Thursday 04 August, 2022 - Monday 08 August, 2022
Total Cost:
S$1,250.00 (Member)
This tour is now fully subscribed.
On this study tour, we will venture to Terengganu on the North East Coast of the Malay Peninsula. Its location by the South China Sea ensured it was on trade routes since ancient times (2nd-14th centuries).
Let’s trace the lost glories of ancient Langkasuka architecture, wood carvings and other artefacts, not forgetting local gastronomic delicacies.
This is a great opportunity to better understand the Langkasuka kingdom which is linked with southern Thailand, Kelantan and Terengganu.
Be intrigued at the batik art, wood carvings and bronze artefacts, which will rekindle the kingdom’s history via decorative items.
The name Langkasuka, which is Sanskrit in origin, is believed to refer to a ‘resplendent land of bliss’ that is related to the empire of Indian emperor Ashoka the great (circa 268 to 232 BC), Bhagadatta and legendary Kedah warrior Merong Mahawangsa.
We will enjoy a Kuala Terengganu River Cruise.
Pulau Sekati is an ideal open-air museum as it is the last traditional village in Kuala Terengganu.
Houses there feature traditional designs, some of which date back 100 years, while the landscape contains a lot of fruit trees, like duku, nibong, mango, coconut as well as inai and melinjau trees which are vintage Terengganu.
The Crystal Mosque or Masjid Kristal is a grand structure made of steel, glass and crystal, located at the Islamic Heritage Park on the island of Wan Man.
Malaysia and South East Asia’s very first drawbridge is also on the list.
It was inspired by London’s Tower Bridge, with a 23-metre-wide single-carriageway that spans 638 metres over the mouth of Terengganu River. There are four 15-storey towers, each set of two towers connected by a sky bridge.
Kampung Cina is a Chinatown located along Jalan Bandar in Kuala Terengganu city centre at the mouth of Terengganu River that empties into the South China Sea.
Marang is 20 km from Kuala Terengganu and a gateway to the famous Kapas Island and Gemial Island.
It was once a tiny fishing village with only two rows of wooden houses in the town centre, and other old wooden Malay houses with zinc roof spread out in the village which is separated from the town centre by a shallow river.
This little town was called the ‘cowboy town’ in the old days. It is a favourite stopover for tourists especially free-spirited, independent travelers or backpackers before they jump onto a boat and head to the island.
We will visit a gelam (Meleleuca) tree forest and a beautiful beach with amazing rocks and trees grown on it, overlooking the clear choppy sea water.
Interesting cultural activities include coconut sugar making, a Gasing (top spinning) or Silat performance and an Upacara naik Rumah, a house warming ceremony.
In the plan are the Langkasuka Bangau Exhibition, a Santapan Langkasuka lunch, a visit to Penarik, an exotic fishing village, and a firefly cruise in sampan boats.
Other visits include:
*a Singgora roof tiles factory - heritage architecture which keeps its Malay traditional features. Singgora is derived from a Malay word that means The City of Lions, but physically, it resembles fish scales. These roofs are made of clay and molded by using both legs. They are mainly used in the East Coast states and Thailand;
*a Kelantan Chinese Peranakan House and Village at Balai Bachok, Kelantan Peranakan House with brick roof, decorated widow wall, door decorated with door eyes; and
*a kite-maker.
You will find Trengganu a quaint state with an abundance of breathtaking sights and rich heritage, a blend of customs, traditions, food and lifestyle. Terengganu people live in a mix of unique kampung houses, old shophouses with modern buildings.
We will also enjoy food of regional specialties of Langkasuka, Peranakan and Malay flavours.
For more information and photos, click here.
Deposit: $600 SGD per person 4N 5D (Hotel double occupancy) TO PAY NOW AT REGISTRATION
Final payment: $650 due by 31 July
Transfers, insurance, guide and tips are included together with a contribution to the FOM general fund.
First Meeting July 20 2022
Second Meeting July 27 2022
Tour Leader: Susan Chong t_rani@yahoo.com 96643574