Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Master Plan! ( oh and the Challenge! )

There are 8 main things that I am going to do in Terengganu! The challenge? to complete all these 8 things in 14 days! These 8 places and activities I find are what makes Terengganu a state like no other. In the midst of these challenges, I'll be roaming around taking a plunge in the local cuisine, trying out some delicacies that I arent available in Kuala Lumpur, interviewing the locals who might give me extra challenges to fulfill! (who knows!) and also essential travelling tips! ( places to stay, items to bring!)

the 8 challenges are! *cue drumroll!*


- Attain an Open Water Diving License on the beautiful Island of Perhentian. Hopefully I dont bump into any old friends ...





- Hike and Visit Late Chemerong! one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Terengganu!



-Canoe/Kayak at the Kenyir Lake which is reputed to be one of the largest and most fascinating man-made lake in the world!

- take a dip at LA Hot Springs in Besut

- Visit top 3 most beautiful Mosques in Terengganu ( including the Floating mosque )



- A trip to see one of natures many nighttime delights, fireflies at Sungai Penarik Firefly Sanctuary, near Kampung Penarik an exotic fishing village OR The Sungai Yak Yah Firefly Sanctuary , which is the biggest fire sanctuary in Malaysia.

- Hike at the world's oldest tropical rainforest ( 130 million years old! ) at Tanjung Mentong National Park

- Shop at Pasar Payang in the capital state of Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu.



Sounds good eh?! Next post I'll introduce to you the girl infront of the camera ( me! ) oh and also the mode on transport I'll be choosing. I'll discuss all three methods of visiting Terengganu and which I think is the best!

Extra Info on Terengganu

Between May and September each year, at Rantau Abang, 60 km south of Kuala Terengganu, visitors gather to watch giant Leatherback turtles clamber ashore to lay eggs. Some of the turtles weigh as much as 375 kg and measure 2.5 m 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 acknowledged to be one of the six in the world where this rare phenomenon unfolds.I actually got some raw footage! Will upload on the blog!


Kuala Terengganu is the capital town and places of interest include the State Museum, Central Market and Istana Maziah. 6 km away from the town at Chendering, is the Sutera Semai Centre, the country's 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 skilful 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.

On the extreme west of the state, Tasik Kenyir, South East Asia's largest man-made lake is a major tourist attraction. The huge lake with its hundreds of islands, numerous caves, waterfalls and luxuriant tropical jungle is a paradise for a wide range of outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, canoeing, trekking, cave exploration and camping.

For golfing buffs, there is a fabulous golf resort with a panaromic sweep of the lake. The Sekayu Recreational Park, west of Kuala Terengganu, is a popular picnic spot famous for its series of seven cascades making up the Sekayu waterfalls and its orchards.

A little history lesson wont hurt! ( part 1 )

Before embarking on an epic adventure cruising through the beautiful state of Terengganu, I decided to research a little on where I will be staying, what I plan to do, and most importantly the history the places I intend to visit. There's so much information on the net these days, but this blog will breakdown everything into simpler points, so that everything you need to know will be at your fingertips! As an avid traveller myself, I know that long and winding texts can be a chore to read :)


So here's what you generally need to know about Terengganu ;


- Terengganu is one of the Malaysian state which hosts a multitude of natural landscapes. There's beaches, exotic islands, lush virgin tropical jungle, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls to name a few.

- In addition to Kuala Terengganu, its capital, there are also 6 other main administrative districts here in the Terengganu state which includes Besut, Dungun, Hulu Terengganu, Kemaman, Marang and Setiu.

- sandy beaches and crystal clear water stretches throughout its 225 km coastline, extending from Besut in the north to Kemaman in the South. Terengganu's islands are among the most beautiful, and fascinating in Malaysia attracting a wide range of tourists from all over the world!


- Local pastimes include fishing, batik painting, songket designing, and soaking in the beautiful weather at the beaches.

- Terengganu's population, which stands at approximately 1 million people, consists of 90% Malays, with the rest being made up of Chinese and Indians. Terenganu seems to have an air of ease, and a general laid-back feel. Its people seem to be unaffected by the hustle and bustle of regular city.

*Terengganu's history goes back to as far as the 1st century and has long been an important area of Malay settlement. Collectively, Terengganu has been ruled my 16 Sultans.

*The Terengganu state is also considered as one of the more socially conservative states in Malaysia, just like its counterpart the Kelantan state (Terengganu was once ruled by PAS but Kelantan until today is still under PAS ruling). Despite the fact for being slightly more conservative, Terengganu still welcomes foreign investment especially in the petrochemical industry as we all may or may not know, Terengganu is a state in Malaysia which is very rich in petroleum. ( web )

*For the traveler who loves relaxing at the white sandy beaches or the traveler who knows how to appreciate the traditional cultures, Terengganu is surely the place to visit because apart from the picturesque view of the natural landscape and the crystal clear beaches, Terengganu itself is also famous with various traditional work of art such as boat building, wooden carvings, batik and other local handicrafts.

( info : wikipedia )

more info in the next post!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Answers!



And the answers roll in! Questions were asked on Facebook on Terengganu, in terms of places to visit, food to eat and I must say people seem to be excited about our conquest to truly learning and experiencing Terengganu in all its culture and glory. Being city girls ourselves, Terengganu seems like far cry from our normal day to day activities. Lets face it, we're not that lucky to have the beach right at our doorstep! Aside from Facebook, Ive also asked friends on Twitter, and surprisingly, instead of the normal beach advice, some asked me go hiking!

I've done a far share of travelling, and it baffles me how the only people who appreciate are beautiful coasts are the foreigners! We're so lucky to have such beautiful locations just a drive, or short flight away!I am totally amped and excited and I promise you, you'll see Terengganu like never before!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Awesome Terengganu Holiday Research begins!

The first step of my plan is find out what other people truly think is Awesome! about Terengganu.

And what better way to reach out than through... Facebook!

I asked : So tell me what's Awesome! about Terengganu?

And I wait for their answers...

Planning an Awesome Holiday in Terengganu


Shimmering crystal clear water. Sandy beaches like silk between your toes. Damn good seafood.

Sounds awesome? I think so too. Which is why this 20-something artist-mum from the Klang Valley has begun to silently scheme her way into enjoying the bountiful pleasures of this east coast state of Malaysia...

Of course there are a few little things between me and swimming with the tropical fishies:

1) Terengganu always seems so far. What's the best way to get there?
2)Where will I stay?
3) What will I do?
4) What will I learn?
and of course, 
5) WHAT WILL I EAT?

Stay tuned as I manifest my idea of a dream vacation into a sublime reality....

What are your thoughts on Terengganu? Any thoughts tips or advice? Share!