Terengganu offers a wealth of sightseeing attractions for visitors. In Kualal Terengganu, the Floating Mosque is the most magnificent attraction, but there are just as many small gems off the beaten path. Islands off the coast hold largely deserted beaches that make for great daytrips. Journeys along the Marang River offer a fantastic glimpse of the region’s agricultural culture. Pristine forests hold wildlife, ancient trees and plenty of hiking trails.

Bewah Cave
Bewah Cave (also known as Gua Tahi Kelawar) is open to visitors. The cave sits on the hill of the same name and features a number of limestone rock formations. Beyond its baseline appeal as a spelunking site, the cave also boasts extensive archaeological significance. In the 1970s, the skeleton of a Neolithic man was discovered here along with primitive axes and cooking tools. When visiting the caves, be sure to bring a high-powered flashlight to properly appreciate the stalagmites and stalactites inside.

Marang River Cruise
River boats depart from Jenang village and guide tourists into the heartland of Terengganu. Along the way, visitors get a candid view of the traditional lifestyle of those who live in the rural villages along the banks of the Marang. Agriculture here centres on coconut trees. In some places you may even catch sight of a trained monkey plucking coconuts from high branches and dropping them into a net. Wildlife along the way includes monitor lizards, countless varieties of birds, monkeys and occasional river otters.

Pasir Raja Forest Reserve
Located near Terengganu’s western border with Taman Negara, this forest reserve is popular with nature lovers for its terrain and wealth of wildlife and plant species. Jungle trails follow meandering streams to intermittent waterfalls and occasional crystal-clear swimming pools. Pasir Raja is also home to the largest chengal tree in the world. Its astounding dimensions pale in comparison to its age; at 1,300 years, it is one of the world’s oldest living trees. Phone: +60 9 6262020.

Peladang Setiu Agro Resort
This outdoor resort can be reached by taxi from Kuala Terengganu. Facilities here range from campsites to VIP suites, and its conference facilities regularly host large groups who come here for weekend seminars. Fifty-eight chalets are located here amid a massive palm oil plantation. Visitors are welcome to sample fresh fruit from the organic orchard or cast a line into the fresh-water pond. Repelling, trekking and kayaking are popular pastimes here, and an on-site restaurant serves Western and regional Malay cuisine. Phone: +60 9 6902246.

Pulau Kapas
Kapas Island can be reached in just a few minutes from Marang, which is a short distance south of Kuala Terengganu. The idyllic beaches on the island’s west coast aren’t usually crowded, except during extended holidays. Snorkelling and scuba diving are two of the biggest attractions here, and there’s a sunken WWII-era Japanese landing vessel offshore. Travel agencies on the island regularly organise diving expeditions to explore the coral-covered wreckage.

Pulau Perhentian
Perhentian Island is comprised of one greater and one lesser island that collectively represent one of Malaysia’s most prominent destinations. The smaller island (Perhentian Kecil) has more budget offerings and caters primarily for backpackers and independent travellers. Meanwhile, the larger island (Perhentian Basar) is characterised by upscale resorts and fine dining establishments. Diving, windsurfing and jungle hiking are outstanding activities on both islands, and the beaches are always popular with visitors. These islands shut down from November to February when the monsoons set in.

Rantau Abang
This stretch of coastline was once one of the primary nesting grounds for leatherback turtles, but dwindling numbers of this endangered species have left behind a vacant sandy beach. A quiet resort operates here, and the relatively quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal place for a picnic. During August, the luckiest visitors may get to witness a mother turtle coming ashore to lay eggs, though this is extremely rare. Even without the turtles, this is a lovely beach to visit.

Tasik Kenyir
Lake Kenyir, Southeast Asia’s largest manmade lake, covers well over 640,000 acres which adjoin the Kenyir Dam. The rainforest surrounding the reservoir boasts an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, with more than 8,000 distinct species of flowers (800 orchids alone) and wildlife ranging from wild boar to more elusive panthers and elephants. A number of backwater resorts offer respite from traveller’s fatigue, and it’s possible to book all-inclusive accommodation on houseboats that hover just off-shore.

Catch a cuttlefish. Terengganu’s seasoned fishermen have a trick for pulling cuttlefish from the South China Sea. Their methods involve multiple fishing lines and lights, and international anglers are welcome to give it a try. Resorts book all-inclusive fishing excursions of any length of time.

Climb a mountain. There a few excellent climbing spots in Terengganu covering a range of skill sets. Serious climbers head for Tebu, Berembung, Bunung Gagau and Gajah Terom for some of the best climbing. Any of the major reputable travel agencies in the state can arrange equipment hire and guided climbing tours.

Embark on a four-wheel drive excursion. Terengganu’s rugged interior terrain is an excellent place to test the limits of an off-road vehicle. Hotels and travel agencies periodically arrange four-wheel adventures along the rugged path between Gua Musang and Lake Kenyir or to the logging roads at Hulo Dungun.

Enjoy a picnic at Sekayu Waterfall. Beyond the peaceful environment and rustic setting, you’ll find a few family-friendly facilities in this recreational forest. Stroll through the orchards; visit the orchid garden; and be sure to take the kids to the miniature zoo that is complete with monkeys and bears.

Explore the caves. A vast underground network of caves is waiting to be explored across Terengganu. Gua Taat and Bua Bewah are a couple of the state’s most popular caving destinations. Both of these caves are within an easy daytrip of Tasik Kenyir and its manmade reservoir.

Hire a canoe. Many of the main attractions in Terengganu are accessible by canoe. Whether cruising Lake Kenyir or paddling to an offshore islands, a canoe is a great way to reconnect with nature and get exercise. Some upscale resorts lend patrons canoes or sea kayaks free of charge.

Visit the Sungai Ceralak Waterfall. An excellent daytrip from Kuala Jengai involves a boat ride to Kuala Sungai Ceralak followed up by a hike through the jungle. Take a break at the cascade and enjoy a cooling dip in the natural swimming pool. You can also four-wheel drive your way in.