Terengganu is one of the prettiest states in Malaysia. One thing that I really love about Terengganu is the route from Kemaman to Kuala Terengganu. I wish government could see this and gazette the route as scenic route (Route 3).  When driving down this road, you could find mangrove and then followed by many white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue ocean. Today, the route is wider and cars that use this road are becoming lesser due to completion of East Coast Highway.

Now, let me be your driver and I’ll show you what’s up with this route. We will stop at few stops along the way.

  1. Kuantan

Kuantan is a considerably big and busy city. Around the city there are many attractions notably Teluk Chempedak and Tanjung Lumpur. Teluk Chempedak is about 30 minutes drive from Kuantan.

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White sandy beach just 30 minutes away from Kuantan.

Tanjung Lumpur is another attraction that will attract foodies. This town offers seafood at a quite reasonable price. After eating, you can walk along the river bank and see the lights and do some people watching.

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Food and seafood. Yummy
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Kuantan sign at the other side of Kuantan River

2. Beserah

When you start driving from Kuantan, you will notice small towns along the road. Usual road users will not stop but for explorer like us, we should stop and explore. Beserah is just a small town but interestingly, it has something worth exploring. One of them is Gua Beserah. The cave is small but the forest walk is nice. There is also a mini waterfall that people could have picnic.

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If you see the satellite transmitter, that means you are close to the location
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The trail going to Gua Beserah
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Gua Beserah. Honestly I could not find any picture of the cave in my archive. I remember the cave was small

Not far from the cave is Beserah and Balok Beach. Not that scenic but yet peaceful.

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The picture I took when they have an annual national sports event

3. Cherating

I do not need to tell you anything here. Everyone knows about Cherating. The beach is so famous. You could also do surfing and hike along the rocky terrains.

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4. Kemaman

About 20 minutes from Cherating, you will arrive in Cukai. A port town. At this town, you need to turn right and explore a road towards Pantai Teluk Mak Nik or Monica Bay). You will find a stall that sells local seafood cuisine for cheap and yummy too.

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They sell otak-otak ikan and sata.
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This is where we go and ate otak-otak. The beach is not safe for swimming
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Otak-otak and it was yummy

5. Cukai-Kijal-Kemasik-Dungun

A long this path, you will see many beaches that worth stopping for. Don’t miss out. If you are a geologist, you will see some outcrops too.

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6. Dungun

Once you reach Dungun, you will reach a quite huge town. Dungun is also a developing town. Now, you gonna have to drive to the beach road, Jalan Pantai Sura and stop at a fried seafood stalls. It was good and cheap. You will also find youngsters flocking this area as it is close to a college (UITM Dungun).

Jalan Pantai Sura

7. Marang

The road going from Dungun to Marang is quite quiet. You will not see many cars using this road. Marang also offers many attractions like Rantau Abang where it has turtle sanctuary (I did not stop there) and also Kapas Island if you have more time.

However, I would like to highlght a swampy area or salt water marsh along the Marang road near Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Abang.

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The location is close to Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Abang
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The marsh
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A nice location for photography

8. Kuala Terengganu

And then you will reach Kuala Terengganu. The capital city of Terengganu. It is a huge city with many attractions. You may need at least 2 days to explore the city.

Here is a Guide to visit Kuala Terengganu

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If you see the sign board on the hill means you have reached the city
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Floating mosque or Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque
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Estuary near Pantai Batu Buruk
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Pantai Batu Buruk

When you visit Kuala Terengganu you should go to Taman Tamadun Islam (Islam Heritage Park). Check it out here: Taman Tamadun Islam

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Crystal Mosque at Pulau Wan Man in Islamic Heritage Park

If I visit Kuala Terengganu again, I will spend more time in the city and put it in details over where you should go and what you should do here.

9. Batu Bersurat, Kuala Berang

This place is a little off track. If you want to go to Kenyir Lake, you should stop at this memorial area.

This memorial is important for Malaysia History as this Batu Bersurat is the evidence of Islam arrival in Terengganu. Batu Bersurat is a granitic rock and carved in Jawi.

Enough with the babbling, check it out here: Batu Bersurat

 

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Information on Batu Bersurat
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The carving is not clear anymore so you have to look closer. The letter is an announcement by the local government for the people to follow the Islamic rules. I believe this is just a replica.

10.Kenyir Lake

And finally, you will reach Kenyir Lake. If you arrive late like me, you won’t be able to do anything and just enjoy the view. If you arrive early, there are many activities you could do on the lake.

I will return to Kenyir Lake and just enjoy the activities some one fine day.

Kenyir Lake

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Bonus : Perhentian Islands

If you have more time, or if Perhentian Islands is your ultimate goal, continue driving from Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Besut.

More trips to come!