Home to Malaysia’s under-the-radar seaside gems – crystalline waters, soft sands and zero crowds – this coastal state has managed to preserve its natural charms
There’s a moment, just as the boat slows by the jetty in Redang and the hum of the engine fades, when Terengganu’s beauty fully reveals itself. The waters here are an impossible shade of turquoise, so luminous that the sand rippling beneath shimmers. They are the kind of blue that makes you forget about everything else.
Stepping onto the shore, the soft powdery white sand yields slightly underfoot. The only sounds are the gentle lap of the waves and the occasional rustle of palm leaves stirred by a salt-laced breeze. The air is thick and warm, but the sand remains cool beneath my toes – another marvel of these pristine beaches. It’s paradise, far from being an overdeveloped tourist trap. No towering resorts, no crowded boardwalks.
For years, the state of Terengganu has been a quiet contender in Southeast Asia’s beach scene, overshadowed by the likes of Phuket and Bali. But those who have been here know better. They’ve watched, from an empty stretch of sand, as the sunrise painted the horizon gold; snorkelled in waters so clear that every coral and fish seemed to glow; and stood in the shallows as tiny fish lapped lazily around their ankles. This is what Terengganu offers: an experience that feels rare in today’s world of crowded coastlines and over-tourism.
Terengganu’s breathtaking coastline is the result of a delicate combination of geography, conservation and a low-impact tourism model that has kept its waters pristine. Unlike Malaysia’s west coast, which faces the busy Straits of Malacca, Terengganu’s beaches – and the islands scattered off the coast, all accessible by well-organised ferries from the mainland – benefit from their location along the South China Sea, where ocean currents constantly refresh the waters, keeping them astonishingly clear.
Professor James Tan, a conservation educator from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), explains how science plays a key role in maintaining this clarity. “Terengganu is home to some of Malaysia’s most beautiful coral reefs, particularly around Pulau Redang, The Perhentians, Kapas and Tenggol. To ensure that tourism remains sustainable, we’ve established coral restoration projects that accelerate reef recovery, creating healthier habitats for marine life,” he says.
These efforts, combined with Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Total No-Take Zones, allow coral ecosystems to regenerate naturally, ensuring a thriving underwater world. The sand here is another marvel. Unlike the darker, volcanic sands found in other beach destinations, Terengganu’s beaches are composed of finely broken-down coral and shell deposits, giving them their distinctive powdery texture.
“The light composition of our sand enhances the turquoise effect of the water while keeping it cool underfoot, even on the hottest days,” adds Tan. But this delicate ecosystem relies on every grain – removing shells or corals as souvenirs may seem harmless, but over time, it disrupts the natural cycle that keeps these beaches so pristine.
As Terengganu’s reputation grows, so does the responsibility of the hospitality industry to preserve what makes it special. One of the most striking beachfront resorts on the mainland is Tanjong Jara Resort, a sanctuary where heritage, luxury and environmental responsibility intertwine seamlessly.
“Terengganu’s allure lies in its sense of exclusivity and tranquillity,” explains Wayne Lee, YTL Hotels’ vice president of operations for resorts. “Unlike more commercialised beach destinations, this region offers a chance to truly disconnect and experience nature in its purest form.”
Built in the style of a 17th-century Malay palace, the resort pays homage to the region’s heritage in every detail, from its hand-carved wooden panels to the scent of lemongrass drifting through open-air walkways. Guests can wake up to the rhythmic sound of waves, sip on freshly brewed teh tarik beneath the shade of coconut trees or spend the afternoon indulging in traditional Malay healing treatments at the award-winning spa. Every experience, from the cuisine to the hospitality, is a reflection of the region’s rich traditions.
Yet, even in luxury, conservation is key. “Our turtle hatchery is one of our most meaningful initiatives,” Lee says. “By protecting nesting sites, running hatch-and-release programmes and educating guests about marine biodiversity, we play an active role in ensuring that future generations can experience the magic of these beaches just as we do today.”
The resort also practises responsible waste management, water conservation and sustainable dining, sourcing ingredients from local fishermen and farmers to support the surrounding community. With the rise of experiential travel, guests aren’t just looking for a place to stay – they want to be part of a story.
As more travellers seek sustainable, less commercialised beach destinations, Terengganu is emerging as a leader in eco-conscious tourism. “Expanding coral restoration projects and fostering more eco-certification programmes for resorts and tour operators will ensure that tourism growth does not come at the expense of the environment,” says Tan. He believes that stricter marine conservation laws, combined with educational programmes and corporate sponsorships of reef restoration initiatives, will be key to ensuring long-term sustainability.
For Wayne and the team at Tanjong Jara Resort, the goal is clear. According to Lee, “Travellers today want destinations that allow them to experience nature in an authentic and responsible way. Terengganu offers exactly that – a place where conservation and hospitality go hand in hand.”
Those who have been to Terengganu’s beaches and islands also feel a responsibility to preserve the magic of a place where the breeze is laced with salt, the horizon stretches endlessly, and every sunset is a jaw-dropping spectacle. Here, I’ve woken up to the sound of the sea, with nothing but the ocean ahead of me and the day stretching wide open.
I’ve stood at the water’s edge, toes sinking into the sand, watching the sky turn from gold to indigo as the waves rolled in. I’ve waded in the shallows, mesmerised as coral fish darted between my feet. And I’ve held my breath as a sea turtle glided past in water so clear it was almost invisible.
Island guide
Whether you’re after barefoot luxury, a diver’s paradise or a simple island hideaway, you’ll find an island that’s just right in Terengganu
Redang. Terengganu’s most upscale island is known for white-sand beaches and shallow turquoise waters. The luxe Taaras Beach & Spa Resort offers private beach villas and world-class snorkelling in a protected marine park.
The Perhentians. Split between Perhentian Kecil (lively and budget-friendly) and Perhentian Besar (quieter and boutique-focused), Alunan Resort on Besar offers eco-luxury, while Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa provides a high-end beachfront retreat with modern comforts.
Tenggol. With steep drop-offs, thriving coral gardens and seasonal whale shark sightings, this island is for serious divers. Tenggol Coral Beach Resort caters to those looking for an intimate, nature-focused stay.
Lang Tengah. Tucked between Redang and Perhentian, Lang Tengah offers quiet seclusion and bioluminescent waters at night. Summer Bay Resort provides a boutique-style retreat, perfect for those seeking privacy and calm.
Kapas. For a true digital detox, Kapas is the ultimate rustic escape. With no big hotels, it’s all about simple beachfront stays like Kapas Turtle Valley, where nature takes centre stage.
Mainland. For a blend of rich cultural experiences and island-hopping convenience, Tanjong Jara Resort is perfect for travellers who appreciate both heritage and nature while enjoying the ease and security of a mainland stay.
