Top 10 Things to Do in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Titled as ‘The Coastal Heritage City,’ Kuala Terengganu is the leading economic center and capital of the state of Terengganu. Being the main gateway to various tourist destinations in the state makes tourism as one of the industrial sources of the city.

The city offers cultural and historical attractions to its visitors. Their local delicacies, hip cafes and various recreational sites are also among the reasons why this well-developed city is gaining attention from travelers.

Let us take a look at the top 10 things that every traveler can do while in the city of Kuala Terengganu.

1. Ride A Cas Ligas Bus

This unique type of public town bus can only be found in Kuala Terengganu. With a capacity of 30 passengers, this air-conditioned bus’ exterior is fitted with wood carving paneling that makes it look like a moving traditional house.

Cas Ligas Buses travel into different routes in the city, and you can take a ride at its station or at bus stops that have Cas Ligas signboard.

2. Visit Terengganu State Museum

This state of the art museum was established in the year 1976. Covering an area of 27 hectares, this museum is known as the largest in the whole Southeast Asian region. What makes the museum very attractive to the visitors is its building design that is based on the Terengganu’s original palace.

It houses various galleries which display traditional weapons, Islamic arts, historical artifacts, contemporary and new generation arts, natural history collections, and much more.

Located at the top of Bukit Lusong, you can get to the museum by riding a bus or a taxi.

3. Enjoy The Beauty Of Crystal Mosque

A few minutes away from the Terengganu State Museum is the location of Pulau Wan Man which is also one of the most-visited places in the city. This small island houses the Crystal Mosque which is one of the latest and most famous landmarks of Terengganu. The building is built with crystals, steels, and glasses that creates different beautiful impressions depending on the time of the day. Most visitors come to this place on the evening when the building’s full beauty is shown due to the changes of colors in its domes and minarets. This famous building has Islamic Heritage Park nearby where visitors can spot replicas of different Islamic structures, convention center, water garden, and crystal villas for tourists.

4. Discover Kuala Terengganu’s Chinatown

Located in the center of the city of Kuala Terengganu, this 200-year-old Chinese settlement is among the oldest in SouthEast Asia. While walking around the area, you will spot ancestral homes, business establishments, townhouses and traditionally designed shop houses.

Make sure to bring your camera with you as you will be able to find different spots that are good for photography, that includes the Turtle Alley and Tauke Wee Seng Hee Cultural Lane.

5. Shop Local Goods At Pasar Payang

Just a walking distance from Chinatown, Pasar Payang (Central Market) is one of the most-visited places for tourists who are looking for a place to shop for local products at affordable rates. Housed in a modern building, it sells various types of locally-made handicrafts including brassware, batik, and songket.

6. Coffee Hopping

Kuala Terengganu has various cafes which coffee lovers will surely love. If you are looking for a cafe where you can chill with friends or relax after shopping at Pasar Payang and Chinatown, Star Anise Cafe is the perfect place to go.

Located near the Chinatown, Star Anise Cafe’s environment stands out from the rest of the coffee shops in the city. The cafe’s design is a mixture of traditional and modern style perfectly blended. The cafe’s beautiful interior design, together with their great tasting coffees and pastries will make you love the place.

Address: Jalan Kampung Cina, Kampung Banggul, 20100 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
Contact: +60 17-664 2368

7. Enjoy The Amazing View Of The City From Bukit Puteri Top

Located right in the middle of the city, Princess Hill or Bukit Puteri for locals, was an important lookout for the city since the 16^th century. As the highest point in the area, you can have a nice whole view of the city while at the top. You can also spot historical artifacts and monuments including a brass bell and cannons.

This small historical attraction is also a good place for morning hike and exercise as you will see the beautiful sunrise and the estuary of Terengganu River.

8. Watch Boat Building At Pulau Duyong

Located on the Terengganu River, Pulao Duyong is a well-known island to locals and tourists who want to know about boat building. The island hosts traditional boat making workshops and the annual Monsoon Cup, an international yacht racing event.

Another must-visit attraction on the island is the Duyong Old Fort. This architectural wonder is constructed with bricks and woods, that showcases the Islamic and Malay culture. While exploring the building, you will learn about the traditional boats of Terengganu through local artifacts and articles on the walls.

You can access the island by riding a bus or car.

9. Snorkeling At Redang Marine Park Center

Located more than an hour away by ferry ride from the city, Marine Park is one of the must-visit resorts for those who want to experience nature and marine life from the nine islands of Pulao Redang. With the snorkeling activities offered by the resort, you will be able to spot fishes and other marine creatures such as stingrays.

Besides snorkeling, you can also enjoy hiking, diving, and other marine activities. The island’s soft white sand is also ideal for sunbathing.

 

10. Taste The Famous Keropok Lekor

One of the most popular local delicacies that you should not miss out while in the city is the Keropok Lekor. This original Malay fish cracker snack made from fish and sago flour originated from the state of Terengganu. It is best to eat this meal with Terengganu’s homemade chili sauce.

Other local dishes you should try includes Laksa Terengganu, ketupat sotong, roti paun, and more.

Kuala Terengganu is one of the cities that has the most amazing cultural, historical, and natural attractions in Malaysia. Travel to this beautiful city is indeed a memory to exist a lifetime.

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