Enchanting moments in Kuala Terengganu

Disna Mudalige in Malaysia

As the majority of Sri Lankan visitors to Malaysia, may it be for business or leisure, tends to end up in the Capital city, Kuala Lumpur,many Sri Lankans may not have heard much of Kuala Terengganu, a city with serene and picturesque beauty.

Kuala Terengganu is located about 500 kilometres northeast of Kuala Lumpur and surrounded on two sides by the South China Sea.

Floating Mosque

It takes about six and half hour drive from Kuala Lumpur or there are daily and regular flights between the two destinations. Kuala Terengganu is generally hot and humid throughout the year, but a slightly cooler weather can be experienced during its rainy season from November to January.

The astounding scenic beauty in this part of the Peninsular Malaysia will leave cherishing memories on any visitor. The dazzling colours on the horizon during sunset and sun rise witnessed from the magnificent beaches in Terengganu would fascinate any nature lover and undoubtedly would be a perfect and treasured opportunity for a photographer to show his ‘colours’.

Wonders in Terengganu

I was greatly inspired by seeing this charming city during a short visit while on a journalism training organized by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).

The city has a rich heritage evolved through thousands of years with frequent neighbouring cultural influences.Historical sites, mosques, palaces, cultural villages and traditional houses speak aloud the colourful heritage of the city.

Being a city with over 95 percent Muslims, it depicts a wider influence from Islam. The Crystal Mosque and Floating Mosque are two splendid structures that reflect the architectural splendouroriginated from skilful craftsmanship. The Crystal Mosque or Masjid Kristal is a wonderful structure made of steel, glass and crystal. This distinguished mosque is located at Islamic Heritage Park on the island of Wan Man. As learnt, it has the capacity to accommodate about 1,500 devotees at a time. The visitors who enter the mosque should remove their shoes and wear appropriate attire as a sign of respect to the religion.

Crystal Mosque

Souvenir stalls in the central market

Colourful batik clothes

The Floating Mosque is another world renowned attraction in Kuala Terengganu. This mosque is constructed on a reclaimed land, with its foundation built in a lagoon. During high tide, the water rises covering the foundation creating illusions of a floating mosque. This innovative design blended with its picturesque surrounding makes it a key tourist attraction.

Terengganu State Museum that exhibits artefacts and artwork of its rich heritage is another key attraction in this area. The design of the complex itself is distinctive as it is based on the ancient Terengganu palace designs and architecture. All kinds of historic artefacts are showcased neatly with detailed descriptions in its many galleries.

China town

The Chinatown, established by the Chinese community, is another significant part in Kuala Terengganu. Chinatown is located within walking distance from ‘PasarPayang’ (Central Market) in the commercial hub of Kuala Terengganu.

It was noteworthy how the Chinese community mingles in harmony with the overwhelming majority of Muslim community in the city. The buildings in Chinatown or locally known as ‘KampungCina’ are hundreds of years old. These buildings have been declared a heritage site by the UNESCO under its World Monument Watch Programme.

Delicious Local Cuisine

Terengganu traditional dishes have many similar features to Sri Lankan cuisine. It was interesting to see how the people in Terengganu too wrap their traditional food from banana leaf as widely practised in Sri Lanka. Terengganu cuisine displays a strong influence of Thai, Chinese and Indian cuisines. There is a wide range of dishes ranging from spicy to sweet available to suit one’s savour. ‘Keropoklekor’,made of a fish variety locally known as “tamban”,is one of the favourite dishes seen frequently in this area.

Plenty of options from hotels to hawker stalls are available in this part of Malaysia at more affordable rates. With traditional fishing villages established in the coastal line of Terengganu, fresh fish is always at hand for the food processing.The local dishes in Terengganu are memorable for their fresh ingredients and unique flavours.

Shopping

One of the most looking forward activities of many Sri Lankan visitors to Malaysia would undoubtedly be ‘shopping’. Kuala Terengganu has much to offer for this purpose with its many weekend markets, night markets, small shops and handicraft centres.

Among many other things, vibrantly colourful batik clothes are a highly attractive feature in this particular area of the country. It will also be a right place for souvenir collectors and craft lovers.