Terengganu State Museum

Acclaimed to be the largest museum in South East Asia, the Terengganu State Museum complex safeguard century-old artifacts and artworks representing the state’s rich cultural and heritage. Significantly located at Bukit Losong, the complex itself is an architectural representation of the ancient palaces of the state.

It houses the original Batu Bersurat (Inscripted Stone) of Terengganu, with religious decree inscription, which proves the acceptance of Islamic teachings in the state well before the rest of the peninsula. The maritime complex, the restored original old palaces and traditional boats are also prominently displayed in the compound.


Ticket fee:
Ticket counter is available at the Shahbandar Jetty opposite the General Post Office. Ticket priced at RM5.00 per person. For those wishing to drive themselves to the Museum, they have to take the route to Kampung Losong which is famous for its keropok lekor, a famous local delicacy. From there the majestic looking museum stood on top of the Bukit Losong.
By Bus
Its only a 15 minutes journey from the Bus Museum or Losong to MPKT Bus Station.

By taxi
From Kuala Terengganu Taxi Station it merely takes 10 minutes to get there.
1. Pok Tiong's Heritage House
2. Mozana Beach Chalet
3 Ayu Mayang Resort Sdn. Bhd
4. Permai Inn Kuala Terengganu
5. Hotel Grand Continental
1. Keropok Lekor Stall Losong
2. Cabang Tiga Weekend Market (Saturday)
3 Selera Timur 2
4. Mardi Mohamad Restaurant

Masjid Terapung

Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque or more commonly called Masjid Terapung is a 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.

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.

The mosque is located in Teluk Ibai, just over 4km away from Kuala Terengganu town centre, quite close to the beautiful beach of Terengganu's coast. The white structure of the mosque gorunds covers and area of roughly 5 acres and serves a number of villages nearby.

The beauty of its architecture and serenity of its surrounding landscape, also draws a great number of visitors to Terengganu who take the opportunity to perform their prayers and take a breather from their journey at this mosque. The design of the mosque reflects a subtle Islamic influence combined with local features, incorporating the use of marble, ceramics, mosaic works and bomanite paving. Constructed with a lake surrounding it, much like a moat, the mosque is popularly referred to as the Floating Mosque. With the backdrop of the open South China Sea, this mosque is an irresistable attraction to visitors in Terengganu.
This mosque is located along Jalan Sultan Mahmud, roughly 4km away from Kuala Terengganu town centre. From the town of Terengganu, head towards South to Marang or Kuantan by local bus or driving. After about 6-8 KM from the town center, you can see the Mosque just beside the road at the left.
1. Primula Beach Resort
2. YT Midtown Hotel
3. Motel Desa
4. Kenangan Hotel
5. Hotel Bintang
1. Papa Chop Mama Grill
2. 007 Keropok Lekor Stall
3. Mak Ngah Nasi Dagang
4. Taufik Restaurant
5. Yes Kafe

Taman Tamadun Islam

The Islamic Civilization Park is set to become the preferred destination in Malaysia and indeed the world. Built on a 22.3 ha site of an uninhibited Pulau Wan Man, in the Terengganu River estuary, the new landmark is expected to lure visitors of all ages.

It is the first Islamic edutainment theme park in the world, with its 21 replicas of famous mosques and Islamic monuments that replicate the grandeur of Islamic arts and architectures. Among the replicas are the Dome of Rock of Jurusalem, Taj Mahal of India, the Samarra Grand Mosque of Iraq, Masjidil Haram of Mecca, the Citadel of Aleppo of Syria and Alhambra Mosque from Spain. The gleaming Crystal Mosque in the park is set to become the new destination icon for Terengganu and Malaysia as well.

A visit to Islamic Civilization Park will be an experience not to forget. It showcases the glorious era of Islamic science and technology achievements, arts, architecture, engineering and heritage. Also interacting displays and activities that will inspires the mind and excite the senses. Challenge yourselves to think the logic of all the wondrous advanced achievements of Islamic civilization that sparks the renaissance of science, technology and intellectual advancement to the world.


History

The TTI Management Sdn Bhd wishes to express its highest gratitude to YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi, the Prime Minister, for it is due to his ideas that this park came into fruition. Taman Tamadun Islam is a priceless gift to the people of Terengganu and an invaluable contribution to the ummah and the mankind. Taman Tamadun Islam reflects Malaysia’s leading role in the Islamic world. In so doing, it provides a strong foundation in outreaching to the rest of the world.

Monuments

The proposal to build a park in Terengganu depicting the glorious Islamic Civilization was the brain-child of the right Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi. The task has been given to Terengganu State Economic Development Corporation (TSEDC) to interpret the vision of the Right Honourable Prime Minister on a 22.3ha of land in Pulau Wan Man, Kuala Terengganu.

The Convention Center of Taman Tamadun Islam is the biggest convention hall in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It can accommodate 3000 participants at one time. With the existence of this hall, National and International level of events can be held here at Taman Tamadun Islam.

The Crystal Mosque of Terengganu is the icon of Taman Tamadun Islam and the Kuala Terengganu City – The Waterfront Heritage City. It is considered unique as it is the first and only mosque built from steel and glass, hence the crystal-like image.

Batu Bersurat Roundabout

The Batu Bersurat monument is located in the heart of Kuala Terengganu town centre which is at Bulatan Ladang, Kuala Terengganu

Pulau Kapas

Kapas Island is situated offshore about 30 minutes by slow boat or 10 minutes by fast boat from Marang jetty, 20 minutes south of Kuala Terengganu. It is a lovely small island with beautiful, quiet, unspoiled sandy beaches; cool and clear blue waters, swaying coconut trees and caves with swallows’ nests. Its waters are home to beautiful marine life such as fish, turtles, corals and others. It is a great place for swimming, snorkelling, diving, wind surfing, kayaking, boating or just pure relaxation. Accommodation varies from deluxe and budget chalets offering air conditioned or fan.

The waters around the island abound with sea-shells, fish and turtles. Snorkelling and underwater diving are popular along stretched of shallow coral reefs of the island's western shore. A World War II shipwreck located 5 nautical miles offshore is the key attraction to divers. During the months of May to August, you can go squid fishing.

Kapas Island is just 10 minutes away by speed boat from Marang jetty, which is 18km south of Kuala Terengganu or about 20 minutes by road.

To get to the islands, you can also board a bus or taxi at Kuala Terengganu for the fishing village of Marang. It costs about RM1.00 by bus and RM10.00 by non-airconditioned taxi. Air-conditioned taxis charge RM15.00.
1.

Duta Puri Island Resort
2. Kapas Beach Chalet
3. Makcik Gemok Beach Resort
4. Kapas Garden Resort
5. Kapas Island Resort

1.

Duta Puri Island Resort Restaurant
2. Kapas Beach Chalet Restaurant
3. Makcik Gemok Beach Resort Restaurant
4. Kapas Garden Resort Restaurant
5. Kapas Island Resort Restaurant

Pulau Perhentian

Perhentian Island is situated about 21km off the coast of Terengganu and comprises two islands — Perhentian Besar Island and Perhentian Kecil Island. It is accessible from Kuala Besut Jetty, a one-and-half-hour drive north of Kuala Terengganu.

Surrounded by tropical rainforest, golden sandy beaches, tall swaying palm trees and warm sapphire blue waters, this exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and it is also an ideal destination for swimming, wind surfing, deep sea fishing, sailing, boating and canoeing. It also boasts wonderful underwater treasures of naturally formed landscaped coral gardens and magnificent marine lives.

Coral Bay on Perhentian Kecil Island offers marvellous views of the sunset. It is also a perfect paradise for nature lovers as there are paths available for exploration of the virgin tropical jungle. On the northern shore of Perhentian Besar Island lie three coved bays where you can indulge in turtle watching.

The islands of Perhentian Island offers spectacular dive sites. Sightings of dolphins and whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, are quite common in these waters. These harmless creatures of the sea are usually found close to the equator where they enjoy basking in the warm waters and surprisingly take little or no notice of divers.

Perhentian Island can be reached in 20 minutes by speed boat from the jetty in Kuala Besut, which is about 75 minutes away from Kuala Terengganu.
or
From Kuala Terengganu, take a bus or taxi to the jumping-off point of Kuala Besut.It takes about an hour. From the Fisheries Complex at Kuala Besut, take a boat to Perhentian Island. The boat ride takes about 1 1/2 hours.
1. Arwana Perhentian Resort
2. Bubu Long Beach
3. Coral Bay Chalet
4. Panorama Chalet
5. Perhentian Island Resort
5. Tuna Bay Island Resort
1. Santai Restaurant (Bubu Long Beach)
2. Coral Bay Restaurant
3. Panorama Chalet Restaurant
4. Perhentian Resort Island Restaurant
5. Tuna Bay Island Resort Restaurant

Pulau Redang

Accessible from Merang Jetty in Setiu, a 30-minute drive north of Kuala Terengganu, off the Terengganu coastline on the northeastern coast is the Redang Archipelago. It is made up of a few islands namely Redang Island (the largest), Pinang Island, Kerengga Island, Lima Island, Ekor Tebu Island and Susu Dara Island. This area has also been gazetted as a marine park and its brilliant underwater world is one of the best in Malaysia. Meanwhile Pinang Island has a visitors’ centre that houses an exhibition room, an audio-visual room, a research lab, turtle touch pools and chalets.

Redang Island is indeed one of Malaysia’s most idyllic islands. This tropical paradise offers pearly-white sandy beaches, sparkling clear seawater, lovely sunrises and spectacular marine life. Its marvellous marine fish varieties, turtles and huge range of coral reefs make it a wonderful diving spot and its diverse coral species are said to be among the best in the world. The five famous dive sites in Redang are Tanjung Lang, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Gua Kawah, Pasir Panjang and Batu Mak Cantek. There are even a few shipwrecks dive sites, offering an adventure for divers.

Apart from diving, beach lovers can also enjoy other activities like swimming, snorkelling, fishing, boating or sunbathing. You can check in to one of the many resorts on the island, offering full packages including land and sea transfers, accommodation, full board meals and activities or room packages only. Bookings can be arranged at any local or foreign travel agents for a delightful island getaway.

Redang can be reached within an hour by speed boat from jetty in Merang, a small fishing village about 30 minutes by road from Kuala Terengganu. Alternatively, you may also take a boat ride from Shah Bandar Jetty in Kuala Terengganu island.

Ferry service is also available from the Kuala Terengganu jetty and it takes 45 minutes to reach the island.
1.

Ayumayang Redang Island Resort
2. Berjaya Redang Beach Resort
3. Coral Redang Island Resort
4. Laguna Redang Island Resort
5. Redang Bahtera Resort
1.

Ayumayang Redang Island Resort Restaurant
2. Berjaya Redang Beach Resort Restaurant
3. Coral Redang Island Resort Restaurant
4. Laguna Redang Island Resort Restaurant
5. Redang Bahtera Resort Restaurant

Ketupat Sotong

This popular tea-time dish features squids stuffed with glutinous rice bathed in a sea of cooked thick coconut milk. The stuffing is first soaked in coconut milk before it is stuffed into the squids.

Ingredients:

1 tin glutinous rice milk
12 wet squid
1 coconut
1.2 cm ginger
2 shallot
1 teaspoon fenugreek (halba)
some sugar
12 stick about 3.7cm.

Method:

1. Wash cleans the squid.
2. Take out the coconut milk.
3. Waste clean the glutinous rice and cook with the coconut milk until cooked
4. Take small amount from the rice and put into the squid then attach it.
5. Put all the attached squid into the pot fill with coconut milk, ginger, shallot and fenugreek.
6. Insert coconut milk, salt, and sugar when it boils. At the same time, stir it so that the coconut milk not cloddy.
7. When the squid cooked, it is ready to be served.
Kuala Pengadang Baru Weekend Market (Tuesday)
Terengganu Panji Alam Weekend Market (Thursday)
Batu Burok Hawker Centre (Friday)
Marang Kg. Kelulut Weekend Market (Saturday)
Dungun Kuala Dungun Weekend Market (Thursday)
Kemaman Kerteh (Tuesday), Kemasik (Sunday, Wednesday), s s sChukai (Tuesday)

Pulut Panggang

This dish consists of glutinous rice lightly flavoured with coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves, then barbecued to perfection.

The cooked glutinous rice is salt less but the filling which is coconut flesh and fish fillet make this 'kuih' the most favorite one.

Ingredients:
1 cup sweet/glutinous rice(soaked overnight)
1/3 cup grated coconut/coconut flakes (fine size)
1/2 cup water

The filling:
1/2 cup grated coconut
1 chicken breast
1 medium onion
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon driend shrimp (udang kering)
1/4 teaspoon powdered lemon grass(serai)
1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper
1/2 tablespoon powdered coriander
1/2 tablespoon coriander seeds
1/2 tablespoon cumin
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
salt to taste
1 inch galangal root (lengkuas) use whole
1/3 cup olive oil to stir fry filling.
A few sheets of banana leaves
some toothpicks.


Kuala Pengadang Baru Weekend Market (Tuesday)
Terengganu Panji Alam Weekend Market (Thursday)
Batu Burok Hawker Centre (Friday)
Pasar Payang Central Market
Cabang Tiga Market
Marang Kg. Kelulut Weekend Market (Saturday)
Dungun Kuala Dungun Weekend Market (Thursday)
Kemaman Kerteh (Tuesday), Kemasik (Sunday, Wednesday), s s sChukai (Tuesday)
Alongside Geliga Beach

Satar

This dish is cooked-wrapped in a banana leaf over a low-fire barbecue. Fish meat, shallots and ginger are pounded to a paste and wrapped in banana leaf before it is cooked.

Satar is an interesting blend of succulent boneless fish marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over a flaming charcoal fire. Its sweet taste is tinged with delicate smell of the wrapping, making it a great appetizer and a healthy snack.

Ingredients

1/2 coconut
3 ikan kembung
3 shallot
1 red chilli
1.2cm ginger
banana leaf

1. Clean the fish thoroughly, discard the bones, roll with coconut,pound, chop or mince the meat finely,
2. Put shallot, red chilli and ginger while roll it again until they mix well.
3. Fill the cone with the mixture and cover the top.
4. Repeat until all done filling the cone.
5. Put the cone on the skewers with bamboo and roast until cook.


Kuala Pengadang Baru Weekend Market (Tuesday)
Terengganu Panji Alam Weekend Market (Thursday)
Batu Burok Hawker Centre (Friday)
Pasar Payang Central Market
Cabang Tiga Market
Marang Kg. Kelulut Weekend Market (Saturday)
Alongside Marang Road
Dungun Kuala Dungun Weekend Market (Thursday)
Kemaman Kerteh (Tuesday), Kemasik (Sunday, Wednesday), s s sChukai (Tuesday)
Che Wan Food Stall
Alongside Geliga Beach

Keropok

Basically, there are two types of keropok. The first one is a tube-shaped that resembles sausages called "Keropok Lekor" and the second one is the cracker-shaped called "Keropok Keping" (sliced keropok). Keropok Lekor is what Terengganu is famous for.

They are made up of fish, flour and other ingredients. For Keropok Lekor, you can eat it in two ways. Deep fried or boiled. If you don't really like the fishy smell, then better to take the deep fried as sometime the boiled one will have some fishy smell, especially when they are no longer hot. However, some like it boiled as it doesn't require oil to cook.

The Keropok Keping is also made up of larger tube-shaped keropok being sliced into very thin slices. Then they are dried under the sun to make it storagable. Then you need to fried it before consumption. It is nice to be eaten alone or dipping with the local chili sauce.
Ingredients:
1 kg fish (ikan parang or ikan kembong)
500g sago flour
Salt to taste
125ml water
Some ice-cubes
1 or 2 pandan leaves

Method:
Clean the fish thoroughly, remove its intestines and chop off its head and tail, leaving the body intact.

Make slits along both sides of the fish, then scrape off the meat; discard the bones. Pound, chop or mince the meat finely, adding salt to taste.

Add some ice cubes and continue mincing the fish meat. Add sago flour and water. Stir the mixture until it becomes a soft dough.

Dip your hand in the sago flour and roll the dough into a cylindrical shape.

Boil a potful of water. Add in one or two knotted pandan leaves. Drop the keropok lekor into the boiling water.

Wait for it to float and remove with a slotted spoon. Set aside to cool.

Cut the pieces diagonally into thin slices. Dry in the sun thoroughly, then deep-fry in hot oil.
Kuala Kampung Losong
Terengganu 007 Stall (Near Floating Mosque)

Pengadang Baru Weekend Market (Tuesday)
Panji Alam Weekend Market (Thursday)
Batu Burok Hawker Centre (Friday)
Pasar Payang Central Market
Cabang Tiga Market
Marang Kg. Kelulut Weekend Market (Saturday)
Alongside Marang Road
Dungun Kuala Dungun Weekend Market (Thursday)
Kemaman Kerteh (Tuesday), Kemasik (Sunday, Wednesday), s s sChukai (Tuesday)
besut Kuala Besut

Nasi Dagang

Nasi Dagang is a rice speciality of Terengganu. The Dish is made by cooking rice and glutinous rice together, to which is then added coconut cream once it is cooked. It is eaten with it's own specially made side dishes of tuna curry and a light vegetable pickle. Simplicity is its essence.

Ingredients
300g nasi dagang rice or substitute with 200g
good grade Siamese rice mixed with 100g glutinous rice
1 grated coconut to extract 3/4 cup thick coconut milk
3/4 cup thin coconut milk
1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds ( halba )
2 cloves garlic, sliced finely
3 shallots, sliced finely
2cm young ginger, sliced finely
1/2 tsp salt

Method

Wash rice well and soak for five to six hours. Drain well, then steam rice for 20 to 25 minutes or until half-cooked.
Stir in thin coconut milk and continue steaming for 15 minutes until rice is nearly cooked.
Combine thick coconut milk, shallots, garlic, ginger, fenugreek and salt. Stir into the cooked rice then steam once more for 10 to 15 minutes or until rice is properly cooked.
Serve rice with kari ikan tongkol.

Note
Nasi dagang is a special type of reddish brown glutinous rice. If it is not available, substitute with Siamese rice and glutinous rice mixture as per recipe.
Kuala Mak Ngah Nasi Dagang restaurant at Cendering
Terengganu
From Terengganu City, head towards South to Marang or Kuantan. About 8KM, after the Ibai Bridge, you will see a lot of cars parking at the roadside, especially on Friday. There are 2 famous stalls at the left side.

Pengadang Baru Weekend Market (Tuesday)
Panji Alam Weekend Market (Thursday)
Batu Burok Hawker Centre (Friday)
Pasar Payang Central Market
Cabang Tiga Market
Marang Kg. Kelulut Weekend Market (Saturday)
Dungun Kuala Dungun Weekend Market (Thursday)
Kemaman Kerteh (Tuesday), Kemasik (Sunday, Wednesday), s s s...Chukai (Tuesday)

Wau

Kite flying is a popular traditional pastime in Terengganu, especially during harvest time. Apart from the performance and appearance, the sound it makes when flying is considered important as well.

There are various types of kites such as wau kuching (cat kite), wau merak (peacock kite), and wau bulan (moon kite). Each kite also comes with a different design and size. The mark of a good kite is one that rises quickly and remains flying, no matter what the whims of the wind may be.

The colourful kites are played in the open paddy fields and along the sandy beaches. These places are suitable for flying kites because there are no trees or tall structures around. In fact, the wind blows strongly in these places. Normally, the wau is played after the paddy harvesting seasons or when the fishermen cannot go to fishing due the conditions of the sea. The best time to play the wau is in August and September.

Gasing

Giant top spinning is no child’s game! Each gasing or top weighs approximately 5kg and the wooden tops are as big as the size of a dinner plate. It calls for strength, coordination, and skill. The gasing, if expertly hurled, can spin for as long as 2 hours. Top spinning competitions are an annual feature in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia especially Kelantan and Terengganu.

Gamelan

The ulek mayang is a pre-Islamic religious trance dance accompanied by singing and music in Terengganu, originating from an unknown nearby island in which the Malay orchestra, comprising drums, gong, violin and accordian is used (Shafiee Ahmad 1992).

Tarian Ulek Mayang is another worshiping dance in the Malay dances. The dancing always begins with a person who is suffering from illness either when he catches fish, in the paddy field or any other daily activities in the society.

Ulek Mayang

The ulek mayang is a pre-Islamic religious trance dance accompanied by singing and music in Terengganu, originating from an unknown nearby island in which the Malay orchestra, comprising drums, gong, violin and accordian is used (Shafiee Ahmad 1992).

Tarian Ulek Mayang is another worshiping dance in the Malay dances. The dancing always begins with a person who is suffering from illness either when he catches fish, in the paddy field or any other daily activities in the society.

Anak Burung Baniong

Originating from Kampung Kuala Jingai in Hulu Dungun Terengganu, this ethnic dance also known as Tarian Saba. The dancers perform around the Saba tree to traditional music and the sound created by a bamboo-like device called 'kumbang'.

This dance was once a ritual dance, however nowadays it is perform just for the sake of the arts and a source of entertainment.

The dance is a combination of three art forms, namely song, music and dance.
Traditional musical instruments such as anak ambang (buluh), anak cerating, rebana (big drum) and seruling (flute) render the music orchestration, whereas the songs are sung in contemporary verses.

Intro To Terengganu

Terengganu's strategic location facing the South China Sea made it an important trade center in ancient times. Early records indicate that it had trading relations with China. Even the famous Admiral Zheng He actually stopped for freshwater & other supplies in Kuala Terengganu on his way across the globe. Terengganu has also long been an important Malay settlement with descendants coming from the Yunnan district, Indian continent and the Indonesian archipelago. Recent archaeological sites found in Bewah Cave in Kenyir Lake indicate the existence of early settlements as far back as 4,000BC. The discovery of Batu Bersurat (Inscribed Stone) in Kuala Berang marks an important historical and religious significance. The stone was inscribed with the Malay Arabic Jawi language which contains the Islamic decree proving the acceptance of Islamic teachings by King Mandalika dated 1303 AD.

The Terengganu Sultanate originated almost 300 years ago when Tun Zainal Abidin became the first Sultan (Sultan Zainal Abidin I) in 1708. The current ruler is Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, the 16th Sultan, who was proclaimed ruler of the state on May 15, 1998, becoming the youngest ruler in Malaysia. Terengganu became a member of the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and a state of independent Malaya in 1957.

The state has a population of approximately 1 million of which 90% are Malays, followed by the Chinese and Indians and a very small percentage of aborigines.