Terengganu is one of the most underrated tourism destination in Malaysia. Besides the popular island destinations, the beautiful landscape in Terengganu is an attractive destination for outdoor buffs.
Bukit Maras is first developed for the paragliding sport in 2017 by the Terengganu Paragliding Society. Considerably a hidden gem, Bukit Maras started gaining attention lately by the locals for hiking and camping activites on the peak.
Where is Bukit Maras?
Around 20km away from the heart of Kuala Terengganu, Bukit Maras is in Kuala Nerus district in the east coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. Peaking at 329 metres above sea level, the view overlooks the state’s airport, paddy fields, rivers and durian estates. Bukit Maras has direct accessibility to the main road for ease of visit from the public.
What To Do
Bukit Maras is an expanding tourist destination with interesting activities from paragliding, camping, exploring bat cave, hiking, trekking in the forest and picnic to be considered.
Sometime in future, Bukit Maras is also looking to develop an orchad homestay at the nearby farms and plantations for an extended nature retreat for travellers. At the moment, here are the top four activities that you can do at Bukit Maras.
Paragliding
The paragliding activity is officially managed by the Terengganu Paragliding Society. Depending on weather, paragliders may fly for 8 to 10 minutes on air before landing at the football field at the foot of the hill. The price for tandem paragliding is RM200 per person.
Hiking
From its base at Maras Village, it would take an average of 20 minutes to reach the peak of Bukit Maras. It is a popular sunrise spot for locals to catch the breathtaking sight. For morning hikes, one can start climbing from 6am till 7pm. No visitors are allowed to be at the peak of Bukit Maras after 7pm unless accompanied by an official Maras guide for night walking (8pm till 12pm).
Camping
The large clear land at the peak has ample space for putting up camps and other recreation activities. Fun fact, there are no mosquitoes at the peak and at night time, you’ll be able to enjoy the cool fresh air and night illumination of the city! If you’re travelling without your camping equipments, camping facilities and hammock are available for rent at RM10 per person.
Trekking
For interested trekkers, there are three routes to explore with different distances and multiple checkpoints in Bukit Maras. Trek Tanah Merah (1.8km trek) is open to public while both Trek Denai A (3.3km trek) and Trek Denai B (5.8km trek) require the assistance of a guide for directions.
For further enquiries and bookings of any recreational activities mentioned above, email to [email protected] or visit the official Facebook page.
Text and photos by Jessy Wong
