Islamic Heritage & Coastal Modernity in Harmony
Kuala Terengganu is the capital and royal town of Terengganu, serving as the state’s administrative, commercial, and cultural heart. Nestled along the South China Sea, this district offers a unique blend of Islamic architecture, heritage trails, traditional crafts, and a growing urban skyline.
Historical & Regional Significance
- Formerly a major port city for the Terengganu Sultanate
- Home to the discovery site of the Terengganu Inscription Stone (Batu Bersurat), Malaysia’s earliest Islamic record
- Evolved into the Islamic administrative capital with strong cultural preservation policies
- Declared a municipal city (Bandaraya) in 2008
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Kuala Terengganu |
| State | Terengganu |
| District Capital | Kuala Terengganu City |
| Area | Approx. 210 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 340,000 |
| Local Authority | Majlis Bandaraya Kuala Terengganu (MBKT) |
Key Towns & Areas
- City Center – Government buildings, markets, hotels
- Kampung Cina (Chinatown) – Heritage shophouses, murals
- Pulau Duyong – Traditional boat-making & marina resort
- Chendering – Fisheries, batik, and beach spots
- Pasar Payang – Historic central market for crafts and snacks
- Seberang Takir & Losong – ICT, Keropok Lekor, local delicacies
Government & Leadership
| Position / Role | Name (2025 est.) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor (Datuk Bandar) | Tuan Haji Rozali Salleh | Oversees city development & Islamic values |
| District Officer (DO) | Encik Wan Mohd Zaki bin Wan Mokhtar | Land, infrastructure, tourism coordination |
| MP & ADUNs | Represent Bandar, Ladang, Batu Buruk, Wakaf Mempelam, etc. |
Education & Institutions
- Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)
- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) (in neighboring Kuala Nerus)
- Sekolah Menengah Agama (SMA), Tahfiz institutes
- Technical colleges, MARA skills institutes, teacher training centers
Healthcare
- Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ) – State’s largest hospital
- Specialist centers and private clinics
- Mobile health units and maternity services in suburban areas
Economy & Livelihood
- Public administration
- Tourism & hospitality – City hotels, islands, culture tours
- Retail – Pasar Payang, MBKT mall zones, modern shopping arcades
- Small manufacturing – Batik, brassware, traditional food industry
Transport & Connectivity
- Sultan Mahmud Airport (Kuala Nerus) – 20 mins from city
- Central Bus Terminal, local minivans, taxis, Grab
- Jetties to Redang Island and Pulau Duyong
- Connected via East Coast Expressway (LPT2) to Kuantan & KL
Tourism & Attractions
- Masjid Kristal (Crystal Mosque) – Glass-domed architectural marvel
- Taman Tamadun Islam (Islamic Civilization Park)
- Drawbridge Kuala Terengganu – Malaysia’s first drawbridge
- Pasar Payang – Traditional shopping for songket, kain batik, kuih
- Bukit Puteri, Istana Maziah, and riverfront heritage walk
- Floating Mosque (Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah)
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Strong Islamic Malay culture with some Chinese (Kampung Cina) & Indian presence
- Signature foods:
- Nasi Dagang Terengganu, Keropok Lekor Losong, Laksam, Sata, Nasi Minyak, Pulut Lepa
- Cultural practices:
- Dikir Barat, Wayang Kulit Islami, Pondok education, religious fairs
Summary
Kuala Terengganu District is a gateway to Islamic arts, east coast charm, and cultural pride. From royal history to modern Islamic architecture, it reflects Terengganu’s identity as a state of faith, tradition, and warm coastal hospitality.