Crystal clear waters just a plane ride away
Travelling to the famous waters of the Perhentian Islands and Redang has become much easier for Singaporeans with the availability of direct budget flights to Kuala Terengganu.
Previously, visitors from Singapore could only travel to the north-eastern state of Terengganu through transit flights via Kuala Lumpur or long bus rides.
Malaysian budget carrier Air Asia first introduced these direct international flights from Changi to Kuala Terengganu in April this year. It operates flights three times weekly from Singapore.
Tranquil Terengganu
Part of the state’s allure is that it maintains a laidback and tranquil vibe despite its reputation as Malaysia’s richest state (thanks to the discovery of oil and gas off its coastline).
Most of the common folk continue to fish as a livelihood while the rest engage in agriculture and tourism.
Following the taxi ride from the airport to the city centre, it is quite evident that Kuala Terengganu’s grandest buildings are the seven mosques along the river, the library and the sultan’s residences.
The rest of the general populace continues to reside in simple timber houses, which are built in a style distinctive of north-east Malaysia.
It is this distinctive harkening for the simple life that makes visits to the state of Terengganu so appealing.
While it is rare to encounter a bustling shopping mall stocked to the hilt with the latest fashions, it is not uncommon to see a crowded night market that is set up on a rotational basis around the villages.
It is in those night markets and makeshift stalls along the roadsides that one can sample the traditional culinary delights of Terengganu.
Amongst them are “keropok lekor,” a fish and dough combination that can be served fried or steamed, “nasi dadang,” a specialty rice dish that is topped off with curry and “sata,” a cake made of fish and coconut which is wrapped in banana leaves and grilled.
The best way to burn off the calories from all that delightful feasting is to swim, dive or snorkel it away.
Terengganu boasts of a string of offshore islands that are famed for their diverse underwater habitats and pristine beaches. Pulau Redang, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Kapas, are some of the more well-known spots.
And while visitors are spoilt for choice on locations to indulge in water sport activities, they can also opt to stay inland and observe a part of the wildlife that Terengganu is famous for.
Turtle-watching in the wee hours of the morning is such a popular activity that most tour packages come with that option.
The best time to see the rare giant leatherback turtles is between August and October each year. It is during these three months that one can catch a glimpse of young turtles hatching from eggs and crawling their way to the sea and the older turtles swimming ashore to lay their eggs.
