Terengganu, Darul Iman

Gateaway at Dataran Shah Bandar, Kuala Terengganu

Terengganu is one of the Malaysian state which is endowed with a wealth of charming and refreshing natural landscapes. She has beaches, exotic islands, lush virgin tropical jungle, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls and many, many more. Her miles and miles of white, sandy beaches and crystal clear water stretches throughout its 225 km coastline, extending from Besut in the north to Kemaman in the South. Her islands are among the most picturesque and fascinating in the country. From its myriad of colourful pastimes which include batik printing and songket weaving to the rapturous celebration of its many generations of cultural and traditional heritage, Terengganu is indeed a very blessed state.

Kuala Terengganu

This city is located at the Terengganu River and is the capitol of the State Terengganu. The city is located a mere 20 minutes drive away from the airport, but when you arrive by car it will be your second stop at the East coast.

In front of Kuala Terengganu, right in the South China Sea are the islands Pulau Kapas and Pulau Rendang. The islands are renowned for its clear waters, sandy white beaches and swaying palms. Home to an infinite variety of hard and soft corals, the waters around the islands are abound with sea-shells, fish and turtles. The islands laid back atmosphere is ideal for relaxation but the more adventurous will find it is also a haven for swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing.

Worth visiting in Kuala Terengganu:

• Terengganu State Museum Complex. consists of a Main Museum, a Maritime Museum, a Fisheries Museum, 4 traditional houses and botanic and herbs gardens. The Main Museum is built on 16 stilts, in accordance with the traditional architecture of Terengganu. Its 4 blocks are adjoined, to represent a big family. There are ten galleries showcasing textiles, crafts, historical, royal, nature, art, petroleum, Islamic, new generation and contemporary arts.
  

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Acclaimed as the largest museum in South East Asia, the Terengganu State Museum Complex houses century old artefacts and artworks of rich and colourful heritage

• Sutera Semai Centre is at Chendering (6km south of Kuala Terengganu). It is Malaysia's pioneer silk weaving center, where visitors can witness different stages of silk manufacturing. There, witness the painting of batik designs onto the fabrics, resulting in beautiful batik shirts, kaftans, scarves, handkerchiefs, etc.

• Bukit Puteri, is a 200 m high historical hill, situated next to Istana Maziah. It was used as a fortress between the years of 1831 to 1876 to defend the state from enemy attacks. Some of the historical remains which can be seen on Bukit Puteri are cannons, a flagpole, a large bell and a fort. Today, as it is the highest point in Kuala Terengganu, visitors standing on top of Bukit Puteri can witness the magnificent view of the areas sur-rounding it.

Bazaar Warisan at Bukit Puteri entrance

• Istana Maziah. is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III. It was built in 1897 and it is the venue for royal birthdays, weddings, conferment of titles and receptions for local and foreign dignitaries. A product of the blend between splendid modern and traditional architecture, it is also well-known as one of Malaysia's cultural attractions.

Outside Istana Maziah

• Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah, located outside Kuala Terengganu is just 4.5km away. This is not an ordinary mosque but said to be the only one of its kind in Malaysia. Combining modern and traditional architectural designs, the mosque creates an illusion of itself as floating on water

• Central Market or locally known as Pasar Payang which is located by the Terengganu River is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kuala Terengganu. Housed in a modern building complete with a shopping arcade and a car park, it offers visitors a variety of traditional handicrafts such as batik, silk, songket, brocade and brassware, other fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and 'Keropok Lekor', which is a special local delicacy made from a mixture of fish and sago. Visitors to this market will have a delightful experi-ence shopping in local fares at reasonable prices.

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• Outside Central Market or Psar Payang
  

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Beautiful Fabric such as Batik Sutera or Batik Silk, Batik Sarong, Batik Kaftan, Sampin Songket, brassware, fresh produce and much more..don't worry...you can get reasonable price here

• Crystal Mosque or Masjid Kristal is a mosque in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia. The mosque is located at Islamic Heritage Park on the island of Wan Man. The mosque was constructed between 2006 and 2008. It was officially opened on 8 February 2008 by 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.

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A view from Crystal Mosque

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• Dataran Shahbandar or square is another waterfront area of Kuala Terengganu. Located at the river mouth and facing the South China Sea, it has advantages of being viewed as one of the beautiful spots in Malaysia.
  
  It is a recreational area with trees, grass, fountains, rolling man-made topography, parking, toilet and food stalls nearby.
  

Article Source : www.malaysiasite.nl, beautifulmosques.com, http://whassan.blogspot.com,
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KIK : Zon Selatan at RTM Melaka

RTM Directors : from left RTM Johor, Mr Halim (Sirim), RTM Melaka,
far right RTM Negeri Sembilan

Team members from RTM Johor

Team members from RTM Negeri Sembilan

Team members from RTM Melaka

Souvenir from Mr. Jack Nadarajah , RTM Kuala Lumpur

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UKM : I Love to be here

Congratulation to all UKM citizens : Another Convocation Days...........

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Malaysian Chinese Street Opera

THE SHOW must go on. There’s no providence for bad weather - or even bad hair day. This is the mantra that is indoctrinated into everyone who plays a role, no matter how small. There are cues for meals, prayers, sleep, act, sing and the day goes by almost like clockwork. Every move is thoroughly scripted in front, and back stage. Welcome to the hidden sanctum of Chinese street opera of Kim Yoke Guan Hokkien Opera troupe.

The Grind Over Backstage :

A performer from Kim Yoke Guan Hokkien Opera troupe puts on make-up prior to a show at the Puchong, 30km southwest of Kuala Lumpur August 4, 2008.

An artist prepares backstage before performing a Chinese opera in Puchong August 4, 2008. Chinese opera combines music, art, literature along with colourful costumes and make-up into one performance on the stage.

A Chinese artist applies make-up before performing in an Chinese Opera at a religions fair during Hungry Ghost Festival in Puchong August 4, 2008.

An artiste rests backstage during Chinese opera performance in Puchong, 30KM downtown of Kuala Lumpur August 3, 2008, as part of the Hungry Ghost festival.

An artiste rests backstage during a Hokkien Chinese Opera performance in Puchong, 30KM downtown of Kuala Lumpur August 3, 2008, as part of the Hungry Ghost festival.

Wayang Bangsawan Cina

Pelakon utama Opera Cina yang menjadi nadi dalam sesebuah pementasan

Teater Cina tradisional atau Opera Cina juga turut dikenali sebagai Opera Beijing dan juga Opera Peking merupakan satu seni persembahan tradisional yang menggabungkan muzik, nyanyian, tarian dan akrobatik. Persembahan Opera Cina dipercayai telah wujud di Tanah Melayu semasa pendudukan Inggeris sekitar kurun ke-16. Seni persembahan ini diilhamkan oleh peniaga Cina yang telah bermastautin di Tanah Melayu sebagai satu bentuk hiburan bagi mengisi masa lapang.

Seni persembahan yang turut memuatkan lakonan, nyanyian, akrobatik dan merupakan seni persembahan yang menjadi identiti masyarakat Cina.

Penceritaan Opera Cina adalah berkisarkan kegagahan para pahlawan dan juga golongan bangsawan. Salah satu kisah yang telah diadaptasikan dalam bangsawan Melayu adalah Sampi’ Eng Tai. Kebanyakan kisah-kisah opera Cina adalah diambil dari Zaman Dinasti Song Selatan. Antara cerita-cerita Opera Cina yang popular adalah Tasik Biru dan Hang Zhou.

Pelakon akan mengenakan pakaian tradisional bangsawan masyarakat Cina seperti dahulu kala iaitu sekitar Zaman Dinasti Song Selatan. Disebabkan itulah pakaian para pelakon Opera Cina kelihatan sangat menarik, unik dan begitu berseni. Seolah-olah pakaian zaman dahulu kerana bagi menghidupkan suasana dan persembahan. Di samping itu pelakon juga akan mengenakan aksesori seperti hiasan kepala bagi mencantikkan lagi penampilan. Hiasan kepala di antara lelaki dan perempuan adalah berbeza dan bergantung kepada sesuatu watak.

Solekan muka juga cukup menarik kerana para pelakon akan kelihatan seolah-olah patung yang sangat cantik dan comel. Setiap pelakon akan disolek dengan bedak putih yang tebal dan juga bedak merah sebagai solekan mata dan pipi. Solekan ini akan menghidupkan lagi watak serta menyerlahkan lagi ekspresi pelakon semasa mengadakan persembahan. Seni persembahan Opera Cina bukan hanya diminati setakat masyarakat Cina sahaja malahan kini, ia turut menjadi kegemaran masyarakat Melayu dan sebagainya di mana ia bersesuaian dengan konsep 1Malaysia.


Pelakon akan mengenakan pakaian tradisional bangsawan masyarakat Cina seperti dahulu kala. Di samping itu pelakon juga akan mengenakan aksesori bagi mencantikkan lagi penampilan. Setiap penari akan disolek dengan bedak putih yang tebal dan juga bedak merah sebagai solekan mata dan pipi. Solekan ini akan menghidupkan lagi watak serta menyerlahkan lagi ekspresi persembahan.

Hiasan kepala yang dipakai oleh pelakon Opera Cina.

Sumber Artikel dan Gambar : www.heritage.gov.my & syamsulbahari.com

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Hari Raya Festival

Celebrated by the Muslims signifies the end of the fasting season of Ramadan for a month. The celebration is determined by sighting of the new moon. This is the most significant celebration for the Muslims. Muslims starts the day by congregating in the mosques early in the morning to perform Hari Raya Puasa prayers followed by visits to the graves of the departed.

Muslims starts the day by wearing new clothes and congregating in the mosques early in the morning to perform Hari Raya Puasa prayers followed by visiting the graves of the departed. The young will ask for forgiveness from their elders and have open house for relatives and friends to come to their house. Plenty of traditional Malay delicacies are served during this festive season. Houses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated, and lighting of oil lamps welcomes the angels which are believed to be visiting the earth during the seven days preceding the festival. The celebration lasts for a month but most of the celebration is concentrated in the first three days.Plenty of traditional Malay delicacies are served during this festive season.




Some favourite dishes that can be found in Muslims homes on this special occasion are ketupat, lontong, nasi padang and beef rendang. The Muslims also give packets of money to kids when they go visiting. The packets are usually green in colour and children often look forward to getting these money tokens on Hari Raya Puasa. Overall, Hari Raya Puasa is a joyous occasion for Muslims.

Article Source : www.regit.com,

go2traveilmalaysia.com

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