Kuala Terengganu is the capital of Terengganu, one of Malaysia's east coast states, standing on the banks of the Terengganu River. It is a quiet, traditional Malay city that serves as the gateway to some of Southeast Asia's best islands — Redang and Perhentian, with their crystal-clear waters and coral gardens, are the main draws.
The city itself has a relaxed, unhurried character. Chinatown along the rivermouth dates back to the fifteenth century, when Chinese traders arrived after Admiral Zheng He's voyages. The Crystal Mosque, built on Wan Man Island, appears to float on water — a striking modern mosque combining steel and glass. Bukit Puteri (Princess Hill) offers the best views over the river mouth, with old cannon and a historic bell at the summit.
Beyond the islands, Lake Kenyir (55 km from the city) is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia, good for fishing, canoeing, and jungle trekking. Rantau Abang, 70 kilometres south, is one of the world's few nesting grounds for leatherback turtles, though their numbers have declined dramatically and turtle sanctuaries are working to reverse this.