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Known for its white sandy beaches, Terengganu is a haven for sun seekers, beach lovers, or just any traveller looking for rejuvenating getaway.
Most of us are probably familiar with the Perhentian Islands and Redang Island, but when it comes to coastal beauty, there's so much more that Terengganu has to offer.
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Here are some hidden gems of this coastal paradise:
1. Pantai Bari
Pantai Bari offers an unspoilt stretch of sand that you can seemingly have all to yourself, away from the tourist crowd.
What's unique about this beach is the abundance of huge pebblestones adorning its shores, thanks to the hill nearby.
What to do: The serene atmosphere and natural beauty of Pantai Bari make it the perfect spot for a picnic with your loved ones, a relaxing stroll, a few rounds of cycling, peaceful contemplation, or sunset viewing.
Where it's located: Approximately 50km or slightly over an hour's drive from Kuala Terengganu.
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2. Pantai Tanjung Jara
Gaining traction among both local and foreign tourists is Pantai Tanjung Jara, whose smooth golden sands stretch on for miles along South China Sea.
It's known for its tranquility, making it perfect for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What to do: Kayaking, wind surfing, boating are popular activities you can try there, and if you're visiting between the months of May and August, do look out for turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs.
Where to stay: A well-known accommodation option in the area is the five-star Tanjung Beach Resort which prides itself in being "unmistakably Malay", boasting traditional Malay architecture inspired by ancient palaces from the 17th century.
Where it's located: Around 70km or an hour's drive from Kuala Terengganu.
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3. Pantai Merang
Pantai Merang is more known to serve as a getaway to the more famous Redang Island and Lang Tengah Island, with boat transfers taking place at Merang Jetty. However, this long sandy beach, lined with tall coconut trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters, makes it worthwhile to linger a little longer before heading to your next destination.
What to do: You can visit the nearby Merang Observatory Station, which is perched on the top of Bukit Merang, for spectacular views of the beach from high above.
Where to stay: If you decide to spend the night to savour more of this tranquil beach, Villa Alaya Malai is one accommodation option that offers a comfortable and luxurious base for you to continue exploring Terengganu's hidden beauty.
Where it's located: 40km or 40 minutes' drive from Kuala Terengganu.
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4. Pantai Chalok
Pantai Chalok is one of the more hidden beaches in Setiu, a district known for its pristine natural landscapes.
This 5km coastal stretch offers direct views of Redang, Lang Tengah and Perhentian Islands, as well as a serene atmosphere devoid of tourist buzz, making it ideal for introverts and those seeking an off-the-beaten-track kind of vacation.
What to do: On a good day, you might just catch turtles or baby sharks right off the beach! And do bring your own food if you're planning on sticking around for a few hours, as there are no food peddlers, restaurants, or cafes in the area.
Where to stay: Otherwise, you can choose to stay at the nearby, affordable yet luxe Katsetiu Villas, which provides BBQ facilities and other resort-like amenities.
Where it's located: Around 60km or an hour's drive away from Kuala Terengganu.
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5. Pantai Penunjuk Kijal
Located in Kemaman, Pantai Penunjuk Kijal is a scenic blend of natural beauty and cultural charm, perfect for nature lovers and shutterbugs. Its remarkable rock formations, towering cliffs, and fishing village setting make the beach the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram upload. And if you're lucky, the fishermen might just come and dock their colourful boats to upgrade your view!
What to do: Kijal's specialties like lemang, ikan bakar, and keropok lekor are must-tries. You can find at stalls, restaurants, and food courts nearby.
Where to stay: And if one day at this beach is not enough, you could opt for a staycation at one of the chalets there, like Nipoh Beach Cottage, for a cosy retreat to complement your coastal indulgence.
Where it's located: About 135km or 2 hours' drive away from Kuala Terengganu.
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6. Pantai Penarik
If you want somewhere a tad bit livelier, Pantai Penarik is the beach to go for.
It also makes for a scenic backdrop if you're driving, or a lovely stopover destination if your itinerary includes longer stays at nearby islands like Redang or Perhentian.
What to do: You're less likely to find foreign tourist crowds here, but there's plenty that it offers, from breathtaking sunset views and soothing evening breezes to tasty seafood and authentic local vibes that come from witnessing the fishermen at work.
Where to stay: One widely recommended accommodation is Terrapuri Heritage Village, where you get to stay in luxurious villas inspired by the architecture of royal Malay residence from hundreds of years ago, right by the strikingly beautiful beach.
Where it's located: Around 60km or slightly over an hours' drive away from Kuala Terengganu.
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7. Pantai Teluk Mak Nik or Monica Bay
Pantai Teluk Mak Nik, also known as Monica Bay, is another beautiful beach found in the Kemaman district. It's known as for being a turtle nesting site, and the most common sea turtle species observed here is the Green Sea Turtle.
What to do: Besides turtle-watching, there are several stalls selling keropok lekor, satar, otak-otak as well as fresh drinks to add to your beachside enjoyment.
Where it's located: Around 150km or 2 hours' drive away from Kuala Terengganu.
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8. Pulau Tenggol
Pulau Tenggol is the southernmost of the islands in Terengganu, renowned for offering amazing diving experiences in its quiet, remote setting.
The bay is well-protected and home to soft corals, garden eels, batfish, nudibranchs, clownfish, whale sharks, and even eerie shipwrecks!
What to do: Perfect for diving enthusiasts, you can descend down to 20 meters deep at some places if you love a challenge.
Where it's located: Around 26km off the coast of Kuala Dungun's fishing town. Approximately 45 minutes if you're taking a speedboat from Kuala Dungun Jetty or nearly two hours for regular boats.
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9. Pulau Bidong
Claimed to be haunted by the locals, Pulau Bidong is an uninhabited island with a rather spooky yet touching history. It served as a shelter for Vietnamese refugees who had fled the country following the end of the Vietnam War, operating from 1978 until 1991.
Pulau Bidong has been gazetted as a Malaysian National Heritage Site, so visitors are required to adhere to regulations similar to those of nearby marine parks.
What to do: With no resorts or permanent residences, the underwater landscapes and marine life here are unparalleled, and divers can expect to see schools of barracuda, batfish, sting rays, clown fish, and many more.
Where it's located: About 15km from Pantai Merang, with boat trips from Merang Jetty taking around a hour.
