Terengganu - Redang Island

The islands of the Redang Archipelago are Malaysia's gems in the South China Sea. It comprises Pulau Redang, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Ling, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Kerengga Kechil, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kechil and Pulau Lima. Most of the islands remain inhabited.

Located 50 km from the mainland and a less than an hour boat ride from the Merang Jetty, the archipelago is surrounded by crystal clear waters, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset, and what could be the world's most mature coral garden.

Boats leave for the island daily in the morning. Immediately upon arriving at Redang, the turquiose sea offers an enticing invitation to 'test the water'. Many have been deceived by Redang's crystal clear water. As if to dispel an illusion, unsuspecting visitors would jump into the sea only to discover themselves in water deeper than expected !

Terengganu - Batu Buruk Beach

Pantai Batu Buruk (beach of the ugly stone) Kuala Terengganu famous beach, white sandy beaches with swaying casuarinas lining up behind the shore, like a loyal friend to the waves. During windy days, playing kite on the beach is a good idea but swimming can be dangerous here. Varieties food stalls can be found at Batu Buruk, try fried ice cream (Ais Krim Goreng), Nasi Dagang, Terengganu traditional rice, fried sea foods and Yunnan chicken rice. There is good night market every Friday from 3.00pm till 7.00pm. Pantai Buruk is also a popular place for strolling and good place to visit especially in the evening,This beautiful beach is just 1 km from the city center and can be reached by walking. Perhaps this is the cleanest and widest beach inside Kuala Terengganu city. The Culture Centre stage pencak silat (Malay martial art), top spinning, kite flying, sepak raga and other traditional show from 5.00pm to 7.00pm every Friday from 1 April till 31 October, Check with the tourist office.

Terengganu - Kenyir Lake

Located about 80km from Kuala Terengganu, Kenyir Lake or Tasik Kenyir covers an area of 369 sq. km. Once a tropical valley, it was flooded to create a hydroelectricity dam, thus creating within the lake numerous man-made islands of the once jutting hills and making it the largest man-made lake in South East Asia. The hilly regions of Tasik Kenyir contain areas of untouched tropical rainforest estimated to be millions of years old.

The lake is unique for her beautiful scenario of tropical forest and its valuable flora and fauna species. It is believed that the area is the habitat of more than 8000 species of flowers, 2500 species of plants and trees, 8000 species of orchids, 370 species of birds and 300 species of fresh water fish.

Made up of 340 islands and 14 waterfalls and rapids, The Kenyir Lake provides for total relaxation and enjoyment in a unique environment. Kenyir Lake is a popular and ideal retreat for nature lovers, anglers and photographers, as well as cavers. Other activities include swimming, canoeing, fishing, boating and jungle trekking.

Accommodation such as houseboats, floating chalets and lakeside resorts are also available to visitors.

Due to the cleanliness of the lake, the Kenyir Lake has a wide variety of fresh water fish such as Toman (Snakehead), Baung (Catfish), Lampan Sungai (Scwanenfeldii’s Barb / Bardboides), Kelah (Malaysian Mahseer), Sebarau (Carp) etc…, so not surprisingly it has been dubbed as an 'Anglers Paradise'.

Terengganu - Kapas Island

About 6km off the coast of Marang is Kapas Island, an island renowned for its clear waters, sandy white beaches and swaying palms. Kapas Island is situated offshore about 30 minutes by slow boat or 10 minutes by fast boat from Marang jetty, 20 minutes south of Kuala Terengganu.

Relatively isolated from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, this island is the perfect getaway for those looking for some blissful relaxation.

It is a lovely small island with beautiful, quiet, unspoiled sandy beaches; cool and clear blue waters, swaying coconut trees and caves with swallows’ nests. Its waters are home to beautiful marine life such as fish, turtles, corals and others.

Making it a must-visit destination, especially for discerning divers and snorkellers, is the incredible variety of hard and soft corals, seashells, fish and turtles.

The laidback atmosphere gives a perfect excuse to do nothing. Still, if you are feeling restless, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Take your pick: diving, swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and even fishing.

Accommodation varies from deluxe and budget chalets offering air conditioned or fan.

Terengganu - Rantau Abang

Another place that should be on every visitor's itinerary is Rantau Abang, 60km south of Kuala Terengganu. There, visitors can lie quietly in wait from midnight to dawn to watch giant leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The turtles, lumbering slowly up the white sandy beaches to lay eggs, are a memorable sight.

These giant turtles grow up to 2.5m long and sometimes weigh more than 375kg. Rantau Abang is one of only six places in the world visited by these turtles, from the months of May to September.

These turtles and their eggs are also protected. Their eggs are located and replanted by scientists in incubator centres where controlled conditions can influence the sex of young turtles, helping the species survive.

Terengganu - Perhentian Island

Perhentian Island, meaning 'stopover island', is not to be missed. Situated 21km off the coast of Terengganu, it consists of the islands of Perhentian Besar Island and Perhentian Kecil Island. Covered by unspoilt jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters, Perhentian Island is a sanctuary for fishermen, migratory birds and of course, discerning holiday-makers.

Located just off the edge of the Redang Marine Park Island, 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, Perhentian Kecil Island is more geared towards backpackers. Here, you'll find a wide range of budget options for both food and accommodation.

Perhentian Besar Island, on the other hand, is more developed and therefore offers better facilities. Nevertheless, there are chalets, dormitories and campsites on both islands.