Kuala Terengganu may not be on everyone’s itinerary when it comes to exploring Malaysia, but for folks who love exploring our Terengganu Islands such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Lang Tengah, you will surely stop by or pass by this town as you transit to the respective jetties. I discovered this public tour bus service called Bas Kite, a colourful bus clad with Malay Traditional House facade – it’s impossible to miss when it is roaming around.
The bus tour starts at 9am from Kuala Terengganu Bus Terminal (Terminal Bas MBKT) with a 1.5-hour interval between each tour. There are two routes – C01 and C02 which takes you on separate loops around Kuala Terengganu. Along the way you can press the bell and alight at the attraction that you’d like to visit and board the next incoming bus when you are done.
Of course, not every stop is worth stopping, so here are a few recommended stops that you should not miss while touring with Bas Kite.
Route C01 – Masjid Terapung Loop
Stop 1: Masjid Terapung (Floating Mosque)
Masjid Terapung means Floating Mosque is actually named Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah. If you are familiar with Islamic architecture, the floating mosque concept is one of the favourite designs by mosque architects. This white floating mosque is actually open to visitors except during prayer hours. So if you’d like to pay a visit inside the mosque, remember to dress conservatively (long pants / long skirt). There is also a small beach nearby the mosque and a few stalls selling street food.
Stop 2: Kraftangan Malaysia (Malaysia Handicraft)
This handicraft stop showcases traditional Malay handicrafts such as textiles, ceramic and metal products. If you like non-commercial, traditional kampung handicrafts, then you should alight here to get a glimpse of our local crafts which are rarely seen these days. I did not manage to alight at this stop as I was short of time but I thought it could be worth a visit for art craft lovers.
Route C02 – Masjid Kristal Loop
Stop 1: Muzium Negeri Terengganu (Terengganu State Museum)
If you’d like to understand more of Malaysia’s Islamic history and culture, this museum complex will give you chills. Not many visitors here apart from some school field trip groups and the complex is huge! It is here where I found the Batu Bersurat (a stone tablet with 13th-century Islamic inscription) which I learned from my history class years ago. The entrance to the museum is only RM5 and it closes at around 6pm. There is also a garden near the museum with replicas of traditional boat / yacht. Very similar to the ones I saw in Melaka.
Stop 2: Masjid Kristal (Crystal Mosque)
Alright this is my favourite stop =D
Masjid Kristal which means Crystal Mosque is clad with tinted glass all over and it is most beautiful when viewed during sunset. When the glass reflects the evening rays, it shines like an sapphire crystal.
Fun Fact: Many thought that the mosque got its name from its appearance but it is actually named after the four crystals that was placed at the top corners of the mosque.
I learned about this during the Taman Tamadun Islam (TTI) River Cruise Tour nearby and I highly recommend you take this tour. This 40-minute TTI River Cruise takes you around Pulau Duyung, passing by Masjid Kristal on the way back. It gives you a different view of this beautiful town and there is also a friendly tour guide to brief on the various attractions as you pass by them.
Stop 3: Pulau Warisan (Warisan Island)
Although it’s called Pulau Warisan, do not mistaken it for an island. It is actually a sea view platform with some stalls like a small night market. And across the street you will find Chinatown. While Kuala Terengganu is predominantly occupied by Malays, you can find a row of Chinese restaurants and shops here at Chinatown. This is why I love Malaysia so much – the diversity of culture is so harmonized.
So there you have it! Some of my top recommended places to visit in Kuala Terengganu within a day by public transport. If you have a full day to spend, I’d suggest to take C01 in the morning and C02 in the afternoon / evening – be sure to catch the sunset at Masjid Kristal (sun usually sets at around 6:30pm to 7:00pm in Malaysia).
Take note on the time of the next incoming bus when you decide to alight. You won’t want to miss the next bus as it will cost you another 1.5 hours!
Hope this little guide will be helpful to those who had a day to spend at Kuala Terengganu while transiting to the islands. You may find that this little town is not too boring after all!
