Explore: Kuala Terengganu
General Info
Terengganu is an interesting old port with a colourful history as a trading centre, and now a base for vessels serving Malaysia’s offshore oil and gas fields. It is the centre for Malay culture and heritage. This is an excellent base for exploring the offshore islands.
Position 05° 20.45’N, 103° 09.42’E (harbour entrance)
Clearance
For full details on clearance into and out of Malaysia see Formalities.
Clearance is straightforward but does now require a taxi out to the airport.
The Customs and Harbour Master are near the Sri Malaysia Hotel.
The Immigration department in town will not now stamp passports and so a visit to Immigration based at the airport is required. The airport is 10 km from town and it is a 60 RM round trip taxi ride.
Last updated: March 2019
Docking
Harbour Entry
The dredged channel to Kuala Terengganu makes the approach straightforward although entry and exit can be difficult in the strong cross (3kn) currents. The curved breakwaters create the most protected harbour along this east coast.
A very large bridge was built in 2018 across the main harbour channel, approximately 500m W of the breakwater entrance. Clearance is far too low for the majority of cruising yachts, therefore contact must be made in advance to arrange the bridge to be lifted.
See photo – Nov 4th 2018 – of SY Gemini (16m air draft) going through the bridge with the north side lifted to its current maximum. The south side is being assembled and does not open yet. The photo was taken from the docks of Duyong Marina inside the harbour, courtesy of Mark Bongers.
Currently, cruisers are advised to contact Mr Din at the Marina well in advance to advise ETA at the new lift bridge. As this is early days for the operation of this lift bridge, expect some confusion around booking this. Patience and politeness will go a long way.
Docking
There is plenty of space to anchor inside the breakwater in about 4m and two or three sets of steps at which to land.
It is also possible to anchor anywhere north at the fishing village in about 3m.
The marina here is on an island 1.5 miles west of the entrance. It provides a fast shuttle service to the main town on the other side of the river. It is also an easy dinghy trip across to the town with a good floating dinghy dock next to the main wet market.
Last updated: November 2018
