Terengganu Beaches and Islands

Terengganu probably has the best beaches and islands in Malaysia! It has a 225 kilometre long picturesque coastline. Off its coast are dreamy islands washed by turquoise waters. They have tong been favourites by scuba divers. Pantai Batu Buruk is the nearest beach getaway when you are in Kuala Terengganu, the state capital. Pantai Batu Buruk offers wide sandy beach with lots of eating outlets, hotels and water activities. Get up early if you want to watch brilliant sunrise. Strong undertow during rainy months November to February. Avoid swimming during this period. Situated along this beach is Gelanggang Seni (Cultural Centre). About 140 km north of Kuala Terengganu Lies the Dendong Beach Park, a quiet beach while southwards lie Rantau Abang, the famed nesting grounds of the giant Leatherback turtles (Dermocheleys coriaca). Turtle sanctuaries have been established in an effort to reverse the decline of leatherback turtles. Collection (except by licensed turtle egg collectors) or eating of turtle eggs are forbidden. A few kilometres away from Rantau Abang is Tanjung Jara, an enchanting wide golden beach washed by inviting turquoise waters. It rose to fame with the building of the Tanjung Jara Beach Resort, which won the Aga Khan Award for best Muslim architecture in the 80s. About 6km from the fishing village of Marang lies Pulau Kapas, long been the favourite of snorkellers and divers. Boats to the islands are available at Marang. The islands offer chalets and facilities for water activities. Another choice island destination is Pulau Perhentian, which really comprises Perhentian Besar (big) and Perhentian Kecil (small). The latter is inhabited by mostly fishermen, whilst Perhentian Besar is the ‘touristy’ island. Hence, Pulau Perhentian refers to the bigger of the two. The island is blessed with lovely white sandy beaches and coves and crystal clear waters. There are a great variety of dive sites ranging from colourful coral gardens to drops hundreds of metres deep. Pulau Redang, an archipelago of islands, needs no introduction to dive enthusiasts. The underwater rock caves, reefs and pelagic fishes are divers’ delight. The waters have been gazetted as a Marine Park. Collection of corals is prohibited. Accommodation is in form of an international hotel to chalets and camping grounds. Pulau Redang is accessible via air or via a 45minute ferry ride from Merang on the mainland.