Malaysia Track

1. History

Terengganu The Sultanate of Terengganu roots can be traced to 1726. The line originated from the Pahang Bendahara with Sultan Zainal Abidin I, the first Sultan of Terengganu. The Sultans has been sending tributes (gifts) to Siam every three years. This ended in 1090 with the Bangkok Agreement whereby Terengganu was handed over to the British. Sultan Zainal Abidin III refused to recognize this agreement. She refused to accept a British advisor but accepted an agent of the British Counsel. A British advisor was finally installed in 1919 with J.L. Humpreys. Terengganu was handed back to Siam during the Japanese occupation in 1941. In September 1945, Terengganu was placed under the British Military Administration. In October 1945, the British laid out the Malayan Union 

Terengganu was handed back to Siam durscheme before the British Parliament. Under the scheme, Pulau Pinang, Melaka and nine other Malay states were to be united under the Malayan Union. Sir Harold MacMicheal was then entrusted in obtaining the agreements from the Malay Rulers. ing the Japanese occupation in 1941. In September 1945, Terengganu was placed under the British Military Administration. In October 1945, the British laid out the Malayan Union scheme before the British Parliament. Under the scheme, Pulau Pinang, Melaka and nine other Malay states were to be united under the Malayan Union. Sir Harold MacMicheal was then entrusted in obtaining the agreements from the Malay Rulers. Malays opposition to the British plans to form the Malayan Union catalyst the movement for Independence. Sparked by national sentiments, Dato Onn Jaafar formed United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) on 11 May 1946. The Malay Federation was founded on 1 February 1948 and on 31 August 1957, Malaya achieved Independence.

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2. Geography

Terengganu District

Terengganu is one of the three states on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It has a total area of 12,995 sq. km, and shares a border with Kelantan on the northwest, with Pahang on the southwest, and its east with the South China Sea. Terengganu has a strong tropical monsoon climate, with relatively uniform temperature within the 21°C to 32°C range. January till April, the weather is dry and warm, with humidity in the lowlands consistently high, between 82-86 percent annually. Terengganu's average rainfall is 2,032 mm to 2540 mm per year, with the most rain falling between November till January.

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3. Transportation 

Visitor will find most places in Terengganu easily accessible. There is a host of transportation modes that one can choose from, when travelling to and within Terengganu by air, road, buses and coaches, taxi.

4. Air 

5. Road

Regular express buses operate daily from Kuala Lumpur and other major towns. Terengganu internal bus services operate from Kuala Terengganu to various small towns in the state. The main bus station is located at Jalan Masjid Abidin, Kuala Terengganu. Taxis are also available throughout the state and they serve all major towns in Peninsular Malaysia.

7. Cultural Heritage

12. Istana Maziah

Istana Maziah is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III. It was built in1897 to replace the Istana Hijau which was burned down during world war II. Located next to Bukit Puteri, it is the venue for royal birthdays, wedding, conferment of titles and receptions for local and foreign dignitaries. A product of the blend between splendid modern and traditional architecture, it is also well-known as one of Malaysia's cultural attractions.

13. The Central Market

14. Desa Craft

Desa Craft, formerly known as Usaha Desa, is an interesting handicraft centre which showcases songket, brassware, batik, souvenir items and also fashion wear of current batik designs. This centre was developed by the Terengganu State Economic Development Corporation as part of its effort to promote Kuala Terengganu a popular tourist destination.

15. Handicraft Centre

Chendering, located approximately 6 km from Kuala Terengganu, is the site of the Malaysian Handicraft Centre. The centre offers visitors a wide variety of Malaysian handicraft and also an in sight into handicraft making. Some of the exquisite items which can be found here are songket, batik, vases, and mats, hats, wallets and bags made from pandanus leaves. Visitors will also get a chance to witness first hand the skills of local artisans in songket weaving, batik painting, basket weaving, etc.

16. Marang Fishing Villages

A very picturesque fishing village, Marang welcomes her visitors with tall swaying coconut trees, cool fresh air, an incredibly beautiful lagoon and a fleet of fishing trawlers. Any visitor to Marang will be easily captivated by its natural beauty and simplistic ambience.

17. Chendering Fishing Villages

Besides being considered as the centre for handicraft and traditional textiles in Terengganu, Chendering is also the site for a national deep sea fishing project. Located 6 km south of Kuala Terengganu, Chendering has a long jetty which makes it an excellent site for fishing.

18. Kijal Fishing Villages

Kijal is a small, quiet and quaint fishing village located north of the Kemaman town. For those who want some peace and solitude, head out for Kijal where you can just laze around while watching fishing fleets returning with the day's catch, fishermen mending their nets or attending to their boats, or just let the cool and invigorating air caress you to a state of tranquility.

19. Waterfront of Kuala Terengganu 

Visitors to the Waterfront of Kuala Terengganu wand rest areas.

20. LA Hot Springs 

There is a hot spring in Besut which is known as the LA Hot Springs with its water temperature ranging from 45-49 degrees celcius. The water contains natural sulphur, which is said to have healing properties. Visitors flock to this spring especially those who are afflicted with skin ailments.

21. Sekayu Waterfall 

The Sekayu Waterfall is located within the Sekayu Recreational Forest in Kuala Berang. It was established in 1974 and officially launched in 1985.Seven cascades here with water-cut pools which become the natural swimming pools make it a famous retreat for visitors. In wet season, you can hear the sound of rushing water falling from a high altitude from far away as you trek up the hill towards the pool. It is a pleasure experience. Not much trekking to be done for lowest level of the waterfall except you have to climb the concrete stairs. Picnicking places and resting huts are along the way. Only when you are not satisfied with the lowest pool and intend to challenge the mountain, there the real trekking will take place. Even so, is not going to be a difficult one as the mountain is not steep. If you are an expert in trees perhaps you can name some of the names of the trees along your way up. Sekayu is rich with Dipterocarp species such as Meranti and Damar Hitam (Shorea Species), Keruing (Dipterocarpus species) etc.

Because of the long established history, the recreational park is well facilitated with public facilities such as shelters, changing room, chalets and rest house, providing for visitors’ convenience besides three units of fully furnished chalets with the price rated between Rm30 to Rm50 (prices are subject to change) a night. Sekayu Waterfall is said to be one of the most comprehensive picnicking and trekking area in the state. To offer more choices to the visitors, there is a fruit orchard, a mini zoo, a bird park and a flower garden. Because of the ease in access to this waterfall, during the weekends or holidays, people come here for picnic or camping (this is also partly because there are no restaurant at Sekayu, therefore you have to bring your own supply). It is no doubt why this recreational park has become one of the promoted agro-tourism destinations for the state.

The Sekayu camping site is a choice if you are interested in spending the night outdoor. It is advisable to arm yourself with mosquito repellents.

Getting there :
Sekayu waterfall can be accessed either through Kuala Berang (16 km) or KualaTerengganu (56 km). there are buses and taxis from the main road to Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Berang then taxis from Kuala Berang to the waterfall. Along the way to the destination, you will pass through some traditional Malay villages. Padi fields, perhaps buffalos soaking themselves in the muddy water and villagers selling fresh corn by the road, giving you unspoiled country side scenery. RM 1.00 will be charged for each entry into the recreational forest.

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22. Bukit Belatan Waterfall

The waterfall is located 19 km from Jerteh. The waterfall offers delightful scenery of water falling over a series of immense rock shelves into a pool bordered by rock-walls.

24. Pulau Redang

Located 50 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu is one of the most beautiful and exotic islands in Malaysia. Far from the hustle and bustle of a big town or city, Pulau Redang offers crystal clear water, pearly white shores, a colourful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset and what could be the world's most mature coral gardens. This paradise-like island is perfect for swimming snorkelling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, fishing boating and canoeing. It takes about 2 hours by boat from the village of Merang. However, visitors have to abide by the Fisheries Act 1985, as Pulau Redang is one of the few marine parks in Malaysia. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2 km radius of the island, and the collection of coral and aquatic life is prohibited.

25. Pulau Perhentian

Pulau Perhentian, situated 21 km off the coast of Terengganu, consists of two islands Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. A trip to this lush and exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing. Surrounded by a virgin jungle,
swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, warm sapphire blue waters, and a colourful coral garden, Pulau Perhentian is renowned as one of Malaysia's marine paradise and part of the national marine park. Therefore, the same code applies here, as in Pulau Redang. The journey to this spectacular island takes about one and a half hours by boat from Kuala Besut.

28. Beaches 

Streching more that 244 kilometre the Terengganu Coastline is The Longest Exotic Beach in Malaysia also knows as Malaysia’s longest playground in the sun. Beachcombers and sunworshippers alike will find the Terengganu coastline to be one never-ending giant playground with the longest sandy coastline in the country.Terengganu offer an amazing collection of beaches that revealboth secluded palm fringed coves abd popular beachfront
 

The state of Terengganu, on the East Coast of Peninsula Malaysia, is famous for its long stretch of white sandy and unpolluted beaches that span 244 kilometers from the northern district of Besut to the southern district of Kemaman. Which is The Longest Exotic Beach in Malaysia also knows as Malaysia’s longest playground in the sun. Facing the South China Sea, the amazing collection of beaches that reveal both secluded palm fringed coves and popular beachfront beaches are breathtaking and its offshore islands enchanting. A haven for those seeking a good time in the sun, sand and sea.

All these amazing beach are easily accessible via the scenic costal highway that even me and some tourist can’t resist the temptation to stop by the way to gave at the golden sunrise or have a picnic , Fishing. or buying the Famous Terengganu ‘s Delicacies  The “Keropok Lekor”,The aroma of the famous “Otak-Otak” and othe malay delecasie that can be found almost all place in the city or throughout the coastal highway.

30. Rantau Abang

Another place that should be on every visitor's itinerary is Rantau Abang, 60 km south of Kuala Terengganu. There, visitors lay in wait quietly from midnight to dawn to watch giant leatherback turtles laying eggs. The turtles lumbering slowly on the white sandy beaches to lay eggs are a memorable sight. These giant turtles, up to 2.5 m in length and sometimes weighing more than 375 kg are indeed a phenomenal sight to behold. Rantau Abang is one of only six places in the world visited by these turtles, from the months of May to September.

31. Bukit Keluang

Approximately 140 km north of Kuala Terengganu and a few km from Besut, lays Bukit Keluang. The view in this area is one of the most breathtaking and magnificent in Malaysia. It is also an ideal site for swimming, snorkelling and wind surfing. Its distinctive features are caves, which are easily reached by walkways.

33. The Sungai Yak Yah's Firefly Sanctuary

The Glow fly has resided here for many-many year and its has been a major place for some Terengganu’ people, researcher and student to came here for study or firefly’s appreciation activities and marvel at the many Glow fly that habitat here. The glow fly sanctuary here was almost not known to any body except for the villager and fisherman in and near Kampung Ibok, Chukai Town at Kemaman district. Recently our Terengganu state government in 2006 had started promoting and selling the Firefly sanctuary as recommendation sight-seeing  and number one glow fly appreciation area inside the state after Sungai Penarik Firefly Sanctuary, near Kampung Penarik. 

The Sungai Yak Yah Firefly Sanctuary is the biggest fire sanctuary in Malaysia. Which is located about half an hour from the town of Chukai in Kemaman. The Yak Yah river is home to the biggest firefly colonies in Malaysia. But the sightseer whom visits this river every month is less than 100 and most of them are from Japan and a few from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur , Perak and etc, which leave the firefly sanctuary almost deserted because the local authority at Kemaman doesn’t paid much attention for the tourism industry until early 2006. When the local News paper like News Strait Time Press or (NSTP), The Sun, and Utusan Malaysia had highlight the concern and plead of the Kemaman people ,Villager of Kampung Sungai Ibok and tourism operators. When the Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh found out about the sanctuary ‘s problem Our MB Dato’ Idris then had direct the Kemaman ‘s DO or District Office to ensure the habitat of the fireflies was well protected , preserved and not disturbed. and like wise the State Government Tourism Action Council’ secretariat also had now started to promote Sungai Yak Yah as the state newest attraction and building the necessary amenities needed like a jetty , toilet  and etc.

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34. Natural

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35. Kenyir Lake

36. Hutan Lipur Sungai Cemerung

Hutan Lipur Sungai Cemerung or Recreational Forest of Cemerung River is the biggest Hutan Lipur and are located beside the river of the Forest Reserve of Pasir Raja, in Dungun. (District Dungun) .The forest reserve is a hill forest. The forest reserver are bless with abundant of are many unique of flora and fauna that can be found here .The forest reserver are rich with the meranti and keruing tree which create an interesting background to the Hutan Lipur.  Hutan Lipur Sungai Cemerung is one of the most famous Recreational Forest in Malaysia as uniquely, it is the home of The Highest Waterfall in Malaysia : the Cemerung Waterfall and the world two largest and oldest Cengal tree in the world and the most beautiful and scenic Recreational Forest in the whole peninsular Malaysia.

As you are approaching the recreational forest from far a way you will see along strict of white colour in the middle of the green valley.The closer you get to it you will see a towering white water gushing down from the valley like a stairway to heaven. The Cemerung Waterfall is an 305m high beautiful and magnificent waterfall which lay at the wall of East Coast Mountain Range, The 305 meters of gushing white water streaked down to the many beautiful steep rock faces before smashing into a cloud of spray all around the waterfall as is the whole place are still in the early morning mist. The Hutan Lipur Sungai Cemerung is the favourite resting spots in Malaysia and Terengganu with almost 2 thousand visitor almost every weekend or during the holiday season.The are a lot of ammenitis here that are prepared by the Forestry Department. The are many resting hut or “Wakaf” that are built around the place, a high observation tower can also be found here for the many nature lover who want to see the many animal that frequently visit the salt area here.

Visitor will enjoy the many recreational amenities that are prepared here at the park. To many visitor, the Hutan Lipur Sungai Cemerung is like a large water world as you can see many waterfall around here and wherever you go you will only see water and water. Many young children will enjoy very much here as you can swim ,bath and do almost anything except fishing. The inland is the where, the adventurers’ type can go on a jungle trekking activities or camping to hike your way up to the top of Cemerung Waterfall, where you will find your self with a magnificent view of the pristine forest from high above. Along the way you will see a lot of flora and fauna here that this place is like a heaven for photojournalist and bird watcher. A picnic trip at Hutan Lipur Sungai Cemerung is the most ideal thing to do here as this will bring and tighten the family and ease the body to relax from the stressful weeks of long hour works. Recreational Forest of Sungai Cemerung are located 30Km from the city of Al-Muktafibillah Shah (15-20 Minute drive), or 100 Km from Kuala Terengganu (1 Hour Drive)  

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37. Hutan Lipur Lata Payung

Hutan Lipur Lata Payung or Recreational Forest of Lata Payung are located at The Forest Reserve of Gunung Tebu (Mount Tebu) ,in Daerah Besut (District Besut) and Setiu. The forest reserve is a dikprtokal hill forest with conifer forest at the top of Gunung Tebu. There are many unique and abundant of flora and fauna that can be found here. The Forest Reserve of Gunung Tebu is most famous for its Gunung Tebu, which is the main attraction to the many Malaysian and tourist who came here to see Mount Tebu or to hike it. For anyone who want a bit of  challenge or outdoor activities in Terengganu, then why not have a hike at Mount Tebu by following the trail up to the submit. The trail are prepare by the forestry department and trust me the hike here will test your mental strength and stamina. What fascinated me about Gunung Tebu is the large horde of student and college kid including some primary student who came just to hike Gunung Tebu (especially during school holiday, college, and University semesters breaks. Beside the Gunung Tebu the forest reserve is also famous to the many biologist, birdwatcher, researcher and scientists as this is the only place where many of the rare species of flora and fauna that are hard to find at in the many state of Malaysia can be found here in one place. 

Visitor can also enjoy some jungle trekking along the trek that are well organise by the Forestry Department to educated many simple layman of the many flora and fauna of the forest and its benefit and the important of conservation of the forest and its effect to human kind. The waterfall here are beautiful that you will enjoy having a dip in its cold and refreshing river that are so clear that many children will enjoy looking at the many little fish and little shrimp that can be found here. Visitor at the Recreational Forest of Lata Payung are allowed to camp here as they are many camping spot to be found here along the many scout member. Visitor can also bring they own food for picnic or have BBQ here using the BBQ stove here except for the tool to burn the Food and charcoal which you bring yourself. You can also can go for a leisure walk along jungle trail in the park to see the many wild life that can be seen here or you can go see the exhibitont of the forest which are prepare in the park where visitor can learn about herb, plant, tree and animal.

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38. Hutan Lipur seri Amar

Hutan Lipur Seri Amar or Recreational Forest of Seri Amar are located in the forest reserve of Hulu Nerus which is just 18 Km from Permaisuri city, 59 Km form Kuala Terengganu City have an assortment of flora and fauna enthough it is close to the city.This small Recreational forest was created to cater the need of the local community in Bandar Permaisuri. The Recreational forest here, have a very beautiful river, where the water that flow here are crystal clear and refreshing. The recreational forest here are the perfect spot for a picnic with the family. Without going trough the long hour just to be close with nature. There are many modest convenience that are prepare here by the forestry department and the local government like public amnesties like phone, toilet and changing room with rest house ,hut, and camping site that are prepare here for visitor who wish to spend overnight.

The area offer an a small assortment of activities that can be done here like picnicking, swimming, bathing, camping in the wild or trekking. Here visitor can enjoy taking a pleasure walk on the pavement along the park or go for a jungle trekking where visitor may see small wild animal that frequently appear at the trail at the small but modest park. Being near to the suburban this place make its an idea place for a family gathering and occasion like BBQ with colleague and friend.

39. Agrotourism

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40. Setiu Agro Resort

Seven km from Bandar Permaisuri is the popular Setiu Agro Resort, which has been conceived with the noble agrotourism concept in mind. This is the state government's effort to preserve the environment and at the same time offer healthy recreational activities while providing camping facilities and basic amenities for visitors. The park is a natural laboratory for the study of nature with the names of trees and plants labelled accordingly. It promotes the importance of care and concern for the environment and enhances civic consciousness among the state's populace and visitors.

41. Shopping

Terengganu is a paradise for bargain hunters and souvenir collectors. There is ample opportunity to buy batik cloth, songket, traditional woodcarvings, local handicrafts, woven hats and baskets, clothing, intricate filigree silverware, gleaming brassware and decorative wall pieces as well as a staggering variety of dried and fresh food. Another special feature for shoppers are the fascinating bustling weekend markets found in practically avery town.

42. Accommodation