Is Terengganu on your travel radar? Home to postcard-perfect islands, idyllic beaches and some of the clearest sapphire waters to dive into, travellers who take the time to explore Terengganu will be rewarded with rich culture, delectable cuisine and stunning scenery.
Scroll down our list for a recommendation of 25 trending things to see and do in Terengganu.
1. Pose with Jambatan Angkat Terengganu
Opened in 2019, Jambatan Angkat Kuala Terengganu is the first drawbridge in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Its design was inspired by the London Tower Bridge and has since drawn in scores of tourists and locals alike from all over.
Besides just posing for pictures, you can also take an elevator to the top of the bridge for sweeping views of Kuala Terengganu. Or ride the local bot penambang to admire the bridge from the river.
Location: Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
2. Challenge yourself with a hike up Chemerong, Berembun & Langsir
If you’re up for the challenge, go on a rewarding hike along the Chemerong, Berembun and Langsir trail. Topping out at just over 1,000m above sea level, admire the majestic Chemerong and Langsir waterfalls as you make your way to the top of Gunung Berembun. Once you’re at the top, camp out for the night and wake up to one of the most beautiful sunrises you’ll ever see.
Location: Dungun, Terengganu (Google Maps)
3. Enjoy a refreshing day out at Lata Tembakah
Located in Jerteh, the impressive Lata Tembakah falls never ceases to impress. Go for a refreshing swim in its cool waters, and enjoy a picnic along the fall’s many cascades.
Location: Jerteh, Terengganu (Google Maps)
4. Take a trip down memory lane at Chinatown
Take a trip down memory lane with a stroll around Chinatown, right in the heart of Kuala Terengganu. Explore its alleyways and discover beautifully painted murals and transformative street art
Location: Jalan Kampung Cina, 20100 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
5. Learn about Islamic civilization at Taman Tamadun Islam
A trip to Kuala Terengganu will never be complete without a visit to Taman Tamadun Islam. Visit the Monument Park that houses miniatures of famous Islamic monuments like Taj Mahal, Hagia Sophia and many more.
While you’re here, don’t forget to hop on the TTI river cruise to see a different side of Kuala Terengganu
Location: Pulau Wan Man, 21000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
6. Sample the best keropok lekor at Kampung Losong
A popular local snack, keropok lekor is a traditional fish cracker with origins from Terengganu. Many consider Kampung Losong to be the best place to sample and shop for the best keropok lekor.
Location: Kampung Losong, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
7. Catch your reflection at Masjid Kristal
Sitting next to Taman Tamadun Islam on the man-made island of Wan Man, this magnificent crystal mosque is truly a sight to behold. Constructed from stainless steel, glass and crystal, this grand structure was once touted as one of the world’s most beautiful mosques.
Location: Pulau Wan Man, 21000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
8. Hike to the top of Bukit Keluang for amazing views
Bukit Keluang boasts some of the best coastal scenery around, fringed with white sandy beaches, sea caves and a wooden walkway along its cliffs. Hike to the top of this 141 meter high hill with superb views of the South China Sea (particularly beautiful during sunrise)
Location: Besut, Terengganu (Google Maps)
9. Enjoy dinner with a view at Restoran Puncak Panorama
Located on a hill in Kuala Terengganu, Restoran Puncak Panorama is one of the best places to enjoy an appetizing meal and superb views of city at the same time.
Update: Some of our followers have reported that this restaurant is no longer operating.
Location: Bukit Panorama, 20300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
10. Enjoy a cool dip at Lata Belatan
Heard of the Emerald Pool in Krabi? Terengganu has something similar in Lata Belatan! Who doesn’t love dipping in cool, crystal clear waters? Lata Belatan is also a great place for picnicking and snoozing in a hammock
Location: Besut, Terengganu (Google Maps)
11. Save the turtles at Pusat Santuari Penyu in Rantau Abang
Aside from a picturesque beach, Rantau Abang is also renowned for its turtle sanctuary. To increase their chances of survival, Pusat Santuari Penyu rescues turtle hatchlings and nurtures them until they’re ready to be released back into the sea
Location: Rantau Abang, Dungun, Terengganu (Google Maps)
12. Get your slice of paradise in Perhentian Islands
Renowned the world over for its crystal clear waters and shimmering white sandy beaches, the Perhentian islands is paradise personified. Get your slice of paradise, with a choice between two main islands, Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar.
The quieter Perhentian Besar is better suited for couples and families looking for a relaxing getaway. If you’re looking for adventure and nightlife, Perhentian Kecil is where most of the action is at.
There’s a plethora of must-do activities on the island like snorkelling at Turtle & Shark Point and Teluk Keke, to watching the sunset from Coral Bay to hiking up the windmill viewpoint.
Location: Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu (Google Maps). To get to the islands, you can take a ferry from Kuala Besut jetty (See location here)
13. Pose with the famous coconut tree at Pantai Rusila
The relatively unheard of Pantai Rusila shot to prominence after a photo of man climbing a peculiarly bent coconut tree there was featured on Apple’s social media. Needless to say, it gained widespread recognition and following after that
Location: Kampung Rusila, 21080 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
14. See Terengganu’s Pepsi Blue Lake
One hidden gem worth checking out while in Rusila, near Kuala Terengganu is this strikingly beautiful azure lake. According to some locals, the waters are blue like Pepsi Blue, hence it’s been called that ever since.
Keep in mind that Pepsi Blue Lake is actually an abandoned mine, and is therefore off-limits to the public.
Location: Kampung Rusila, 21080 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
15. Dine and shop till you drop at Uptown Kontena
Brimming with vibrant nightlife, hip cafes and restaurants, Uptown Kontena is the go-to place in Kuala Terengganu for seaside dining (with a little bit of shopping on the side)
Location: Kg. Tok Jembal, 21000 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu (Google Maps)
16. See Terengganu’s floating mosque
Situated in the middle of a lagoon along the Sungai Ibai river, the Terengganu Floating Mosque is the first real floating mosque in Malaysia. Also known as the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque, the grand structure combines Moorish and modern architecture, incorporating the use of marble, ceramic and mosaic works.
Location: 1010, Jalan Batu Buruk, 20400 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
17. Relax by the seaside at Pantai Teluk Ketapang
Love to sit and chill on a white sandy beach and feel the sea breeze blowing in your face? Pantai Teluk Ketapang may be your answer. There are swings, horse cart rides and many more to make your time a more enjoyable one here
Location: Kg. Tok Jembal, 21000 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu (Google Maps)
18. Veer off the tourist trail with a trip to Tasik Puteri Bukit Besi
This hidden gem in Bukit Besi is pretty far off the tourist trail but it’s well worth the trip. There’s a picturesque blue lake and a waterfall to cool off from the day’s heat.
Location: Taman Rekreasi Tasik Puteri, Bukit Besi, Terengganu (Google Maps)
19. Try Terengganu’s best nasi dagang at Nasi Dagang Atas Tol
If you ask any local where to get the tastiest nasi dagang in Terengganu, most likely your answer would be Nasi Dagang Atas Tol. And judging from the super long queues, they had to be right. It gets seriously crowded during breakfast and lunch hours, so be sure to come here early in the morning to skip the crowd.
Location: 1318, T101, Kampung Pengkalan Setur, 20050 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
20. Getaway to a tropical paradise in Pulau Redang
A tropical paradise featuring lush jungles, white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, Pulau Redang offers an island getaway unlike any other. There’s an abundance of chic resorts to rustic homestays on the island, to suit every budget.
Situated within a protected marine park, Redang offers excellent dive sites and snorkelling reefs. Take time to visit the Chagar Hutang turtle sanctuary on the island. Or do like everyone else, chill and relax on the beach to the sound of waves breaking up on shore.
Location: Pulau Redang, Terengganu (Google Maps). To get to the island, you can take a ferry from either Merang jetty (see location here) or Syahbandar jetty (see location here)
21. See Tasik Kenyir, Malaysia’s largest man-made lake
Take a boat ride around Tasik Kenyir, the largest man-made lake in Malaysia, and one of the largest in Southeast Asia! If you’re wondering if the lake alone is worth the day trip, no worries as it isn’t the only attraction in the area.
There are a plethora of things you can do here, including spelunking in Gua Bewah to bathing elephants at Kenyir Elephant Conservation Park.
Location: Kuala Berang, Terengganu (Google Maps)
22. Visit the Kemaman Zoo
Did you know that there’s a zoo in Terengganu? It’s located in Kemaman. Apart from the daytime zoo where you get to see animals like elephants, tigers and many more, the zoo sets itself apart by offering river cruises along the Yak Yah river, which is lit up by fireflies during night time
Location: Kampung Tabuan, 24000 Kemaman, Terengganu (Google Maps)
23. Pretend you’re in Russia with a visit to Masjid Lapan Kubah
This is not in Russia, it’s in Terengganu! Masjid Lapan Kubah is nicknamed “Masjid Russia”, due to its striking resemblance with a famous cathedral in the Red Square in Moscow.
Location: 1315, Jalan Masjid, Kg, Jalan Lapan Kotak, 22000 Jerteh, Terengganu (Google Maps)
24. Go camping in Pulau Kapas
Pulau Kapas has it all, gorgeous beaches, turquoise waters, lush jungles and towering sea cliffs. Due to its relatively small size and proximity to the mainland, it’s perfect for a short daytrip. Maximize your time here with a hike to Bukit Singa and a trip to the neighbouring Gemia island.
There’s a well-equipped camp site with a couple of chalets on the island if you wish to extend your stay.
Location: Pulau Kapas, Terengganu (Google Maps). To get to the island, you can take a ferry from Marang jetty (see location here)
25. Shop to your heart’s content at Pasar Payang
Looking for the best place in Terengganu to shop for batik, songket, local produce and many more? Look no further than a trip to Pasar Payang
Location: Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kampung Tanjung Kapur, 20200 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Google Maps)
