Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia: travel guide
The Crystal Mosque, songket weaving and the gateway to the islands
State capital of Terengganu at the Terengganu River mouth, gateway to Perhentian and Redang islands, known for the Crystal Mosque and songket weaving.
About Kuala Terengganu
Kuala Terengganu is the capital of Terengganu, at the mouth of the Terengganu River on Malaysia's east coast. It is a Malay city with a strong sense of craft and tradition, and is best known as the departure point for boats to the Perhentian and Redang islands.
The Crystal Mosque on the riverbank is the city's landmark, and the Floating Mosque, Istana Maziah and the Chinatown streets add other sights. Terengganu is known for songket weaving, a silk-and-gold-thread textile, and for its seafood. Tasik Kenyir, a large reservoir lake inland, is a popular excursion.
The city suits cultural travellers and those on their way to the islands. The north-east monsoon brings rain from roughly November to February; the period from March to September is far drier.
- Country
- Malaysia
- Currency
- MYR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
- Nearest airport
- TGG
Last updated
Top places to visit in Kuala Terengganu
Tasik Kenyir (Kenyir Lake)
Nature · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
Southeast Asia's largest man-made lake, with houseboats, waterfalls and jungle trekking.
Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge
Viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
First drawbridge in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, spanning the Terengganu River with an illuminated design.
Crystal Mosque
Mosque · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Iconic mosque built of steel, glass and crystal, opened 2008, on Wan Man Island beside the Terengganu River.
Chinatown Kuala Terengganu
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic Chinese settlement with colourful heritage shophouses and an ornamental entrance gate.
Istana Maziah
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Official palace of the Sultan of Terengganu, blending Malay and French colonial styles; exterior viewing only.
Seberang Takir Fishing Village
Cultural · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · entry RM 1 (≈ ₹23)
Traditional fishing village reachable by ferry, known for keropok lekor production.
Bukit Puteri (Princess Hill Fort)
Fort · 3.6 rating · about 1 h · entry RM 1 (≈ ₹23)
208m hilltop site of a 19th-century fortress overlooking the Terengganu River, with cannons and an old graveyard.
Pasar Payang (Central Market)
Market · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Two-building central market selling batik, songket, silk, handicrafts and local food specialties.
Terengganu State Museum
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · entry RM 5 (≈ ₹120)
Largest museum complex in Malaysia, built in traditional Malay palace style; houses the Terengganu Inscription Stone.
Islamic Civilization Park
Cultural · 4.2 rating · about 2 h · entry RM 30 (≈ ₹700)
23-hectare riverside park with miniature replicas of ~21 famous Islamic monuments, adjoining the Crystal Mosque.
Abidin Mosque (White Mosque)
Mosque · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
State mosque known as the White Mosque, with stained-glass windows and calligraphic carvings.
Kuala Terengganu Waterfront
Viewpoint · 4.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
West-facing riverside promenade popular for sunset views, with a playground and food stalls.
Things to do
- Terengganu River Cruise Sightseeing · 1 h · from MYR 29 per person
- Pulau Duyung Boat-Building Village Visit Cultural · 3 h
- Noor Arfa Batik-Making Workshop Cultural · 1.5 h · from MYR 30 per person
- Islamic Civilization Park Tour Cultural · 1.5 h · from MYR 25 per person
- Bas Bandar City Sightseeing Loop Sightseeing · 1 h
- Seberang Takir Ferry & Fishing Village Walk Cultural · 3 h · from MYR 1 per person
- Sekayu Waterfall & Kenyir Dam Day Tour Nature · 8 h · from MYR 150 per person
- Pasar Payang Market & Handicraft Shopping Tour Shopping · 1.5 h
Where to stay in Kuala Terengganu
Hotels
- Permai Hotel Kuala Terengganu 3-star · MYR 130 to MYR 230 per night
- The Royale Aryani Terengganu 4-star · MYR 220 to MYR 400 per night
- Hotel Grand Continental Kuala Terengganu 4-star · MYR 180 to MYR 320 per night
- Hotel Seri Malaysia Kuala Terengganu 3-star · MYR 110 to MYR 190 per night
- Asia Premium Hotel Kuala Terengganu 3-star · MYR 90 to MYR 160 per night
- The Grand Puteri Hotel 3-star · MYR 150 to MYR 270 per night
Where to eat
- Nasi Dagang Atas Tol - Bandar Terengganu Malay · about MYR 10 per person
- Kak Pah Nasi Dagang Terengganu Malay · about MYR 10 per person
- Warung Pok Nong Seafood, Fried Snacks · about MYR 8 per person
- Dynar Lekor Keropok Lekor · about MYR 6 per person
- Restoran Singgang Budu Terengganu Malay · about MYR 12 per person
- Restoran Mat Kedai Binjai Malay · about MYR 12 per person
- Hot Hot Roti Canai Indian-Malaysian · about MYR 6 per person
- On The Way Kopitiam Malaysian Hawker · about MYR 10 per person
Getting to Kuala Terengganu
Airport: Kuala Terengganu (TGG)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Taxi
- Ride Hail
- Walking