Luxury Hotels in Kuala Berang, Hulu Terengganu

Kuala Berang is the biggest town located in the district of Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia. It is situated 40 kilometres away from Kuala Terengganu state capital, being in the interior part of the district. Being the center of Hulu Terengganu, Kuala Berang is also the administration center and the development works naturally occurred more here. Alongside Hulu Terengganu, it is the only area that is landlocked in the state, hence the lack of beaches or islands unlike any other districts. A large part of the area is made up of forests. As such, it was used to be slightly quieter on this part of the state, however due to the development of the Kenyir hydroelectric project and the completion of Kenyir river, there are much more tourists on this area than before. In addition to that, the area is well-known for the discovery of the Terengganu Inscription Stone. It was discovered by accident in 1899 by an Arab trader, Sayid Husin bin Ghulam al-Bokhari after a flash flood hitting the town. From the historical point of view, the whole area was recognized as Jumaah Bandaran Ulu Terengganu. Later in the first January of 1981, the Hulu Terengganu District Council was established under the 3rd Section of Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) (Amendment 1978), bringing Kuala Berang under the administration of the district. In 1985, damming works of Kenyir River is done to create the Sultan Mahmud Power Station. As such, Kenyir Lake is created, being the largest artificial lake of its kind in the South East Asia, covering 260 square kilometers of area containing 340 small islands, which were once hilltops and highlands, more than 14 waterfalls, numerous rapids and rivers. As such, eco-tourism has flourished here too, while most of the residents changed jobs from being farmers to traders.

How to Get There

By Car

People driving from Kuala Lumpur may drive via E8 route for immediate access to Kuala Berang. The journey could take up around 4 hours and 10 minutes depending on the traffic.

By Bus

The bus terminal, KB Sentral, is located in Kampung Buluh. Take the trip directly to Kuala Berang from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) terminal using express bus services such as UBT Group Liner before opting for taxi to go around the place.

By Plane

Kuala Berang can also be accessed by by boarding flights to Kuala Terengganu. There are flights to Kuala Terengganu provided by Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia. From the airport, guests may hail up a taxi or public transportation to Kuala Berang.

Tourist Attractions

Kenyir Water Park

Kenyir Water Park is the first and earliest water park ever established by the state government, taking advantage on the Kenyir Lake geographical situation. It was opened in 2015, in conjunction with the Kenyir Festival 2015. It is planned for three phases of development to install a multitude of facilities of funs and games for family and friends. The first phase included a handful amount of splash pool and paddle pool for kids as well as water games a la Ninja Warrior which is restricted to adults only. There is also a section where merchandises are sold and picnicking and gazebo areas for people coming in groups to relax and enjoy quality time together.

Terengganu Inscription Stone Memorial

It feels incomplete to talk about Kuala Berang without mentioning this place. This memorial houses the famously known Terengganu Inscription Stone, where visitors can come over and have a closer look on and contemplating the inscription stone by themselves. It is a granite stone carrying classical Malay inscription written in Jawi letters which records a testament of the early advent of the Islam religion in the state.

Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village

Another interesting place for sightseeing when visitors are in Kuala Berang is the Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village, the latest attraction nearby the Kenyir River. Recently opened in 2012, it houses local elephants rescued throughout the state.