Welcome to Terengganu
Map Of Terengganu in Malaysia |
Terengganu holds the charms and splendour from others state in Malaysia. Despite rapid development and modernisation, it is as if time has stood still as the state retains all the rustic and idyllic charms so different from other tourist destination.
Terengganu is home to a diverse and close-knit society, where people are friendly and charm that exuberantly warmth and grace, with strong morals and values. People of different races share the bonds of neighborhood, a strong liking for local food and speak the same local dialect.
Besides, Terengganu is endowed with unmatched natural beauty. Having the longest coastline (244km) of wonderful beaches, the lush tropical rainforests, a hidden paradise unmoved by time and stunning islands with its tranquil emerald waters turn magnificently golden hues at the touch of the sun’s first rays. Terengganu is also rich with its customs and tradition, upheld through generations and visible in its way of life, its arts and handicrafts, its tradition culinary and its heritage. Terengganu is in a league of its own as a vibrant tourist destination.
The State today is a melting pot of old and news, set against the backdrop of Terengganu’s traditional poise and beauty, where progressive change is meshed with values that have dear for generation by the people.
Terengganu is truly a tropical gateway. In the land where nature embraces heritage, it will truly revitalize your senses. Welcome to Terengganu and discover splendours of nature, the diversity of tradition and the fascination of heritage. There is absolutely no place like Terengganu.
There were conflicting versions of how Terengganu got her name. Some correlated it to the finding of a canine tooth of an unknown origin at a river estuary by a group of hunters from a neighbouring state. So it was said that the place they went hunting where the “Taring Anu” was found. Some believed the name derived from a very bright rainbow (ganu) seen by a group of travellers and proclaimed the land to be “Terang Ganu” (Bright Rainbow). Furthermore the name Terengganu was mentioned as Teng-Ya-Nu by a Chinese scholar, Coo-Cu-Fei in his book Ling Wai Fai Ta in 1178AD. Another Chinese historian, Cao – Ju- Kua did not miss Teng – ya - nung when he authored Cu Fan Cih in 1226AD.
Teng-ya-nung was under the rule of Sri Vijaya Kingdom. Ptolemy corroborated that the East coast region of the Golden Chersonese (Peninsula Malaysia) had Kole and Primula. Both believed to be ports of call for costal traders. Kole was said to be in Kemaman while Primula was believed to be in Kuala Terengganu. The Inscribed Stone (Batu Bersurat) found by Sayed Hussein Ghulam Al-Bukhari in 1902 at Kuala Berang bore the world Terenkanu inscribed in jawi, and Arabic Romanized version. The stone tablet also bore a date in Hijrah calendar which was equivalent t 1303 A.D. The archeological finds a Bewah and Taat caves in Hulu Terengganu were carbon dated to be from the Hoabin hian era circa 14,000 – 10,000 years ago. Terengganu was inhabited well before the turn of the first millennium.
Terengganu is truly a lessed state. It is in the early 1970’s that tourists start arriving. Unspoilt beaches, the wonders of watching giant leatherback turtles, the crystal clear azure waters, the splendours of marine lives and the untouched tropical rainforests are totally and experience to cherish. Even the uniqueness of its traditional foods are distinctively sought after and remains a part of Terengganu’s identity. Such as the ‘keropok lekor’ and ‘nasi dagang’ which truly shows originality and so famous that it is regarded as the trademark of Terengganu.
With the present government gearing ahead to create an impressive state to visit, an immense opportunity waits investors. Terengganu is mobilizing it’s full force in developing modern infrastructures. All the required potentials, endless opportunities and fascination can only be found here in Terengganu.
THE HSTORY
Terengganu’s location along the main ancient sea routes attracted traders from the four corners of the world. With archipelago of islands as a shelter from vicious monsoon winds, it was little wonder that Terengganu became a trading post. Terengganu’s history predates the establishment of the Melaka Sultanate. Straddling the ancient trade routes, it was, according to records from the Chinese merchants and other seafarers from as early as sixth century, under the influence of Srivijaya and traded extensively with the Majapahit Empire, the Khmer Empire, the Arab, the Indian and of course, the Chinese. The name Terengganu was mentioned as Teng-Ya-Nu by a Chinese scholar, Coo-Cu-Fei in his book Ling-Wai-Fai-Ta in 1178AD. He mentioned a place named Foloan which was identified as Kuala Berang, the capital district of Hulu Terengganu. Another Chinese historian, Cao-Ju-Kua did not miss Teng-ya-nung when he authored Cu-Fan-Cih in 1226AD.
In the year 150 AD, a renowned Greek scholar/traveller during the reign of Ptolemy mentioned in his journal of two important trading post in the east coast region of the Golden Chersonese (The Malay Peninsular) which was identified as Kole and Perimula. Both believed to be ports of call for coastal traders. Kole was said to be in Kemaman while Perimula was believed to be Kuala Terengganu.
Terengganu was the first Malay state to accept Islam, as attested to by a stone dated 1303 AD engraved with Roman Arabic inscriptions found in Kuala Berang. The Inscripted Stone (Batu Bersurat) discovered by Sayed Hussein Ghulam Al-Bukhari in 1902 in Kampung Buluh, Kuala Berang bore the word Terenkanu inscribed in Jawi, an Arabic Romanized version.
The stone tablet or famously known as the Batu Bersurat of Terengganu constitutes the earliest evidence of Jawi writings based on Arabic alphabets in the Malay Peninsula. The stone is also the testimony that Islam as the official religion in Terengganu, earlier than the Malacca Sultanate.
The archeological findings at Bewah and Taat caves in Hulu Terengganu were carbon dated to be from the Mesolithic era circa 16,000 years ago proves one of the earliest settlements in the Malay Peninsula. Terengganu was inhabited well before the turn of the first millennium.
There were conflicting versions of how Terengganu got her name. Some associated it to the discovery of an incisor tooth of an unknown origin at a river estuary by a group of royal hunters from a neighbouring state. Thus they called the place 'Taring Anu' where the tooth was found. Another version, the name Terengganu was derived from a very bright rainbow seen by a group of neighbouring royal fleet and proclaimed the land to be 'Terang Ganu (Bright Rainbow). Yet another version implies the river of Terenggan as an important trade route between the coastal settlements and those from inland. Trade flourished with the river as the main transportation link. Inland settlements goes to Sungai Terenggan nu (that way to the coastal) rather than to Sungai Terengganu ni (that way further inland).
REDANG ISLAND
Pulau Redang, located 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of a group of nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for enthusiasts. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life. At midday when sun rays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and fish can be see
The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: The H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse, which sank here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya. This paradise island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba- diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2km radius of the island as Pulau Redang is gazetted as a marine park. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also strictly prohibited. Berjaya Resort offers a golf course in an idyllic setting.
PERHENTIAN ISLAND
Located just off the edge of the Pulau Redang Marine Park, Perhentian's coral-fringed waters have excellent underwater seascapes for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Arrangements can also be made for island cruises, and boats can be hired to go exploring for private bays and secluded coves. A trip to these tropical islands is also a must for those who enjoy windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and deep-sea fishing.
Of the two islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil is more geared towards backpackers. Here, you'll find a wide range of budget options for both food and accommodation.
Pulau Perhentian Besar, on the other hand, is more developed and therefore offers better facilities. Nevertheless, there are chalets, dormitories and campsites on both islands.
PASAR PAYANG
Visitors to this market will have a delightful experience shopping for local products at reasonable prices. It is also a great place to experience the culture as locals do their daily shopping there too.
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