Kuala Terengganu is best known for being the gateway to some of the pristine islands in Malaysia. But, that’s not all this city on the East Coast has to offer. From delicious food to the ultimate spots for shopping, you’ll never run out of things to do here. It’s the perfect place to have the relaxing respite that you’ve always wanted. We’ve compiled five unique things to do in Kuala Terengganu to make your vacation a memorable one down below!

If you think only Penang has rows and rows of Peranakan-style houses, you couldn’t be more wrong. Chinatown is littered with many Peranakan-style traditional shops and houses, which has become one of the tourist attractions in Kuala Terengganu. While you’re here, be sure to visit the Teck Soon Heritage House which was part of the famous Teck Soon Trading Company in the olden days. You’ll instantly recognize the house as it’s painted in three different hues of blue. It’s now a museum where you can learn about the history of the Chinese culture in Kuala Terengganu.

Kuala Terengganu is famous for being a fishing village and if you wanna learn how fishing boats are made, head over to Pulau Duyung. It’s just a short ferry ride from Kuala Terengganu and here you’ll be able to see how the boats are built using the same style and tools that have been used for centuries! Be sure to visit the island as boat building is a vanishing art. There used to be 38 yards at one point, and now there’s only three!

You don’t have to be an experienced angler to try squid jigging. The activity is quite a popular activity in Kuala Terengganu that the state even has an annual festival for it called the Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival! Go down to the local beaches in the evening and you’ll find locals and fishermen jigging for squids. Squid jigging in Kuala Terengganu is done the old school way — by hand, off the side of the boat. There is no fishing rod or reel, just a fishing line with a squid jig attached. It’s definitely a fun experience for the whole fam!

If squid jigging is not your cup of tea, try mussel picking! Villages around Kuala Terengganu are known for their mussel farms where visitors can enjoy picking their own mussels. Head over to the villages outside of Kuala Terengganu such as Kampung Mangkuk, Seitu or Kuala Baru. The best time for mussel picking is from late April to early August.

We can agree that one of the best ways to see a new destination is by riding public transportation. But, this isn’t your normal bus. It’s designed to reflect the concept of a traditional Terengganu house with its distinct roof panels. The bus will take you on a heritage tour of the city and you can hop-on and hop-off at each destination. The buses also use unique decorations of batik, songket and wood carvings that create a nostalgic feel. It’s certainly a memorable way of traveling!

Have we got your wanderlust tingling? Plan your trip to Terengganu with Traveloka!