Forty miles north of Pulau Tenggol is the thriving oil and gas port of Kuala Terengganu. The main activity was fishing until the 1980s, when oil and gas fields began to be developed in the Gulf of Thailand.
Now the major east coast supply port for the Malaysian oil industry, the government recently completed construction of a mile long crab-claw-like reclamation breakwater sheltering the harbour. This makes Terengganu the most protected spot on the entire east coast of the Khra Isthmus, but beware the rock breakwater exacerbates the north south currents which can reach three knots across the entrance mid tide.
One and a half miles directly west of the entrance, on Pulau Duyang, is the Duyong Marina and Resort. With capacity for five superyachts, it has 36 berths, full facilities, laundry, WiFi, gas refills available in town. The resort includes gym, sauna, swimming pool, restaurants, accommodation and 24hr security. Diesel can be delivered in cans. www.duyongmarinaresort.com
Fast RIB transfers to and from the main town take a few minutes, run regularly and take the headache out of having to run your own dinghy. VHF Ch.69.
Outside the marina, anchorage is available anywhere north at the fishing village in 2-4 metres at 5°20.691N, 103°08.104E or back inside the crab claw external breakwater in either corner in 3-6 metres, depending on the prevailing wind.
Good shipyards and repair facilities dot the inner harbour and the city has excellent wet and dry markets, great shopping, a well-established hospital and flights to the rest of Malaysia.
The small river mouth in the north of the basin, starting at 5°20.757N, 103°07.972E, is the lifeblood of the fishing community. It runs a mile further north through the village and ends in the mangroves. A photographer’s delight, it’s crossed by three low bridges and is lined with colourful fishing boats.
If coming to or from Thailand, Kuala Terengganu is a logical choice for checking in and out of Malaysian waters. At the time of writing, the Immigration Department in the city does not stamp passports, so a visit to the airport is required. It is 10 km away and about MR60 round trip by local taxi. The Customs and Harbour Master are located in town near the Sri Malaysia Hotel and must be visited as well.
