Terengganu: Quick Walk Sidetrips from Kuala Terengganu Bus Station

The royal Masjid Abidin
The royal Masjid Abidin

The Crystal Mosque is just one of the places to visit in Terengganu. But when pressed for time, there are some interesting attractions near the Kuala Terengganu Bus Station just a few blocks away. Like when we were waiting for the SP Bumi bus to Kuala Besut to arrive, we stretched our legs for a bit and went to the direction of the boardwalk.

The first interesting structure we found is this big white mosque. Looking into the building markers, we found out it was the Masjid Abidin popularly called as the White Mosque. It is an old royal state mosque built between 1793 and 1808.

The palace of the Sultan of Terengganu
The palace of the Sultan of Terengganu

Passing through the mosque grounds, we found the Istana Maziah. It’s a good-looking two-story palace with a huge garden behind the gate and walls. It is the official palace of the Sultan of Terengganu.

Further, is the baywalk area. Since it’s mid-morning that time, there’s nothing much to see except the port where passengers go through when visiting Palau Redang. Redand Island is a private island resort popular for family and company tours. One has to book through the resort to enjoy the island. I noticed a lot of Singaporean visit this place as well. Shortly we went back to the station.

Terengganu Bay and the port to Palau Redang
Terengganu Bay and the port to Palau Redang

Heading Home

Two nights have passed and I found myself at the bus station for my ride back to Kuala Lumpur after bidding goodbye to my friend heading back to Singapore. I booked my bus ticket upon arrival just to make sure I get a seat. I chose the Nice Bus, same company as Transnasional but this is their executive coach. I needed to be at the airport the next day and hopefully this was fast enough.

The single seat on the left is my seat inside the Nice executive coach
The single seat on the left is my seat inside the Nice executive coach

And boy, I marvelled at this executive coach. The seats were wide and comfortable with folding tray tables. The best was the snack set with 3 types of bread with water and yogurt drink. The RM60 (P800) bucks I paid was totally worth it. Even the deluxe buses in the Philippines are miles away from this quality.

The ride was pretty smooth and the coach dropped me off at KL Sentral. I made it to the airport just enough time before my check in. The trip really felt short but I’m glad I got to know and experience Perhentian Islands and Terengganu.