Chinese and Buddhist Temples

Elaborately decorated Chinese temples have long attracted tourists in various parts of South East Asia.  It is no different in Malaysia for a significant portion of the country’s Chinese population follows Buddhism. The Chinese first arrived in Malaysia in the early 13^th century as traders; they continued to arrive in waves down the ages. These Chinese immigrants to Malaya hailed from various regions of China and as they settled in Malaysia and formed communities, they built some magnificent Chinese and Buddhist temples, which stand until today.

Some of the most spectacular Chinese and Buddhist temples in Malaysia currently include:-

Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur

The six tiered Thean Hou Temple stands in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. This elaborately adorned temple features ornate roofs and sculptured dragons. The temple which is one of the biggest Chinese temples in the country, is dedicated to Thean Hou(the heavenly goddess) though several other popular Chinese deities like Kuan Yin(the Goddess of Mercy) and Shui Wey( Goddess of  the Hokkien fishermen) also feature within the temple. The grounds of the temple feature replicas of the Chinese zodiac signs. Several souvenir shops line the exterior of the temple.

Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen temple, Selangor

This temple, which was established in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat in 1994 is set amongst 16 immaculately landscaped acres. This temple also functions as a monastery and is a center for culture and religious studies.  The main shrine at this temple is a 5.4-meter high statue of Lord Buddha sculpted in bronze. Other idols that adorn the temple include a statue of Kuan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy).

Perak Tong, Ipoh Perak

The Malaysian state of Perak is renowned for its cave temples many of which are located around the capital city of Ipoh. Perak Tong is one such famed temple, which is housed within the huge limestone cave; Gunung Tasek located six kilometers north of Ipoh town. This temple was constructed by Buddhist monks from China in 1926 and features over 40 statues of Lord Buddha, including one, which rises to a height of 12.8 meters. Traditional Chinese paintings illustrating Buddhist folk tales adorn the walls of the temple.

Sam Poh Tong Temple, Ipoh

This temple, which lies five kilometers to the south of Ipoh near Gunung Rapat, houses several statues of Lord Buddha amongst its many limestone formations like spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. It is believed that a Chinese monk discovered this cave and he then went on to use it as a locale for meditation.  The temple also features 246 steps leading to its summit.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most visited sites in Penang. Situated on the lower rungs of Penang Hill, this magnificent temple is considered to be one of the finest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. The temple is built in tiers and is adorned with a tall Pagoda adorned with ten thousand Buddha statues and a 30-meter (90 feet) tall statue of Kuan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy). The temple is an exponent of Sino-Thai-Burmese styles of architecture and features  several colorful frescoes and water bodies.

Goddess of Mercy Temple  (Kuan Yin Teng)

Early Chinese migrants to Penang built the Kuan Yin Teng temple in 1801. The temple is dedicated to two goddess; Kuan Yin (the goddess of Mercy) and Ma Chor Poh, the patron saint of seafarers. The décor of the temple is quite dramatic as it features a main hall supported by sculpted pillars adorned with dragons.

The Temple of Bright Clouds (Melaka)

Located in the heart of Melaka’s Chinatown, the Temple of Bright Clouds or the Cheng Hoong Teng temple is the oldest temple in Malaysia. The temple, which was constructed entirely of materials imported from Southern China, dates back to 1646. The temple practices the three main doctrines of Chinese religion namely Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.

Puh Toh Tze Temple, Sabah

The Puh Toh Tze temple situated at a distance of 15km from Kota Kinabalu off Tuaran Road is one of the most well known Buddhist temples in Sabah. The temple, which was built in 1980, bears a distinct Chinese-style structure and roof. The temple features ten large statues including a large statue of goddess Kuan Yin at its main entrance.

Malaysian Youth Museum

Housed on the first floor of a heritage building dating back to the Dutch colonial era, the Malaysian Youth museum (Muzium Belia Malaysia) presents an interesting site amongst the many historical and cultural treasures of the World Heritage City, Malacca.

This museum was founded in 1992 and inaugurated by the former Malaysian premier Prime Minister, A.B Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohammad on April 15^th of that same year.
The exhibits at the museum catalogue the activities and achievements of the various youth groups in Malaysia. The museum commemorates the youth of Malaysia for it showcases the efforts and triumphs of youth organizations from around the region and other parts of Malaysia and beyond.
The many displays at the museum include photographs of past and present youth leaders, trophies and awards won by Malaysian youth groups and co-operatives over the years, uniforms sported by youth leaders down the ages as well as handicrafts and other knick-knacks created by youth organizations.
This unusual though sufficiently interesting museum endeavors to concentrate all available information on youth organizations in order to help research efforts and also to create greater public awareness about the important role that youth organizations play in society and the growth and development of the nation.
The building that houses the museum also has much significance for it once formed a part of the Dutch Administrative Complex during the Dutch colonial era in Malaya in the 17^th century. The building was later on used as the Anglo-Chinese school, until the British transformed it into the General Post Office in 1931. A small post office still operates from a corner of the building at present.
The second floor of the museum is home to a vibrant, art space, the Malacca Art Gallery. This gallery displays the artworks of several local Malaysian artists. At any given time the gallery has approximately 150 paintings and over thirty sculptures on display. So if you are curious about Malaysian art, do remember to include a tour of the Malacca Art Gallery, during your visit to the unique attraction that is the Malaysian Youth Museum.

Bajau Parang

If you have an interest in any kind of daggers or knives, you are bound to know the Malaysian parang. For the uninitiated, an explanation is forthcoming,a Malaysian parang is a long blade or machete, made by blacksmiths all over Malaysia. One such variation of the parang is known as the Bajau parang, and it is handcrafted by indigenous peoples, called Bajau, who constitute one of the largest groups of ethnic folk resident in Sabah state.

A parang as an implement is often considered to be indispensable by the Bajau. This long blade or machete is handcrafted by the Bajau people until today. Aside from using the parang as a weapon, the Bajau have a  for a variety of uses for the sharp blade  like  using it for clearing vegetation, cutting meat and poultry and even as a decorative accent for the handles of the parang are usually intricately carved.  

The blade of a parang is approximately 10–24 inches (25–61 cm) in size. Handcrafted parangs are sold are available for sale at various local markets around Malaysia and are generally priced 100 MYR upwards depending on form and quality. If however, you would like to have a parang custom-made for your collection or then if you would like to learn how this famed parang of the Bajau is made, you need to plan a trip to Kampung Siasai in Kota Belud located on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. The Bajau resident in Kampung Siasai, have been handcrafting parangs for generations and plan to continue to do so in the future.

Parang making by the Bajau of Kampung Siasai

 Essentials for making a parang

1.      A piece of scrap iron

2.      An anvil

3.      Hammers of various sizes

4.      A grip tool

5.      A whole lot of determination, patience and skill

6.      Much practice for only much practice makes a parang-maker a master of his trade

 Method according to the parang-making experts of  Kampung Siasai

1.      Heat the scrap of metal on a burner until it is sufficiently warmed up.  Once the piece attains a red glow, you know it is ready to be shaped.

2.      Next take the piece of iron and place it on the anvil. Use a sledge hammer to pound it into the desired shape (this is the most laborious step of parang-making which requires much patience, skill and dexterity).

3.      Once this is done, allow the piece to cool before placing it back on the burner. This step is repeated a number of times, until the desired shape is achieved.

4.      The blade and the handle of the parang, are then to be fashioned by striking the piece of iron with a sharp tool continually.

5.      Use sandpaper to smoothen and sharpen the edges of the parang.

6.      Now hand-craft the handle of the parang using sturdy wood and enclose it in a decorative sheath. Often the wooden handle of the parang is intricately carved to increase its visual appeal.

7.      Lastly finish the parang by giving it one final polish so that it gleams.

8.      A parang usually takes a day or two to make though special shapes may require more time.

9.      Visitors may custom-order their parangs at Kampung Siasai.

Bukit Nanas Reserve

Kuala Lumpur is a big, bustling metropolis whose landscape is dotted with gleaming skyscrapers and many imposing, modern structures. However, amongst all this glass, concrete and steel are a few, lush, patches of green, which serve to provide a welcome escape from the unrelenting, blistering tropical heat.

The Lake Garden Complex, the Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, the KLCC gardens are some of the city’s prominent verdant sanctuaries, which definitely warrant a visit. The Bukit Nanas Nature Reserve situated at the foot of the popular, KL landmark, Menara KL (KL Tower )is another green lung which needs to be added to this must-visit green heaven list. Dating back nearly a hundred years, the Bukit Nanas Nature Reserve is a true-blue tropical, rainforest enclave located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

The reserve, which is persevered as a heritage attraction, extends over 10.5 lush hectares and hosts an abundance of native flora and fauna. Squirrels, monitor lizards, snakes, two species of primates, namely the Silvered Langur and the Long-tailed Macaque and several species of birds and insects call the Bukit Nanas Reserve home. Typical Jungle sounds reverberate in the reserve’s dense green cover made up of creepers, climbers, tall bamboo grasses and native tropical trees like Chengal, Pulai, Keruing and Meranti.

In the midst of this lush wilderness, are clearly marked jogging and walking trails and even a fun, outdoor obstacle course for an added challenge. The reserve offers free public access daily from 7 am until 7pm. Guides employed at the reserve are on hand to lead nature rambles for visitors four times a day; details of these walks are available at the visitor’s center at the park. The reserve also offers camping facilities for those visitors who wish to enjoy its rainforest ambience for a bit longer. In fact, a tour of the Bukit Nanas Reserve is perhaps an ideal substitute for those visitors who wish to sample the rainforest experience but don’t have the time to visit Malaysia’s more renowned rainforest terrains like Taman Negara.

Malaysian Independence Day

Independence Day in Malaysia is known as ‘Hari Merdeka’.  This celebration of Malaysian independence is a designated a public holiday and falls on 31^st August every year. Also known as national day or ‘Hari Kebangsaan’, this day which commemorates Malaysian independence from British colonial rule is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the country. However, when the event coincides with the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadhan, the celebrations are naturally a muted.

The epicenter of all the Hari Merdeka festivities is the Malaysian capital city, Kuala Lumpur. This is because it was here in Kuala Lumpur, that the formal declaration of independence from the British was made at the stroke of midnight on 31^st August 1957.  The Malaysian independence struggle began in the early in 1950’s and was headed by a political leader from Kedah, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Tunku along with various other political leaders repeatedly petitioned the British government for Malaysian independence. The leaders of the movement even flew to London to present their case. The British government ultimately relented after much negotiation and granted Malaysia its independence in 1956.

However, the official declaration of independence was made at the stroke of the midnight hour at the Padang (cricketing green) of the Royal Selangor Golf Club situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.  As the clock struck midnight, the Union Jack was lowered and the new flag of Malaysia was raised as the Malaysian national anthem ‘Negaraku’ played. Huge crowds had assembled on the Padang to witness this historic event and they went on to chant Tunku’s rallying cry for freedom ‘Merdeka’ (freedom) seven times. Tunku Abdul Rahman, who had been elected the Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya in 1955, then went on to give a speech during which he described the historic ceremony as ‘the greatest moment in the life of the Malayan people.’

The next day, the morning of August 31^st, 1957, the festivities moved on to the newly- built Merdeka stadium located close by.  Here in front a crowd comprising 20,000 people and several foreign dignitaries and heads of state, Tunku Abdul Rahman read out the Proclamation of Independence, which had been handed to him by the Duke of Gloucester, the representative of the Queen of England. As soon as he finished his reading, the huge crowd went on to thunder “Merdeka” seven times as the newly-born nation’s flag was raised and the national anthem was sung. A 21 rifle salute followed along with the Muslim call to prayer and a Thanksgiving prayer.

Nowadays, the celebration of Malaysian Independence features much pomp and ceremony.  All major cities organize festivities for this day that has come to symbolize national pride. However, perhaps the grandest celebration is reserved for  Kuala Lumpur where flags and fireworks displays mark the event and a grand parade is rolled out at the  Padang, which has been rechristened Dataran Merdeka or Independence Square.

Hari Raya

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the Malay translation of the Arabic, universally used term Eid ul-Fitr. In Malaysia, Eid is one of the most important holidays and is celebrated on a grand scale. The celebrations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also known as Hari Raya Pausa) are not just limited to the customary two or three days but in fact seem to stretch for the entire month. In Malaysia, the official public holidays for Hari Raya Aidilfitri extend over two days.

Malaysia’s celebration of Eid ul-Fitr features several unique aspects many of which are explained herewith:-.

Ramadan Bazaars

Hari Raya is usually preceded by the holy, Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.  Fasting during Ramadan is believed to have a purpose, for it is said that the person who fasts for Ramadan learns several lessons like patience, humility and sacrifice during the ordeal.  By way of the Ramadan fasts, Muslims ask for forgiveness for past sins as they exercise self-restraint and also perform good deeds.  However, all is not somber and dreary during Ramadan in Malaysia, for an important aspect of the festival in Malaysia, is its many, lively Ramadan bazaars. These specially erected markets serve as congregation points for Muslims who need to break their fast at dusk.  These markets thus offer a wide array of savory and sweet treats for iftar and attract both Muslims as well as non-Muslims.

Hari Raya Sales and Promotions

Most people tend to buy new clothes and gifts for the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Hence most malls and stores announce various promotions and sales in the weeks leading up to Hari Raya as they encourage the fasting public to come out and make purchases before the festival.  The malls around Malaysia usually sport elaborate decorations for the Hari Raya sales and traditional Hari Raya music can also be heard all around.

Balik Kampong

The  Malay term ‘balik kampong’ refers to the mass exodus that takes place from big towns and cities around Malaysia, as people travel home to spend the Hari Raya holidays with their families and friends

Preparations for Hari Raya

In the days preceding Hari Raya, homes are cleaned and ingredients are purchased for the planned, elaborate Hari Raya feasts. Most homes situated in the lush Malaysian countryside are also adorned with many twinkling, traditional oil lamps known as ‘pelita’ or ‘panjut’.

Hari Raya greetings

On the day before Hari Raya, Muslims in Malaysia traditionally recite a prayer known as takbir  at various mosques and other prayer congregations.  As Hari Raya or the ‘Day of Celebration’ breaks, people greet each other by saying ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ or ‘Happy Eid’ .

Another common greeting for Eid in Malaysia is  “maaf zahir dan batin” which  translates as ‘I seek forgiveness from you’ for  Hari Raya is believed to indicate a time of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Hari Raya Rituals

Like various other ethnic communities Malays tend to sport traditional attire for Hari Raya. Thus Malay men usually wear the traditional Barju Melayu(a stiff-collared long-sleeved shirt with trousers) for the occasion, while Malay women either wear the  baju kurung( a demure, long sleeved  gown) or then the baju kebaya( a two-piece ensemble of a long sleeved blouse and long skirt). 

Muslims in Malaysia also usually visit the graves of their loved ones after Eid prayers on the morning of Hari Raya. They sweep the graves and perform a ceremony called Yasin as they pray for the departed souls.

The Hari Raya festivities then get underway as families host ‘open houses’ during which friends and families visit and are plied with plentiful eats especially prepared for the festival. Traditional favorites like Rendang, Ketupat(steamed rice cake) and kuihs(traditional multi-layered, colorful cakes) usually feature on the menu.

Young children especially enjoy the occasion, for they are given small monetary gifts known as ‘duit raya’  by their parents and elders. The Hari Raya celebrations usually continue late into the evening and feature fabulous fireworks displays as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Viper challenge (17 Aug 2013 – 18 Aug 2013)

Adventure and extreme sports fans rejoice, for Malaysia has just launched Asia’s longest, most arduous obstacle challenge- The Viper Challenge. Extending over 20 km of the famed Sepang International Circuit, the  Viper Challenge which is in its inaugural year, in 2013, encompasses an obstacle-littered course. The event is scheduled for the weekend of 17^th and 18^th of August 2013.

The man-made obstacles that dot the route of Viper Challenge require much skill, dexterity and gumption to navigate. The challenge encourages the fittest to apply, but if you feel you are not quite there yet, organizers advise that you can easily rise to the test, if you sign up in advance for one of the many strenuous boot camp programs that are offered at gyms and fitness centers in Malaysia and elsewhere.

The Viper Challenge is currently Asia’s largest obstacle- based running event. The challenge is designed to shock your system out of its comfort zone, as it encourages you to use your body, mind and spirit to conquer the course’s various grueling Australia-made obstacles like pyramid trees, balance beams, jump platforms, incline walls and many more. Participants are expected to scale tall walls, crawl through barbed wire columns, dusty trenches and corrugated columns and be immersed in icy pools as they compete in the challenge. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, the Viper Challenge promises to make your heart race, your spirits soar and your muscles scream at the end of it all.

Viper Challenge FAQs                                                                                            

Take part as an individual or a part of a team

You can register as an individual competitor or a team member for the challenge. Moreover you can join an existing team or then form a team of your own.

Register at http://www.viperchallenge.com

You can only register for the Viper Challenge, via the event’s official website - http://www.viperchallenge.com.  More details about fees are offered on the event’s website.

The registration fee for the challenge entails you to an original Viper Challenge t-shirt and various other Viper Challenge official merchandise items. A pass for the post challenge party is also included in your challenge starter kit.

Age limit for participants

Participants, who wish to take part in the Viper Challenge, have to be at least 16 years of age. However, participants under the age of 18 have to supply a consent form signed by a parent or guardian allowing them to take part in the challenge.

A valid I.D. is required

All participants have also to show some form of government issued ID like a passport, driver’s license or an ID card, before they can compete in the challenge. This requirement is non-negotiable.

Signing a disclaimer

You are also expected to sign a disclaimer/waiver form which states that you are taking part in the event at your own risk and have understood that there may be a possibility of personal injury during the event. This disclaimer form is another necessity which has to be supplied before you can compete in the challenge.

No refund offered

Once you have paid your fees for participation in the event, no refund can be issued. Even in the case of injury before the event, the fees will not be refunded for organizers have no way of assessing the seriousness of the injury.

Not a race but a challenge

It is important to known that the Viper Challenge is not a race but it is a test of physical and mental skills. A participant’s time is not as important as the successful completion of the race. Most participants are expected to take 3 to 4 hours to complete the race.

If by chance an individual/ team has not reached the half-way mark by a particular designated hour, the race officials will supply these participants with a modified route to ensure that they finish the race by nightfall that day.

Start times

Race officials decide the start times of the various participants. The start times are decided in waves as the officials allow 500 participants into the field every thirty minutes. Once you have been informed of your start time you cannot change it.

Running gear and storage of personal belongings

Participants are required to wear appropriate running attire and sturdy, closed shoes for the challenge. They are also encouraged to leave all valuables and electronic devices like smartphones, tablets and cameras locked in the onsite lockers supplied.

Food and drink and other facilities

Water, energizing and first aid stations are available throughout the course. The event site is also equipped with toilet facilities for the participants.

Transportation and Accommodation

The Sepang International Circuit is easily accessible by various modes of transport like rail, road and air. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is located close to the Sepang circuit and various car rental companies operate from outlets locate at the airport. If however, you are coming from the capital KL, you can use commuter or express trains, airport coach services or taxi or limousine services to get to the Sepang International Circuit. More many hotels are located within the Sepang area and offer a variety of accommodation options.

No cancellation for bad weather

The inaugural Viper Challenge will be conducted come rain or shine.

So if you believe you are strong of body and mind, why not take part in the Viper Challenge to put your abilities to the test?

Road to Old Terengganu

The state of Terengganu located on the eastern coast of Malaysia is not only culturally rich, but it is also rich in oil and gas reserves. However, aside from mineral treasures, old-world, somewhat sleepy, Terengganu hosts various other treasures worth uncovering.

One of the best ways to discover the many charming sights and sounds of Terengganu is to perhaps take a road trip through the state, for it is only when you travel on ground level that you get a chance to view at close quarters its scenic landscape, while you taste its native foods and meet and interact with its many peoples.

Luckily for road-trippers, the many delights of Terengganu can be easily accessed via a 739 km long, flat, straight two-lane highway, the historic Federal Route 3 that starts off from Johor Bahru in the southernmost state of Johor, and traverses through Pahang and Terengganu before terminating in Kelantan.

The British constructed this highway as a supply route in the early 20^th Century, but unfortunately it came to be of much use to the Japanese, for during the Second World War, they used it as a swift attack route during the Battle of Malaya.  Today this scenic highway, which meanders around rich mangrove forests and affords stunning views of the South China Sea, is often used for leisurely pursuits by road-trippers and their ilk.

Federal Route 3 through Terengganu provides road trippers with a viewing of typical Malaysian rural life, as it passes through miles of lush pastoral lands and bustling fishing villages (fishing has been an time-honored profession in this largely coastal state). The main stretch of industrialization in the state extends between the towns of Kerteh  and Paka, for it is here that Malaysia’s main oil and gas refinery industries are located.

Main attractions along the route

Discover the foods of Terengganu at small town Kopitiams

Kopitiams are Malay-Chinese coffee shops, which serve typically Asian coffee, (a thicker, stronger brew sweetened somewhat with a liberal dose of condensed milk) along with various traditional breakfast items and an array of local dishes. On offer at the many Kopitiams present in small, quaint, Terengganu towns are dishes like Kaya Toast (a thick slice of bread slathered with a jam-like spread made out of coconut cream) and Nasi Dagang rice steamed in coconut milk and served with a fish curry and coconut shavings. In fact, Kampung Ladang near the city of Kuala Terengganu is renowned for its mouth-watering Nasi Dagang. Other traditional eats served at Terengganu’s many beachside eateries include chicken rice, satar(fish cakes grilled in banana leaves),sotong celup tepung(deep fried squid) and Terengganu’s famed fish crackers, keropok lekor.  

Look out for giant turtles in Kerteh

The beaches at Rantau Abang in the Dungun district of Terengganu used to be a popular nesting site for the giant leatherback turtles in the 1970’s. However, nowadays these gentle giants seem to prefer frequenting the beaches in the refinery town of Kerteh. The local fisheries departments can help in arranging turtle-watching trips if you want witness this amazing sight first hand.

Beaches

Terengganu is bestowed with a 244 km long coastline, which is dotted with several excellent beachfronts like Teluk Bidara, Kuala Abang, Kemasik, Air Tawar beach, Batu Buruk, Tanjung Jara, Merang,Paka beach, Rantau Abang beach and many others. Do stop and enjoy some of these white sand beach heavens but do look out for treacherous and powerful under currents if you plan to swim.

Take in the many attractions of Kuala Terengganu

Terengganu’s capital Kuala Terengganu is a busy, bustling city, in stark contrast to the many tranquil, serene Terengganu villages like Chukai, Kemaman, Dungun and Marang, which line the length of Federal Route 3 through Terengganu.

Kuala Terengganu is home to a lively central market, Pasar Payang, a popular pit stop for shoppers. For in addition to fresh produce and fish and poultry, the many vendors at this market also offer a wide array of souvenirs including Terengganu’s famed fish crackers, fashion apparel and native textiles like batik and rich Terengganu brocade.

Once you are done with perusing the many delights of Pasar Payang, you could perhaps take a cruise along Terengganu River to learn about the history of the state or then head to Pulau Duyong to explore Kota Lama Duyong, a traditional Terengganu home dating back to the 1920’s.

Discover the Heritage homes of Penarik

If you drive north from Kuala Terengganu, you will soon arrive at Penarik, a fishing village surrounded by casurina pines and coconut groves, situated on the banks of the Setiu River. Located here is the charming Terrapuri Heritage Village, a conservation effort started by local entrepreneur Alex Lee to preserve authentic Terengganu dwellings.

Best time to visit

While planning your trip, you would do well to remember that the workweek in Terengganu extends from Sunday until Thursday and Friday and Saturdays are the weekend. Also the state experiences an annual ‘wet’ period, which lasts from November to January so you may want to avoid traveling during these months.

Getting to Kuala Terengganu by air

Rather than drive from Kuala Lumpur, Penang or even Johor Bahru, you may want to fly into Kuala Terengganu and then start off on your road trip through Terengganu. Most domestic Malaysian airlines serve the airport at Kuala Terengganu and can thus facilitate your journey through this utterly charming wonderland  that is Terengganu.