Terengganu

Terengganu (also Trengganu) is a state on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia in Malaysia. The primary attractions of the state are the beautiful tropical Perhentian and Redang Islands.

Cities

Kuala Terengganu, the capital of Terengganu
Kuala Besut, the main port for ferries to the Perhentian Islands
Marang, the port for ferries to Kapas Island
Merang, the port for ferries to Redang
Seberang Takir, a small fishing village with cottage industry

Other destinations

Kapas Island, a small island with few accommodations and nice snorkeling
Lang Tengah
Perhentian Islands, unspoiled paradise with great diving
Redang Island, a more expensive version of paradise with creature comforts and more great diving
Rantau Abang, a sea turtle nesting place
Tasik Kenyir, a gorgeous artificial lake
Dungun, a medium-sized town and jumping-off point for Tenggol
Tenggol Island

Get in

Most visitors to the Perhentians bypass the bulk of Terengganu and instead transit via Kota Bharu, in the neighboring state of Kelantan, which offers better connections by air and train and is only one hour away. However, Kuala Terengganu and other locations along the main north-south highway are accessible via long-distance bus from Kuala Lumpur and various other cities.

By plane

Kuala Terengganu's own Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) does field a number of flights daily from capital Kuala Lumpur. It's a two-hour drive from here to Kuala Besut, the usual jumping-off point for the islands.

Eat

Terengganu's most famous culinary product is the humble keropok lekor, which comes in two forms: one is a thin deep-fried cracker much like keropok anywhere else in Malaysia, and the other is a thick hot dog-like sausage entirely unlike it. Both are made from fish paste and sago palm flour and should always be accompanied by a reddish-brown dipping sauce of tamarind, chili, sugar and vinegar.

Drink

Alcohol is generally looked down upon throughout Malay-dominated Terengganu and is served only in Chinese (non-Halal) restaurants. It is possible to buy Malaysian and imported beer by the can at large grocery stores.

Non-alcoholic drinks are widely available, including fresh juices, coconut water (air kelapa), corn drink (air jagung) and the array of packaged drinks sold elsewhere in Malaysia. The widest variety of branded products is available in Kuala Terengganu, but there are drink stalls on the side of any major road.