Tourist Malaysia is quite extensive. These are religious temples and sandy beaches , secluded islands and real jungles. In Malaysia, everything is interesting: attractions , nature, people and cities. One of the favorite places for tourists is Kuala Terengganu.
general information
Kuala Terengganu is a large city and the capital of the state of the same name in Malaysia. It is located on the peninsula of Malacca, on its eastern coast, and is washed on three sides by the waters of the South China Sea. From the capital of Malaysia, Kuala-Terengganu is only 500 km away. The city is located at 15 m above sea level.
The name Kuala-Terengganu (or Kuala-Trenganu) is translated literally as "the mouth of the Trenganu river". The city was founded by Chinese traders in the 15th century and for a while was a great shopping center at the intersection of trade routes.
Most of the inhabitants of the city are Malays. According to the official population census in 2009, 396,433 people lived in Kuala Terengganu. Townspeople are rather conservative and do not like it when tourists neglect local rules of behavior and traditions.
A large metropolis today is considered the main economic and cultural center of the whole state. Kuala Terengganu is a popular resort , a large port and a point of departure for holidays to the islands near the coast.
Climatic and natural features
The city of Kuala-Terengganu lies in the zone of the classic tropical monsoon climate. It is always hot and clear, and the air temperature is warming up to +26 ... + 32 ° С. The rainy season in this region lasts from November to January. At this time, the air temperature averages + 21 ° C. For the year around 2023-2540 mm of precipitation falls in the Kuala-Terengganu area, and the humidity stably keeps at the level of 82-86%.
Geographically, the city is surrounded by fresh waters of the Trenganu River and the South China Sea. The island of Pulau, closest to the coast, Duyung is connected to Kuala Terenggan by a pedestrian and automobile bridge.
The surroundings of the city are full of natural beauty and sights:
- Pelagat Forest Reserve;
- hot springs La;
- forest park Secaya;
- cascading waterfalls;
- The largest artificial lake in Southeast Asia is Tasik Kenir.
On the territory of the megalopolis of Kuala Terengganu and its environs there are many beautiful sandy beaches. Among them is Bukit Kluang, the beaches of the island of Perhentian , as well as Rantau Abang beach on the coast where leathery turtles lay eggs.
Attractions & Entertainment in Kuala Terengganu
An ancient city in itself can be considered one of the major attractions of Malaysia. Walking on foot will give you a lot of fun and will allow you to plunge into the local culture and identity. Here there is something to see:
- Chinatown. The oldest street in the city, where the descendants of Chinese founders and traders live. The Chinatown has managed to preserve its architectural style and is a monument of the world format. Many houses in Chinatown are several hundred years old.
- The Palace of the Sultan of Istán Mazia , erected on the ashes of the old palace, which turned into ruins during the Second World War. The modern building is an architectural blend of tradition and modernity.
- Pasar-Payang is a major central market.
- Crystal mosque . Its minarets and domes are completely covered with glass. Depending on what angle to look at, the glasses change color. The mosque houses 1500 believers. Around, in the Park of Islamic Heritage, there are miniature copies of great architectural monuments from around the world.
- The Central State Museum. In the main building there are ten beautiful galleries, the Fisheries Museum and the Maritime Museum, as well as four traditional palaces. There is a stunning herb garden and a botanical garden.
- Bukit Putri , or "the hill of the princess" - a defensive fortification, dating from 1830. Up to now, the fort itself, as well as a large bell, cannons of fortifications and a flagpole, has been preserved.
- The island of Pulau-Duyung is the most famous center of classical shipbuilding and the Mahmud Bridge connecting it with Kuala Terengganu, one of the most tourist cities in Malaysia.
From entertainment it is worth noting beach holidays and water sports: fishing, surfing, diving , canoeing, etc. Sailing fans annually hold international events here. In the resort town there are large shopping centers, several night clubs, sports halls and cinemas. You can take riding lessons or run kites.
Hotels and restaurants in Kuala Terengganu
In the megalopolis and its environs, a lot of hotels and other variants have been built for accommodation and temporary accommodation for guests of the city and tourists. Depending on your welfare, you can:
- rent a room in a good resort hotel format 3 * and 4 *;
- to live in a small guest house, a villa;
- rent apartments;
- pay for a place in the gethhouse or hostel.
Within the city, experienced tourists recommend Hotel Grand Continental and Primula Beach Hotel. Accommodation in these institutions will cost you between $ 53 and $ 72 respectively. In the suburbs of the town of Palau Duyong, Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Spa Resort is the best holidaymaker, staying at a cost of $ 122 per night.
As for food, there are a lot of restaurants in Kuala-Terenggan. In cafes, restaurants and eateries you will be offered a familiar European and classic Asian menu. Mainly in culinary establishments of the megalopolis is widely represented the traditional national cuisine of Malaysia . Of the most popular dishes worth noting rice nasi, from which Malaysians know how to do everything: noodles, desserts, side dishes and pastries. Do not forget about fish and seafood, dishes from eggs, chicken meat, as well as coconut milk, juices and local fruits.
What to bring from Kuala-Terengganu?
The ancient city is famous throughout Southeast Asia with silk fabrics, especially singlet, and batik. Local craftsmen have long been improving the technique of painting on silk. Products from fabrics can be purchased at any store or central market. In Kuala-Trenganu they buy various souvenirs , handicrafts, exotic fruits and seafood.
Of particular interest to tourists are products made of bronze and carved wood, dolls of the shadow theater, oriental souvenirs, antiquities and art in Chinatown. It is worth highlighting the shopping center Desa Kraft.
How to get there?
Kuala Terenggana has its own airport, where you can make a direct flight from the capital of Malaysia and other major cities. The capital of the state is a link of the federal highway, many bus routes run from the central bus station of Kuala-Trenganu from Kota-Baru , Ipoh , Johor-Baru , etc.
How to get to Kuala Terengganu from the resort village of Mersing and its nearest islands? Quite simply: first from Mersey on a regular public bus you reach Kuala Lumpur, and then, guided by the above methods, you get to the city of Kuala Terengganu.
By the very city of tourists it is recommended to travel by taxi.