Duyong Island is a river island in the mouth of the Terengganu River, a few kilometres upstream from the city centre. It is the traditional home of Terengganu's boat-building craft — the island's boat builders have been constructing wooden fishing vessels and pleasure craft using techniques passed down over generations, and a handful of workshops still operate here. Watching a traditional Malay boat (perahu) take shape from raw timber is one of the more unusual things you can do near Kuala Terengganu.
The island is accessible by small ferry from the Kuala Terengganu waterfront — a short, pleasant boat ride across the river. The atmosphere is quiet and village-like, very different from the city across the water. Duyong Old Fort, a historic traditional house complex that served as a significant structure in the old sultanate, is also on the island. The boat-building workshops are usually open during daylight hours, and the craftsmen are generally happy to have visitors watch, though photography should be done with a nod of acknowledgement.