CHINATOWN

Chinatown is actually a row of prewar old building at Jalan Kg Cina. These buildings are believed to be the residence for the chinese from China mainland who arrived in Peninsular Malaysia in the 19th century. Most of the houses are 2 stories, with brick or concrete structure and wooden flooring in the second storey. Some still keep its wood carving on the windows and huge heavy wooden front door whereas some were turned into the renewed modern concrete building.

The colourful long roof has created a unique and beautiful photographing spot for photo taking especially in evening before the sun disappears from the sky. These century old building are now sundry shops, local coffee shops, offices for several tour operators, batik and souvenir shops, restaurants etc. Recently there are people who buy over the house from the original owners and turn it a ‘swiftlet house’ for their bird nest business.

Two old Chinese temples, namely Ho Ann Kiong (1801) and Tien Hok Kong (1896) have been recognised by UNICEF as Heritage Attractions. The local believe that ‘Goddess’ of the temple has given them very accurate guidance and ‘protection’ during the hard time, therefore there is always worshipers redeem their vow to the God.

The World's Oldest Cengal Tree

Situated near the border of Taman Negara is the Pasir Raja Forest Reserve, home of the world’s largest Chengal tree. Chengal is a type of hardwood used to make buildings and ships due to its remarkable strength and durability. Estimated to be 1,300 years old, the tree has a diameter of 17.75 metres and towering above others at 65 metres tall.

The Birthplace of Islam in Malaysia

There were conflicting versions of how Terengganu got her name. Some associated it to the discovery of an incisor tooth of an unknown origin at a river estuary by a group of hunters from a neighbouring state. Thus they called the place 'Taring Anu' where the tooth was found. Another version, the name Terengganu was derived from a very bright rainbow seen by a group of sea travellers and proclaimed the land to be 'Terang Ganu (Bright Rainbow). Yet another version implies the river of Terenggan as an important trade route between the coastal settlements and those from inland. Trade flourished with the river as the main transportation link. Inland settlements goes to Sungai Terenggan nu (that way to the coastal) rather than to Sungai Terengganu ni (that way to further inland).

Furthermore the name Terengganu was mentioned as Teng-Ya-Nu by a Chinese scholar, Coo-Cu-Fei in his book Ling-Wai-Fai-Ta in 1178AD. Another Chinese historian, Cao-Ju- Kua did not miss Teng-ya-nung when he authored Cu-fan-Cih in 1226AD.

Teng-ya-nung was under the rule of Sri Vijaya kingdom. Ptolemy, a Greek traveller corroborated that the east coast region of the Golden Chersonese (Peninsular Malaya) had Kole and Primula. Both believed to be ports of call for coastal traders. Kole was said to be in Kemaman while Primula was believed to be in Kuala Terengganu. The Inscripted Stone (Batu Bersurat) found by Sayed Hussein Ghulam Al-Bukhari in 1902 at Kuala Berang bore the word Terenkanu inscribed in jawi, an Arabic Romanized version.

source: http://tourism.terengganu.gov.my/