 Terengganu
which overlooks the South China Sea on the east coast
of Malaysia is another charming holiday destination. Its
long coastline is endowed with truly magical beaches of
white sand and washed by clear, warm waters. It is small
wonder, that this east coast paradise is renowned for
activities such as beach-combing, sea sports, fishing
and boat-making. Its numerous islands offer ideal gateway
spots for sun-worshippers and diving enthusiasts or simply
for pure relaxation. Among the islands that are certain
to enrapture its visitors are the marine parks of Redang,
Kapas, Perhentian and Tenggol. Redang in particular offers
excellent dive sites and its superb coral reefs abound
with an amazing diversity of marine life.
Between May and September each year, at Rantau Abang,
60km south of Kuala Terengganu, visitors gather to watch
giant Leatherback turtles clamber ashore to lay eggs.
Some of the turtles weigh as much as 375kg and measure
2.5m in length. It is a rare treat to take in the sight
of the creatures laboriously digging holes in the sand
to lay eggs, covering them again and heading back into
the sea. This spot is acknowleged to be one of the six
in the world where this rare phenomenon unfolds.
 Despite
the offshore oil and gas activities, life in Terengganu
is still less hurried compared to some other Malaysian
states. This is apparently in the quaint villages as well
as the towns. Kuala Terengganu is the capital town and
places of interest include the State Museum, Central Market
and Istana Maziah. 6km away from the town at Chendering,
is the Sutera Semai Centre, the country', first silk weaving
venture which offers interesting insights into the whole
process of silk-weaving. It is also the site of the Malaysian
Handicraft Centre. Near the mouth of the Terengganu River
at Pulau Duyong, you can see skillful boat builders constructing
colourfully decorated vessels purely from memory. At Rusila,
just outside Kuala Terengganu, visitors can watch local
artisans weaving exquisite handicrafts such as baskets
and mats as well as beach and fishing activities. |
