Thursday, July 29, 2010

A Terengganu Heritage Pura Tanjung Sabtu: A Place You Must Visit

Pura Tanjoung Sabtu is a collection of Terengganu architecture traditional houses which existed in Terengganu some 200 years ago. These original houses (around 100 years of age) were brought in  from other areas and were rebuilt on a 14-acre site at Kampung Tanjung Sabtu. They are arranged or modelled in a typical palace environment in the 18th century. Those days, this kind of large timber houses only the royals and the rich can afford it.

Located 14 km from town centre of Kuala Terengganu, Pura Tanjung Sabtu is a classic example of  Terengganu traditional houses which is becoming extinct by days due to it is costly to maintain timber based structure as they tend to rot over times unlike the brick structures. This pura (a sanskrit word) is also located near  Nerus River, a tributary to Terengganu river.

The traditional house with airy veranda. The ground floor is for different purpose.

The two houses are attached to each other where you can walk from veranda to veranda.


The roof is unique in design.

What is special to this Pura? It is a traditional palace architecture of Terengganu Sultanate. It  has Royal Family Heirloom and Songket Weaving Demonstration area. Since it is close to the river, you can experience Bot Penambang (water taxi) from here to the Central Market of Kuala Terengganu. It is really a good experience where you can see riverine villages and its activities along the river like people bathing by the river banks, washing clothes, fishing, etc.

This pura belongs to an individual who has passion to this kind of heritage building. He is also an expert in songket design. He gave his name card to me which stated The Owner-Hosted Home Stay. The explanation went on as " Pura Tanjung Sabtu, a complex of centuries-old Terengganu Malay timber houses reassembled , restored and preserved in the style of a princely palace of 18th century Terengganu. It is a private residence of Tengku Ismail bin Tengku Su, which is now open to paying guests who would like to experience the courtly living of Terengganu's past. Your patronage will help to preserve the architectural heritage of Terengganu".

There are many houses here, one of them is occupied by the owner. Two houses are reserved as guesthouses and available for paying guests. Every house has its name. For further information of this pura, click to http://www.puratanjungsabtu.com/

The address of this pura is 5728, Kampung Tanjung Sabtu, Mukim Manir, Kuala Terengganu. How to get there there? Just drive to Batu Enam roundabout and turn to the direction of Manir. Turn right when you reach the second traffic light. Continue driving towards Jeram until you reach Tanjung Sabtu Mosque on your right. Turn right and follow the narrow road for 50 metres and turn right until you reach the end. You will pass through Malaysian kampong houses. Pura Tanjung Sabtu is at end of the road.

If you are interested to rent, you can contact 609-6153655 or email to puratanjungsabtu@gmail.com  Happy travelling.

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