Kuala Terengganu : ideal drop-off point for the islands

Kuala Terengganu is one of the cities that reflect the magic of Malaysia’s cities. Besides, Malaysian cities are known to be a combination of traditional and modern. If you want to know more about the cities of Malaysia, please read our article city malaysia.

Kuala Terengganu is not as popular as Penang and Langkawi but it has its own charm. It is known for its beautiful mosques, its seabed and its local food. If you want to know more about Kuala Terengganu, this guide is for you.

Geography, transportation and weather in Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is the capital of the federal state of Terengganu in Malaysia. It is located off the coast of the China Sea, which extends over nearly 13,000 square kilometers. Several villages, towns and islands are close to the city. Kuala Terengganu is popular for its architecture, fried fish, breathtaking oceans and much more. The city is an ideal place for relaxation and idle vacations. You will be able to spend a dream vacation.

A very convenient airport

Kuala Terengganu has an airport, and this will make your life much easier.
It takes about 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur by air.
Several airlines offer direct flights but the most common is AIRASIA: the flights are very affordable.

Reaching Kuala Terengganu by road

You can also opt for the land route, the journey takes about 5 to 7 hours from Kuala Lumpur.
This will depend on the traffic, but also on the resting time: we advise you to stop every 2 hours to regain some strength.
Ideally, you should go in a group, with several drivers.

What to do in Kuala Terengganu? Some tourist activities

Kuala Terengganu has several tourist attractions including :

Pantai Batu Buruk Beach

If you are looking for relaxation by the sea, we recommend you to visit Pantai Batu Buruk. This is one of the most popular beaches in the city. It stands out with its strip of golden sand where you can go snorkeling or diving. You will have the opportunity to discover the splendid underwater world with its numerous species. Next to the beach, you will find a cultural center where you can attend artistic shows.
It’s clearly not the most beautiful beach, but it’s always nice to get some fresh air, away from the urban jungle 🙂

Chinatown

Kuala Terengganu is home to a large number of the Chinese population. The city has its own Chinatown, which was built in the late 19th century. You can admire the ancient architecture of the Chinese city and walk through its winding streets. This place of the city is among the cultural heritage under the protection of the UNESCO World Monuments Monitoring Program.

Teck Soon Heritage House

The Teck Soon heritage house is special, it is painted in three different layers of the blue color. The house is located in the cultural area of Chinatown, it used to be part of the famous Teck Soon trading company. By visiting the house, you will discover the history of the Chinese culture “Peranakan” within the city of Kuala Terrengganu.

Bukit Puteri

Bukit Puteria is located near the central market of the city. You can climb to the top (200 meters) to admire the panoramic views of the place. You will also find the ruins of a fort dating from the 19th century. Although the fort has suffered extensive damage, it is still as pretty as it was long ago. Moreover, you will be able to admire its bells and ceremonial cannons that reflect the glorious past of the city.

Ho Ann Kiong Buddhist Temple

Ho Ann Kiong Buddhist Temple is located in Chinatown. It is one of the most popular and visited places in the city. The Buddhist community residing in Kuala Terengganu often comes to the temple to pray. The place is decorated and smoked with aromatic incense. The colors of the building reflect the diversity of the place.

Finally, you have a very visited and appreciated place: the “Crystal Mosque“.
A magnificent mosque very famous for its architecture, and its crystal side, all “installed on the water”.
For non-Muslims, you can enter, as long as you respect the rules of conduct in a mosque.
Short clothes will not be allowed (short skirts, shorts, bare chests, etc.): you will be provided with appropriate clothing at the entrance.
Otherwise, you can always visit our online store to offer you a sarong for men, or a woman’s prayer dress : a way to support and finance our website !

Some places to eat in Kuala Terengganu

The city of Kuala Terengganu is the perfect place for food. Among the tasty dishes to try are:

Terradala

Terradala or more commonly known as the land of Dala flowers, is the place where tourists gather to eat. The place looks like a contemporary art museum, you will be dazzled by the beauty of the area. Tourists go to Terradala to taste the delicious specialties and traditional snacks while admiring the place. With various ornaments and traditional designs, Terradala is undoubtedly a must-see spot for food tourists.

Medan Selera Ikan Bakar Kuala Ibai

Medan Selera Ikan Bakar Kuala Ibai is a food court that is located under the Chendering Bridge. For some time now, the place has become famous for its delicious dishes with a splendid view of the river. The dishes are based on seafood.

Uptown Kontena

Uptown Kontena is one of the most original and authentic places in all of Malaysia. The place is built from old recycled containers, they have been repurposed into cafes and stores. At Uptown Kontena you will find different types of local and international dishes. The place is also distinguished by its location next to the sea.

Singgang Budu Restaurant

Singgang Badu restaurant is named after a famous local watery dish. Moreover, it is very simple to prepare. Singgang Badu is made with ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, galanga and others. The restaurant is among the best in the city. In addition to the Singgang Budu, it offers various dishes that are equally delicious and perfect for lunch.

Last personal advice

Kuala Terengganu is clearly not a paradise city, so don’t expect to be sublimated with magic 🙂
But it’s a nice place that deserves a visit.
This area is in full development, and we bet that it will be one of the most popular areas in the coming years.
Strategically located to reach the islands, and still very affordable, Kuala Terengganu (“K.T.” for the shorten words) has everything it takes to attract more and more tourists in the future.

The new bridge built last year sums up this developing side of KT : the “Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge”.
This 638-meter long bascule bridge, was made official in mid-2019.

If there is one place where we want to invest our savings, it is here!

Read also

• Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Borneo Sabah side : islands, beaches and mountain
• Penang Island, Malaysia : weather, accommodation and general information
• Georgetown Malaysia : history and activities
• Ipoh Malaysia, a beautiful city to visit, 2h30 from Kuala Lumpur
• Discover Kuching in Malaysia, Borneo Sarawak
• All about Kuala Lumpur: the capital of Malaysia
• Kuantan, the city on the east coast closest to Kuala Lumpur