"On the other side of the water…the calming effects of serene mountains and still water, the simplicity and serenity of the local people; Nature and Abundance – makes you feel so satisfied and at peace. Here you return to your inner self; rethink your being. Cruising the water on a fast boat brings up the inner energy; God almighty has designed this for man – a huge oxygen bar, puts you completely in harmony with nature. How fortunate and blessed are we. We must treasure god’s gift to man, and protect this land for our future generations." - Foong Wai Fong
This Close Up destination takes you to the other side of the water – on the fringe of the South China Sea, to Terengganu, a destination spot believed to be the first point of entry for the early immigrants, including the Chinese from the mainland to the South Seas. We have reason to believe that, like other immigrants, the Chinese immigrants at that time did not move on from here because of the richness the land has to offer. It must be magical for those early settlers after spending days on sea to land themselves in this beautiful and scenic place with plenty of natural resources to offer.
TERENGGANU: The state of Terengganu is situated on the northeast corner of Peninsular Malaysia, a dominant Muslim State with tranquil and serene calmness. Although it is the richest state in Malaysia due to rich oil and gas reserves; the lifestyle of the people is still traditional and preciously simple. Here you can get a close encounter with nature and get a close up look at the traditional Muslim way of life. Get a real handshake with Islam – get to know the values and lifestyle of the Muslims -the world’s fastest growing community.
LAKE KENYIR: The tranquil waters of Lake Kenyir and the natural wonder of an unspoilt tropical rainforest hold visitors spellbound to nature’s creation. Lake Kenyir, Southeast Asia’s largest man make lake, is surrounded by the world's oldest tropical rainforest. The 260,000 hectares lake contains 340 islands, with countless pristine cascading waterfalls and rivers from which flows crystal clear water from the surrounding highlands. Blessed with extensive biodiversity, Lake Kenyir borders the western fringe of The Malaysian National Park (Taman Negara); serene and refreshing with plenty of –ve ions and stimulating water –it is like a pond created by God Almighty for its subjects to cleanse their soul and nourish their lives.
REDANG ISLAND - with crystal water, white sandy beaches, and colorful marine lives – God has created this jewel on the South China Sea. Dancing coconut trees, beautiful sunset; this is what you would get to experience on this island paradise located 90 minutes from Kuala Terengganu. It is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine park that offer snorkeling and diving opportunities. The island is an important conservation site for sea turtles – an almost magical phenomenon of nature. Sea turtles returns to the shore of Terengganu to lay eggs annually!
The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse. The ships were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.
Pulau Redang is the biggest of all the islands in the Marine Park that consisted of 7 islands, measuring about 7 km long and 6 km wide. Its highest peak is Bukit Besar at 359 metres above sea level.
The 2000 film, Summer Holiday was filmed on the Laguna Redang resort, and a replica of the tea house now serves as the resort's gift shop. Today the island is a favorite honeymoon destination for newlyweds and sea lovers.
