Kuala Terengganu: The Jewel of Malaysia's East Coast

• HelloSalam
  [sa-lam]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSila
  [si-la]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [a-pa kha-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awak?
  [ba-ik. dan a-wak]
• Do you speak English?Boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [bo-leh cha-kap ba-ha-sa ing-ge-ris]
• I don't understandSaya tak faham
  [sa-ya tak fa-ham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya mahu tengok menu, sila
  [sa-ya ma-hu ten-gok me-nu, si-la]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
• Cheers!Sihat!
  [si-hat]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya mahu bayar, sila
  [sa-ya ma-hu ba-yar, si-la]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi jauh-jauh!
  [per-gi jauh-jauh]
• Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pang-gil po-lis]
• Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pang-gil dok-tor]
• I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sa-ya se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya nak beli...
  [sa-ya nak be-li]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya tengok-tengok
  [sa-ya ha-nya ten-gok-ten-gok]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
• That's too expensiveTerlalu mahal
  [te-ru-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [bo-leh kur-ang-kan har-ga]

• What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [pu-kul be-ra-pa se-ka-rang]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [pu-kul sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Pukul setengah (10)
  [pu-kul se-ten-gah (10)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonPetang
  [pe-tang]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [se-ma-lam]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowEsok
  [e-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Lapan
  [la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana...
  [di ma-na]
• What's the address?Alamatnya di mana?
  [a-la-mat-nya di ma-na]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [bo-leh tun-juk-kan sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bi-la bas se-te-rus-nya]
• A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sa-tu ti-ket (ke)]

Kuala Terengganu’s history dates back to the 13th century, when it was a part of the ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of Langkasuka. The city's name, which translates to 'Terengganu Harbour,' highlights its importance as a strategic port and trading center. Early settlers in this region were deeply influenced by Indian culture, evident from various archaeological findings such as inscriptions and temple ruins.

In the 18th century, Kuala Terengganu became the heart of the Terengganu Sultanate. The establishment of the Sultanate marked a significant shift towards Islamic governance and culture. The first Sultan, Sultan Zainal Abidin I, played a crucial role in consolidating power and fostering trade relations with neighboring regions. The Sultanate era brought about the construction of iconic structures such as the Istana Maziah and the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque.

During the 19th century, Kuala Terengganu encountered various colonial powers, including the British and the Siamese. The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 saw Terengganu becoming a British protectorate. Colonial rule left a lasting impact on the city’s administrative and educational structures. Notable colonial-era buildings, such as the Terengganu State Museum, reflect this period and continue to attract visitors interested in this chapter of the city’s history.

World War II brought another significant period in Kuala Terengganu’s history with the Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945. The Japanese military presence altered the daily lives of residents, and the city became a strategic point in the larger context of the Malayan Campaign. The harsh conditions and resistance movements during this period are critical aspects of the city's wartime history.

Following Malaysia’s independence in 1957, Kuala Terengganu underwent substantial development and modernization. The city emerged as a vital cultural and economic hub in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Key infrastructural developments, such as the Sultan Mahmud Bridge and the establishment of the University of Malaysia Terengganu, symbolize the progress since independence. Cultural festivals like the annual Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival highlight the city’s rich maritime heritage and its ongoing cultural vibrancy.

Kuala Terengganu is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditions. The city is a center for traditional Malay crafts such as batik, songket weaving, and wood carving. The Central Market (Pasar Payang) and Kampung Cina (Chinatown) are significant cultural hotspots, offering a glimpse into the city’s diverse cultural tapestry. The annual Monsoon Cup, an international sailing event, further underscores Kuala Terengganu’s maritime tradition and its role in promoting tourism and cultural exchange.

Kuala Terengganu is accessible by air, road, and sea. The Sultan Mahmud Airport (TGG) is located about 15 km from the city center and offers domestic flights connecting Kuala Terengganu to major Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. For road travel, express buses and private cars can make the journey via the East Coast Expressway. There are also ferry services available from various points along the coast for those preferring to travel by sea.

In Kuala Terengganu, public transportation options include buses and taxis. Rapid Terengganu buses serve the city and surrounding areas, and are a cost-effective way to get around. Taxis are readily available, but make sure to negotiate the fare or ensure the meter is running. Ride-hailing apps like Grab are also popular and convenient. For a unique experience, consider hiring a trishaw for short trips around the city center.

The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Kuala Terengganu, so withdrawing cash is convenient. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and dedicated exchange counters in the city.

Kuala Terengganu is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, exercise standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and securing your belongings. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. Kampung Cina (Chinatown) and Pasar Payang are popular tourist spots that can get crowded, so be extra vigilant in these areas.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, medical, or fire services. The Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital is the main hospital in the city, providing comprehensive medical care. For minor health issues, there are numerous clinics and pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medicines. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering mosques and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Salam' and a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kuala Terengganu like a local, visit the Pasar Payang market where you can buy fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional crafts. Engage with the locals, as they are often friendly and happy to share insights about the city’s culture and history. Don’t miss out on visiting the beautiful Crystal Mosque and the Terengganu State Museum, which is the largest museum in Southeast Asia. For a unique experience, take a boat ride along the Terengganu River to see the traditional fishing villages and floating mosques.