Terengganu Culture and Heritage, Malaysia

The Terengganu State Museum

This elaborate museum complex consists of a Main Museum, a Maritime Museum, a Fisheries Museum, 4 traditional wooden houses and botanical and herbs gardens.

The Main Museum is built on 16 wooden stilts, in accordance with the traditional architecture of Terengganu. Its 4 blocks are adjoined, to represent a big family. There are 10 galleries showcasing textiles, traditional handicrafts, the state history, the history of Terengganu's royal family, nature, traditional art, petroleum, Islamic art and contemporary arts.

Bukit Puteri

Bukit Puteri is a 200m high historical hill, situated next to Istana Maziah. It was used as a fortress from 1831 till 1876 to defend the state from enemy attacks (from Thailand and other Malay sultanates).

Some of the historical remains visitors can see on Bukit Puteri are cannons, a flagpole, a large bell and a fort.

As it is the highest point in Kuala Terengganu, visitors standing on top of Bukit Puteri can enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding areas.

The Central Market

The Central Market, locally known as Pasar Payang,is located by the Terengganu River and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Terengganu.

Housed in a modern building, complete with a shopping arcade and a car park, it offers visitors a variety of traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk, songket, brocade and brassware, as well as fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and a special local delicacy called Keropok Lekor, a crispy wafer made from a mixture of fish and sago.

Visitors to this market will have a delightful experience shopping for local products at reasonable prices.

Desa Craft

Desa Craft is an interesting handicraft center which showcases songket, brassware, batik and fashion wear of current batik designs.

This center was developed by the Terengganu State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) as part of its effort to promote Kuala Terengganu as a popular tourist destination.

Pulau Duyung

Pulau Duyung is the most well-known boat-building ground in Terengganu. There, you can see boats being made by skilled boat builders who implement skills which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Builders are unique, for they work entirely from their memory and experience, without any set plans.

Pulau Duyung is also renowned for its dried and salted fish, and fish crackers industries.

It is easily accessible via the Sultan Mahmud Bridge or the Kuala Terengganu waterfront by boat, for those who enjoy using sea transportation.

Malaysian Handicraft Centre

Chendering, located 6km from Kuala Terengganu, is the site of the Malaysian Handicraft Centre. The centre offers visitors a wide variety of Malaysian handicrafts and an insight into handicraft making.

Some of the exquisite items which can be found here are songket, batik, vases, mats, hats, wallets and bags made from pandanus leaves.

Visitors will also get a chance to witness firsthand the skills of local artisans in songket weaving, batik painting and basket weaving.