Kuala Terengganu

In addition to enjoying the soul soothing island of Leng Tengah, we also squeezed in some sightseeing and cultural experiences on the mainland of the state of Terengganu thanks to the kindness of some wonderful Rotarians.  Terengganu is one of the most ethnically Malay states in the country and we spent some time in the capital of Kuala Terengganu (population: 360,000).  It was nice to experience a quiet, more laid back side of Malaysia. 


Coastline of Kuala Terengganu

Before the island we visited the Terengganu State Museum which is touted to be the largest museum in SE Asia.  We only had a few hours so we didn’t get to see every exhibit, but there were wonderful and informative displays of textiles (history of batik), royal regalia, crafts, and a important historical artifact- a stone carved with Jawi (traditional Malay text) that dates the arrival of Islam to the nation.  Replicas and statues of this stone are seen all over the town in traffic circles, parks, etc.  We practically had the entire museum to ourselves. 

Terengganu State Museum

Rotarians were so helpful in transporting us around, sharing their knowledge, and treating us to local food.  It wouldn’t have been possible without them as K. Terengganu is practically void of taxis.  I can’t help but include this photo of a typical Malaysian dessert which I believe is called ais kacang (bean ice) or 'ABC' (acronym for Air Batu Campur meaning ‘mixed ice’).  It can come in a variety of forms but its basically shaved ice with red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, and can also include cendol, evaporated/condensed/coconut milk, and then drizzled with some kind of sweet syrup.  Needless to say, I did not order this concoction, but I have indulged in tastings. 

Ais kacang

 On our way back through town from the island, I had a chance to visit Taman Tamadun Islam, the world’s first Islamic civilization park.  It seemed so odd that I couldn’t pass it up.  It is essentially a series of miniature models of famous Islamic landmarks from across the world.  Where else can you see the Taj Mahal (India), The Sacred Mosque (Mecca, Saudi Arabia), and the Minaret (China) all in one location?  There were 20+ replicas, most of them were just replicas of the outside, but a few you could go inside and were complete with stain glass and all.  There were informative sign boards, but they mostly discussed the architecture of the mosques and I felt they could have given more context and historical details for someone who isn’t all that well versed in Islam as it exists around the world.  The park was big enough that I rented a bicycle for $2USD and cruised around the quiet park.  I was definitely the only foreigner there and only non-Muslim so I must have looked pretty strange riding a bike around in the middle of heat of the afternoon in my skirt with bare legs, but oh well.  You can also take boat rides and enjoy a carousel and other small rides.  The brochure calls it a “one stop edutainment park.”  I believe it was constructed sometime within the last 10 years and was fairly new looking. 

Kul Sharif Mosque, Russia

Suleyman Mosque, Turkey

Aleppo Citadel, Syria

The Sacred Mosque (Masjidil Haram), Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Taj Mahal, India

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
This is a shrine built around a rock.  According to Islamic tradition, the rock is the spot from
which Muhammad ascended to Heaven accompanied by the angle Gabriel. 

Another highlight right outside of the park is the Crystal Mosque.  It’s the first and only mosque built from steel and glass which gives it is crystal like image.  Its build on a jetty out into the Terengganu River and did offer an exhibit with much more information about Islam.  I had to wear a robe and headscarf to enter and within the 10 minutes I spent inside I probably sweated my body weight.  As I mentioned before, it’s just getting hotter and hotter here and the temperature was around 34C/93F outside plus 85% humidity. 

Lastly, right before we went to the airport we joined some Rotarians for a quick visit to the community’s Wesak Day celebration.  Wesak Day is informally called Buddha’s Birthday as it celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Buddha.  We stopped by the Buddhist Society center where they were preparing for a candle light procession to commemorate the day with youth and adults from different groups lining up and distributing candles in lotus flower holders.

Although a quick trip, I really enjoyed experiencing this edge of Malaysia.  Everyone was so kind, friendly, and welcoming.  I hope to visit again as there is definitely more to see!

Here’s a few more photos from the island to make you feel warm and relaxed: 

Although very different from Lake Tahoe, some landscapes here reminded me of the beautiful body of water near where I grew up.  This scene with the shades of blue reminds me of Tahoe's blue water, and blue mountains, against the blue sky.

This pier reminds me of the one below from Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe