Pantai Batu Buruk is located not far from Kuala Terengganu’s city centre. — Filepic
Kuala Terengganu, the capital city of Terengganu, was recently listed by Agoda as one of the most affordable destinations for the April-May travel period.
With an average room rate of RM213 per night, the city was ranked sixth on the digital travel platform’s list, which was compiled by analysing the average room rates across nine Asian markets (10 destinations per market).
If you’re one of the travellers headed to Kuala Terengganu within this month or the next, or are thinking of a short getaway there, here are a few of its places and activities that you might be interested in.
Bukit Puteri is finally reopened to the public after years of renovation. — AKML5599/Wikimedia Commons
Bukit Puteri
Having been closed for renovation since 2017, Bukit Puteri finally reopened to the public in February 2025.
The small hill, measuring about 200m above sea level, is located near the estuary of Sungai Terengganu.
History buffs will love the historical relics found here, which include a 19th-century fort, a lighthouse and a few cannons. You will also find here a large genta (bell). The ringing of this 175kg bell has been part of Kuala Terengganu’s tradition since 1908, though now it is only used during Ramadan.
Squid jiggling is an activity offered on TTI’s Crystal Cruise. — Taman Tamadun Islam/Facebook
TTI river cruise
The Islamic Civilisation Park, or Taman Tamadun Islam (TTI), is a well-known attraction in Kuala Terengganu.
But aside from admiring the scaled-down replicas of world-famous monuments, there is another activity you can do at this outdoor edutainment park: cruising down Sungai Terengganu.
The TTI River Cruise is a 45-minute ride led by an in-house guide, and its route includes popular landmarks like the Crystal Mosque, Drawbridge and Pasar Payang.
Another type of cruise available is the Crystal Cruise, which can be booked for special events. The two-hour cruise also interestingly includes other activity packages like fishing or squid jiggling.
Learn about batik canting at NACC Batik Pavilion. — Noor Arfa website
NACC Batik Pavilion
Formerly known as Noor Arfa Crafts Complex, the NACC Batik Pavilion is a must-visit for fans of the patterned textile.
Touted as the largest batik pavilion in Malaysia, it houses over 70 batik brands, offering selections that range from apparel to accessories.
There are also arts and craft demonstrations through which you can learn about handblocked batik and batik canting (hand-drawn batik) as well as Terengganu songket weaving and glass sculpting.
Pantai Batu Buruk
Its proximity to the city centre makes Pantai Batu Buruk a popular beach to visit in Kuala Terengganu.
While swimming is generally discouraged here due to strong currents, you will often find large crowds of families and holidaymakers spending time on the beach during the weekends.
Picnics, flying kites and riding ATVs are some of the activities that can be done here. There is also a cultural show that includes dance and silat performances.
Agoda’s ‘cheapest destinations’ for April-May 2025:
1. Phong Na, Vietnam (average room rate: RM124)
2. Tirupati, India (RM151)
3. Hat Yai, Thailand (RM177)
4. Padang, Indonesia (RM177)
5. Bacolod, Philippines (RM204)
6. Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia (RM213)
7. Gimpo, South Korea (RM293)
8. Narita, Japan (RM315)
9. Pingtung, Taiwan (RM351)
