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.