Oil wealth is transforming the once pristine state of Kuala Terengganu in northeastern Malaysia. However, with its lovely capital on the Terengganu River, delightful countryside with lakes and rivers and abundant beaches and islands, this is still a great place for a holiday.
You can explore the pleasures of the state capital in just a few days. Though high rises are beginning to dwarf the traditional kampongs, it's still an attractive town and a joy to discover.
Must-visit attractions include the Sultan's Palace, the State Museum, Suterasemai Silk Centre and the imposing Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal) made of steel, glass and crystal.
Pleasant as the capital is, Kuala Terengganu's largest draw is undoubtedly its almost 250-kilometre stretch of white, sandy beaches and the islands offshore. Moreover, the hinterland's many lagoons, rivers and lakes are also a huge draw for watersports buffs.
Whether you're into surfing, jetskiing, snorkelling, kayaking or just pottering about on boats, Kuala Terengganu is your kind of place.
If you visit during one of the many festivals celebrated there, you're in for a special treat. Together with Malay, Chinese, and Indian fiestas, they also celebrate some uniquely local events including the Beach Festival and Monsoon Cup.
Kuala Terengganu is well worth a few days exploration and is also a fine place to stock up on handicrafts before heading out to the beaches and islands.
*Delve into the state's culture and history at the Weekly Cultural Show held at Pantai Batu Burok. It's held every Saturday except during Ramadan. In the meantime, check out the Terengganu State Museum -- the largest in the country.
With one of the area's more attractive Chinatowns and a spate of bustling markets, Kuala Terengganu is a great place to pick up local handicrafts including wood carvings and the local silk or cotton batik sarongs. The latter make perfect beach towels.
The area's main draw is the lovely tropical islands nearby. These include Redang, Lang Tengah, Tenggol and Kapas. Redang is the most developed and with its shipwrecks and coral gardens it's a dream spot for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Malaysia's various ethnic groups each have their own fiestas and the state of Kuala Terengganu has several of its own. Many are devoted to water sports.
Chap Goh Meh: Translated as 15th night, the festival of Chap Goh Meh represents the end of Chinese New Year and is celebrated in late January/early February. As such, it's the liveliest day of that lively festival and marked with dragon dances and family get-togethers.
April Beach Festival
This annual event takes place around the time of new year in Thailand and Cambodia (April 13-15). Most activities take place at Batu Burok Beach and include cultural performances, traditional games and contests, dances and cultural shows. Games include sepak takraw, a kind of volleyball involving only the feet, and kite flying.
The start of December witnesses the international Monsoon Cup commonly known as the 'Formula One of sailing' owing to its high-profile contestants. The event is held in Pulau Duyong and always draws huge crowds.
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