The first time I went on a airplane after coming back from the UK (19 years ago) was on this trip to Terengganu . It was actually pretty nice, if the plane didn’t sound worse than a speeding bus.
Going to Terengganu by plane was ok but coming back was torture because of the 2 hour delay and there was nothing to do but wait.
The scenery, if you’re driving through the East Coast highway is alright but the journey is very, very boring and long (5 hrs if you’re an average driver) and there’s only two rest stops, if I’m not mistaken, so be prepared if you decide to take this route of traveling to ‘Pantai Timur’ (East Coast in Malay).
To summarise, I do not like long travels.
I found Terengganu locals were not warm but they can be nice if you know them personally or from connections (friends or family) .
Once you arrive in Kuala Terengganu, you’ll see this:
I thought it was pretty cool.
The ‘Batu Bersurat’ is earliest and oldest evidence of testimony to the advent of Islam as a state religion in the region (from wikipedia)
More history about the “Inscription stone of Terengganu”
We have stayed at Primula Beach Hotel and Sumai Hotels Apartment.
Primula attracts tourists from overseas more than Sumai does because of it’s outlook. The rates for both hotels are good, except during peak season. Usually, people stay at the hotels only for a nights rest before they head of to the many islands around Terengganu.
Moving on to the food! Primula and Sumai serve hotel food which will consist of omelette, bread with jam, sausages and occasionally ‘nasi lemak’ or ‘nasi dagang’ (Terengganu specialty).
But my dad, always the adventurer, went in search for more authentic Terengganu food.
So in the middle of the night, we went out and discovered Pok Nong.
Pok Nong is famous for their sotong and udang ‘goreng tepung’ (fried with flour). The place is so famous, that some Singaporeans would come all the way just to eat there. We went at night so there was basically nothing left.
Next stop, Waterfront. People usually eat western cuisine at this place. I do not have much to say about the food there.
We dropped by Adeq Sue which is situated around housing areas. The food is really good here if you’re into rice, ikan bakar and definitely try the tom yam.
We had lunch every day at the Batu Burok ‘Medan Selera’ (Food arena), they serve real Hainanese chicken rice which is super delicious. The veggies are fresh. The portions are big and worth every single dollar.
Before leaving, we went to Losong to get Keropok Lekor. THIS IS A MUST. Keropok Lekor is delicious.
The highway overlooking Tasik Kenyir is very beautiful. Pictures cannot capture the real effect of it’s beauty, but the thing is this is man made and not natural.
Tasik Kenyir resort is beautiful as well but it is very hot and humid.
I’m pretty sure tourists from outside the country and other states of Malaysia would enjoy this special retreat.
There are a number of activities, but do note that it is harder for you to get food after 9 pm because they usually stop taking orders then. You will have to leave your car at the parking lot and travel around the area with a buggy or by foot.
Fascinated by the view
Restaurant
Inside the chalet
I don’t think I’d head to Kuala Terengganu again but I would love to visit the islands around the state! I heard (and read) they’re one of the most beautiful in the world!
Lots of Love,
Lina.
aldsea 