KUALA TERENGGANU CITY, MALAYSIA - Places of Interest 3

VISITING KUALA TERENGGANU - IBAI LAGOON - Part 1 of 3 - The Floating Mosque

Perhaps, the most relaxing place in the city of Kuala Terengganu is this human created lagoon. It is located just about 5 kilometers to the south of the City. Public transports such as buses and taxis are available for a two way trip.

the beautiful scenery of the Floating Mosque

The icon for this lagoon is Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah or well known as the Floating Mosque. Built on a human created lake, the mosque is one of the popular destination for tourists, especially among the Muslim tourists. Non Muslim tourists are also welcome to visit this unique Moorish design building ala Taj Mahal concepts.

It was designed by a renowned local architect, Dato' Raja Baharin of the state's royal blood. He is also well known for other design for the state's landmarks and important buildings.

Apart from the lake, the Mosque is surrounded with a large beautiful garden with ample parking lots plenty of buses and hundreds of cars. 

the pedestrian walk around the lake of the mosque

There is a cafe and a restaurant serving local foods, beverages and cuisines for visitors. But, the pricing is a bit higher than normal restaurant. You may visit the cheaper section of the stalls or restaurants located less than 100 meters from the mosque beside the traffic light.

It is a famous camping area for local visitors in the weekend. The area will be crowded with visitors in the afternoon even on normal working days. It is just a beautiful place where people come and have some rest, relax and try to release the stress or tensions.

If you visit the City, please do not hesitate to drop by at this beautiful place.

KUALA TERENGGANU CITY, MALAYSIA - Places of Interest 1

the flag of the Terengganu state, Malaysia

VISITING KUALA TERENGGANU CITY

This so called Kuala Terengganu is a very young city. It was started as a Malay fishing village hundred of years ago, before promoted as the state's capital in place of the small town Kuala Berang.

Kuala Terengganu (Jawi: كوالا ترڠڬانو; Chinese: 瓜拉登嘉楼; colloquially abbreviated as KT) is the largest city as well as the state and royal capital of Terengganu state, Malaysia. On the 1st January 2008, Kuala Terengganu was awarded city status. 

The city has a population of 406,317 and is also the seat of a district of the same name. Kuala Terengganu is located about 500 kilometers northeast of Kuala Lumpur on a promontory surrounded on three sides by the South China Sea. The name means the "river mouth of Terengganu", referring to the broad expanse of the Terengganu River estuary which empties into the ocean at this point. Kuala Terengganu is also the name of the parliamentary constituency in which the city is situated. The inhabitants of the city speak a distinct Terengganese dialect of Malay.

Now, for a start we must plan our trip, because the city has many places of interest...most of them are within the vicinity of the city itself.

Places of interest include Chinatown, Pasar Payang (Central Market), the Sultan's Palaces, the State Museum, Pulau Duyong and the latest attraction is Masjid Kristal and the Islamic Civilization Park in Pulau Wan Man. 

Kuala Terengganu has many places of interest such as the famous Pasar Payang and its newly constructed Bazaar Warisan plus plenty of recreational parks within the city such as Taman (Garden/Park) Shahbandar, Taman Warisan,  Dataran (Square) Maziah, Batu Buruk Recreational Park, Ibai Lagoon and its Floating Mosque + Ibai Golf Club, Pantai (Beach) Pandak, Chendering, Balik Bukit Recreational Park, Pulau Duyung (the host of the Monsoon Cup and the host of local Malay's wooden vessel heritage).

In addition thereof, there is an exotic island located within the city's municipality known as Redang Island. This island together with its archipelago had been a very popular destination for holidays and vacations throughout the world.

Kuala Terengganu also famous with its local foods, treats and cuisines such as keropok lekor Losong, traditional dishes nasi dagang Terengganu, ketupat sotong Terengganu, laksa and laksam Terengganu and plenty of local favorites which I can't describe herein in this post.

The real adventure will begin in the following blogs. Please stay together, with me...

Introducing Terengganu to you

What Is So Special About Terengganu?

Here is my thoughts about the state

This article is addressed to those, who haven't arrived here yet; or to those who don't even heard about this state of Malaysia so far. You must know and learn about this state, come and make your own valuation about it. Then you will find out that the state is really, really special not only for you alone but, also for your beloved spouse, family, friends and neighbors.

Beaches?

the beach of Batu Buruk

Well, if you are crazy about beach, please do not hesitate to come here. There are plenty locations for you to choose the beach for free of charge, (save for your own cost for hiring a tourist guide). This is very important because you are new here and you don't know where to go to the places of interest here. So long as you do not trespass private properties, you may consider the beach you choose is belonging to the public, and you are one of them. You may locate the beach within the town or downtown. It is very easy.

Trust me, it is a beautiful white powder sandy beach, rich with silicon. Then comes the crystal clear water for you to swim. But, always remember that the beach is subject to the monsoon season. So, if you are seeking for the beach, do not come here during the monsoon because the water is treacherous with big waves and strong wind. But, plenty alternatives are available here for you to explore then, apart from the beaches.

You may find the beach alongside the state's coastline stretching from the District of Besut in the northen region up to the District of Kemaman in the southern region. Honestly, there are too much beach waiting for you here......

Islands?

beach of Perhentian Island

view of Redang Island

view of Kapas and Gemia Island

a view from a resort in Lang Tengah Island

a spectacular view from Tenggol Island

Well, as we can see above, plenty of exotic islands available in Malaysia and some are in Terengganu. We have Perhentian Islands, Redang Island, Kapas Island, Lang Tengah Island and Tenggol Island which are well known for underwater activities. Enjoy your stay at among the most picturesque and romantic islands in Malaysia.

People and Culture

Experience our myriad of colorful pastimes, our batik-printing and songket-weaving and join the celebration of our rich and many cultural and traditional heritages. Try to enjoy local foods and beverages too.

the famous Pasar Payang in Kuala Terengganu

vegetable section in Pasar Payang

visitors at Pasar Payang

                                                 

Main Land


Our main land also offers variety of places of interest. We have the largest man-made lake in South East Asia.

sunset at Kenyir Lake

We have the biggest 'Cengal' tree in the world resting and living strongly in lush virgin tropical jungle.

the trunk of living biggest cengal tree in the World

We have thousands species of flora and fauna, birds and wild animals and dazzling waterfalls waiting for you to explore.

Sekayu waterfall

Lata Tembakah waterfall

Sauk waterfall in Kenyir Lake

Cemerung waterfall, the highest waterfall in Malaysia

Tembat waterfall

So, what are you waiting for? Get your travel agent and let us welcome you here!