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- Tasik Kenyir (Kenyir Lake) — Malaysia’s largest man-made lake, threaded with jungle-clad peninsulas, tiny islands and boat-only access waterfalls. You can stay in simple floating chalets, day-trip to hidden falls, try night fishing for giant catfish, or use it as a base for jungle trekking and birdwatching that you won’t find clustered with tourists.
- Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian Kecil & Besar) — Classic backpacker islands but for good reason: excellent snorkeling right off the beaches, reliable turtle sightings, basic beachfront guesthouses and a relaxed, bare-bones island life that feels uniquely east-coast. Go outside peak season for clearer water and fewer day-trippers.
- Pulau Redang (Redang Marine Park) — A marine reserve with genuinely clear water and healthy reefs; diving
- Tasik Kenyir (Kenyir Lake) — Malaysia’s largest man-made lake, threaded with jungle-clad peninsulas, tiny islands and boat-only access waterfalls. You can stay in simple floating chalets, day-trip to hidden falls, try night fishing for giant catfish, or use it as a base for jungle trekking and birdwatching that you won’t find clustered with tourists.
- Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian Kecil & Besar) — Classic backpacker islands but for good reason: excellent snorkeling right off the beaches, reliable turtle sightings, basic beachfront guesthouses and a relaxed, bare-bones island life that feels uniquely east-coast. Go outside peak season for clearer water and fewer day-trippers.
- Pulau Redang (Redang Marine Park) — A marine reserve with genuinely clear water and healthy reefs; diving here is top-tier in Terengganu. The island’s protected status means less cheap development and better coral in comparison to many other Malaysian islands.
- Pulau Kapas (Marang) — A smaller, quieter island close to Kuala Terengganu with shallow snorkeling, a few low-key beach huts, and the chance to hang out where local fishermen land their catch. Easier and cheaper to reach than Redang/Perhentian but still with island vibes. Great for a relaxed overnight.
- Pulau Duyong (boat-building island, Kuala Terengganu) — A compact river island famed for traditional Malay wooden boat building and woodcarving workshops. Walk along the riverbanks, peek into shipwright yards where boats are still handcrafted, and chat with craftsmen about techniques passed down generations. (Personal favourite — quiet, cultural and hands-on.)
- Setiu Wetlands — A low-key coastal wetland system of lagoons, mangroves and sandbars unique to Terengganu. Rent a small boat or kayak with a local guide to see migratory birds, wild horses on the sandbanks at low tide, and tiny crab villages. Far less touristy than the islands and a great place to see local coastal livelihoods.
- Gunung Tebu — A steep, rewarding jungle climb near Besut with scrambling sections and a summit that looks down toward the Perhentian Islands. It’s a local favourite for multi-day hikes and overnight camping; terrain and views give it a different feel from the gentler coastal hills.
- Bukit Keluang — A coastal ridge that rises straight from the beach at Besut. Short hikes take you over rocky outcrops with sea views, small caves and quiet beaches at each end. Popular with locals for sunrise and camping but still a hidden gem for most outsiders.
- Pasar Payang and Kuala Terengganu heritage walk — The old market and the adjacent Kampung Cina/riverfront area: great for picking up local food (keropok lekor, budu), songket pieces and watching small-scale trades. Walk the riverside streets to see Malay wooden houses, tin-roofed workshops and old shophouses that tell Terengganu’s trading story.
- Air Terjun Chemerong (Chemerong Waterfall) — One of the taller waterfalls in the state tucked into forested highlands reachable with a guided trek or by combining a Kenyir boat trip and hike. The cascades and pools are dramatic and much quieter than the small roadside falls — good for a proper jungle day out.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.