Terengganu reveals its diversity along a 224-kilometre coastline. A defining landmark is the Terengganu Scenic Drive: it connects coastal destinations from Kemaman via Kuala Terengganu to Besut. The scenic route passes Kemasik, Paka, Dungun, Marang (Kelulut), Chendering, Batu Buruk, Penarik, Mangkuk, Setiu Wetland, Benting Lintang and Pantai Air Tawar in Besut. These names point to a region whose coastal experience is not limited to a single place.

Coastal Towns and Island Archipelagos

The Terengganu Marine Park, with its four major island archipelagos—Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Tenggol—is part of the region’s maritime character. This grouping makes clear that the islands comprise several groups. Pulau Kapas offers a specific geographical reference: the island lies about 6 kilometres off the coast of Marang. This approximate distance links the island’s name to one of the coastal towns without equating the different archipelagos.

The seasons also shape certain aspects of the natural environment. From May to September, Rantau Abang is one of six places worldwide visited by these turtles. Anyone interested in this seasonal occurrence can consider it as a distinct focus alongside the broader coastal and island perspective. More than 150 bird species have been recorded at Kenyir Lake; for nature enthusiasts, this figure offers a different focus from the region’s marine themes.

Markets and City Life

In Marang, Pasar Marang combines fresh seafood and traditional Malay dishes with local handicrafts. At Benteng Marang, visitors can walk, cycle or ride a motorcycle. Marang therefore offers both the market and a range of activities at Benteng as distinct options.

In Kuala Terengganu, the Islamic Civilization Park focuses on Islamic monuments. The park on Wan Man Island covers 23 hectares and is designed for interactive exploration. It features 21 replicas of buildings from Islamic world history. The Crystal Mosque is the park’s landmark and also a new landmark of Kuala Terengganu. The park’s size, interactive approach and replicas give it a cultural focus distinct from the region’s markets.

Pasar Payang lies on the banks of the Sungai Terengganu. Its traditional handicrafts include batik, silk fabrics, songket, brocade fabrics and metalware. The two markets have distinct specialities: Pasar Marang offers food and seafood as well as handicrafts, while Pasar Payang focuses on the specific handicrafts and textiles listed here.

Mining History in Bukit Besi

Bukit Besi preserves a range of mining remains: a former railway line, tunnels, accommodation, a tin plant and a factory chimney. Other surviving industrial landmarks include an ore stockpile, a washing or tin-processing plant and a crushing plant. Together, these features show different aspects of mining history—from the former railway connection to processing facilities.

Tasik Puteri at Bukit Besi is also part of this picture. The lake was formed by iron ore mining and is being developed as a recreational area. In Bukit Besi, the physical traces of mining therefore sit alongside a landscape whose formation is also linked to extraction. Those interested in industrial history will find more here than a single building or isolated relic.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

These highlights offer different ways to experience the region and help you put your own interests at the heart of your planning, without requiring a set sequence of destinations.

Discover More Destinations

Kuala Berang, Permaisuri, Kuala Terengganu, Kampong Basong, Dungun, Marang, Paka, Pulau Redang, Kijal, Jerteh, Kuala Besut, Kampong Pasir Hantu, Kemaman, Kerteh, Cukai, Chalok, Bukit Payong

For the overview of the wider region: Malaysia.