Kuala Terengganu

Introducing Kuala Terengganu

Standing on a promontory formed by the South China Sea on one side and the wide Sungai Terengganu on the other, Kuala Terengganu is the state capital and the seat of the sultan. Oil revenue has transformed Kuala Terengganu from a sprawling, oversized fishing village of stilt houses into a medium-sized modern city.

At first glance Kuala Terengganu appears much like any other Malaysian city, but it remains a stronghold of Malay culture, with colourful markets and craft workshops, where you can buy handmade batik, kain songket and basketware, while just across the river on Pulau Duyung, traditional fishing and boat-building methods are kept alive by the thriving kampung (village) community. The city’s also a good place to sample authentic Malay cuisine, as well as some excellent Chinese seafood. Keep in mind that it remains a fairly conservative place and has a strong Islamic ethos – there’s not much in the way of nightlife.

Kuala Terengganu is also convenient as a staging post to nearby attractions such as Tasik Kenyir, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Redang.

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009