Chinatown, Kuala Terengganu

The Chinatown or Kampung Cina in Kuala Terengganu starts near the Seri Malaysia Hotel 

It is an area filled with restaurants and coffee shops, colourful temple, pretty little alleys with cute themes and street arts.

You can walk around Chinatown in the morning to take photos of the many wall arts and come at night to see the lights and enjoy the food. 

Note: To Muslim visitors, there are some non-halal restaurants in the area so check the menu and ask if you're unsure :)

Kompleks Muzium Negeri Terengganu

Terengganu State Museum Complex

Bukit Losong,

20566 Kuala Terengganu

Terengganu

(+609) 622 1444

Operating Hours

Saturday to Thursday : 0900 - 1700

Friday : 0900 - 1200, 1500 - 1700

Closed on first and second day of Eid Fitr & Eid Adha

Entrance Fee(s)

Local

Adult : RM5

Children : RM2

Foreigner

Adult : RM15

Children : RM10

Note: I'm not too happy about the different pricing for locals vs foreigners but I like that the ticket is actually a postcard! Not the prettiest design but it's better than typical paper ticket stubs that will get thrown away.

As the name suggested, the museum is situated in a complex. It's big and you'll have to walk quite a bit to explore the whole place. The main building and its many galleries is big enough to tire you so come early, bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

Lockers are available near the entrance should you want to keep your valuables.

There is no correct way to explore the museum and the whole complex. Exhibits are all over the place and you might as well stop and see what ever you passed. There is a tram station near parking area but it wasn't operating on my visit. There is also an outdoor exhibition nearby, just opposite the Herb Garden. 

Vehicles

After seeing the cars and plane, I walked past the pretty garden and up the magnificent stairs of the main building to find the ticket booth. 

There are several galleries and halls in the main building. Some of the halls will showcase different exhibition at different time. During my visit, it was a ceramic exhibition. The long-term galleries are:

• Textile Gallery
• Royal Gallery
• Islamic Gallery
• Craft Gallery
• Petronas Gallery
• History Gallery

then there are other galleries that are situated away from the main building like the Seafaring & Trade Gallery and the Fisheries and Marine Park Gallery. They should really install some drinks vending machines over at those galleries.

Batu Bersurat Terengganu

Guess what?

Art Gallery (I think this is temporary exhibition) below Islamic Gallery

Tram looking all pretty but unused

Signage to Tengku Long's Palace, different type of traditional houses, galleries and jetty

Technically, you can take a boat to get here. But the jetty looked... abandoned. 

One of the traditional houses in the complex

Outdoor exhibition near the Fisheries & Marine Park Gallery

Real life boat

Real life boat 2

I was curious but scared to actually step on the boat. Not too confident with maintenance. Plus the boats were on land and I can't swim on land. There was no sign forbidding entry so if you're interested, board at your own risk!

Overall, I like the Terengganu State Museum. It is one of the better curated ones in Malaysia but it certainly could use a little more TLC. The complex already have all the infrastructures, the museum itself is a gorgeous architectural wonder, all they have to do is to take care of it.

Natural History (?) Gallery closed for maintenance

My best friend in the Seafaring Gallery

View from jetty

To properly enjoy the museum complex, I suggest you come bright and early and plan to stay for half a day. Bring drinking water (a must!) or a picnic if you wish. Just make sure you dispose your trash properly.

Street Art Songkhla

Street Art Songkhla

If you're doing the Songkhla day tour, make sure you stop by Nang Ngam road in town to take photos with these uncles.

If you have time, take a walk in the area and discover the many cafes and interesting shops before heading to Song Thale Park, Samila Beach or Songkhla Lake.

This wall mural is at a small lane near the City Pillar Shrine. 

Mural Palestine, Kota Bharu

Mural Palestine

Medan Ilmu Kota Bharu

I am not sure if the alleys are well-lit at night. To be safe, visit in the morning or late evening when it isn't too hot but still have good daylight.

Finding this place:

There are a few entrances to the alleys but I'm directing you from KB City Point (home of homestay)

Get yourself to Jalan Ismail, the opposite side from where you'd go if you want to go to Pasar Siti Khadijah. There's a restaurant called Ibu Selera Asli on this side. Recommended by a local for delicious lunch. Can't confirm because I didn't get to try.

Then walk down the road and the alley is the first on your left. It's next to Klinik Lua.

Entrance

Another entrance from Jalan Dato Pati

Not strictly Palestine but maybe it's mural of the mural artists?

Spot this one! It's quite on the ground

Lukisan Dinding Muhibah, Padang Bank

How to find these wall arts?

Get yourself to Padang Bank/Padang Merdeka. Face the field with the Tambatan Diraja at your back, look to your right. The wall arts are at the building next to Ridell Hotel. 

It is supposed to be lighted at night but I'm not sure why it wasn't when I last visited. I recommend touring this area in the late evening and then you can catch sunset by the riverside. Gorgeousness!