If you are trying to get a wholesome experience during your holiday, get off the beaten track and explore somewhere different in Malaysia. The nation has never failed to offer almost everything from across its 13 states and three federal territories, one of which is the sultanate of Terengganu in the countries northeast. The coastal city of Kuala Terengganu lies on the shores of the South China Sea, the most ideal base to stay so that you can discover the surrounding region, and surprisingly has a selection of resorts there ranging from 3 stars to 5 star hotels. Located in the heart of the city itself you may discover the island of Pulau Duyung Besar, or else known as Mermaid Island. It also houses the host of master boat builders that construct containers ranging from rowing boats and deep sea fishing crafts to luxurious yachts, and from there you can witness yourselves how the craftsmen construct their masterpieces simply by taking a stroll through the many workshops.
Additionally, the island’s harbor enables activities, such as boat races and jet skiing, which makes it ideal water spots hub. Try to stay at the Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort and Spa to enjoy true meaning of relaxation. Its chic Verandah restaurant happens to serve local and international cuisines, while the Oasis Lounge is an eatery at the poolside and could be the perfect place to soak up the sun. You can access the island by road across the Sultan Mahmud Bridge or better go by boat from the Shahbandar Jetty.Head north to the town of Merang and check in to the Aryani Hotel, which will be just a five minute drive from Merang Jetty where you can catch boats heading to a number of different islands, such as Bidong, Lang Tengah and Redang, the first of which holds a lot of history since it was made a refugee camp after the Vietnamese War ended in 1975.
Three years later, the island has become the refugee for the first Vietnamese asylum seekers and just less in a year; it grew to 40,000 plus in an area that is just over one square kilometer. The camp closed down in 1991 and the island is then opened as a tourist destination after eight years later. However back in the city of Kuala Terengganu the Batu Burok Beach Resort is a 3-star hotel situated just 20-minutes from Sultan Mahmud Airport, making it a perfect choice for those flying for business purpose, with meeting rooms and facilities available within the hotel for guests’ convenience.
The area also happen to be a good spot from which is convenient to explore some of the city’s attractions, for example the central market (Pasar Payang) for an energetic insight into local transaction and where you may get a souvenir or few; the State Museum is full of ancient artifacts (said to be the largest collection of such in Malaysia); and also catch an interesting sight of the floating Mosque – Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque.
