Malaysia's East Coast: Kota Bharu, the Perhentians, Redang, Terengganu and Tioman TRIP BLOG Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
Malaysia · Kuala Terengganu

Malaysia's East Coast: Kota Bharu, the Perhentians, Redang, Terengganu and Tioman

6 DAYS 7 places by WaTrips

Kota Bharu's market, the Perhentian Islands, Redang, the Crystal Mosque, Cherating and Tioman.

The east coast is Malaysia's most traditional region, with some of its clearest water. Start at Kota Bharu's Siti Khadijah market, run by women, then spend two days on the Perhentian Islands snorkelling with turtles. Hop to Redang's white beaches, see Kuala Terengganu's Crystal Mosque and the Floating Mosque, stop at Cherating's surf beach and finish on Tioman Island. The islands are open from March to October; most boats stop during the November–February monsoon.

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STOP 1 OF 7

Siti Khadijah Market

Siti Khadijah Market is the central market of Kota Bharu in Kelantan. It is named after the wife of the Prophet Muhammad and is known for being run mostly by women. In a round hall, stalls are piled with fruit, vegetables, fish, spices and Kelantanese foods. The upper floors sell clothes, batik and household goods.

Best weather: Feb – Apr Heavy rain: Oct – Dec
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STOP 2 OF 7

Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are two islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, off the coast of northern Terengganu. Their name means stopping point, as traders once rested here. They have white beaches, clear water and coral reefs in a marine park. There are no roads, and water taxis carry people between beaches.

Best weather: Feb – Apr Heavy rain: Oct – Dec
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STOP 3 OF 7

Redang Island

Redang Island lies about 45 kilometres off the coast of Terengganu in the South China Sea. It is part of a marine park and known for its very clear water and white sand. Coral reefs close to shore are home to turtles, reef sharks and many fish. Most visitors stay in beach resorts and go snorkelling and diving.

Best weather: Feb – Apr Heavy rain: Oct – Dec
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STOP 4 OF 7

Crystal Mosque

The Crystal Mosque stands on Wan Man Island in Kuala Terengganu and was opened in 2008. It is made of steel, glass and crystal, so its walls glitter in sunlight and glow with coloured lights at night. It is part of the Islamic Heritage Park, which also has models of famous mosques from around the world. It can hold about 1,500 people.

Best weather: Feb – Apr Heavy rain: Oct – Dec
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STOP 5 OF 7

Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque

The Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque is often called the Floating Mosque. It stands at the mouth of the Ibai River near Kuala Terengganu and was opened in 1995. Built on a platform over the water, its white walls and dome seem to float when the tide is high. Its design mixes modern and Moorish styles.

Best weather: Feb – Apr Heavy rain: Oct – Dec
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STOP 6 OF 7

Cherating Beach

Cherating is a small beach village north of Kuantan on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It has a long sandy bay with calm water most of the year and good surf during the monsoon season. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere, batik workshops and a turtle sanctuary. In the evening, boat trips go up the Cherating River to see fireflies.

Heavy rain: Oct – Jan
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STOP 7 OF 7 · LAST STOP

Tioman Island

Tioman Island lies about 32 kilometres off the east coast of Pahang in the South China Sea. Its mountains are covered with rainforest, and its coast has quiet bays with sandy beaches and small villages. The island is part of a marine park, with coral reefs for diving and snorkelling. It became famous after being featured in the 1958 film South Pacific.

Best weather: Feb – Apr Heavy rain: Nov – Dec

Seasons from 20 years of NASA POWER climate data.

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