Advertisement

Tasik Kenyir

Tasik Kenyir is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia, spanning 260,000 hectares. It is also Malaysia's largest rock filled hydroelectric dam. When the area was flooded, most of the hills were above the water level, thus creating about 340 man-made islands.

The rainforest that cradles the area furnishes the lake with an incredible assortment of flora and fauna. These include rare ferns, exotic orchids, hornbills, elephants, and panthers. It is also home to more than 8,000 species of flowers, 2,500 species of plants and trees, 800 species of orchids, and 300 species of fungus.

It is a popular retreat for nature lovers as it is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. It is also an angler’s haven as the lake is home to hundreds of species of freshwater fish like Baung, Toman, Kelisa, Lampam and Kelah.

Surounded by a vast tropical jungle, the lake area is a popular spot for angling, boating, canoeing, jungle-trekking, 4WD driving and golfing.

Accommodation varies from a 3 star resort, chalets on the islands, floating resort or houseboats where rooms and meals are provided. The houseboat travels to waterfalls and fishing sites providing an exhilarating adventure for nature lovers.

Tasik Kenyir is also a gateway to Taman Negara through Tanjung Mentong.

Pulau Kapas

About 6km off the coast of Marang is Pulau Kapas, an island renowned for its clear waters, sandy white beaches and swaying palms. Kapas Island is situated offshore about 30 minutes by slow boat or 10 minutes by fast boat from Marang jetty, 20 minutes south of Kuala Terengganu.

Relatively isolated from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, this island is the perfect getaway for those looking for some blissful relaxation.

It is a lovely small island with beautiful, quiet, unspoiled sandy beaches; cool and clear blue waters, swaying coconut trees and caves with swallows’ nests. Its waters are home to beautiful marine life such as fish, turtles, corals and others.

Making it a must-visit destination, especially for discerning divers and snorkellers, is the incredible variety of hard and soft corals, seashells, fish and turtles.

The laidback atmosphere gives a perfect excuse to do nothing. Still, if you are feeling restless, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Take your pick: diving, swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and even fishing.

Accommodation varies from deluxe and budget chalets offering air conditioned or fan.

Rantau Abang

Another place that should be on every visitor's itinerary is Rantau Abang, 60km south of Kuala Terengganu. There, visitors can lie quietly in wait from midnight to dawn to watch giant leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The turtles, lumbering slowly up the white sandy beaches to lay eggs, are a memorable sight.

These giant turtles grow up to 2.5m long and sometimes weigh more than 375kg. Rantau Abang is one of only six places in the world visited by these turtles, from the months of May to September.

These turtles and their eggs are also protected. Their eggs are located and replanted by scientists in incubator centres where controlled conditions can influence the sex of young turtles, helping the species survive.

Islamic Civilisation Park

Taman Tamadun Islam is an interactive journey of Islamic monuments of the world. It is an entertainment and educational destination. Located on Pulau Wan Man (Wan Man Island) in Kuala Terengganu, the 23-hectares Park is part of a project under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) to further boost Kuala Terengganu as a waterfront city.

The Islamic Civilisation Park is divided into two zones: the Islamic Civilisation Complex and the Public Zone. The Islamic Civilisation Complex features the first theme park that glorifies the achievements of Islamic architecture.

The Complex has 21 replicas of famous historical Muslim complexes throughout the world, which is situated on 23 hectares of land. The main attractions of this theme park are five interactive monuments, namely Malaysia’s National Mosque, the Dome of the Rock of Palestine, the Sacred Mosque of Saudi Arabia (Masjidil Haram), Al-Hambra Citadel of Spain and the Taj Mahal of India.

Some of the highlights at the complex the Kalyan Minaret of Uzbekistan, Abu Nasr Shrine of Afghanistan, Samarra Winding Minaret of Iraq, Mohd Ali Mosque of Cairo, Qairawan Great Mosque of Tunisia, Agadez Great Mosque of Nigeria, Aleppo Citadel of Syria, Kul Syarif Mosque of Russia and Minaret of Xian, China.

Another unique attraction is the Crystal Mosque – icon for the Islamic Civilisation Park and a new landmark for Kuala Terengganu.

The unique mosque made of crystal shine glass and steel was officially opened by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on 8 February 2008.

Information not available

Information not available

Advertisement