Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or a holidaymaker simply looking to soak up the local vibes, Kuala Terengganu has something for everyone.
From charming hotels and bustling markets to mouth-watering street food and iconic landmarks, here are FMT Lifestyle’s recommendations of places you mustn’t miss on your visit to our eastern shores!
The Payang Hotel
Book a room at The Payang Hotel, nestled in Kuala Terengganu’s historic Kampung Cina. Offering cosy rooms for solo travellers, couples, and families, this charming hotel effortlessly blends Chinese colonial style with classic Terengganu architecture.
Besides providing great accommodation close to the coast, The Payang Hotel is an excellent starting point for exploring Kampung Cina, one of Southeast Asia’s earliest Chinese settlements.
With colourful shophouses, vibrant kaki lima, temples and townhouses, there’s plenty around here to see and do.
Pasar Kedai Payang
This lively market, established in 1964 as a centre for local merchants, is a must-visit. Pasar Kedai Payang – named after perahu payang (a traditional Malay open fishing boat) – is known for its rich cultural offerings, including traditional crafts like batik, songket and brassware.
It also boasts a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood and local delicacies, offering a true taste of Malaysian cuisine. Additionally, shoppers can find colourful textiles ideal for traditional Malay clothing.
Beyond shopping, Pasar Payang is a vibrant cultural experience, providing a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the Terengganu people.
Kori Keropok Lekor Losong
A trip to Kuala Terengganu isn’t complete without trying the city’s famous keropok lekor. Almost everywhere, you’ll find stalls selling these piping-hot fish crackers with spicy dipping sauce.
Stop by Kori Keropok Lekor Losong in Kampung Losong Feri and indulge in freshly fried keropok lekor, available in three varieties: long and chewy, steamed, and thin and crispy.
Behind the counter at this wooden shack, a team of women works hard, grinding fish into paste, mixing it with sago, and frying it all up on the spot.
You can also buy frozen keropok lekor, or a pack of unfried thin and crispy ones to bring home for your family!
Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge
Inspired by the iconic Tower Bridge in London, the Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge opened to the public in August 2019. It is the first drawbridge with soaring towers and a skybridge in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Gleaming resplendently in sun, this landmark spans the mighty Sungai Terengganu, its towers rising some 15 storeys high (87.6m).
The drawbridge offers an expansive, panoramic view of the city. At the top, you can also support local artisans and bakers selling cookies, batik blouses, keychains, wood carvings, and much more.
Nasi Lemak Kukus Kak Dah CD
For a late-night fix of nasi lemak, head to this shop in Kampung Pasir Panjang. Run by a group of women, this 16-year-old eatery offers freshly cooked nasi lemak kukus with various side dishes.
Established by the late Siti Zubaidah Ali, the kitchen buzzes with activity even in the wee hours, preparing up to 2,000 nasi lemak packets to be sent off to breakfast stalls in Kuala Terengganu and Marang.
Eat like a local and order your nasi lemak with fish. And make sure you don’t miss out on their sambal: with a spicy kick and a sweet undertone (Terengganu folks love their sugar), it will leave you wanting more!