Fun things to do in Negeri Terengganu

Before the creation of Tasik Kenyir, Taat had three caves and the lowest, the Tok Bidan Cave, is now submerged under water. This is the site where archaeologists and historians have uncovered artifacts such as kitchen utensils, axes and tools dating back to the Neolithic era.

Outside Kuala Terengganu town at Chendering is the beautiful floating white Kuala Ibai Mosque. In Malay, floating mosque is called "Masjid Terapung".

It is builit over water of Sungai Ibai (Ibai River) and on the water reflection, hence it is often refered to as the Floating Mosque of Terengganu.

Be dressed conservatively when visiting the Mosque and avoid Friday afternoon which will be crowded by Muslim men for prayers.

This is a very popular beach which located between Kijal and Kertih - north of Kemaman, just after crossing from Pahang State into Terengganu.

There is a rugged rock formation on the beach which on high tide appear like a pair of twin rocks jutting out of the sea.

There is a nearby estuary of Kemasek river with the Kemasik fishing village - making it very picturesque.

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There are regular boat services from the mainland town of Kampung Kuala Besut to both Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar.

In Malay, Pulau=island, Perhentian=A stop, Kecil =small, Besar=big

You will find a fishing village on Perhentian Besar.

As for accomodation, they are available on different sides of both islands. The range from simple A huts to pricey rooms.

There are excellent beaches, places for snorkelling and scuba diving sites. During the major public and school holidays, the islands may be crowded. If you go on weekdays, it is more tranquil. In Terengganu, remember Friday is an off day and Sunday is a working day.

At Perhentian Kecil, this was the first place I saw a pair of octopus swimming near the beach. Where I attempted my first solo night diving. Was scary with the sound passing village boats.

Overall, nice place for beach and island relaxation as well as exciting underwater scuba and snorkelling.

We stayed in Kijal which is the main housing town of oil and gas companies operating off the coast of Terengganu in the South China Sea. The bungalows were well organized in grid roads and rather comfortable as there are many local as well expatriate families staying here.

Were lucky as it was season for the famous Kijal durians - a thorny fruit with aromatic fleshy seeds which the locals love but many foreigners cannot partake.

At night, if you drive north to Kertih which has major refineries. Thhe whole place is lighted up like Disneyland and is surreal. As you sit on the quiet long beach with the waves lapping and the stars above but in the distance you can see the oil refining complext like a landed alien space complex with non-stop operating oil storage tanks, pumps and pipes.

During lunch, we were taken by locals south to the town of Chukai (Kemaman) for the famous stuffed crabmeat in crab shells. Cholestrol must be high but we hungrily consumed this delicious crab dish. Also a great place to buy packets of dried crackers of fish, prawn and cuttle fish to bring back home to oil deep fry.

Kuala Terengganu has some impressive new government and corporate buildings since oil and gas has been discovered offshore. There is well preserved Chinatown with prewar architecture along the main riverside of this coastal town with many fruit stalls set up in the evening market.

There is the annual monsoon raining season in November to January but now there is an international sailing competition called Monsoon Cup being held to attract tourism. As the weather gets rough, the tough gets sailing.

Great place to buy Terengganu souvenir like kites, batik sarongs, weaved matts and baskets. There is an airport which many use as the getway to the diving islands off Terengganu.

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Located at Kuala Berang, Sekayu Recreational Forest. A no-no during festive season. Flooded with the locals...in fact just too many of them! But i believe if you go probably during the weekdays i sure bet you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the fall there.

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As far as i know, it's quite famous for those who wants to purchase songket and hand painted silk garments. As the name stated 'market' it is busy as you would know. The market too sells food stuff. Another thing to look out for are the keropok and beef serunding. This is usually eat together with lemang (glutinous rice w/ coconut milk cooked in bamboo over the hot flame). Very tasty!. You can also locate stalls for souvenirs for friends back at home.