Terengganu Malaysia

Terengganu is one of the three east coast states on Peninsular Malaysia. Terengganu is the repository of Malaysia's cultural heritage and is home to the lilting Gamelan and the mesmerizing "Ulek Mayang" dance. It is a serene state, with numerous small villages, quiet roads, and secluded islands and beaches. The clear waters and teeming marine life of Terengganu have made it an increasingly popular destination for divers.

History
Terengganu's strategic location in the South China Sea made it an important trade center since ancient times. Earlier records indicate that it had trading relations with China. Like other Malay states, Terengganu practiced a Hindu-Buddhist culture combined with animist traditional beliefs for hundreds of years before the

arrival of Islam. Under the influence of Srivijaya, Terengganu also traded extensively with the Majapahit Empire, and the Khmer. According to a stone monument dated 1303 with Arabic inscriptions found in Kuala Berang, Terengganu was perhaps the first Malay state to receive Islam. Terengganu became a vassal state of Melaka, but retained considerable autonomy with the emergence of Riau-Johor. Terengganu emerged as an independent sultanate in 1724. The first Sultan was Tun Zainal Abidin, the younger brother of a former sultan of Johor, and Johor strongly influenced Terengganu politics through the 18th century. In the 19th century, Terengganu became a vassal state of Siam. Under Siamese rule, Terengganu prospered, and was given considerable autonomy. The terms of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 Siam ceded to Great Britain. A British Resident was installed after considerable reluctance in 1919, and Terengganu became one of the Unfederated Malay States. During World War II, Japan transferred Terengganu back to Siam, along with Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis, but after the defeat of Japan, these Malay states returned to British control. Terengganu became a member of the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and a state of independent Malaya in 1957.
Climate Terengganu has tropical monsoon climate. The temperature is relatively uniform within the range of 21°C to 32°C throughout the year. During the months of January to April, the weather is generally dry and warm. Humidity is consistently high (approximately 80%). The average rainfall per year is from 2,000 mm to 2500 mm and the period from November to January is the main rainy season.


Best Time to Visit

It is better to avoid going to Terengganu during the period from November to January as it the main rainy season.
Tourist Attractions/Places to See
Kuala Terengganu: Kuala Terengganu is the capital of Terengganu. Though it is fast changing into a modern city, yet the charm of the old world is neither lost nor forgotten. You can start your visit to Terengganu from Kuala Terengganu.
Terengganu State Mosque:
The mosque was built on the estuary of Terengganu river and its intricate design gives viewers the impression that the mosque is actually floating on water. This place of worship is beautifully lit at night and presents a spectacular sight.


Terengganu State Museum:
Located on a hill in Jalan Cherong Lanjut, the Terengganu State Museum contains a fine collection of nineteenth-century Chinese wares, showing a clear Islamic influence, prehistoric tools from the Stone Age, and ancient manuscripts of Islamic calligraphy.
Marang:
Marang is a picturesque fishing village with tall swaying coconut trees, cool fresh air, a beautiful lagoon, and a fleet of fish trawlers. Marang can easily captivate you with its natural beauty and simple ambience.

Suterasemai Centre:
Located 6 km from Kuala Terengganu, Suterasemai Centre is Malaysia's pioneer silk weaving center where visitors can witness different stages of silk manufacturing.