"The Ten Wonders of Terengganu" Kuala Terengganu by Chuckaziz

Terengganu is an east coast state of Peninsula Malaysia. To the north is the state of Kelantan and to the south is Pahang. Terengganu has the longest panoramic beach in Malaysia. The beaches are lined along the main coastal highway linking Pahang and Kelantan.

The capital city is Kuala Terengganu also known as the Waterfront Heritage City. Pantai Batu Buruk is the most popular beach of this coastal city. The white sandy beach of Pantai Batu Buruk is shaded by casuarinas lining up along the shore. Kite flying is one of the favourite activities and they brighten up and add colours to the popular beach.

Here are the Ten Wonders of Terengganu:

1. The state with the longest panoramic beach in Malaysia,

2. There are many traditional boat builders and some are known the world over for their skills,

3. The home of the world's first Islamic Theme Park with 21 replicas of famous mosques and Islamic monuments,

4. There are seven exotic islands off the coast. A paradise for divers seeking the beauty of marine life and corals that surround these islands.

5. A unique Nature Park with Pasir Raja Forest Reserve being home of the world’s largest Chengal tree.

6. Home to the highest waterfall in the country, at Hutan Lipur Sungai Chemerung.

7. The sanctuary of thousands of freshwater fish with species such as Malaysian Mahseer (Kelah), Green Arowana (Kelisa), Barboides (Lampam), Snakehead (Toman) and Giant Gouramy (Kalui), among others at Tasik Kenyir,

8. Sungai Ketiar, an elephant sanctuary with natural habitat of elephants preserved to ensure sustenance of the population,

9. A state rich in culture, tradition and an amazing array of handicrafts especially in batik and songket designs, and

10. A must visit Eco-Aqua Tourism Park situated on Pulau Sah Kecil where arboretum of herbal plants of medicinal and therapeutic value is cultivated and researched for its educational, medical and commercial potentials.

The Replica of Masjidil Haram

This is the first Islamic theme park in the world. There are 21 replicas of famous mosques and Islamic monuments showcasing Islamic arts and architectures from the past and present. The history of these famous monuments are shown on video presentation at some of the mini theaters in the theme park.

The location of the theme park is itself unique. It is built on a 22.3 ha site of an uninhibited Island known as Pulau Wan Man on the estuary of Terengganu River. Among the replicas are the Dome of Rock of Jerusalem, Taj Mahal of India, the Samarra Grand Mosque of Iraq, Masjidil Haram of Mecca, the Citadel of Aleppo of Syria and Alhambra Mosque of Spain.

The Crystal Mosque of Terengganu

The Crystal Mosque is part of the Islamic Civilization Theme Park. The mosque is the new icon of Kuala Terengganu attracting many visitors since it was opened. It is considered unique as it is the first and only mosque built from steel and glass giving the crystal-like finish and image to the structure especially the dome. The mosque was constructed between 2006 and 2008 and was officially opened on 8 February 2008 by the 13th Malaysian King, His Highness Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.

• Pros:Very laid back with miles and miles of beautiful beaches
• In a nutshell:The place to unwind and to stay away from the hustles of the city life.