City Centre of Kuala Terengganu

City centre of Kuala Terengganu can be defined as the area bordered by Jalan Sultan Ismail (formerly known as Jalan Paya Bunga), and its eastern part of it. This means it includes Tanjung, Ladang, Paya Bunga, Kampung China and Kedai Payang. The concept changed every now and then. In the 1980's, the development of Padang Hiliran (2km west from the previous centre) has emerged and formed another city centre.

What I am going to tell you is that the old city centre is still vibrant. Dataran Shahbandar in Tanjung now is the venue of many state events. Pasar Kedai Payang and Bazaar Warisan are tourism icons. Jetty Shahbandar is the gateway to Redang Island. The commercial banks and government offices cluttered along Jalan Sultan Ismail. Well known hotels like Primula, Grand Continental or Mutiara (2-star) are located in the city centre. The new Paya Keladi shopping area and bus station are in the town centre.

 The old mosque known as Masjid Putih by the locals.

 Jalan Sultan Ismail where many banks and offices are located. This road is always busy during working days.

Kampong China.

City Hall building (light brown), view from Jalan Air Jernih.

The landscape garden at Padang Maziah near Dataran Shahbandar.

Apart from the ones that I had told you, some area  in the present city centre now is under redevelopment.  This is evidently true in case of Banggol where old shop houses were demolished  to make way for new development. Tanjung and Ladang will be redeveloped with better commercial and housing. The city centre is actually one of the heritage areas that we should keep.

Now there is a thinking to expand the city centre across the Terengganu river, to include the river front of Seberang Takir-Bukit Tumbuh. I welcome it. If the waterfront project was successfully implemented, Kuala Terengganu will become one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Well, if you like to explore the old city centre,  get a map and take a morning walk from Tanjung to Post Office, Kedai Payang, Kampung China and then proceed to Jalan Sultan Ismail until you reach Bulatan Ladang (Batu Bersurat Roundabout). This walk takes about two hours. Make sure you wear a good walking shoe. Happy travelling.