Monday, March 17, 2008

Cemerong Waterfall - Kuala Terengganu


At 305 metres, it is the highest waterfall in Malaysia
Recently discovered, it is located 30km from A1 Muktafi Billah Shah township in Dungun. The area leading to the waterfall of fers a diverse richness of nature and wildlife. It challenges the adventurous to jungle-trek to the waterfall that magnificently cascade down 305 metres. It is an adventure not to be forgotten, the coolness and the thunderous sound of the fall soothes the most weary of travelers.

Situated in the Cemerong Forest Reserve, the multi-tiered waterfall is truly a spectacular sight. It has four cascading rapids, the highest of which falls 600m. Also within the area is the biggest Chengal tree in Malaysia, said to be 1,300 years old. The Lata Tembakah Waterfall is another popular spot for relaxation.

If trekking and picnicking at seaside or any recreational park has long become history in your life, perhaps a visit to Cemerong Waterfall can recall all your long lost memories and fun. Cemerong Waterfall or some call Lata Cemeruh is located in the inner land of Dungun, or about 30 minutes drive from Kg. Pasir Raja, another good point for trekking activities. Reaching 300m height, it is the tallest waterfall in Terengganu state.
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Penarik Beach - Kuala Terengganu


Penarik beach is located within a recreational area frequently attended by the locals. There seemed to be a camping ground and probably some motel rooms here too. The water is fantastic and the view of traditional fishing boats docked at the beach by the local villagers is something you could treasure.
Take in the picturesque view of traditional wooden homes of fisherfolk, scattered along the palm fringed shores. An interesting sight here is fishing boats returning with their daily catch.
The beach tends to get very breezy because of the open sea. From here, the visitors can catch a glimpse of the famous islands off the coast of Terengganu - on the far left are the Perhentians, sitting in the middle is the small island of Pulau Lang Tengah, and far right is the world-famous Pulau Redang. There are a few food stalls here, plenty of picnic benches and ample parking spots.
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Mainland Beaches - Kuala Terengganu

Tanjung Jara Beach is an excellent location for windsurfing, boating, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Marang Beach is popular among photographers for its spectacular sunrise. Other beach incllude Paka and Kijal. Batu Buruk is a popular spot for locals, equipped with a playground, park benches as well as food stalls offering local delicacies.

Tanjung Jara

Tanjung Jara is a stretch of golden sandy beach embraced by the blue-green waters of the South China Sea. Located here is the Tanjung Jara Beach Resort which sprawls on 31 hectares of tropical setting. The hotel, styled after a Malay palace, won the prestigious Aga Khan award for the best architecture among hotels.
Recreational activities on the beach include windsurfing, sailing and speed boating. Tours to the neighbouring islands such as Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Kapas can be arranged.

Marang Beach

Marang Beach is unique in that its broad golden sands form a remarkable stretch of sand dunes like a wall that slopes dramatically into the sea, creating an unusual two-tier beach. Located about 15km south of Kuala Terengganu, grew originally from a cluster of fishing folks' homes. It is today acknowledged by many as the most advantageous point along the East Coast to witness and photograph the most spectacular daily sunrise in the country.

Paka Beach

Paka Beach which is about 16km north of Kertih is a secluded wide stretch of golden sands sloping gently into the sea, with small clusters of tall-swaying palms.
The glorious and awe-inspiring daily sunrise can be observed from here or, better still, from the Sungai Paka Bridge near the river mouth. The unfolding of nature's grandeur over fishing villages and coconut groves is best captured as dawn begins to break, with the sky emblazoned in a multitude of fiery red, orange and yellow, lasting no more than ten minutes.

Kijal Beach

Kijal beach are the most famous place for Golfing and Spa which is run by a 5-Star resort called Awana Kijal Golf, Beach & Spa Resort. They green are quite popular among the many pro golfers in Malaysia to try they 18-hole championship golf course. Besides golfing there is more things that can be done here at Pantai Kijal and if you are tired, you can just go lay lazily at the Spa there for hour and hour.

Batu Buruk Beach

White sandy beaches with swaying casuarinas lining up behind the shore, like a loyal friend to the waves. During windy days, playing kite on the beach is a good idea but swimming can be dangerous here. Varieties food stalls can be found at Batu Buruk, try fried ice cream (Ice Cream Goreng), Nasi Dagang, Terengganu traditional rice, fried sea foods and Yunnan chicken rice. There is good night market every Friday from 3.00pm till 7.00pm. Pantai Buruk is also a popular place for strolling and good place to visit especially in the evening,This beautiful beach is just 1 km from the city center and can be reached by walking. Perhaps this is the cleanest and widest beach inside Kuala Terengganu city. The Culture Centre stage pencak silat (Malay martial art), top spinning, kite flying, sepak raga and other traditional show from 5.00pm to 7.00pm every Friday from 1 April till 31 October, Check with the tourist office.
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Saturday, March 15, 2008

Kapas and Tenggol - Kuala Terengganu



The tiny tropical gem of Kapas is well-known for squid fishing. Its solitary resort offers complete seclusion. The nearby gem island is another splendid getaway. Tenggol, the furthest island from the mainland, is home to a kaleidoscope of colourful corals and marine life.

Pulau Kapas located about 6km off the coast of Marang is Pulau Kapas, an island renowned for its clear waters, sandy white beaches and swaying palms.Relatively isolated from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, this island is the perfect getaway for those looking for some blissful relaxation.Making it a must-visit destinationis the incredible variety of hard and soft corals, seashells, fish and turtles.The laidback atmosphere gives perfect excuse to do nothing. Still, if you are feeling restless, there's plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Take your pick: diving, swimming, Snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and even fishing!



Pulau Tenggol is another beautiful diving getaway and lies just 45 minutes off Kuala Dungun in the south of Terengganu. It is small - just 3km long and 2km wide.

However, this doesn't prevent it from being a paradise for many people, especially diving enthusiasts.

The interior of the island is filled with steep, rocky cliffs. This rocky terrain extends from the interior of the island to the ocean and has created a dramatic 'drop-off' - a sort of vertical canvas of marine life - that divers never seem to tire of.

[more information about Kapas and Tenggol: www.pulaupulau.com]
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Lang Tengah - Kuala Terengganu


Hailed as one of the state's best kept secrets, the island has sparking white sand and aquamarine waters. The varieties of hard and soft corals and prolific marine life make it a paradise for divers.
The small island of Lang Tengah sits between the Perhentians and Redang Island. It is best described as a secret paradise hideaway seldom visited by tourists and divers, this will change over time. Coral is in pristine contition and marine life is abundant here.


There is a good deep dive here dropping down to 30 meters with big shoals of snappers, fusiliers and rabbitfish, a thermocline often drops the visibility which can be upto 30 meters. Bamboo sharks, turtles and shovel nosed rays have been spotted on occasion around the island. There are a couple of shallow bays ideal for night diving where crustaceans and nocturnal reef critters are abundant. Some of the more popular dive sites are Tanjung Nibong Laut (26m), Yellow Reef (Terumbu Kuning, 25m), Tanjung Telunjuk, Karang Nibong, Batu Bulan and the House Reefs.

Tip: The best time is between March to October and please get advice regarding the weather condition before you go. Try to avoid school and public holiday.
Lang Tengah Island located in Terengganu and is accessible via Merang jetty. The journey will take approximately 40 minutes by boat and about an hours by slow boat. There are boat service from Lang Tengah Island to Perhentian Island and vice versa but it's not regular and can be expensive.
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