Exploring the Land and Sea in Terengganu

Text by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI & AZWAN ALI

After the Malaysian government finally eases the Movement Control Order (MCO) to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country and permits interstate travel to strengthen the economy again, according to news report based on a study in April 2020 by Tourism Malaysia, the state of Terengganu has been receiving the highest number of domestic tourist arrivals. The high number of compliance rate towards COVID-19’s standard operating procedures (SOP) is cited as among the reasons why most travellers feel confident and safe to visit this beautiful state.

With this in mind, Gaya Travel team and a group of social media influencers went to Terengganu to quench our wanderlust and without doubt, with so much to offer, we only wish we could have stayed in the state longer!

Read on to follow some of the gems that we have visited during our four-day-three-night journey…

MARANG

Pinehill Garden (facebook.com/sallehmira)

Read on to find out some of the places that we suggest you visit when in Johor.

Thanks to social media, this place located on top of a hill has been gaining fame due to its breathtaking scenery. It is actually a private property where its owner spends time gardening as hobby but now turned into a favourite spot for travellers. Among the fruits planted here are grapes, passionfruit, and Fuji apples. Since the garden is private property, travellers are advised to always obey the rules and regulations set by its owner when being here. No entry charge is required.

Lembah Durian, Kampung Lubuk Batu

Mouth-watering durian cendol that can be savoured in Kampung Lubuk Batu.

Kampung Lubuk Batu is known as Lembah Durian (which means ‘Durian Valley’) where more than 50 durian farms that churn out various durian grades, including Musang King, are based here. There are plans for homestays to be opened up within the valley so that travellers can overnight at the durian farms! It is recommended that travellers stop by at a local restaurant and savour a bowl of refreshing durian cendol to beat the heat!

Dataran Batu Putih (https://www.facebook.com/ dataranbatuputih)

One of the boats at Dataran Batu Putih floating market.

To boost the local economy, 16 families initiated a market place at Dataran Batu Putih where travellers get to see rows of stalls selling local products ranging from delicacies like nisan nira (sugar taken from coconut blossom) and craft products, besides enjoying traditional performances and games. But the highlight of the place is the floating market that can be experienced every Friday and Saturday.

Squid-Jigging

One of the participants, Adela Roslan, showing off her catch-of-the-day.

As a state located on Peninsular Malaysia’s East Coast, one of Terengganu’s main economic drivers is the fishing industry, part of which is the squid-jigging activity that normally begins at dusk and ends in the early morning; however, travellers can choose to end the activity earlier.

To be honest, squid jigging can be challenging: most of our team members succumbed to seasickness since the water in the middle of the sea felt choppy when the boat stops, while at the same time we tried hard to remain patient for the squid to take the bait. Nevertheless, squid-jigging is a memorable experience, especially for those who eventually managed to catch squids as big as an adult’s arm! Oh, do take the chance to chat with the friendly boatmen because they sure have a lot of stories to tell!

Travellers who wish to experience squid-jigging can contact Marang District Fishermen Association at +6 019 929 6066 (Mr Sulong) or Taman Tamadun Islam at +6 09 627 8888.

Pulau Kapas

An arresting view from the peak of Bukit Singa on Pulau Kapas.

Pulau Kapas (meaning ‘Cotton Island’) is known for its white, sandy beaches that give the island its name. It is a popular destination that can be reached around 15 to 20 minutes by speed boat from Marang jetty. There are a few resorts and campsites providing travellers accommodation options depending on their budget and comfort. But more importantly, travellers can look forward to its underwater haven with colourful corals and types of fish that keeps people coming to this lovely island.

Snorkelling and kayaking are popular but other recommended activities travellers should do are hiking up to Bukit Singa (‘Lion Hill’) where travellers can enjoy a unique view of a huge rock formation that resembles a lion, and having a morning walk to the lighthouse or Berakit to feast their eyes on the stunning views of Pulau Kapas from other angles.

A view of Pulau Kapas from another side.

Good to know: Pulau Kapas is best to visit between April to August. Travellers who wish to experience this island can make their booking from the respective resorts or tour operators near Marang Jetty, which also entertain walk-ins.

Kampung Jenang

One of the participants, Mohd Shahril Fawzy, trying his hand at catching lokan in Kampung Jenang.

Kampung Jenang is a small, quaint village but has a lot to offer for travellers who wish to be immersed in the villagers’ laidback and humble lifestyle while carrying on their daily routines like finding lokan (a type of freshwater clam), producing nisan nira and weaving nipa palm leaves to be sold as sustainable traditional attaps.

Big BEE Honey (https://www.facebook.com/ bigbeehoney)

More than just a place where travellers can buy only-authentic bee honey, Big Bee Honey functions is educational because it teaches travellers everything about bees via its own mini gallery. Travellers should also take the opportunity to visit the apiary behind the building and taste different types of freshfrom-the-nest honey such as wild bee honey, tualang honey and kelulut honey.

KUALA TERENGGANU

Terengganu Drawbridge (http://www.terengganudrawbridge.com.my/)

This 638-metre bascule bridge is the first tower drawbridge in Southeast Asia. It connects Muara Selatan (South Bank) near Kuala Terengganu city centre and Muara Utara (North Bank) in Seberang Takir. Though the bridge is best witnessed from afar so that travellers can admire its stunning design and architecture especially at night as the bridge will be lit up with multicoloured lights, travellers are also recommended to go up to the drawbridge’s sky bridge to access the Sky Terrace where they can walk on the transparent glass floor that is open to the bridge and water down below. Furthermore, from the 15th floor, travellers get to enjoy the breathtaking view of South China Sea, Terengganu River and parts of Kuala Terengganu. Opened since August 2019, the bridge has since become one of Terengganu’s most iconic attractions to local and international travellers alike.

Tokmi Selera Kampung (https://www.facebook.com/TokmiSeleraKampung/)

Best visited during lunch, the restaurant serves up a myriad of popular local dishes, including patin tempoyak, ikan keli belada, ikan kerisi goreng sumbat, sayur lemak pucuk paku, kari kambing, gulai itik, and the list goes on. It is located not far from the Terengganu Drawbridge, hence an ideal choice for lunch when travellers are in the area.

Lambo Sari (https://www.facebook.com/LamboSariTerengganu)

Social media influencers Khalishan Alias and Fahmi Esmail donning traditional Malay attire at Lambo Sari.

Opened since 2019, Lambo Sari is an interactive hub where travellers can learn about Terengganu art and culture in greater detail, including the opportunity to participate in various cultural activities like donning traditional attires, colouring batik, cracking coconuts, playing traditional games, and more! Those who wish to experience this can contact Sarinah Said from Homestay Teluk Ketapang at +6 019 943 8979.

Pasar Payang

For the people of Terengganu, Pasar Payang is an institution that has been in existence since 1968. This iconic market is now housed in a new building to allow both local merchants and travellers to do business in a safer and more comfortable environment. Expect to be amazed and even buy the various items on sale such as local delicacies, houseware, fabrics, souvenirs, and more.

Taman Tamadun Islam (https://www.tti.com.my/)

Delicious nasi mandy that can be enjoyed at Taman Tamadun Islam.

Taman Tamadun Islam (‘Islamic Civilisations Park’) is an edutainment complex showcasing the replicas of the 23 world’s most prominent Islamic monuments, including the bedazzling Crystal Mosque, Terengganu’s own pride. Besides admiring the replicas, travellers should also try the park’s delicious nasi mandy (steamed rice served alongside roasted chicken, lamb or other meat that have been marinated with special blend of spices) at B’beteng Restaurant for only MYR12.90 (Chicken) and MYR16.90 (Lamb) per set!