese Temple painted in red colour standing at the corner. The local believe that ‘Goddess’ of the temple has given them very accurate guidance and ‘protection’ during the hard time, therefore there is always worshipers redeem their vow to the God.

Seberang Takir

Seberang Takir is a small fishing village on a tiny peninsular with Terengganu River and South China Sea as its waters. This tiny peninsular can be accessed by crossing the river on a 5 minutes boat trip from the waterfront besides the Central Market. A boat ride costs RM0.70.

Seberang Takir has lots of interesting thing to be discovered. Most of the villagers in Kampung Hujung Tanjung earn their living from cottage industry in producing the famous Terengganu Keropok Lekor (a kind of fish cracker), batik printing, and drying salted fish under the sun, all by manual. The activities normally involve the whole family and sometime the neighbours as well. Villagers are friendly, you can greet them and walk in to pay a visit to these factories, (in fact is a hut extended from the house) have a little chat, or perhaps, buy a piece of two fresh Keropok Lekor to chew.

To the end of the village is shallow sandy beach which will be flooded by sea water during monsoon season. A walk to this little peninsular village is interesting and worth. Different types of smell floating in the air as you walk in the village and there are lot of good photo taking points.

Istana Maziah

Of course this is not a place that you can walk in and take a photo. It is a palace for the Terengganu’s Sultan. The palace is standing right beside Bukit Puteri. It was constructed in late 19th century. Besides the very French like design, this palace is believed to have constructed with mixture of limestone, clay, coarse salt, egg yolk and honey as its construction material. The Terengganu Sultan rarely stay here, instead this is a palace for reception and some royal ceremonies.
Tengku Tengah Zahara Mosque

Or more commonly called Floating Mosque. This is due to its unique design which is built on a floating platform, giving a floating feel from far away. The mosque is built on the estuary of Terengganu River by one of the prince in Terengganu state. Combining both modern and Moorish architecture design, the mosque symbolizes the innovation and modernisation in the state. Adjacent to the mosque is a park with beautiful pine trees. The ideal time to visit this mosque is in the evening, when the evening sun shines on the mosque, turning the building into golden colour while the cooling breeze blow from the South China sea.

Pulau Duyung

Pulau Duyung or the Mermaid Island is a venue for The Moonson Cup (Swedish Match Tour). Both road and sea transport is available, but the best way to jump into a boat at jetty located at the back of Seri Malaysia Hotel and pay RM 0.70 for a 5 minutes boat ride.

Pulau Duyung is famous among the local and foreign with its traditional boat making industry. What made the boat making industry very special and well known to the sailing world is that, here in Pulau Duyung, they produce wooden sailing boat which is getting less when wood is eventually replaced by fibre glass. Among the boat builders, Pakcik Haji Abdullah is the soul in this industry. His workshop is located in the heart of the village in a traditional Malay house. Here he and his skilled craftsmen have built hundreds of wooden sailing boat for local as well as foreign sailing enthusiasts. If you have time, a chat with Pakcik Haji Abdullah in his workshop (well, if you are lucky you might meet him in is workshop, supervising the boat making progress) will not only gain you handful of boat making knowledge, but also prove to you that this old man is not an ordinary old man as in your neighbourhood.

The village itself is a typical Malay kampung. Houses randomly distributed among the coconut trees, kampung kids chasing with each other in the bicycle, older villagers have their chat time in the pondok kopi (huts selling coffee), women hanging their washing while taking this golden opportunity to update with each other……to the end of the village, it is sandy beach. Do not expect the sand to be as fine as Redang Island, but standing on the beach, looking back to the house and coconut trees, it is a very pictorial view of the kampung.

It is worth to spend a pleasant afternoon in this little village. When the boat is arriving at the small jetty, you can have a very different glimpse of China Town from the back.

Losong Museum

Another place worth to visit in Kuala Terengganu is the State Museum located in Bukit Losong. Bukit Losong is about 6 km from Kuala Terengganu. The museum sprawls over 27 ha and is said to be the largest in Southeast Asia. This huge museum is gardened by the Terengganu River, therefore it is accessible by road or water and can be seen from the rooftop of some tall buildings in Kuala Terengganu city.

The museum consists of 4 multi storey blocks and houses 10 galleries both indoor and outdoor ranging from some interesting nineteenth century Chinese wares with Islamic ideology, prehistoric tools from the Stone Age, ancient Islamic manuscripts carved on stone (batu bersurat) to herbs gardens in the outdoor exhibition area. If you are particularly interested with traditional boats, the outdoor fisheries museum is a good idea to open your eyes with all kind of boats in different shapes, carving and function. There are also several ancient palaces which have been moved from its original site to the museum compound. Or even the building itself is a traditional palatial Terangganu architecture.

An entrance fee of Rm5.00 for adult and RM2.00 for children will be charged. The museum closes on Fridays. Losong itself is a rural area outside Kuala Terengganu city center. Losong in the Terengganu Malay language means secret path. According to some elderly locals, during the olden days, they are the secret paths that were used by warriors and traders. Today there are about 17 ‘secret path’, i.e. Losong in this area, therefore as you are on your way to the museum, you will see many signboards begin with ‘Losong, such as Losong Panglima Perang, Losong Atap Zinc, etc. Do not get confused with them.

Other than the museum, another thing which makes Losong famous among the local is the prawn and fish cracker, Keropok Lekor. You can just stop by and grasp a packet or two while on the way to the museum.


Pantai Batu Buruk

On the eastern side of Kuala Terengganu is Pantai Batu Buruk. There are pine trees lining up behind the shore, like a loyal friend to the waves. During windy days, playing kite on the beach is a good idea. Apart from being the venue for the annual Beach Festival and food stall, though sand is not as fine as on the islands, Pantai Buruk is also a popular place for strolling and swimming and good place to visit especially in the evening. This beautiful beach is just 1 km from the city center and can be reached by walking. Perhaps this is the cleanest and widest beach inside Kuala Terengganu city.

I really hope that these information will help in choosing some of the must-see places in Kuala Terengganu.

Source: www.terengganutourism.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

How to Get to Terengganu?

By Air

From Kuala Lumpur :

Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia offer daily flights from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to Kuala Terengganu Airport. Journey by air takes approximately 45 minutes. Berjaya Air operates flight from Subang Airport (Kuala Lumpur) to Redang Island (flight journey 1 hour).

From Singapore :

There is no direct flight to Kuala Terengganu from Singapore. Travellers must fly via KLIA. If flying via KLIA from Singapore too costly, consider flying from Senai Airport in Johor with Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia, This is cheaper option but takes much longer time due to land transfer from Singapore to Senai. Malaysia Airlines passengers can catch the SPS coach from Singapore to Senai which departs from :

Malaysia Airlines Singapore City Terminal Tel: +65 6250-3333

Copthorne Orchid Singapore Hotel, 214 Dunearn Road, Singapore 299526

Operating hours : 05:15am to 18:15pm daily

Fare: S$12 from Singapore, RM16 from Senai. Travelling time is about 2 hours.

Air Asia will start a bus service soon from Singapore to Senai. Currently, the passengers will have to get to Senai airport by bus via Larkin to Senai.

MALAYSIAN AIRLINES

Economy Class Airfare per way/Airport Tax/Insurance

RM 199.00 + RM 6.00 + RM 39.00 = RM 244.00 (TGG-KUL)

RM 378.00 + RM 6.00 + RM 78.00 = RM 462.00 (TGG-JHB)

RM 179.00 + RM 6.00 + RM 39.00 = RM 224.00 (KUL-JHB)

RM 199.00 + RM 6.00 + RM 39.00 = RM 244.00 (KUL-PEN)

Less 50% + RM 6.00 + RM 39.00 = Child Fare

RM 266.00 + RM 45.00 + RM 93.00 = RM 404.00 (KUL-SIN)

RM 359.00 + RM 50.00 + RM 93.00 = RM 502.00 (SIN-KUL)

SGV3 Group Fare (within Malaysia) - KUL-TGG-KUL RM 348.00 (Q class)

* Within Malaysia

* 25% rebate off the normal return economy class fare

* Minimum group size of 3 pax, a child will be counted as one pax

* Group must travel together throughout the entire journey

* Ticket must be issued/full payment not less than 7 days of dep.

Family Fare

* Within Malaysia

* Head of family pays the full fare

* Accompanying spouse and/or

* children (12 to below 19 yrs) pays 75% of the normal fare

* Applicable to round trip or circle trip

* Travel must be together throughout the journey

PTA per one reference number : RM 50.00 (Domestic) / RM 100.00 (International)



By Coach

Express coaches depart daily from Kuala Lumpur (7 hours), Singapore (9.5 hours), Johor Bharu (9 hours) and Penang (9 hours). The journey include 2 rest stops or more along the journey for foods, refreshments and toilet stops. The most comfortable coaches (VIP) have 24-32 seats in a 2-1 seating arrangement. The seats are spacious with plenty of leg room. There are also 36-40 seats coaches 4 seats abreast that would as well get you to Terengganu in best comfort. If you are travelling overnight, bring some warn clothing (Jacket/ Sweater). It can be quite cool. Soft or inflatable pillow can help you sleep more comfortably. Most of the ticket counter only sell one way ticket, passengers may book return ticket plus tour through our company. Night coaches arrive Kuala Terengganu Tanjung Bus Terminal around 5.30am - 6.00am.We also provide free daily pickup 5.30am in the morning from Kuala Terengganu express bus terminal to Travellers center for rest and wash up.

Kuala Lumpur (Putra (PWTC) Station)

Journey around 7 hours, ticket can be purchase at Putra bus terminal. Company operate to Kuala Terengganu : TransNasional Tel: +603-4256 8218, Damai Ria, Plusliner, Rangkaian Mewah, Mutiara, Tourworld, SE warisan and Sutra Express. Muatiara and Damai Express offer comfortable 2-1(VIP) seating arrangement.

Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu (RM 30.00 adult/child)

Depart : 09:00am/09:30am/10:00am/21:00pm/21:30pm/22:00pm

Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Lumpur (RM 30.00 adult/child)

Depart : 09:00am/09:30am/10:00am/21:00pm/21:30/22:00pm

Singapore (Lavender Street/ Kallang Bahru Juntion)

Transnasional runs 3 daily services between Singapore and Kuala Terengganu. Transnasional is the only coach operator that have a permit from Singapore Transport Authority and Malaysia Authority to operate express services between Singapore and Kuala Terengganu/ Kota Bahru. Transnasional only sell one class ticket but the coach can be from 24 seater to a 36 seater. Transnasional Express ticket office and departure point located at junction of Lavender Street and Kallang Bahru roads. Tel : +65-62947034 / 5). If you are unable to get any seats, you can try Transnasional coach which depart from Singapore to Kota Bahru and ask to drop off at Kuala Terengganu or Jerteh if you heading for Perhentian island which is the nearest bus stop to Kuala Besut jetty (15 min journey by taxi). There are tour company run coaches services from Golden Mile Complex at Beach Road but prices are much higher than Transnasional and passengers need to change to a different bus at the causeway or second link and passengers have to bring own luggage through Malaysia customs and immigration.

Johor Bharu (Larkin Station)

Alternatively get a seat from Johor Bharu (Larkin Station) to Kuala Terengganu. Coaches that operate from Larkin station e.g. Transnasional, Koperasi/ Damai Ria, Cepat Express, Adik Beradik etc. Mutiara and Damai Express offer comfortable 2-1(VIP) seating arrangement.

Singapore to Kuala Terengganu

Depart : 0900 2000 2100hrs S$ 35.00 adult/child

Kuala Terengganu to Singapore

Depart : 0900 2030 2030hrs RM 35.90 adult/child

Johor Bahru to Kuala Terengganu

Depart : 0900 0930 1000 2000 2100 2130hrs RM 34.00 adult/child

Kuala Terengganu to Johor Bahru

Depart : 0900 0930 1000 2000 2100 2130hrs RM 34.00 adult/child



Penang ( Butterworth Bus Terminal & Sungai Nibong ( Penang ) Bus Terminal )

SP Bumi Express and Atieza Express depart daily from Sg. Nibong ( Penang ) or Butterworth Station to Kuala Terengganu.



Penang to Kuala Terengganu

Depart from Sg. Nibong ( Penang ) : 2100hrs RM 36.00 adult/child

Depart from Butterworth : 2130hrs RM 36.00 adult/child

Kuala Terengganu to Penang

Depart : 2100hrs RM 30.00 adult/child



By Land (Driving)


Driving by car with friends or loved ones can be pretty much an interesting trip. Aside from the greeneries that can be seen through out your journey, the fresh air and unpolluted countryside can offer a soughtful experience. Once you get to Terengganu road, The beautiful beaches and blue waters welcome you. Driving travellers are advise to get a map from Tourism Malaysia or any bookstore. (Car Park available at Merang Jetty (Redang Island/Lang Tengah Island), Marang Jetty (Kapas Island), Kuala Besut Jetty (Perhentian Island), Gawi Jetty (Kenyir Lake) and Kenyir Dam (Kenyir Houseboat). Approximate RM5.00 per car per night.)

KL to K. Trg (approx. 455 km): 2 option the coastal road or Jerangau Jabor :

Highway 2 KL (Gombak Toll) on Karak Highway and continue with ECE (East Coast Expressway) to Kuantan exit.

Highway 3 Kuantan exit to Kuala Terengganu (Coastal road to Kemaman, Dungun and Kuala Terengganu)(223km)

Highway 2 KL (Gombak Toll) on Karak Highway and continue with ECE (East Coast Expressway) to Kuantan exit.

Highway 3 Kuantan exit to Bukit Besi (20+km) - turn left

Highway 14 Bukit Besi turn off to Dungun/Ajil (114km) - turn left

Highway 14 Dungun/Ajil to Ajil/Kuala Berang (42km) - turn right

Highway 14 Ajil to Kuala Terengganu (35km)



By Train

No Train service available to Kuala Terengganu but if passengers travel to north part of Terengganu like Perhentian Island. Keretapi Tanah Melayu train (KTM) service is available from economy class to comfortable sleeping berth from Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru/ Singapore to Tanah Merah, Wakaf Bahru and Tumpat in Kelantan region. Passengers can stop at Tanah Merah station which is the nearest point to Kuala Besut jetty, about 45 minutes by taxi and 90 minutes to Merang jetty.

KERETAPI TANAH MELAYU (KTM):

CALL CENTER (MALAYSIA-BOOKING) Tel: +603-2267 1200

Easy Clicks
Hope this would be helpful for you to kick start your holiday in Terengganu!

The History of Terengganu


Every state in Malaysia has its own unique history that we can learn. Thus, Terengganu too has its own history to share.

Terengganu's location by the South China Sea is needed strategic. This ensured that it was on trade routes since ancient times. In the early 6th century A.D., Chinese merchants and seafarers were the people who did the earliest written reports on the area that is now Terengganu. Terengganu traded extensively with the Majapahit Empire, the Khmer Empire and especially the Chinese under the influence of Srivijaya. Like other Malay states, Terenganu practised a Hindu-Buddhist culture combined with aminist traditional beliefs for hundreds of years before the arrival of Islam.

Terengganu was the first Malay state to receive Islam, as attested to by a stone monument dated 1303 with Arabic inscriptions found in Kuala Berang, the capital of the district of Hulu Terengganu. Terengganu became a vassal state of Melaka, but retained considerable autonomy with the emergence of Riau-Johor.

Terengganu emerged as an independent sultanate in 1724. The first Sultan was Tun Zainal Abidin, the younger brother of a former sultan of Johor, and Johor strongly influenced Terengganu politics through the 18th century. However, in the book Tuhfat al-Nafis written by Raja Ali Haji, in the year 1708, Tun Zainal Abidin was installed as the Sultan of Terengganu by Daeng Menampuk also known as Raja Tua under the rule of Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alam Shah. In the 19th century, Terengganu became a vassal state of Siam, and sent tribute every year to the King of Siam called bunga mas. Under Siamese rule, Terengganu prospered, and was largely left alone by the authorities in Bangkok. The terms of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 saw power over Terengganu transferred from Siam to Great Britain. A British advisor was appointed to the sultan in 1919, and Terengganu become one of the Unfederated Malay States. The move was highly unpopular locally, and in 1928 the British used military force to suppress a popular uprising. During World War II, Japan occupied Terengganu and transferred sovereignty over the state back to Siam, along with Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis. After the defeat of Japan, British control over these Malay states was reestablished. Terengganu became a member of the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and a state of independent Malaya in 1957.

Following decades of rule by the Barisan Nasional (National Front) coalition, the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) came to power in the 1999 General Elections, making Terengganu the second state in Malaysia to be ruled by the Islamist party (the first being neighboring Kelantan). However, in the 2004 General Elections, Terengganu was recaptured by the Barisan Nasional.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Where is Terengganu?


Terengganu is one of the 13 states in Malaysia. Terengganu, as highlighted in the above map, is located at the north-eastern side of Peninsular Malaysia. It is bordered in the northwest by Kelantan, the southeast by Pahang and the east by South China Sea. The state has a total area of 12,955 km².

The capital city of Terengganu is Kuala Terengganu. This coastal sea is located at the mouth of the broad Terengganu River. Kuala Terengganu is also the royal capital of Terengganu and is the largest city in this state.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

It's Here - Your Key to Terengganu


The Experience.
The Fun.
The Memories.

When I think of Terengganu, I think peace. I think love, and I think tranquility. Terengganu is indeed a fantastic holiday destination. It is one of the best places for a perfect getaway, not only in Malaysia, but around the globe. The beauty, the attractions, and the people. Nothing beats a perfect holiday when you have Terengganu - My Terengganu. It is the one place where you can *breathe* and say, "This is my place, my holiday. This is My Terengganu."

Before I go on further, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sofea A. Ghani. I'm 16 years old and am currently studying in SMK(P) Sri Aman, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. I enjoy reading, writing, music and I love travelling. Terengganu has been one of the places that I had enjoyed very much when I went here on holiday. I believe that this beautiful state has so much to offer, to both local tourists and foreigners too. Therefore, I hope this blog will reach its purpose - to highlight Terengganu at its very best.

All the posts are written sincerely from my heart, and I hope that you will enjoy reading them as much as I will enjoy writing them. Before I began this extraordinary adventure to discover the roots of Terengganu, remember this - be prepared for a truly magnificent journey,

-Truly Terengganu, Truly My Terengganu.

Be Stunned. Be Free. Be Mesmerized.

Love,
Sofea A. Ghani