Kuala Terengganu, a Nice Waterfront City Not to be Missed

Kuala Terengganu is a city that is situated along the estuary of the Terengganu River. It also faces the South China Sea. Its evolution dated back some 200 years ago. Most settlements i.e. the inhabited areas were near the river and sea as these were the basic communication network in those days. This was actually reflected in their employment where they became fisherman.

Kuala Terengganu initial growth areas were at the north and south banks of the river. A lot of villages were formed. Kampung Tanjung, Kampung Ladang, Kampong Paya Bunga, Kampong Batas Baru, Kampong Kolam, Kampong Kedai Payang, Kampong Kedai Binjai, Kampong Nisan Empat, Kampong Banggol were some of the initial kampongs (all of them were located in the city centre of Kuala Terengganu now) were the earlier areas of settlements. Kampong China came in when the immigrants from China came and settled there.

Heritage island on the right.

A few bridges were constructed to connect Kampong China and the island.

One of the gates.

The island at night.

 The development of these kampongs continued with the development of brick and mortar shophouses in these areas during the post war periods especially after the 1930's. Rows of brick shophouses were constructed along the main roads especially in Kampong China, Banggol, and Kedai Payang.

In the 2000's , these areas experienced redevelopment replacing some of the old houses and some areas were subjected to urban renewal. 

The State government had come up with a concept of waterfront city and had started promoting Kuala Tertengganu as a Waterfront City. The government concentrated development of promenade along Balik Bukit with public park and lately it had created an island behind Kampong China and called it Pulau Warisan (Heritage Island). This Heritage Island is beautifully designed and now become an icon of Kuala Terengganu tourism.

If you are interested to visit this place, go to Pasar kedai Payang, you will surely notice this place. Happy travelling.