NOOR ARFA CRAFT COMPLEX

NOOR ARFA CRAFT COMPLEX

Noor Arfa is a pioneer of the much acclaimed batik industry in Malaysia. Their principle to always improvising and striving for the best in batik designs have won the admiration and recognition form the local community. With its meticulous design and high quality fabrics, Noor Arfa has achieved the status and rare distinction of being the largest batik producing in the country. Their distribution centre spread though out the nation. Noor Arfa Craft Complex is not only focus on the manufacturing activity, but also one of Malaysia’s largest batik showroom at, Chendering, Kuala Terengganu. It is frequented daily by bus loads of tourist eager to see the best batik the idyllic state of Kuala Terengganu has a offer.

(PANTAI AIR TAWAR) AIR TAWAR BEACH

Pantai Air Tawar is a pristine and scenic beach ideal for family and group outings. Visitors can just sit under the shades of coconut trees lulled by the soothing sea breeze while enjoying fresh coconut drink and sumptuous seafood. Watch kite playing with the tides.

(GUNUNG TEBU) TEBU MOUNTAIN

Gunung Tebu is a part of the highland range that offers exhilarating trekking. Experienced guide is needed. It will take 2-3 hours for a trained climber to reach the top. What ever it takes, one has to be agile and fit enough to scale the mountain. The cool winds and the breathtaking view upon reaching the mountain top are worth the tough climb. Upon descending, stop by at Lata Belantan waterfall where one can enjoy frolicking in sprays of cooling waters that surely will freshen up the weariest climbers.

TRADITIONAL WOOD CARVING INDUSTRY

One of the oldest traditional crafts in Terengganu is definitely in Besut. Local woodcarvers were once given the privilege to design and construct the abodes of local rulers and chieftains. The higher the rank and wealth of an individual, the more intricate and exquisite the designs were. Other than their creativity and innovative to create such intricate designs, the craftsmen are also able to bring forth an identity of their own. Many of their works are still unmatched by today’s modern technology and it is a matter of passion that drive them to create such a unique and exquisite designs unmatched and withstood the rest of time.

At times, the craftsmen are able to build entire houses without using a single iron nail. The traditional technologies and design are constructed such a way that the wooden house retains the cool air during hot weather and keeping warm during cold weather. Such an ingenious designed by the local wood carvers. The wood-carvers of Terengganu get their inspiration mostly from the Islamic arts and also motifs from leaves, flowers, fruits and marine lives.

Today, there is an increasing awareness among the people, especially the elite, to preserve this heritage and adorn their corporate offices. The influence of traditional wood crafts can now be found in government buildings, universities, hotels and resorts. From entire houses to doors, window shutters and furniture, the exquisite and brilliant craftsmanship of the local wood-carvers are something that needs to be treasured, appreciated and preserved.

DISTRICT:Besut

BESUT

Besut is the northern-most district in Terengganu and it borders with Kelantan. Jertih is the commercial hub while Kampung Raja is the administrative centre. Besut has much to offer for visitors. The splendour of nature awaits them at Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Rhu, the waterfalls of Lata Tembakah, the therapeutic Kampung La Hot Spring and the pristine beaches of Pantai Bukit Keluang, Pantai Air Tawar and Pantai Dendong. Besut is also home to thriving cottage industry that includes wood carving, leather crafts and rattan weaving. In addition to all that, the people of Besut are also famous for their friendliness, warmth and charms.

(PULAU LANG TENGAH) LANG TENGAH ISLAND

Its name is derived from the see eagles that breed on this picturesque island. The island is accessible via Merang Jetty in Setiu. Located between Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang, Pulau Lang Tengah’s natural habitat remains untouched. The jungles are still intact and pristine. The sea promises soft and hard colorful corals of unrivaled beauty and diverse marine lives. There are only four resorts with their own private beach and visitors could laze around practically undisturbed on the soft powdery sandy beaches.

(PULAU BIDONG) BIDONG ISLAND

Pulau Bidong was internationally well known as the relocation center for Vietnamese refuges from the middle 70’s until it was closed in the early 90’s. the state government decided that no hotels are to be built on the island. Remnants of what used to be hospital, school, sundry shops and warehouse are a stark reminder of what used to be home to thousands of the boat peoples. There is a turtle research centre conducted by local university and underwater gallery comprises of replicas of Inscripted Stone (Batu Bersurat), a Keris, a traditional sampan and betel chewing canisters (tepak sireh) located 15m underwater. Day trip visitors can snorkel and scuba dive around Pulau Bidong. Recently the state has set up Bidong Heritage Fund to formulate, monitor and reconstruct the Island into a visitors, zone.

DISTRICT:SETIU

It is believed that Setiu got its name from a Bugis chieftain, who, after months of travelling all the way from Sumatera, decided to stay in Setiu for good. Bandar Permaisuri, which means Queen’s town, is the district capital as well as the administrative centre. Setiu is famous for its enchanting beaches, its traditional fishing villages and its nature. Another famous attraction in Setiu is its wetland areas.

KAMPUNG TELUK KETAPANG HOMESTAY

Kampung Teluk Ketapang is a traditional fishing village situated in Kampung Seberang Takir, Kuala Terengganu. Those planning to experience the traditional way of life should not miss the opportunity as various activities are arranged. These include traditional games, fishing or squid fishing trips as well as trips to local cottage industries.

(KOTA LAMA DUYONG) DUYONG OLD FORT

This building of historical significance is located on Pulau Duyong Kecil. Kota Duyong is architectural wonders of Terengganu in the 1920’s. While most houses were made of wood, Kota Lama Duyong was constructed with bricks and wood. The building was recently restored by the state museum with the blessing from its present owners, the great-great grandson of the renowned Tok Sheikh Duyong. The government hopes to display some historical artifacts there soon.

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TRADITIONAL BOAT BUILDING AT PULAU DUYONG

Traditional boat builders of Terengganu are famous for their skills that have withstood the test of time. These craftsmen do not require plans or blueprints. They build boats from memory passed from generations and yet produce intricate designs with great precision and details. Build with the touch of modern technology and traditional precision the boat is sought after by sailors from all over the world due to its sea-worthiness. Today, they are continued to be a part of Terengganu rich and vibrant heritage of arts and crafts.

(MUZIUM NEGERI) TERENGGANU STATE MUSEUM

It is acclaimed as the largest of its kind in Malaysia. The Terengganu State Museum houses century old artifacts and artworks of rich and colorful heritage. Located on 27 hectares of land in Bukit Losong, Kuala Terengganu, the complex itself is an impressive architectural feat, based on the designs of Terengganu’s old palace. The complex’s many galleries showcase textiles, historical artifacts, crafts, royal regalia, Islamic arts, contemporary arts, weapons, petroleum development, historical, sea faring trade, fisheries and marine galleries. Herbs and botanic garden is well-maintained in the vicinity of the museum. At the main entrance, the original “Batu Bersurat” of Terengganu is displayed, which proves the acceptance of Islamic teachings in the state well before the rest of the states in the Malay Peninsular. The maritime complex, the restored original old palaces and traditional boats used by sea-faring local traders are also prominently displayed in the compound. The complex is closed on Fridays.

NEWS:Terengganu to focus on tourism

Terengganu to focus on tourism (Malaysia)

By SIMON KHOO and R.S.N. MURALI, The Star

April 18, 2009

KUALA TERENGGANU: The state government plans to make tourism its main revenue earner instead of just depending on royalties from petroleum and gas, Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said.

Ahmad (BN-Kijal) said plans were in the pipeline to increase more tourist products to attract more visitors, citing the recent opening of a mini zoo in Kemaman and beautification of Tasik Kenyir as examples.

“We want to make the tourism sector our backbone and top revenue earner in the years to come.

“This is because unlike commodities like petroleum and gas, it would not deplete in supply.

“The recent flunctuation of global oil price also create uncertainties,” he said in his winding up speech at the last day sitting of the state assembly here on Wedneday.

All the missing 10 Barisan Nasional backbenchers were present after they stayed away on Tuesday, citing safety reasons when three of them received threatening SMses.

Ahmad said so far, the state had received RM650mil in royalties and was still awaiting the remaining balance and another RM2.6bil in other forms of payments from the Federal Government.

He said this year, the state government would allocate RM50mil to promote island hopping activities and develop new islands such as Pulau Burung, Pulau Orkid, Pulau Herba and Pulau Buah-Buahan.

“We will also build an elephant sanctuary over an area of 40,000 acres to house between 120 and 150 wild elephants.

“An elephant training centre will also be set up to complement this tourist attraction product,” he said, adding that with the establishment of the sanctuary, the problem of wild elephants destroying crops of villagers would be minimised.

On the mini zoo, Ahmad said he was impressed that 10,000 people visited the zoo on the opening day while 3,000 tickets were sold on the second day.

He also expressed the state government’s appreciation to former premier Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his contributions to the country.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our sixth Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for taking over the helm,” he said.

The sitting adjourned sine die after the nomination of Dungun Wanita Umno chief Zainun Abu Bakar as a senator, proposed by Datuk Zaabar Mohd Adib (BN - Rantau Abang) and supported by Rosli Othman (BN - Kemasik).

KEROPOK LEKOR AT KAMPUNG LOSONG

Some call them fish fritters, fish sausages or fish sticks but in Terengganu, they are called ‘keropok’. There are three types of keropok, mainly keropok lekor (boiled chewy ones), keropok goring (fried chewy ones) and the keropok keeping (sliced crispy, sun-dried and fried). There is none better than those found in Kampung Losong. ‘Keropok Lekor’ are actually made from processed fish meat mixed with salt and sago. This mixture is then hand rolled into sausage shaped around 6 to 10 inches long and immediately boiled thus remaining its flavours. You can consume these accompanied with rice or on its own dipped in Terengganu’s equally famous chili sauce.