Terengganu

Terengganu is Malaysia's east-coast state, and its offshore islands — Redang and the Perhentians — have the country's clearest water. It suits snorkellers and honeymooners. Strictly a March-to-October destination — the monsoon closes the islands after that.

• Snorkel with turtles and reef sharks off Redang or the Perhentian Islands
• Visit the Crystal Mosque, glass-and-steel on the river at Kuala Terengganu
• Watch the Kuala Terengganu drawbridge light up at night
• Walk Pasar Payang market for keropok lekor (fish crackers) and batik

Kuala Terengganu itself is worth half a day: the Crystal Mosque, Pasar Payang and the old Chinatown shophouses along Jalan Kampung Cina fill a slow morning before your boat. Sea turtles nest on Terengganu beaches roughly April to September, which is also peak snorkelling season.

Fly about one hour from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu, the state capital. Island jetties are 30-60 minutes from the airport by taxi — Merang jetty serves Redang. Most Redang resorts sell boat-and-room packages that bundle the transfer, which is the simpler way to book.

Terengganu is a beach leg, not a city break: 3-4 island nights after Kuala Lumpur or Penang works well. Neighbouring Kota Bharu is the usual gateway for the Perhentians. Book island rooms two to three weeks ahead for June-August weekends, when Malaysian school holidays fill the resorts. See the full Malaysia guide for route ideas.