Terengganu Life

TERENGGANU STATE

Islamic Civilisation Park

The Islamic Civilisation Park is divided into two zones: the Islamic Civilisation Complex and the Public Zone. The Islamic Civilisation Complex features the first theme park that glorifies the achievements of Islamic architecture.

The Complex has 21 replicas of famous historical Muslim complexes throughout the world, which is situated on 23 hectares of land. The main attractions of this theme park are five interactive monuments, namely Malaysia’s National Mosque, the Dome of the Rock of Palestine, the Sacred Mosque of Saudi Arabia (Masjidil Haram), Al-Hambra Citadel of Spain and the Taj Mahal of India.

Some of the highlights at the complex the Kalyan Minaret of Uzbekistan, Abu Nasr Shrine of Afghanistan, Samarra Winding Minaret of Iraq, Mohd Ali Mosque of Cairo, Qairawan Great Mosque of Tunisia, Agadez Great Mosque of Nigeria, Aleppo Citadel of Syria, Kul Syarif Mosque of Russia and Minaret of Xian, China.

Another unique attraction is the Crystal Mosque – icon for the Islamic Civilisation Park and a new landmark for Kuala Terengganu. The unique mosque made of crystal shine glass and steel was officially opened by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on 8 February 2008.

Museum State

Located on 27 hectares of land in Bukit Losong, Kuala Terengganu, the complexes itself are an impressive architectural feat, based on the designs of Terengganu’s old palace. It comprises a Main Museum, a Maritime Museum, a Fisheries Museum, 4 traditional houses and botanic and herb gardens.

The Main Museum is built on 16 concrete stilts with galleries showcasing textiles and weaving techniques, traditional weapons, crafts, historical, royal regalia’s, nature, petroleum development, Islamic arts, new generation and contemporary arts. The other 4 blocks are adjoined, to represent a large family. At the main entrance of the main complex, lays the famous original Batu Bersurat of Terengganu.

Turtle-Shaped Rock

Visited Rantau Abang in Terengganu, but chances are you may not have noticed a rock formation shaped like a turtle.
This is because despite its unique shape and interesting story, not many visitors to the famous turtle-landing site are aware of its existence.

There are no signs directing visitors to the hill where the rock formation is located and the track along the jungle path can be hazardous.

The tour operator said Terengganu should learn from the example set by the Manneken Pis, a landmark in Brussels, Belgium, which told a story about a war in 1142.

It is said that since then, the stone has been luring turtles to Rantau Abang during the nesting season. Lee said the site also offered a scenic view of the surrounding area. However, proper facilities such as a car park, toilet and shelter are needed if the place is to be turned into a tourist attraction.

Traditional Food

Nasi Dagang Nasi Dagang Keropok Lekor

Satay Akok Manis Kuih Sagu

The Malay cooking always have their homegrown ingredients such as coconut milk, lemon grass, lime leaves, screw pine leaves (pandan leave) and tumeric etc. to cook with meat or vegetables together with a traditional accompaniment of a hot and spicy sambal belacan which is made of prawn paste, ground chili and condiments. Indeed, no Malay meal is complete without the sambal ! Rice forms the main staple of the Malays, and this is often taken with a variety of dishes. Daily meals are based on white rice, and coconut milk is always one of the ingredient in the cooking.

Masjid Terapung At Kampung Ibai

The design of the mosque reflects a subtle Islamic influence combined with local features, incorporating the use of marble, ceramics, mosaic works and bomanite paving.

The mosque, was built by an idea inspired from the late Sultan of Terengganu, Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah.

This beautiful mosque was named after his mother, Tuanku Intan Zaharah binti Almarhum Tengku Seri Setia Raja. The architectural beauty of the mosque is surrounded by a lake, looking enchantingly inspirational much like a place in the tale of 1,001 Arabian Nights. The calmness of the mosque is enhanced with the roaring of the South China Sea, making it an alluring and unique tourist attraction in Terengganu.

Kenyir Lake

Tasik Kenyir is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia, spanning 260,000 hectares. It is also Malaysia's largest rock filled hydroelectric dam. When the area was flooded, most of the hills were above the water level, thus creating about 340 man-made islands.

The rainforest that cradles the area bestows the lake with an incredible assortment of flora and fauna including rare ferns, exotic orchids, hornbills, elephants, and panthers. It is believed that the area is the home for more than 8,000 species of flowers, 2,500 species of plants and trees, 800 species of orchids, and 300 species of fungus.

Tasik Kenyir is located about 55 km inland of Kuala Terengganu and is the largest man-made lake in the world. Spanning over 260,000 hectares, it is a popular destination for nature lovers as it is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. Upon the completion of hydroelectric dam, the water level rises creating 340 islands, more than 14 lovely waterfalls and a few rapids and rivers. Pengkalan Gawi jetty has boat services for island trips and resort transfers.

Weekend Market

Istana Maziah

Istana Maziah is the official Terengganu sultan's palace. It is located near Bukit Puteri in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.

The distinct deep yellow structure of the Istana Maziah royal palace is hard to miss if you're walking around Kuala Terengganu. Located right next to Bukit Puteri, Istana Maziah is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III in 1897 to replace the Istana Hijau, which was burned down during World War II.

Istana Maziah is the venue for royal birthdays, weddings, conferment of titles and receptions for local and foreign dignitaries. This distinct building is a product of the blend between modern and traditional architecture, which reflects the artistic skills of the Terengganu people. 20 craftsmen using limestone mixed with clay, coarse salt, egg yolk and honey constructed it. The palace has tall shuttered windows resembling those of a French chateau.