Terengganu: Coast, Islands and Cultural Heritage

Terengganu can be explored through its coastline, offshore islands, and cultural and historical attractions. The coastline is 224 kilometres long. Markets, Islamic architecture and traces of mining add other travel interests to the islands and nature. For planning, this suggests a useful distinction: would you like to focus on the coast and nature, or on culture, markets and history?

Coastal route and islands

The Terengganu Scenic Drive connects coastal destinations from Kemaman via Kuala Terengganu to Besut. This scenic route passes through Kemasik, Paka, Dungun, Marang (Kelulut), Chendering, Batu Buruk, Penarik, Mangkuk, Setiu Wetland, Benting Lintang and Pantai Air Tawar in Besut. While the route links the main coastal destinations, the scenic drive sets out its course through the places listed above.

The Terengganu Marine Park comprises four major archipelagos of marine park islands: the Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Tenggol archipelagos. Pulau Kapas lies about six kilometres off the coast of Marang. The islands therefore range from the Marine Park’s archipelagos to a single island off Marang.

Nature through the seasons

From May to September, Rantau Abang is one of six places worldwide visited by turtles. More than 150 bird species have been recorded at Kenyir Lake. This comparison can help with travel planning: Rantau Abang is associated with a seasonal window, while Kenyir Lake is associated with the number of recorded bird species.

Markets and Islamic architecture

At Pasar Marang, you can find fresh seafood, traditional Malay dishes and local handicrafts. At Benteng Marang, you can walk, cycle or ride a motorcycle. Marang thus offers a contrast between a visit to a food market and getting active at Benteng.

Pasar Payang is located on the banks of the Sungai Terengganu in Kuala Terengganu. The market sells traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk fabrics, songket, brocade and metalware. The Islamic Civilization Park is located on Wan Man Island in Kuala Terengganu and is a 23-hectare interactive exploration of Islamic monuments. It includes 21 replicas of structures from the history of the Islamic world. The Crystal Mosque is the park’s landmark and a new landmark of Kuala Terengganu. For culture enthusiasts, the market and the park offer two different ways to explore the area: traditional handicrafts and an interactive engagement with Islamic architecture.

Mining history in Bukit Besi

Preserved mining relics in Bukit Besi include a former railway line, tunnels, accommodation, a tin plant and a factory chimney. Industrial monuments also include an ore stockpile, a washing or tin-processing plant and a crushing plant. Tasik Puteri near Bukit Besi was formed by iron ore mining and is being developed as a recreational area—a lake that brings together mining history and recreational development.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Kampong Pasir Hantu, Kemaman, Kerteh, Cukai, Chalok, Bukit Payong, Kampong Basong, Kuala Terengganu, Dungun, Marang, Paka, Pulau Redang, Kijal, Jerteh, Kuala Besut, Kuala Berang, Permaisuri.

For the broader travel overview: Malaysia.