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.