Merang Suria Resort
Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia

PLACES OF INTEREST

There’s a host of exciting things to do here. From breathtaking deep-sea diving and snorkeling at the world-renowned Redang Island and jet skiing to the more laid-back activities such as river cruising, kite flying, top spinning with the local villagers, shopping for local handicrafts, or sunbathing while reading a book under a coconut tree, you can be assured of a most exhilarating time here. 

1. ISTANA MAZIAH-The largest museum in Southeast Asia

   A palace of splendid architecture that is modern and traditional. It was constructed during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin Abidin III. Located near Bukit Puteri, it is the venue for royal weddings, birthdays, conferment of titles, and receptions for local and foreign dignitaries.

2. REDANG ISLAND

   Redang Island or Pulau Redang is indeed one of Malaysia’s most idyllic islands. This tropical paradise offers pearly-white sandy beaches, sparkling clear seawater, lovely sunsets, and a spectacular marine life.

   Its marvelous marine fish varieties, turtles, and huge range of coral reefs make it a wonderful diving spot. Its coral species are also said to be some of the best in the world.

   The five famous dive sites in Redang are Tanjung Lang, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Gua Kawah, Pasir Panjang, and Batu Mak Cantek. Apart from diving, beach lovers can also enjoy other activities like swimming, snorkeling, fishing, boating or sunbathing. Pulau Redang has become one of the most popular islands in Malaysia.

3. PENAREK FISHING VILLAGE

   Explore some fishing villages not far from Kuala Terengganu such as Pantai Penarek, Marang, and Kijal. They are located within just about 30 minutes drive from the town center. Visitors will warmly welcome the sight of lovely coconut trees swaying in the cool sea breeze. The fishing village of Penarek offers fun activities for visitors. You can watch fishermen come ashore bearing fresh catch.

4. PULAU DUYONG- Venue of the Monsoon Cup

   Take a ferry ride from the waterfront to Pulau Duyong, the island that is renowned as the home of Malaysia’s best boat builders. Be amazed by the unique craftsmanship these men practice, building timber boats by hand from local timber - an art that seems to be on the verge of extinction. The classic timber boats built here have a character all of their own.

5. PASAR PAYANG MARKET

   Pasar Payang in Terengganu is also known as Terengganu's Central Market. This well-liked tourist area is actually a modern market with a superb shopping arcade and a huge car park combining the wet and dry items for sale under one roof. The atmosphere at this tourist attraction is both lively and noisy. For the locals, they will tend to shop for their daily groceries such as fresh meat and seafood together with home grown vegetables and fruits. As for the tourists, there are stalls selling various handicrafts and silk, batik, songket, and brocaded cloth. There are also stalls selling Terengganu's famous keropok lekor, which is a fried, flat cracker made from a mixture of fish and sago. This famous snack is known throughout the East Coast. This is one of the most colorful markets seen in the whole of Malaysia.

6. CHEMERONG WATERFALL

   Terengganu is famous for its numerous waterfalls and rapids. Chemerong Waterfall, situated 30km away from the town of Bandar Al Muktafi Billah Shah, thunders magnificently down a 305m slope. The Chemerong Waterfall offers untouched, diverse riches of nature and wildlife.
   
   Jungle trekking to the waterfall offers an unforgettable adventure. Worth the effort, the coolness and the thundering sound of the waterfall refreshes the weariest of travelers.

7. TEBU MOUNTAIN

   Tebu Mountain or Gunung Tebu in Terengganu is one of the easiest mountains to climb. The peak is very unique and has all kinds of tales attached to it. People practice silat there and meditate. There is even a grave site up there. You can spend the whole day walking around the peak which seems endless.
      
   The scenery around the peak is also beautiful with stunted trees and tall grass. This peak is also believed to be keras or owned by spirits. So one is expected to behave properly while on the mountain peak.
   
   The hike up can be done in about 5 to 6 hours with a lot of uphill climbing. Only a small stretch of flat ground can be walked on at the start of the track. The campsite is not actually at the peak but about 20 minutes further down.
   
   Witness one of the most spectacular sunrises while at the campsite, with views of Pulau Perhentian in the background. There is also a small stream further down, about another 20 minutes from the campsite.

8. KENYIR LAKE

   Located in the interior part of Terengganu, Kenyir Lake is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia. Covering an area of 369 sq. km, it is also Malaysia's largest rock-filled hydroelectric dam. Sharing its border with Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south, this immense lake also serves as another gateway to Malaysia's National Park.
   
   With about 340 islands, which were once hilltops and highlands, more than 14 waterfalls, and numerous rapids and rivers, Kenyir Lake is also home to numerous species of freshwater fishes and exotic wildlife. Surrounded by a lush tropical jungle, this lake is a popular and ideal retreat for nature lovers, anglers, photo enthusiasts and fun seekers. Some activities that you can do out here are fishing, water sports, canoeing, boating, bird watching, cave exploration, and jungle trekking.

9. RIVERSIDE FIREFLY SANCTUARY

   Visit this firefly sanctuary on the riverside. Mangrove swamps are along both sides of the river. See display trees such as the Sonneratia caseolaris (Berembang). Paddle with sampan (boat) and witness one of nature’s wonders -- fireflies glowing with light and forming various striking patterns.

10. BATIK FACTORY

    Most of the products made here use batik cap or cetak. This process utilizes a stamp to apply the wax on the fabric. Men traditionally do this line of work.
    
    Batik tulis, which literally means “batik writing,” requires a stylus in order to apply wax on the fabric. Women usually do this delicate work. As can be seen below, it can be a real social occasion.

11. BIDONG ISLAND

    Bidong Island or Pulau Bidong is off the coast of Terengganu and accessible via the Kampung Merang Jetty, a 20-minute drive from Kuala Terengganu. It takes 30 minutes to reach the island by speedboat.

Popular Activities

• Beach or lagoon picnicking
• Canoeing at the lagoon
• Batik painting, songket weaving, and top spinning with the friendly locals
• Handicraft shopping at the famous Payang market
• River cruising and firefly excursion
• Island hopping to Redang, Bidong, and Pulau Perhentian (some of the best dive spots in Malaysia)
• Fishing with the local fishermen