Perhentian Island..

Perhentian Islands are another 2 gems in east coast of Malaysia. Perhentians are a cluster of islands off Terengganu but because it is located at far northern of Terengganu and is bordering with the neighbouring state, Kelantan, further more, the accessible point is through the jetty in Kuala Besut, a small Terengganu fishing village but with Kelantanese culture, therefore many people actually misunderstand that these islands fall within the governance of Kelantan...

According to the folks, it is named Perhentian due to the role they played as a post for traders and fisherman from Siam (Perhentian mean post) in those days. Then besar and kecil are the size of the island (Besar means big while Kecil means small). 

Both islands are separated by a very narrow sound but with strong current. The significant different between the two islands is, Perhentian Besar is more for a vocational island while the small one is an island with the mixture of vacation mood and reality life due to the fishing village, Kampung Pasir Hantu which is resided with more than 2000 villagers and completed with basic facilities apart from resorts and guesthouses.

Houses are randomly distributed in Kampungn Pasir Hantu. No other buildings are painted with colourful weather proof paint instead remain in the original plain wooden colour except police station, assembly hall and school. However, they do not need more colour, the clear blue sea and sky and also the palm trees are the best contrast and complementary. There are convenience shops, local coffee shops also souvenir shops etc. in the village. T-shirt, caps, batiks hanging outside the shop, coconut trees waving in the wind and tourists who do not go out for snorkeling or diving will hang around the village or lay in their hummock.

It will be a waste if you come to Perhentians without paying a visit or have a glimpse to its marine life. There is several good diving or snorkeling points around Perhentian Kecil: Gua Kambing, Batu Nisan, D’Lagoon, Tanjung Butung,, Panglima Abu etc. Colourful crown fish, angle fish, shark, christmas tree, deer horn coral, sea cucumber, sea urchin, squib, turtle etc…..colourful marine life in all shapes and size fascinating the underwater world.

 The interior of Perhentian Kecil is covered by lush tropical rainforest with a wide variety of wild life. You can choose to do a long trekking or a short and simple one. Trails break into several parts. Try to do it in a relaxing way. There are flora and fauna and also wild animals in the jungle that might impress or bring you surprises. Start from Pasir Panjang and head to Aur Bay at the west side. This is a real short one, only about 15 minutes. Then if your are not satisfy, go further from Aur Bay heading down to beaches in front of a local run chalet, Mira Chalet. This will take you about 1 hour, but it is worth as your tiredness will be rewarded with sandy beach. Have a cup of drink before you go on (if you wish to) to a trail connecting Mira Chalet with the fishing village. This part of trekking involves some climbing up and takes nearly 1 hour for you to reach Kampung Pasir Hantu.. You can choose to end the journey here by taking the same way back or look for a boat to give you a lift.

There are rocky hills in the jungle. The rock formation of these hills has created caves which attract birds to build their nest, especially during winter season in the northern regions. These birds are not only adding up to the variety of wildlife in this area but also bring some side income to the villagers by collecting the precious bird nest from the caves. However, quantity of bird nest collected is just enough to serve the local market.

Resorts and guesthouses stretching along the beach. Most of the operators are local Malay, therefore other than several recently built resorts, the rest of the guesthouses are in small scale and basic facilities.

On the other hand, Perhentian Besar is a more laid back island. Unlike Perhentian Kecil, there is no village on Perhentian Besar. Most of the residents on Perhentian Besar come from Perhentian Kecil to run the guesthouse and resorts. 

Perhentian Besar has longer and wider beaches and finer sand than its sibling, Perhentian Kecil.  Most of the beaches are distributed to its western and southeastern side, among these, Teluk Pauh, Pasir Panjang, and Teluk Dalam are the most famous and popular.

Though accommodation is distributed over the beaches, Perhentian Besar is still covered by a lush rainforest. To the end of the beaches, there are always palm trees setting off the white fine sandy beach and the crystal blue sea.

The island is gifted with turquoise water, at many you can gaze down at fish swimming around your legs. To the south of the island, beaches are always separated by rocky edges. There is always fantastic coral near the rock. Always pay more attention when you swim near to the rock, waves hit to the rocks are always strong.

There are a number of trails leading from one beach to the next overland. The most common one starts from behind Pelangi Resort at Teluk Dalam. The first part of the trek is a bit of ‘breath shorting’ with many climbing up. However it takes only few minutes before you can sooth your breath. It is an exhilarating experience clambering through the rainforest. Then you will exit at Perhentian Island Resort, a beautiful and exclusive resort stands behind a long sandy beach at Teluk Puah. Take a rest here, or if you are prepared, go for a swim in the sea. Lovely coral and white fine sand is an irresistible temptation. To go back to Teluk Dalam, you can cross the wooden bridge at the entrance of Perhentian Island Resort to Coral View Resort then continue till Abdul Chalet. Take the trail beside the Abduls. A few minutes climb before you are back to the beach again. Then from here you can choose to take the jungle trail or to climb over the big rocks by the sea which is bit treacherous. Anyway, all the treks are clearly marked. 

There is a proper and well maintained jetty at Teluk Puah, near the entrance of Perhentian Island Resort. During evening time, there are people jigging squib here. Sometime there are small cages in the water with crabs inside. This is a simple trap set by the island people to catch crab. The jetty is an ideal place to go if you want something different than to lay on the lazy chair listen to waves and watching the stars in evening.

Getting there :
First you must arrive at Kuala Besut for you to take a boat to the islands. To get to Kuala Besut, you can arrive in Kelantan or Kuala Terengganu. If you come from Kuala Terengganu, take a bus or taxi to Jerteh then another to Kuala Besut, or a direct bus to Kuala Besut. The journey will take nearly one and half  hour.

Alternately you can choose to start from Kota Bharu. You can either take a taxi ride or take a bus (leaves every 30 minutes) to Pasir Puteh and then another bus to Besut. On the whole, the journey by taxi will take about one hour from Kota Bahru to Besut.

There are direct buses from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Besut which take about 9 hours.

Journey to the islands takes about 30 to 45 minutes by speed boat and one and half hours by slow boat. There are a number of boat operators in Kuala Besut offering boat services to Perhentian Island. The return boat ticket cost RM60.00 per person for speed boat and RM40.00 per person for slow boat.

Get more information :- E-mail - ecotour_86@yahoo.com..

Kapas Island..

Only 6 km lying in front of Marang jetty, Kapas Island is visible from Marang all weather. It probably inherited its name from its white powdery beaches which looked like 'kapas' or cotton as symbols of paradise on earth. Like Lang Tengah, Kapas Island is not a big island. Pioneering in the industry, the people of Marang has been taking visitors to the island long before any development exists on other islands in Terengganu. 

 

Because of being an island with a close distance with the mainland, this island is more accessible than the rest. Moreover the long development history background, has granted it an advantage in the industry.

 

There are plenty of choices for accommodation on the island, ranging from camping site, guesthouse, bed and breakfast, chalet and resorts etc., mainly run by the villagers in Marang. Resulted from the price competition in addition to the easy accessibility, it is always the chosen destination for backpackers or free independent travelers.

 

According to the local, there are the famous song bird – Murai Batu / White-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus) on the island. This song bird is reputed has 23 different and equal beautiful melodies in its repertoire. If this is true, in addition to the palm trees which are standing on the sandy beach, waving their leaves in the wind, both making the laid-back atmosphere another favourite retreat. 

For those who want to soothe their frazzled nerves, and rejuvenate, there is nothing more pleasant than contemplating the future from the comforts of your hammock and to the music of the ocean. But if you are the get-up-and-go type, then it is the sun, sand, sea and snorkeling for you The water is warm and crystal clear, the beach private and secluded. Snorkeling, diving and swimming, wind surfying, kayaking etc. can never be excluded in the itinery when you are on an island. 

  If you are a crazy with diving, Kapas Island is a good place for diving. A WWII shipwreck located 5 nautical miles offshore is the key attraction to divers. The popular and favourite diving spot for diver is the outer reefs on her seaward. To add to this, several illegal fishing boats from Thailand that sunk here has become the artifical reefs for the underwater world.

 

Also due to the close distance with the mainland, sand on the beach here are not as fine as other neighbouring islands. Anyhow, this doesn’t restrict you from doing some beach activities like beach volley ball. However, have to bear in mind that, there are sand flies which will leave some ‘souvenir’ on your uncovered skin.

 

If you arrive on the island during squid jigging season (May-August), a very special activity can be arranged through the chalets as to fill your time in the evening.

 

Squid jigging is carried out on very specialised boats at night. Powerful lights illuminate the water, attracting the squid which gather in the shaded area under the boat. Let your jig drop into the water and start by jerking the rod up to about 3 feel. After you have pulled it up let it drop slowly and repeat this action occasionally. Squid bite as the jig falls and the bites are very subtle. You need to pay high attention to its bites. Set the hook by pulling your rod up real fast, but remember you are not fishing for a big tuna fish here, so don't jerk with all your strength unless you want your squid jig come flying out of the water and snag the person next to you. A gentle jerk will do.

  Black ink will be squirted out when you raise them out of the water. When fishing is slow it's great fun to aim the squid to squirt someone else, hehe. If someone does pay you back don't worry though, the ink does not stain

 

Squid run in schools, if you see someone near you suddenly start catching squid start paying careful attention to your own rod. Once you catch one, quickly get the squid off the hook then throw your line the water again for the next jigging before the school swims away. Then when you come back from your jigging trip, perhaps you can have fresh squib seasoned with your sashimi or just sotong goreng….What a wonderful experience.

 

Getting there :
Get a bus or a taxi (Rm 25.00) from Kuala Terengganu to Marang which is 10 km south. Then get off at the jetty.

 

There are plenty of boat operators at the jetty. Some of them take accommodation reservation or booking as well as snorkeling trip apart from boat ticket. You can book a room here or wait until you are on the island. the boat trip to the island takes 20 minutes.

For more Information : Saiful - 014-8202825 / ecotour_86@yahoo.com

Islands & beach in Terengganu.

Redang Island..

The islands of the Redang Archipelago are Malaysia's gems in the South China Sea. It comprises Pulau Redang, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Ling, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Kerengga Kechil, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kechil and Pulau Lima. Most of the islands remain inhabited. 

Located 50 km from the mainland and a less than an hour boat ride from the Merang Jetty, the archipelago is surrounded by crystal clear waters, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset, and what could be the world's most mature coral garden.

 

Boats leave for the island daily in the morning. Immediately upon arriving at Redang, the turquiose sea offers an enticing invitation to 'test the water'. Many have been deceived by Redang's crystal clear water. As if to dispel an illusion, unsuspecting visitors would jump into the sea only to discover themselves in water deeper than expected !

  These sun soaked islands have been gazetted as a Marine Park back in 1985, and enjoy the protection of the Department of Fisheries of Malaysia. The biggest island, Redang is the spirit of these islands. It is known to travelers from both in and outside the country since years ago and has its place in The World Best 10 Most Beautiful Island ranking.

 

Most of the islands are in the southern of Redang Island, including the Marine Park Headquarter which is sited on Pulau Pinang. There is an office in the marine park to inspect and supervise all activities in this area. Several units of chalets are built overseeing the sea, but it is only for the enjoyment of government servants.

 

Northern side of Redang Island is the famous diving point, the Turtle Bay. A turtle conservation center is located here for studies purposes. During nesting season, turtles are hatched and released back to the sea. Educational visit and camping can be organized by writing to the organization of concern.

 

The majority of resort operators on Redang are scattered in the southern, along Pasir Panjang beach, offering visitors a plethora of accommodation choices to suit their budget, from basic wooden beach huts to luxurious 4-star comfort. However, it is always cheaper to buy an all-in package than to book an accommodation alone.

 

Needless to ask what can you do while in the island. Snorkeling, diving, trekking…everything, anything, will definitely bring you an unforgettable holiday.

 

‘Crystal’ clear is not enough to describe the condition of the water here, you can only imagine…imagine and, imagine…You are now standing in the sea, water covers up to your legs…you can still counting your toes while watching the fish swimming around your bare foot, sand that you step on are as fine as powder, to the edge of the sea, water and sky are at one hue….

 

If snorkeling or diving are the activities that you long for, don’t waste this chance. You do not need to be a good swimmer. Just grab a life jacket and snorkel or your diving gear and jump into the water. Plenty of good snorkeling and diving sites here: Mat Dollah, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Kerengga Kechil, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kechil, Turtle Bay, Tanjung Tokong, House Reef, Marine Park Headquarter, etc. However, deep sea snorkeling is not necessary though there are 2 snorkeling boat trips to bring you to any of these area. There are snorkeling sites just right in front of the resorts. As for diving trip, you need to book with the dive shop at the resorts. Non diver can sign up for a scuba diving course on the spot. Check up for the detail of the fee charged.

 

You are not alone in the sea, never. Redang is fascinating with its underwater world. Nemo, the crown fish, bumphead parrot fish, angle fish with beautiful long tail..… perhaps you can also have a chance to see cuttlefish ‘flying’ with its almost transparent body, giant leatherback turtle swimming down under to look for food… ummm, coral is the creatures gifted by the Divine to the sea. Mulitcolored Christmas trees coral standing like a guardian to the sea. Wave your hand over the rocks, these colourful little ‘flowers’ will all fold up and all retract back into the rocks... then slowly they will all start popping back up again... Staghorn coral fields, nudibranchs, clams with colourful, sea urchin, sea cucumber, or maybe lobster who hides behind the rock, stingrays, sea cucumbers, spider shells and sea stars.……isn’t it all these has made you eyes dazzle?

 

Redang Island is still very much covered by rainforest. Trekking in island is a good idea and different experience. The best time to trek is before 8 o’clock in the morning, when the sun just rises from the other end of the sea and leaves are still moistened by the morning mist.

 

There is a trail that leads from Pasir Panjang to Teluk Dalam on the other side of the island. Take the path at the back yard of Redang Bay Resort and follow the well marked trail. Trekking boot is not unnecessary although it is better to have one on. 

 

If you are lucky enough, other than usual plants and trees in tropical rain forest, you might see little but harmless animals such as mousedeer having their ‘morning walk’. Sometimes there might be long tailed macaque monkey hang on the trees looking at you. Don’t worry, animals are shy and innocent if you are polite to them. The air is just cool and peace in the morning.

 

It is about 30 minutes before you reach Berjaya Redang Resort. You can have a panoramic view of this beautiful resort from the high. The tranquil and isolated bay of Berjaya is accompanying by snowy white sandy beach.

 

Carry on the trekking on a proper sealed road leading you to the solitary fishing village. It is a small native village in the centre of the island and it is certainly worthwhile to get away from the hotels to take a look. Centered around a small mosque which sits up on a small hill, it is a quite and peaceful place.

 

This is a remote and predominately conservative Muslim area. Just look for any local run restaurant and jump in to have your local breakfast with Nasi Lemak or Roti Canai as a reward for an early morning.

 

Pay a short visit to Berjaya Redang Resort. You may follow the same trail on the way back when you have finished enjoying the tranquil here or try to get a boat navigates between the resort to other side of the island.

 

Rock climbing is another good thing to do, if you are daring. The rocky hill at the back yard of Redang Reef is a good point to have a panoramic view of Pasir Panjang beach and photograph taking especially in evening time. The hill is actually not high at all and takes only 10 to 15 minutes to the top. However the trails are only of the width of your feet, which means you need to lean on the rock and move step by step carefully, therefore it is better not to play a fool with these rough and sharp edges rocks. Pay attention to the sea when you are at the top, especially area closes to the rocks. You might see turtle swimming in the sea in some clear days.

 

Want some nightlife ?..... the ‘traditional’ one will be sitting on the beach, counting the stars and the moon, let the sea breezes away your puzzling thought, listen to the sound made from wave hitting the shore, and sip on one of the few precious cold beers that are available on the island...... or, have a long night by shaking your body in the open air disco on the beach.

 

What else to wait for? Just wet yourself in the beautiful sea of Redang Archipelago!

 

Getting there :
To get to the island, you need to arrive in Kuala Terengganu then catch a boat from Merang Jetty. The jetty in Merang is about 30 minutes or 40km from Kuala Terengganu and is accessible through several alternatives.

Self drive
Head to the north of Kuala Terengganu. You will pass through typical Malay villages. It is certainly a pleasant journey. If you are not in hurry, do stop by to grab some local.

 

NEED MORE INFORMATION JUST CALL OR SEND A MASSAGES :-

E-MAIL :- qaseh_86@yahoo.com / ecotour_86@yahoo.com

Cemerong Waterfall - Terengganu.

If trekking and picnicking at seaside or any recreational park has long become history in your life, perhaps a visit to Cemerong Waterfall can recall all your long lost memories and fun. Cemerong Waterfall or some call Lata Cemeruh is located in the inner land of Dungun, or about 30 minutes drive from Kg. Pasir Raja, another good point for trekking activities. Reaching 300m height, it is the tallest waterfall in Terengganu state.

It is not a new name for the local indeed. The small but tidy park furnished with hut and picnic places and ample parking space at the entrance can tell. But surprisingly it is not yet a promoting destination by the state tourism board.

It takes 2 hours trek before you can stand in front of the fall. The first part of the trek is probably sealed with concrete stairs and some little huts for picnic. Big and old trees standing all around. You hardly embrace any the trunk with 2 adults extending hands. 

At the end of the stairs, just further down at your right is a natural huge swimming pool with a cascade. Laughter and screams from visitors who are having fun in the water come into your ears other than the unique voices from insects in the bush. This is the lower reaches of Cemerong Waterfall. But, hold your breath first. The best is always the last to arrive. 

The 2 hours trek is never a boring and monotonous one if you know how to appreciate everything offered by the mother nature. Huge trees with roots extended to the earth’s surface and appear like a natural screen that can easily hide yourself. A good place to play hide and seek, huh! Beware, never-never play this kind of game in the jungle. There are plants that you cultivate as pot plant in your house and plants that you never see you knew the name for long. Watch out for pitcher plant along the way. One of the species found here is round in shape and appear in cluster, twining on another tree. Villagers and the aborigines here cook their rice in these pitcher plant by putting the rice inside and send for steaming…um, just imagine the fresh fragrance from the plant, it must be drooling.

Feel like doing some outward bound activities or action? Yes, you got it! During raining season, the trekking path becomes slippery. In order to continue the journey, rope has tied by the forestry department in some down slopping area, then hold the rope and scramble as you get down. Off course not that simple. Crossing river is a usual ‘itinerary’ in any trekking. The only river crossing in the journey is actually crossing a little stream (well, it is a stream in dry season but will turn into a real river in wet season). Riverbed of this little stream is granite stone. Water running slow on this flat rocky riverbed and turn into a fall when it reaches the edge. A rope was tied from one end to the other while a tree trunk was laid crossing the stream. Hold the rope and step on the trunk instead the slippery rocky riverbed. Be careful, a little carelessness will bring you to regrets.

There shouldn’t be any difficulties or hard time to trek in this jungle. It is just a journey to challenge your stamina and off course strength of your legs. 

When the exhaustion feeling attacks you, suddenly sound from the tremendous fall is heard from far away, inspiring your exhaustion. But, it is only when you pass through a piece of bamboo then only you see it…standing far away but yet as though in front of you. Mouth will widely open but no words other than ‘COOL!!’ to express your feeling. At this moment of time, you will agree that all the difficulties and curses in the 2 hours trek is worth for a waterfall like this.

Water flush from the mountain, fall from 300m away then hit to the rock pool at the bottom, the resounding echoes are just like hitting thousands of drums in front of you. Before you soak yourself in the icing cold water, you are already bathed by the water splash from the fall. What to wait for? Jump into the water and have fun!

Sekayu Waterfall in Terengganu.

Sekayu Waterfall ( Air Terjun Sekayu ).
Forest & National Parks.

The Sekayu Waterfall is located within the Sekayu Recreational Forest in Kuala Berang. It was established in 1974 and officially launched in 1985.

Seven cascades here with water-cut pools which become the natural swimming pools make it a famous retreat for visitors. In wet season, you can hear the sound of rushing water falling from a high altitude from far away as you trek up the hill towards the pool. It is a pleasure experience.

Not much trekking to be done for lowest level of the waterfall except you have to climb the concrete stairs. Picnicking places and resting huts are along the way. Only when you are not satisfied with the lowest pool and intend to challenge the mountain, there the real trekking will take place. 


Sekayu is rich with Dipterocarp species such as Meranti and Damar Hitam (Shorea Species), Keruing (Dipterocarpus species) etc.

 

Because of the long established history, the recreational park is well facilitated with public facilities such as shelters, changing room, chalets and rest house, providing for visitors’ convenience besides three units of fully furnished chalets with the price rated between Rm30 to Rm50 a night. Sekayu Waterfall is said to be one of the most comprehensive picnicking and trekking area in the state.

To offer more choices to the visitors, there is a fruit orchard, a mini zoo, a bird park and a flower garden. Because of the ease in access to this waterfall, during the weekends or holidays, people come here for picnic or camping (this is also partly because there are no restaurant at Sekayu, therefore you have to bring your own supply). It is no doubt why this recreational park has become one of the promoted agro-tourism destinations for the state.

The Sekayu camping site is a choice if you are interested in spending the night outdoor. It is advisable to arm yourself with mosquito repellents.

Getting there :
Sekayu waterfall can be accessed either through Kuala Berang (16 km) or Kuala Terengganu (56 km). there are buses and taxis from the main road to Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Berang then taxis from Kuala Berang to the waterfall. Along the way to the destination, you will pass through some traditional Malay villages. Padi fields, perhaps buffalos soaking themselves in the muddy water and villagers selling fresh corn by the road, giving you unspoiled country side scenery. RM 1.00 will be charged for each entry into the recreational forest.

 

Terengganu Darul Iman

Forest & National Parks.

Tasik Kenyir ( Kenyir Lake).

Part of Taman Negara is in Terengganu, know as Taman Negara Kenyir. Taman Negara rainforest is the world oldest jungle believed to be 130 million years old.

It spans over 260,000 hectares (or some 369 sq km), fed by 30 rivers with 25 waterfalls and at least 25 known species of fish swimming in this man-made lake. The 340 islands in the lake were once hilltops and highlands before the area was inundated by water.

 

Three caves found in Kenyir Lake: Tok Bidan, Taat and Bewah. Among these, Tok Bidan is submerged under water. Cavers will have a delightful time exploring the Bewah Cave and the Taat Cave situated at Pulau Bewah. Bewah Cave is known for the many artifacts, Neolithic axes, flints and human skeleton of some 3000 years of history while wall painting and signs are found in Taat cave which can be seen when water level is at its lowest. There are also caves racers, spiders, crickets, bats and other creatures of the dark.

It is home for more than 8,000 species of flowers, 25,000 species of plants and trees and 300 species of fungus, 800 species of orchids, 100 species of butterflies, 370 species of birds, 200 species of animals……surprise? Or I will rather say, ‘unbelievable’.

 

Permits

Do not forget to obtain permits from the Wildlife Department at the Tourist Information Center at Gawi Jetty (Saturday - Wednesday : 9.00 am-5.00 pm, Thursday - Friday : 9.00 am - 1.00 pm) 

RM 1.00 (entrance) | RM 5.00 (camera) | RM 10.00 (fishing) | RM 1.00 (camping)

Getting there :- By Self Drive.
                     - By Bus. 
                     - By Taxi.
                     - By boat.
                     - By Air.

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Teluk Bidara - Dungun...
the beautiful beach in Dungun, Terengganu.. your can take a taxi for go to Teluk Bidara .
if your want more adventure, your can ride a bike..
but your can't swim there.. because so dangerous and not suitable for swim there..