Hotels in Pulau Duyong

Pulau Duyong is an island which is located at the mouth of Terengganu River. Previously, the area is divided into two, Pulau Duyong Besar and the smaller Pulau Duyong Kecil. Over the years, the sedimentation process have united them.

There is an old legend, whereby once upon a time, two mermaids were washed ashore during the low tide to this island. It is not known whether the pair are siblings, or a couple, or a parent and a child. The island was named ‘Pulau Duyong’ or Mermaid Island, in which the bigger land is termed as the ‘Big Mermaid Island’ or Pulau Duyong Besar while the smaller land is termed as the ‘Small Mermaid Island’ or Pulau Duyong Kecil.

How to Get There

By Plane

There are flights to Kuala Terengganu provided by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Firefly. From the airport, guests may hail a taxi to reach Pulau Duyong.

By Car

People driving from Kuala Lumpur may drive through the East Coast Expressway (LPT) exiting at Gemuruh exit before continuing the journey through the Sultan Mahmud Bridge Highway and taking the Pulau Duyong exit.

By Bus

The express bus terminal is located at Kuala Terengganu. Among the available express bus services are Transnasional, KKKL, Mutiara Express, Sani Express and many more. From the bus terminal, guests may hail a taxi or take the Heritage City Bus to reach Pulau Duyong.

By Ferry or Boat

Ferry or boat services to Pulau Duyong are available either at the jetty nearby Hotel Seri Malaysia or at the Shahbandar Jetty located at the Central Market also known as Pasar Payang. The crossing to reach Pulau Duyong Jetty takes about 10 minutes per trip.

Tourist Attractions

Duyong Art Gallery

This gallery is opened to highlight the creativity of street entrepreneurs by showcasing the works of arts in the form of paintings, sculptures and crafts. The management is also active in organizing exhibitions encouraging the public to appreciate arts. Among the latest projects conducted include the Duyong Art Fest and ‘Poskad ke Duyong’ event.

Duyong Old Fort

A traditional, old Malay palace with combination of local and European elements built almost entirely of timber. The wood carvings used involves piercing techniques such as tebuk terus (direct piercing), tebuk separuh (semi piercing) and tebuk timbul (embossed piercing). Actually, the current standing palace was reconstructed in 1999 following the ruin during a flood in 1986. The original building was built in 1919 by a magistrate named Dato’ Biji Sura.

Traditional Boat Making Workshop

The custom made wooden yacht works in Pulau Duyong is owned by the family of Pakcik Haji Abdullah. For years, he has been receiving orders for the traditional boat making from the locals as well as from overseas. Amazingly, the boats were built according to memory without using any plans. Visitors to the boat making workshop may witness the skilled craftsmen at work.

Monsoon Cup Festival

Monsoon Cup Festival is an annual yacht race event held in Pulau Duyong which was initiated to take advantage of the monsoon season in November. The yachts for the Monsoon Cup are from the Foundation 36 type racing yachts. The top sailing teams in the world fight against each other for the championship Monsoon Cup trophy.

Pasar Payang or Central Market

A double-storey building serves as the main local market selling different kinds of goods ranging from fresh produce, sea products, traditional delicacies, home products, clothes and handicrafts. Among favourable items include the famous ‘songket’ fabrics, batik sarongs and brasswares.

Hotels

Hotel KT Mutiara

This hotel provides simple room with basic amenities and facilities for its guests. A convenient accommodation choice and it is located about 15 minutes drive to Pulau Duyong.

Rimba Hotel

This hotel has a great location within the city centre and provides easy access for getting around. The rooms provided are well equipped for a comfortable stay nearby Pulau Duyong.

Felda Residence Kuala Terengganu

One of the most common preferred hotel situated nearby Pulau Duyong. This hotel is likable by many tourist travelling solo, accompanied with friends or family and it offers spectacular view of either the town or the river.

Hotel Grand Continental Kuala Terengganu

For family vacation or leisure, this hotel provides a satisfactory comfort during your stay nearby Pulau Duyong. It is strategically located in the heart of the city, with a close distance to local attractions as well as business areas.

Duyong Marina & Resort

This unique five-star boutique hotel is a perfect choice for people seeking a comfortable treat for holiday in Pulau Duyong. Get the most excellent services and make your stay a memorable experience as the hotel is set in its own secluded surrounding. It is also renowned to be hosting the Monsoon Cup every year.