Terengganu Travel...
Where Nature Embraces Heritage

Terengganu, also known by its Arabic honorific, Darul Iman (Abode of Faith) is a state located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Facing the South China Sea, Terengganu borders Kelantan at the northwest and Pahang at the southwest. The capital of Terengganu is Kuala Terengganu, which stands at the mouth of the broad Terengganu River. Kuala Terengganu is also the largest city in Terengganu.

The origin of the name "Terengganu" is unclear, but there are several theories pertaining to it. One theory states that the name actually originated from the Malay term "Terang Anu", which in English means Bright Rainbow. Another theory, said to be originally narrated by the ninth Sultan (King) of Terengganu, Baginda Omar, says that one of the members of a party of hunters from Pahang who were hunting in an area just south of Terengganu, found a big animal fang on the ground.

Having picked up the fang, one of his fellow hunting mates asked him which animal the fang belonged to. Not knowing the answer, he simply replied "Taring Anu", which in English means Fang of something. The party of hunters later returned to Pahang with a very good hunt, which of course, impressed their neighbours. They asked the hunters the source of their hunt, to which the hunters replied, "from the land of Taring Anu", which later evolved into Terengganu.

Terengganu today has transformed from a quiet town to a lively and bustling city. The major tourist attractions in Terengganu are its amazing, fascinating, beautiful beaches which attract thousands of visitors, both local and foreign every year. But beaches are not the only attractions here. There are so many Terengganu travel spots to explore, I really don't know where to start. So, I guess I'll just start with the well-known, beautiful beaches of Terengganu.

Terengganu has the longest panoramic beach in Malaysia. With 244 km of sandy coastlines overlooking the South China Sea, traditional Malay villages, and picturesque sunrises coming from below the horizon, you would definitely be awed by its beauty. The Islands in Terengganu are known for its breath-taking sceneries, soft, powdery white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Among the most famous and well known Islands in Terengganu are Pulau Redang (Redang Island) and Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Island). Pulau Redang, known as the "Emerald Island of Malaysia" is the most developed Island in this state. Visitors from all over the world come here to enjoy the colourful, mature coral gardens and the crystal clear, vibrant underwater world.

Pulau Perhentian, one of the most beautiful Islands in Malaysia is also situated here. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, warm sapphire blue waters and colourful coral garden, Perhentian Island is renowned as one of Malaysia's marine paradise. Visitors come here to enjoy scuba diving, deep sea fishing, wind surfing, boating and canoeing. With these two amazing Islands, Terengganu is truly a haven for beach lovers to soak up the sun, feel the sandy beaches and experience the cool, clear waters of the sea.

Besides the beaches, Terengganu is also home to the highest waterfall in Malaysia. The Chemerung Waterfall is a 305m high beautiful and magnificent waterfall which lay at the wall of the East Coast Mountain Range.

The water that flows from a height of 305 meters streak downwards gracefully and upon smashing into the many beautiful steep rock faces, creates a cloud of fine water droplets which is both refreshing and invigorating.

Another Terengganu travel spot that shouldn't be missed is Tasik Kenyir (Kenyir Lake in English). Tasik Kenyir is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia, spanning 260,000 hectares. It is also Malaysia's largest rock filled hydroelectric dam.

When the area was flooded for the construction of the Hydroelectric Power Plant, what were once streams, hills and highlands are now submerged under water. However, the hilltops which stood above the water level were not submerged, thus creating about 340 man-made Islands. Tasik Kenyir is a popular destination for nature lovers as it is surrounded by lush tropical rain forests.

It is also interesting to know that Terengganu is home to the world's largest "Chengal" tree. It is estimated to be around 1,300 years old with a diameter of 16.75 meters and a height of 65 meters.

The few Terengganu travel spots I've shared with you here are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other Terengganu travel spots and tourist attractions here worth exploring but it would be quite impossible to share with you all of those interesting places to visit on this one page. So, I'll be starting (and constantly updating) a new section on this page specially dedicated to the amazing and beautiful Terengganu travel spots. So, do check back often!

Meanwhile, if you are planning or have already planned a vacation to Terengganu and will be coming here soon, it would be helpful to have a Terengganu Map (requires pdf reader) to make your traveling easier. A Kuala Terengganu Map (requires pdf reader) would also come in handy when you're on your vacation there. Hope it helps!

So, how do we get to Terengganu, "The Land Where Nature Embraces Heritage"? Simple! Just Click Here to find out how.