6 Things to Do in Kuala Terengganu
Last week of orientation! This week I finally got to meet my mentor for the year, and got to know my fellow ETAs in the region better as well. We planned and hosted our first English camp, an "American Roadtrip"!
We also had the chance to explore KT during our 5 day stay here. I'm sure I'll be added more to this post later since the city is a great starting point for day or weekend trips to great islands or lakes, but here's what we'd recommend so far. Terrengganu and Kelantan (where I will be placed) are the most conservative states in Malaysia, so make sure you pack long sleeves, skirts and loose fitting clothes despite the heat!
1. The Crystal Mosque
We actually went to this mosque twice! There is a tourist bus that circles the city for free (ask your hotel if you're one of the stops) and it stops here. We recommend going around prayer time if you can: you won't be able to go in the mosque during the actual prayer (obviously) but the call to prayer music is beautiful.
Like at the National Mosque in KL, we enjoyed talking to volunteers and staff about Islam and how it is practiced. The Mosque is also right on the water ("floating") so you can take in some great views!
2. Check out Traditional Arts at Wari San
I had a blast playing the gongs! Wari San, an art gallery or "cultural house" has music and dance shows every Saturday, and we loved it! They had a special event so I'm not sure if tourists are always allowed to play the instruments, but if you can.. do it! We learned a traditional warrior entrance song (easier than it sounds).
^my mentor!! We also got to see a traditional Gamelan dance, and my roommate even got swished away to try on the dancers' costume!
^so beautiful! You can also try on sarongs, which are lengths of handwoven fabric you tie around your waist.
3. Go to the beach and walk along the piers
But the modest rules still apply: keep your sleeves and skirts long! Also be prepared for more litter than you're used to on the beach (we'll definitely do a beach clean up/conservation camp) but it really is beautiful. Some of the piers will take you right into the South China Sea.
4. Kampung Cina: KT's Chinatown
It's a UNESCO site! We went at night and found it to be a fun nightlife area but I imagine the murals would be even more fun during the day.
We stumbled into a karaoke/talent show night, Turtle Alley (full of turtle murals!) and streets of art work, lights and even a lock wall like the one I left a lock at in Paris.
5. Stop by a market
We especially liked the Thai Market right on the coast near the arch. Grab street food, cheap electronics, new or vintage clothes (I stocked up on long sleeve shirts!) or souvenirs.
6. Try some local cuisine
We were served breakfast, tea (including food), lunch, tea (including food) and sometimes both supper AND dinner. It's amazing! Here's some stand out crazy things we tried. It wouldn't be a trip to Terrengannu without trying Keropok, basically fish sausage: fish paste and flour filled into a link and then steamed or fried. Yep, that! Right in front.
We also were huge fans of beef redang and all the many curries and sauces we got to try throughout orientation.
Again with the fish: family style dining is always fun, but we had a blast approaching this giant "squirrel fish" at a Chinese restaurant by our hotel!
Also try the deserts: green tea everything! And Milo, the chocolate milk product.
Again, I'm sure there's much more to do in KT, but we spent a lot of this week planning for the year, visiting schools and putting on an English camp (for 200 students!). Now we're finally on the bus to Kota Bharu, my placement for the next 9 months!
If I look sweaty, it's because of the 5 hours of baseball relay with awesome 7th graders! It was a blast! Comment below with questions or suggestions.