The Most Popular Food In Terengganu (Nasi Dagang)

Nasi Dagang is a Malaysian and Southern Thai dish consisting of rice steamed in coconut milk, fish curry and extra ingredients such as fried shaved coconut, hard-boiled eggs and vegetables pickles. Nasi Dagang literally means "Trading Rice". It is a well-known breakfast food in the states on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia especially Terengganu. The most famous Nasi Dagang of Terengganu comes from Kampung Ladang, an area within the Kuala Terengganu district. Nasi Dagang can also be considered as a festive dish in Terengganu because it is prepared at home for the morning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, to be eaten as a breakfast before or after the Aidilfitri prayers in the mosque.

The Most Popular Food In Terengganu (Keropok Lekor)

Keropok Lekor Kemaman Terengganu is a favaorite food in Terengganu.Some call them fish fritters,fish sausage or a fish sticks but in Terengganu,they are called 'keropok'.There are three types of keropok,mainly keropok lekor (resembling sausage,boiled chewy ones),keropok goring (also resembling sausage but fried chewy ones) and keropok Keping (sliced,sun-dried and fried).All district produce their own keropok but the famous ones are none better than those found in Kampong Losong in Kuala Terengganu.'Keropok Lekor' are actually made from processed fish meat mixed with salt and sago flour.This mixture is then hand roled into sausage shaped around 6 to 10 inches ong and immediately cooked.It is a great afternoon snack normally dipped in Terengganu's equally famous chili sauce.

Ulek Mayang

Ulek Mayang is a Malay traditional dance from the state of Terengganu in Malaysia. It is a ritualistic dance performed to appease or invoke the spirits of the sea and is always accompanied by a unique song also called Ulek Mayang. A traditional ochestra comprising drums, gong, violin and accordion accompanies the dance. The Ulek Mayang is said to have its origin in an ancient tale about a sea-princess who fell in love with a fisherman. The princess abducted the fisherman's soul, leaving his body unconscious. His friends entreated a bomoh (shaman) to heal him. When the bomoh conducted the healing ritual to bring the fisherman's soul back, the princess appeared and responded by calling on five of her sisters to her aid. The battle between the bomoh and the six princesses continued until the seventh and the eldest princess appeared and put an end to it. "I know your origins", says the eldest princess, and she commands everyone, "Let those from the sea to return to the sea, and those from the land to return to the land". The grateful bomoh and the fisherman's friends present the princess with coloured rice as an offering to the spirits of the sea. This practice, along with the Ulek Mayang dance, continued until the Islamic revival movement of recent decades.

Monsoon Cup Terengganu

The Monsoon Cup is the the finale of the prestigious World Match Racing Tour international sailing circuit, and the Tour's first Asian venue. It debut in 2005, and has place Pulau Duyong, Terengganu on the world sailing map, attracting the world's top ranked sailors to compete in this prestigious event. This annual event is broadcast over 183 countries which highlight Terengganu as one of the challenging venue with world class marina facilities. Pulau Duyong has gained worldwide fame for its boat building industry and is now the host for the international yacht race event under the Swedish Match Tour. There side events held in conjunction with the Monsoon Cup to showcase Terengganu's rich arts, culture and heritage.

Where To Stay

1. Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa.
2. Primula Beach Hotel.
3. Permai Hotel Kuala Terengganu.

Chinatown

Chinatown in Kuala Terengganu is first established by the Chinese community in the late 19^th century. It was once a hub for commercial activities that help shaped Kuala Terengganu into what it is today. The Chinese built the traditionally designed shop houses according to their place of origin in Mainland China. The buildings have been declared a heritage site by the United Nation’s UNESCO under its World Monument Watch Programme to ensure beautification and preservation of this pre-colonial heritage significant. The Chinese have been living harmoniously with the majority Malays in the state. They blend with the local culture and heritage, speak fluent local dialect and share the likings of traditional delicacies while retaining their identity. Souvenir shops, restaurants, electronic and grocery shops lined the colourful buildings. It is also home to two grand temple or toapekongs, the Ho Ann Kiong and the Tien Hou Kong.

How To Get Here

Chinatown is located within walking distance from Pasar Payang (Central Market) in the commercial hub of Kuala Terengganu Heritage Waterfront City. Most tour packages include Chinatown in their itinerary. Few hotels are within walking distance while others need transportation. The Heritage Town Bus which plies from Taman Shahbandar stops next to Hotel Seri Malaysia Kuala Terengganu near the arch entrance of Chinatown. Car rentals and taxi services are within reach from most hotels in Kuala Terengganu.

Where To Stay

1. Primula Beach Hotel
2. YT Midtown Hotel
3. Seri Malaysia Kuala Terengganu
4. Hotel Tanjung Vista Kuala Terengganu
5.  Grand Continental Kuala Terengganu

Where To Eat

1. Guan Coffe Shop
2. Golden Dragon Restaurant
3. Pizza Hut
4. KFC Fried Chicken
5. Chinatown Food Court

Pasar Payang

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" Pasar Payang, or the Central Market of Kuala Terengganu, is a must-visit especially for first-time visitors to this turtle state. Located just by the Sungai Terengganu (Terengganu River)." 

What would Kuala Terengganu be without the Pasar Payang, or the Central Market? Located just a few minutes of walking north along the pier from the inter-city bus station, it serves as both wet market and a trade centre for the local community. There is an air of festivity as one approaches the entrance of the market, with makeshift stalls lining the path, showcasing trinkets of all kinds. In their loudest voice, the local peddlers will impress you with the alleged magical powers of the amulets, the potency of their traditional medicines, or the quality of their precious stones. It’s a wonder how they could sustain their voice for so long without getting a sore throat – there must be something in those “amulets.” Fresh fish, poultry, vegetables and fruits can be found on the ground floor, many manned by kindly-faced old ladies, ever smiling, inviting you to their wares. This is where you'll find the unfamiliar and sometimes the bizarre. One can get fresh produce of local delicacies such as the 'keropok lekor' - made of grounded fish and sagu flour, and 'serunding' - the spicy flavoursome meat floss. Seduced by their charms, I ended up with so many bags of keropoks – it was hard not to buy from the friendly and sweet, demure ladies! Terengganu is also known for its thriving batik industry. Some of the best batik and songket in Malaysia is hand made in Terengganu and a vast choice of this traditional textile can be purchased on the first floor of the Pasar Payang. A wide range of colourful handkerchiefs, batik shirts, scarves and kaftans are on display for you to choose from. Feast your eyes on a wide array of souvenirs. Silk garments, rattan baskets, brassware items and farmers’ hats are also popular items on sale here. The rule of thumb is, of course, bargain for the best price when you're buying – most traders would be glad to reduce their prices if you know how to ‘negotiate’. The Pasar Payang has become synonym with Kuala Terengganu shopping that not even the newly-opened and much more comfortable and bigger Bazaar Warisan could rival it; I guess the ‘retro’ and vintage feel of the Pasar Payang ambiance is too hard to resist.

The most popular food in Terengganu

 

 

 

 

 

Sekayu Waterfalls

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 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 Kuala Terengganu (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.

Floated Mosque (Masjid Terapung)

A state where religion is held close to it's people's hearts, the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque, or also referred to as Masjid Terapung (Floating Mosque), is one of the icons of Islam in the state. Built from an idea birthed by the late Sultan of Terengganu, Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah, this mosque was named after his mother, Tuanku Intan Zaharah binti Almarhum Tengku Seri Setia Raja. The mosque is located in Teluk Ibai, just over 4km away from Kuala Terengganu town centre, quite close to the beautiful beach of Terengganu's coast. The white structure of the mosque grounds covers an area of roughly 5 acres and serves a number of villages nearby. Construction of the mosque began in 1991, designed by celebrated architect, Raja Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad. The beauty of its architecture and serenity of its surrounding landscape, also draws a great number of visitors to Terengganu for them to perform their prayers and take a breather from their journey at this mosque. The design of the mosque reflects a subtle Islamic influence combined with local features, incorporating the use of marble, ceramics, mosaic works and bomanite paving. The entire mosque covers 25,282 square feet - large enough to accommodate between 800 to 1,000 people at once - and the minaret stands 125 feet tall. Constructed with a lake surrounding it, much like a moat and with the backdrop of the open South China Sea, this mosque is an irresistable attraction to visitors in Terengganu.

Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal)

The Crystal Mosque or Masjid Kristal is a mosque in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.A grand structure made of steel, glass and crystal. The mosque is located at Islamic Heritage Park on the island of Wan Man. The mosque was constructed between 2006 and 2008. It was officially opened on 8 February 2008 by 13thYang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu. It has the capacity to accommodate over 1,500 worshipers at a time. This is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.

Rantau Abang Beach

In the 1960’s and 1970’, Pantai Rantau Abang was made famous for being one of the six hatching sites in the world for giant leatherback turtles. Visitors from all over the world gathered here from May to September every year to just to experience the unique and amazing moment. The turtle travels all the way to as far as Pacific Ocean and swims across to Pantai Rantau Abang to lay their eggs on the long stretch of the beach.

The number of turtles had dwindled due to a number of factors such as the illegal use of drag nets in the prohibited zones and indiscriminate disposal of plastic bags (plastic bags looks like jellyfish which is a part of turtle’s food). There are foreign fishermen who catch turtles for its meat and shells used to make souvenir items. These are a few contributing factors that led to the dwindling number of turtle landings in most part of the world. From the late 1980’s up until 2000, the Fisheries Department records the lessen number of landings. Now conservation efforts are undertaken by the state government in doing research on the turtles’ conservation and setting up turtle hatchery sites. Situated 22 km north of Dungun town and 80 km south of Kuala Terengganu, Rantau Abang was the most talked about tourist spot in Terengganu which associates the branding of Terengganu as a tourist destination. Local villagers believed that the giant leatherback turtles are attracted to Rantau Abang every year because of the presence of a large rock formation resembling a giant turtle. However, the local believe that the turtles are attracted by two giant turtle stones (Batu Penyu) one lies between the bushes on a little hill in the village off the coast and another submerged underwater. The mysterious stone on the hill is accessible by a 30 minutes short walk passing through the village. There is sign board along the way or you may get a villager to bring you there. Whereas the other one is covered by sand and water and is not visible any more. For more information on turtles, there is a Turtle Information Centre managed by the Department of Fisheries at Rantau Abang.

How To Get Here

By Car: 

To reach Rantau Abang from Kuala Lumpur, take the New East Coast Highway heading towards Kuantan, Pahang. Then head north towards Kuala Terengganu. As you drive along the road, you will see a large gateway portal that says you've entered the state of Terengganu. Drive until you reach Dungun town. Around 18km north of Dungun, you'll reach Rantau Abang.

By Bus:

Bus service are available in most major towns and cities in Peninsular Malaysia. Pick the nearest destination of Dungun. The bus ride will be between 4 1/2 hours to 6 hours, depending on weather and traffic conditions. Taxis are available at Dungun Taxi Terminal.

By Air: 

There are daily direct flights by Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia and Firefly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. Taxi and car rental services are available at the airport and the ride to Rantau Abang takes around 1 ½ hours driving.

Where To Stay

1.        D'Teratai Beach Resort

2.        Merantau Inn

3.        Turtle De' Village Inn

4.        Dahimah's Guest House

5.        Mini Eco Resort & Recreation Camp

Where To Eat

1.        C.B. Wee Seafood Restaurant

2.         Karimas Sulong Restaurant

3.        Mek Har Restaurant

4.        Nabila Khan Restaurant

5.        Sri Dungun Restaurant