Where to Stay in Terengganu

A fairly conventional, strongly Islamic state, the discovery of oil just off the coast of Terengganu has made it a prosperous settlement. Kuala Terengganu (the state capital) lies 160km south of Kota Bahru and evidence of its wealth is almost immediately apparent as high-rise office buildings and banks jostle each other for prime real estate in the busy commercial centre. The nouveau-rich city still bears the outward trappings of Muslim conservatism but for the casual visitor there’s immediate appeal from the Istana and Chinatown to the lively street markets and waterfront. For those prepared to dive deeper, there’s offshore Pulau Dayong and the marine park at Pulau Redang. What more? Experience the state’s renowned interior when you venture inland to the famed Tasik Kenyir and Sekayu Waterfall. There’s a good deal of lodging choices here – you’ll find that the inexpensive options we’ve chosen for our Terengganu’s Editor’s Guide are a cut above the average and the deluxe ventures listed certainly put some of the best in the country to shame.

Tanjong Jara Resort

Listed as the 2008 ‘Best Hotel Spa in Asia Pacific & Indian Subcontinent’ by The UK Conde Nast Travller, the 17-hectare Tanjong Jara almost needs no introduction. Located on the east coast approximately eight kilometres east of Dungun, the secluded five-star retreat has 99 beachfront air con rooms with king-sized beds, attached bathrooms, sofa beds and canopied verandas. Worth particular mention is the Anjung Room which boasts a sunken outdoor bath set in its own private garden. The award-winning property has a private beach and hotel facilities include a spa village, tennis court, two swimming pools, a library and three restaurants and bars. Read More...

Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa Resort

Located on Redang Island, about a half hour’s boat ride from Kuala Terengganu, Sari Pacifica is a five-star venture featuring 70 air con villas with king-sized beds, private balconies, free Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players and attached bathrooms. Reminiscent of a Malay kampung, the hotel’s facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a business centre, and restaurant and bar. Besides that, the resort offers many guest activities including snorkelling & scuba diving, jungle trekking, turtle watching excursions and more. Read More...

Hotel Tanjong Vista

With 199 air con rooms, Hotel Tanjong Vista is a waterfront property close to the Kampung Tanjung fishing village. Nearby Pasar Payang (a popular street market selling batik and souvenirs) and minutes away from the Sultan Mahmud Airport, the three-star venture’s carpeted lodgings feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, comfy beds and attached bathrooms. Hotel facilities include an indoor swimming pool, gym, banquet and conference halls and two restaurants. Read More...

Gem Island Resort & Spa

Set on the tiny island of Pulau Gemia, Gem Island Resort & Spa is a three-star boutique retreat with 49 waterfront airy wooden chalets featuring king-sized beds, private balconies and attached bathrooms. 800m north of Pulau Kapas, it’s a peaceful spot with a private beach, games room for kids, a restaurant and spa. The hotel’s unique because between May and October it offers guests a chance to watch as baby green turtles emerge at the resort’s own turtle sanctuary. Though there’s not much surrounding it, the isolated location is what makes Gem Island Resort & Spa so appealing. Read More...

Primula Beach Resort

One of Kuala Terengganu’s biggest options, Primula Beach Resort is a three-star venture with 249 attractively-furnished spacious, air con rooms feature comfy beds, attached bathrooms and private verandas; some suites have four-poster beds and balconies which feature beautiful views. Popular with young families, the beachfront hotel’s facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, business centre, restaurant and a popular coffee bar. Just down the road is the Hotel Grand Continental Terengganu; the property is close to the town centre. Read More...