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Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is the capital of Terengganu. It occupies a promontory jutting into the South China Sea and is flanked by the estuary of Sungai Terengganu. The city is a microcosm of Malaysia’s economic history: fishing village strikes oil and rapid modernity ensues. In just a few years this once sleepy town has been inextricably altered. Land reclamation and development of the waterfront has seen the creation of attractive parks and parades plus a modern harbour that has one of Asia's biggest drawbridges. Despite the rapid modernisation Kuala Terengganu retains plenty of charm. Here you'll find one of eastern Peninsular Malaysia’s prettiest and most interesting Chinatowns, and old kampong-style stilt-houses can still be found just across the river. With seafood-heavy local cuisine and good transport links, it's definitely worth spending a day or two in Kuala Terengganu in between the islands and jungles.

Explore Kuala Terengganu

K
Kompleks Muzium Negeri Terengganu
Located around 6km west of the city centre, the traditional houses that front the museum's spacious grounds are worth the price of admission. Exhibits…
P
Pulau Duyung
This is the largest island in the estuary. It is changing fast, with modern housing estates being built on reclaimed land, but there is still a sizeable…
T
Taman Tamadu Islam
Touted as the world’s first ‘Islamic civilisation park’. Taman Tamadu Islam is divided into two zones. Zone A is free to the public and houses the Crystal…
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Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah
The most famous religious structure in the state is the Floating Mosque, located 4.5km southeast of Kuala Terengganu. It’s not really floating, just set…
H
Ho Ann Kiong
One of Chinatown's most attractive buildings, this compact and colourful riot of red and gold architecture and decor dates back to 1796. It was…
I
Istana Maziah
On the eastern flank of the hill near the Central Market is the sultan’s palace. It’s built in colonial-era style, but renovations have given the…
C
Central Market
The Central Market is a lively place to sample tasty local snacks, sniff a durian and purchase other fresh fruit and fish. Browse a wide collection of…
C
Crystal Mosque
Domes and minarets made up of facets of bronze-tinted, smokey glass and reflecting each other provide for a striking riverside apparition. Built in 2006,…
Z
Zainal Abidin Mosque
The gleaming Zainal Abidin mosque dominates the city centre. The interior is relatively austere, but enlivened by sunlight streaming through nine domes…

K
Kompleks Muzium Negeri Terengganu
Located around 6km west of the city centre, the traditional houses that front the museum's spacious grounds are worth the price of admission. Exhibits…
P
Pulau Duyung
This is the largest island in the estuary. It is changing fast, with modern housing estates being built on reclaimed land, but there is still a sizeable…
T
Taman Tamadu Islam
Touted as the world’s first ‘Islamic civilisation park’. Taman Tamadu Islam is divided into two zones. Zone A is free to the public and houses the Crystal…
M
Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah
The most famous religious structure in the state is the Floating Mosque, located 4.5km southeast of Kuala Terengganu. It’s not really floating, just set…
H
Ho Ann Kiong
One of Chinatown's most attractive buildings, this compact and colourful riot of red and gold architecture and decor dates back to 1796. It was…
I
Istana Maziah
On the eastern flank of the hill near the Central Market is the sultan’s palace. It’s built in colonial-era style, but renovations have given the…
C
Central Market
The Central Market is a lively place to sample tasty local snacks, sniff a durian and purchase other fresh fruit and fish. Browse a wide collection of…
C
Crystal Mosque
Domes and minarets made up of facets of bronze-tinted, smokey glass and reflecting each other provide for a striking riverside apparition. Built in 2006,…
Z
Zainal Abidin Mosque
The gleaming Zainal Abidin mosque dominates the city centre. The interior is relatively austere, but enlivened by sunlight streaming through nine domes…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Kuala Terengganu.

See
Kompleks Muzium Negeri Terengganu
Located around 6km west of the city centre, the traditional houses that front the museum's spacious grounds are worth the price of admission. Exhibits…
See
Pulau Duyung
This is the largest island in the estuary. It is changing fast, with modern housing estates being built on reclaimed land, but there is still a sizeable…
See
Taman Tamadu Islam
Touted as the world’s first ‘Islamic civilisation park’. Taman Tamadu Islam is divided into two zones. Zone A is free to the public and houses the Crystal…
See
Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah
The most famous religious structure in the state is the Floating Mosque, located 4.5km southeast of Kuala Terengganu. It’s not really floating, just set…
See
Ho Ann Kiong
One of Chinatown's most attractive buildings, this compact and colourful riot of red and gold architecture and decor dates back to 1796. It was…
See
Istana Maziah
On the eastern flank of the hill near the Central Market is the sultan’s palace. It’s built in colonial-era style, but renovations have given the…
See
Central Market
The Central Market is a lively place to sample tasty local snacks, sniff a durian and purchase other fresh fruit and fish. Browse a wide collection of…
See
Crystal Mosque
Domes and minarets made up of facets of bronze-tinted, smokey glass and reflecting each other provide for a striking riverside apparition. Built in 2006,…
See
Zainal Abidin Mosque
The gleaming Zainal Abidin mosque dominates the city centre. The interior is relatively austere, but enlivened by sunlight streaming through nine domes…

Guidebooks

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