Terengganu: The Aberdeen of Malaysia

Many know that Malaysia is a Muslim country but very little know the history that Islam first came to Terengganu based on the Quranic Rock!

 

Terengganu, on Malaysia’s eastern seaboard, has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s energy sector. With vast offshore petroleum and gas reserves discovered in the 1970s, the state rapidly evolved into a powerhouse of oil and gas production — a role akin to Aberdeen, Scotland, which serves as the energy capital of the UK.

At the centre of this industrial transformation is Kerteh, home to Petronas’s integrated petrochemical complex, and Kemaman Supply Base, a vital logistics hub for offshore exploration in the South China Sea. These assets have earned Terengganu a reputation for technical expertise, energy infrastructure, and high-value exports — just as Aberdeen built its legacy from the North Sea oil fields.

Yet Terengganu’s story goes beyond hydrocarbons. The state is leveraging its industrial base and Islamic values to lead Malaysia’s halal innovation economy. It is home to one of the region’s earliest franchise investments in Chicken Cottage, a UK-born halal fast-food brand that is now locally operated and Halal Malaysia–certified. This move symbolizes Terengganu’s commitment to halal entrepreneurship, brand localization, and global-standard compliance — extending its economic footprint beyond traditional sectors.

Supporting this ecosystem are institutions like University College TATI (UC TATI) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), which provide specialised training in petroleum engineering, halal management, and food safety systems. UC TATI now also hosts the Halal Innovation Centre, reinforcing Terengganu’s vision to become a centre of excellence in halal science, governance, and technology.

Like Aberdeen, Terengganu is also a maritime and environmental hub, with world-renowned islands such as Redang and Perhentian, and marine protection initiatives that integrate conservation and sustainable tourism.

As Malaysia embraces economic diversification and halal market expansion, Terengganu stands at the crossroads of energy, education, and ethical enterprise — earning its rightful title as “The Aberdeen of Malaysia”, and perhaps, its Halal Capital-in-the-Making.

How to get there pals?

Soon you can reach by the speed train via ECRL but now you can only go directly by fligh, bus and car.

How to Get to Terengganu from Kuala Lumpur

1. By Air (Fastest Option)

• Flight Duration: ~1 hour

• Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia

• Departure: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA or KLIA2)

• Arrival: Sultan Mahmud Airport, Kuala Terengganu (TGG)

• Tips: Flights are regular and affordable. Upon arrival, taxis and e-hailing services (e.g., Grab) are available to reach the city or nearby towns like Kerteh and Dungun.

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2. By Bus (Budget-Friendly Option)

• Duration: 6–8 hours (depending on traffic and route)

• Departure: Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), KL

• Operators: Transnasional, Sani Express, Ekspres Mutiara, etc.

• Arrival Points: Kuala Terengganu, Dungun, Kemaman, or other towns

• Tips: Overnight buses are common and comfortable. Book tickets in advance via apps or websites like BusOnlineTicket or Easybook.

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3. By Car (Flexible & Scenic)

• Driving Time: ~5–6 hours (depending on traffic and destination in Terengganu)

• Route:

  • Take E8 (East Coast Expressway) from KL

  • Drive through Karak Highway > LPT2 Expressway to reach various Terengganu attractions. Except the best Islands - Pulau Redang or Pulau Perhentian by speed boats.