Marang is a district in Terengganu that is located along the coastal part of the state. The district connects Kuala Terengganu, capital of the Terengganu, and the southern part of the state, the Dungun district. Marang district is fully faced the South China Sea. It has a population of 105, 283 people in an area that covered for 666 km2.

The name ‘Marang’ came from the early settlers of the place, a Chinese entrepreneur, named Ma, that’s specialised in drying sea products. His sea products, such as fish and squids were dried traditionally on racks or as local called them, ‘rang.’ Since he owned all the racks/rangs of the area, they started to call it as ‘Ma’s Rang; and that eventually turned to Marang. The main economic activity in Marang is still fishery though tourisms are getting important in this district that has a beautiful island in its area.

How to Get There

Located about 430 km away from Kuala Lumpur, the trip to Marang is best by car. A drive through the East Coast Highway from the capital of Malaysia for about four and half an hour and exit at Ajil, Terengganu, you will be greeted by the beautiful coastal road that faced the South China Sea. A trip by plane is also possible with arrival at the Terengganu International Airport, the Sultan Mahmud Airport that located just forty minutes away.

The public transportation in Marang is second to nothing as it is still just a small town that most people just passed by unless they are locals. Even if they were tourists, most have their own vehicles to move around the district. There are services that are providing rental cars in Marang, so fret not!

Tourist Attractions

Kelulut Beach

A white, sandy beach that’s still pristine and has clear water located just 50 minutes’ drive from Marang town. One of the most noticeable beach in Terengganu, the Kelulut beach beauty is intensified with the presence of pine trees along the beach, something that is uniquely happened in Terengganu’s coasts. It’s said to be a favourite among nature lovers.

Keropok Lekor 008, Kelulut

Who doesn’t know about keropok lekor when they come to Terengganu? The famous fish and flour kneaded together, boiled and the fried snack is a favourite among people of Terengganu and also the rest of Malaysian. Here in Marang, there is this one place that offers the best keropok lekor in the whole of Terengganu, the Keropok Lekor 008, Kelulut Marang. Just six kilometres away from Marang town, this keropok lekor shop is just beside the Caltex Petrol Station.

Pulau Kapas

A small island that’s visible even from the shore of Marang, is one of the two islands in Marang district. The island is easily access from Marang Jetty via a small ferry with a trip that only takes about 45 minutes. There, you’ll be greeted by white sandy beach, pristine, crystal clear water and a breathtaking view. Pulau Kapas is a favourite among both locals and tourists as it offers such a stunningly clean beach.

Pulau Kerengga

Though in the name there’s ‘pulau’ or island, this place far from one. Pulau Kerengga is located in the mainland, still ‘attach’ to Marang district. Pulau Kerengga offers a recreational park that is just five minutes’ drive from the town to it. The recreational park is in between the Sungai Marang (River of Marang) and the sea, making it a unique destination.

Hotels

Kapas Island Resort

The resort is located at the island. The resort is made up of several chalets, facing the beach and just few minutes walking from the jetty. The chalets are made up of woods, with a swimming pool and they have courts for beach games such as volleyball and beach football. You also can spend time to play indoor games after spending a whole day at the beach.

Gem Island Resort

Another resort that is in Pulau Kapas, this one has a better review than its rival. It’s located in the Marine Conservation Park site of Pulau Kapas with crystal clear water and equivalent spectacular underwater view of corals and marine life. The resort is made up of beautiful villas, fully air-conditioned to beat the heat of the beach air. Each villa also has balcony to enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean.