Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
269
rooms also have big private sun decks attached. Just above Serambi rooms are Bumbung
rooms, the lo west-priced category; these r ooms are exactly like their do wnstairs neigh-
bors, except they do not have sun decks. The ultimate accommodation here is the beach-
front chalets, called Anjung, with long pictur e windo ws that open out onto a br eezy
veranda, big sleeping ar eas with separate sofa bed, and huge bathr ooms that include
outdoor sunken tubs within a priv ate garden. A main attraction her e is the Spa Village,
a peaceful spa in a gar den setting featuring traditional M alay health and beauty tr eat-
ments. The resort's grounds are meticulously maintained, r esonating with the sound of
wind chimes and
gamelan
music, and the beach is pristine. Watersports, golf, and local
tours can be arranged.
Batu 8 off Jalan Dungun, 23000 Dungun, Terengganu.
&
09/845-1100.
Fax 09/845-1200. www.tanjong
jararesort.com. 99 units. RM1,300 ($377/£234) Bumbung double; RM1,500 ($435/£270) S erambi double;
RM1,870 ($542/£337) Anjung double. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities:
3 restaurants; 2 outdoor pools; 2 outdoor
tennis courts; health club; spa; concierge; airport transfers; room service; babysitting.
In room:
A/C, TV w/
satellite programming, minibar, hair dryer.
WHERE TO DINE
Outside of the resorts, you'll be at a loss to find Malay specialties in a pleasant restaurant
setting, because most locals either cook at home or eat at hawker stalls. If you ask for the
best dishes, people will point y ou in all sor ts of dir ections, to r oadside places with no
signboards or hawkers selling tr eats from the back of their car ev en. To sample as many
varieties of local M alay cuisine, y our best bet is to visit the Central M arket food stalls,
where you'll find a variety of freshly cooked dishes for cheap. Likewise, Chinese food can
be found in food stalls in Chinatown and coffee shops along Jalan Kampong Cina (pro-
nounced
Chee
-na).
If you're in town for mealtime and want a more comfortable dining experience,
Ocean
Restoran
is the best pick. Near the waterfront in what looks like a warehouse (Lot 2679
Jalan Sultan Janah Apitin;
&
09/623-9154
), Ocean prepares tender prawns, light but-
terfish, and juicy crab in local and Chinese r ecipes that ar e very good. D on't count on
much from the alfresco decor, which is simple plastic tables and chairs.
ATTRACTIONS
Central Market
Open daily from very early until about 7pm, the central mar ket
is a huge maze of shops selling every craft made in the region. There's basket weaving for
everything from place mats to beach mats.
Batik
comes in
sarong
(with some very unique
patterns), ready-made clothing, and household linens.
Songket,
beautiful fabric wo ven
with gold and silv er threads, is sold b y the piece or
sarong.
Brassware pots, candlesticks,
and curios are piled high and glistening. Every handicraft item you can think of is her e,
waiting for y ou to bargain for and bring home. And when y ou're done, v enture to the
back of the mar ket and check out the pr oduce, dried goods, and seafood in the w
14
et
market.
Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin. Free admission. Daily early morning to 7pm.
Chinatown
Although Terengganu has only a small Chinese population, its China-
town is still quite inter esting. This street of shophouses close to the water is still aliv e,
only today many of the shops ar e art galleries and boutiques, showcasing only the finest
regional ar ts. Also along J alan B andar y ou can find trav el agents for trips to nearb
y
islands.
Jalan Bandar.
