Best Things to Do in Terengganu in 2026

Last Updated on September 8, 2026

Mention Terengganu and most people immediately picture islands and clear blue water. That is not wrong. But if that is all you plan for, you will miss quite a lot. The state also has an old city, handmade crafts that are still produced the traditional way, and local food that rarely gets as much attention as Redang or Perhentian. You can explore much of this in two or three days before catching a bus to the jetty and continuing on to the islands.

More Than Just Islands

Many travelers head straight to the jetty without spending time in Kuala Terengganu first, which is a shame. A few days in the city gives you a closer look at the state than simply spending time on the beach. Batik and songket are still made traditionally in several villages near the city, using dyeing and weaving methods that have changed very little over generations. Night markets sell fresh food at prices that are still fairly reasonable. Old buildings along the riverfront also offer a glimpse into the state’s history before island tourism became so popular.

Five Activities for Your Itinerary

Pasar Payang should be one of your first stops. Built in 1968, the market houses almost 1,000 traders under one roof, making it much larger than many first-time visitors expect. The ground floor mainly focuses on fresh seafood and dried foods such as keropok lekor, keropok keping, and salted fish. Upstairs, you will find more handicrafts, including songket, batik, and brassware. Its location is convenient too, close to Bazar Warisan, Pulau Warisan, Bukit Puteri, and Chinatown, so you can easily combine several places in one morning. What makes this market different from a typical tourist market is that plenty of local residents still shop here every day. Come early in the morning if you want to see it at its busiest.

Near the city, there are several batik villages where visitors can watch how a piece of fabric is made, from drawing the pattern and adding colour to drying the finished cloth. Some places even let you try drawing a pattern yourself, something you do not get to experience when simply buying batik from a shop in town. Once you see how much handwork goes into each piece, the price of a batik cloth that may have seemed a little high starts to make more sense.

The Crystal Mosque sits beside the Terengganu River within the Islamic Heritage Park and was completed in 2008 at a cost of around RM60 million. Its glass and steel structure gives it a very different appearance from the traditional mosques commonly seen around Malaysia. It looks impressive during the day, but evening is probably the best time to visit, when the lights from inside begin to shine through the glass structure. If possible, arrive in the late afternoon. That gives you enough time to watch the surroundings change from sunset to the point when the mosque lights begin coming on one by one.

In the late afternoon or evening, spend some time walking along the Terengganu River. Street vendors along the riverbank sell all kinds of snacks, making it easy to walk around and eat without planning a separate meal. There are also evening boat rides of around 30 minutes that take visitors past Istana Maziah and older buildings along the river, which start to light up as the sky gets darker.

If you have more time, the Terengganu State Museum is worth setting aside a full afternoon for, especially on a very hot day since the indoor areas are air-conditioned. The museum has a collection related to the state’s maritime history, including replicas of traditional boats and artifacts from Terengganu’s earlier trading history.

Traveling Overland to Terengganu

If you are traveling from Kuala Lumpur, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) is the main departure point for long-distance buses heading to the east coast, including Terengganu. The terminal is large and handles a major share of Malaysia’s long-distance bus traffic, but the signs and ticket counters are generally easy to follow even if it is your first time traveling from there.

Item	Details
Main departure point	Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Kuala Lumpur
Travel time	6 to 8 hours depending on the final destination
Service frequency	Several times a day, including night services

Sani Express is one of the operators offering services to the east coast. Overnight journeys are quite popular because they save daytime hours for sightseeing and can also save the cost of one night’s accommodation. During school holidays, demand can rise sharply compared with normal days, so booking ahead is a good idea. Two or three days before your travel date is usually enough, but booking about a week in advance gives you a better choice of seats. 

Trying the Local Food

Terengganu is well known for its own food, not just its handicrafts and historical attractions. Nasi dagang and keropok lekor are two dishes you should try, and both are easy to find around Pasar Payang or at small stalls near the riverfront. Locals usually eat nasi dagang for breakfast rather than lunch or dinner like many other rice dishes. Keropok lekor, on the other hand, tastes best when it is eaten hot straight from the fryer. Even after it cools down a little, the texture and taste are already different. Fresh coconut water is also easy to find along coastal areas if you need something refreshing during the heat of the day.

Planning Your Trip Better

Book your bus tickets early, especially during school holidays and festive periods, because tickets can sell out quickly at these times. Check Pasar Payang’s operating hours before you arrive. Early morning is the busiest period, so if you want fresher seafood, more local products, and a wider selection, do not leave your visit too late. Plan your visit to the Crystal Mosque for the evening if you want to see the lighting, and carry enough cash for batik villages and local markets because not every stall accepts cards.

Conclusion

Terengganu is more than an island destination. Spend two or three days in Kuala Terengganu first. Visit Pasar Payang early in the morning, try nasi dagang for breakfast, and book your bus tickets early if you want to avoid the school holiday rush. Then continue on to the islands. The old city is easy to skip, but people who take the time to explore it usually return home with more than just beach photos. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the bus journey from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu?
Around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the final destination and the route taken.

Can I book Sani Express tickets online?
Yes. Tickets can be booked through platforms such as redBus, with both daytime and overnight services available.

Is Terminal Bersepadu Selatan the main departure point for all buses to the east coast?
Most long-distance bus services heading to the east coast, including Terengganu, depart from this terminal.

What is the best time to visit Pasar Payang?
Early morning. Seafood and local products are still fresh at this time, and there is usually more choice than later in the afternoon.

Are there places to stay near Pasar Payang for travelers arriving late at night?
Yes. There are several hotels and guesthouses around the city area, which are convenient for travelers arriving by night bus who want to rest before exploring the next day.

Can foreign travelers use Terminal Bersepadu Selatan without any problems?
Yes. The terminal is regularly used by both local and international travelers, with signs available in Bahasa Malaysia and English.All images used via Flickr’s Creative Commons Licensing.