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State Flag

State Emblem / Logo

The white background denotes the Ruler and the black field represents the people; the white surrounding the black signifies the protection of the Ruler over his subjects. The crescent and the star represent Islam, the State religion.

The crescent and the star above indicate that Terengganu is an Islamic State. The crown symbolises the sovereignty of the Ruler. The sword, long kris and the mace represent the authority of the State. The book on the right represents the Holy Quran. The book on the left represents the kitab. The kain dukong symbolise the appurtenances of Malay royalty.

Area : 12,955 sq km

State Capital & Royal Town : Kuala Terengganu

Head of State : Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud al-Muktafi Billah Shah DK (NS), DMN, SSMT, DK (Perlis), DKT, SPMJ, DK (Johor), SPMT, DK (Terengganu)

Chief Minister : Y.A.B. Dato' Seri Haji Idris bin Jusoh

District : Besut, Dungun, Hulu Terengganu, Kemaman, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Setiu

Terengganu Darul Iman

Introduction

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Getting to Terengganu

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Terengganu Darul Iman ( Abode of Faith )

The Abode of Charm and Beauty

Terengganu is the land of the lilting Gamelan and the mesmerising "Ulek Mayang" dance--living testimony to the state's centuries-old guardianship of Malaysia's cultural heritage. It is a quiet state endowed with a wealth of charming and refreshing natural landscapes. Lush virgin tropical jungles, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls and internationally renowned islands with miles and miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and teeming marine life have made Terengganu an increasingly popular destination for tourists and divers. One of the three east coast states on Peninsular Malaysia, Terengganu has a land area of 12,995 square kilometres and 225 kilometres of picturesque coastline. This state offers an amazing bargain of natural attractions and cultural diversity distinctly different from what can be found along the west coast. From its myriad of colourful pastimes, which include batik printing and songket weaving to the rapturous celebration of its many generations of cultural and traditional heritage, Terengganu is indeed a very blessed state. Kuala Terengganu, its capital, stands on the bank of the Terengganu River.

Sightseeing / Full Day Tour

Redang Island

Kapas Island

Sekayu Waterfall & Kenyir Dam

Marang River Safari

Tenggol Island

Rantau Abang Hidden Treasure

Terengganu Countryside Tour

Terengganu Heritage Waterfront City

Candat Sotong / Squid Jigging

Terengganu River Safari

Terengganu Safari & Heritage

Cemerong Waterfall & Pasir Raja

Lata Tembakah & LA Hot Spring

Fireflies Sanctuary & Fishing Village

Bidong Island (Mini Saigon)

Terengganu's history goes back to as far as the 1st century and has long been an important area of Malay settlement. Throughout the time up to the present day, 16 sultans had ruled Terengganu. Terengganu's location on the South China Sea ensured that it was on trade routes since ancient times. The earliest written reports on the area that is now Terengganu were by Chinese merchant seamen in early centuries A.D. Like other Malay states, Terengganu practiced a Hindu–Buddhist culture combined with animist traditional beliefs for hundreds of years before the arrival of Islam. Under the influence of Sri Vijaya, Terengganu also traded extensively with the Majapahit Empire, the Khmer and the Chinese.

Terengganu was perhaps the first Malay state to receive Islam, as attested to by a stone monument dated 1303 with Arabic inscriptions found in Kuala Berang, the capital of the district of Ulu (inland) Terengganu. Terengganu became a vassal state of Melaka, but retained considerable autonomy with the emergence of Riau-Johor. It emerged as an independent sultanate in 1724. The first Sultan was Tun Zainal Abidin, the younger brother of a former sultan of Johor, and Johor strongly influenced Terengganu politics through the 18th century.

In the 19th century, Terengganu became a vassal state of Siam, and sent tribute every year to the Emperor of Siam in the form of bunga mas (a tree with flowers and leaves made of gold). Under Siamese rule, Terengganu prospered, and was largely left alone by the authorities in Bangkok. The terms of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 saw power over Terengganu transfered from Siam to Great Britain. A British Resident was installed after considerable reluctance in 1919, and Terengganu become one of the Unfederated Malay States. The move was highly unpopular locally, and in 1928 the British used military force to suppress a popular uprising. During World War II, Japan transferred Terengganu back to Siam, along with Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis, but after the defeat of Japan, these Malay states returned to British control. Terengganu became a member of the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and a state of independent Malaya in 1957

Culture

Terengganu's population, which stands at approximately 1.5 million people, consists of 94% Malays, 5% Chinese with the rest being made up of Indians and others. The pace of life in Kuala Terengganu, its capital state, and all the towns and villages in Terengganu is unhurried and unaffected by the hustle and bustle of a big city. Terengganu did not receive many Indian or Chinese migrants, and therefore Malay cultural influences predominate. Traditional pursuits such as kite-flying contests, top-spinning contests, and traditional arts & crafts, such as batik and songket are still very much alive. Terengganu has always had a reputation for being socially conservative and deeply Islamic in religion.

There are Homestay's available that gives an opportunity to live with host families and to get a fist hand experience of a Malay village lifestyle and activities like going to orchards to harvest fruits, feeding livestock in the farm or playing Malay traditional games like congkak, kite flying, etc. Another fun way is to go on the river cruise, which allows one to witness the traditional live style of the Terengganu villagers, and their several cottage industries.

Dining

Terengganu cuisine is distinctively memorable for its fresh ingredients, inimitable spices, and unique flavours! There are many good restaurants in Kuala Terengganu serving Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes. Western cuisine can be found at larger hotels and restaurants in many towns. Nasi Dagang is glutinous rice, white or pinkish, cooked in coconut milk and served with fish curry, cucumber, pickle and coconut sambal. More recent accompanying items include chicken and seafood cooked in curry.

The most famous local food is keropok lekor, made primarily from a combination of dough (sago flour) and pounded fish mainly from mackerel and sardines, fried and served with hot chili sauce for afternoon tea. Keropok keping (fish crackers) are made from sun-dried slices of kerpok lekor. Numerous keropok stalls are found on the side of the highway that passes through coastal communities.

Budu, a very pungent and salty anchovy sauce is also popular among locals. It is often mixed with sliced onions and chilies as condiments.

Laksang (Laksam) is a modified version of laksa. Made from rice flour into thick and soft slices, it is served with light fresh coconut milk with boiled fish flesh, mainly mackerel, finel chopped chilies, onions, cucumbers and long beans. Laksang is normally eaten cold at breakfast. Sata, another Terengganu specialty, is grilled fish cake wrapped in banana leaves.

Shopping

Sutera Semai Centre (Silk Weaving Centre). Kuala Ibai, located 6 km from Kuala Terengganu, is Malaysia’s pioneer silk weaving centre. Beautiful, brightly coloured woven silk cloth, brocades and batik are sold here. They make lovely souvenirs that can be purchased and added to collection. Apart from shopping, visitors can witness the different stages of silk production and the exquisite art of batik painting.

Malaysian Handicraft Centre. Also located about six kilometres from Kuala Terengganu, this centre offers visitors a wide range of Malaysian handicraft to choose from. Some of the famous and exquisite items are songket, batik, vases, mats, hats, wallets and bags made from Pandanus leaves.

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