Showing posts with label Pulau Duyung. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pulau Duyung. Show all posts
Something old, something new
Pulau Duyung
Pulau Duyung
A trip to Pulau Duyong turns into a rush through history for ALAN TEH LEAM SENG as he hops from a 90-year-old fort to traditional boatmakers and a modern marina resort.
If walls could talk, who knows what wonderful stories about Pulau Duyong’s past will be revealed?
External view of a duplex chalet at theHeritage Bay Club Marina and Resort
Beautiful blooms add character to the chaletsDRIVING along Sultan Mahmud Bridge was a breeze despite the hot tropical heat. Traffic was heavy but smooth flowing.
I soon came up to a sign directing me to turn towards my destination, Pulau Duyong or Mermaid Island, one of Terengganu’s most happening tourist destinations today, thanks to the annual international sailing event, the Monsoon Cup.This year’s competition starts tomorrow, and already my mind has vivid pictures of sail boats taking to the raging South China Sea fronting the island.
All’s ‘Well’
My first stop was the Duyong Old Fort which showcased traditional Terengganu architecture. Along the way, I passed several houses that still had wells near the steps leading up to their homes.Some 50 years ago, most of the villagers in Pulau Duyong depended on wells and the Terengganu River for their daily water supply.
Curiosity got the better of me and I took a peek inside one well. What a pleasant surprise it was to find water in it still!Just then, an elderly man in a sarong came up and threw in a bucket to draw water. His toothless grin was friendly. After washing his feet, he went up the staircase and entered what must be his home. The metal bucket that he left hanging by the side of the house looked aged and was badly dented. “It must have served him well through the years,” I thought.
Fort Without Fortifications?
Duyong Old Fort was just a short distance away.
At first glance, it looked like a traditional Malay palace. I was especially attracted to the intricately carved woodwork and layout. The imposing structure, sheltered by nine roofs, is said to resemble the designs of several types of traditional Terengganu homes like Bujang Berpeleh, Lima Bungkus and Potong Belanda.
Although the name conjures up an image of strong fortifications and ramparts, the primary objective for building the fort was not to ward off marauding invaders. Built some 90 years ago during a period of peace and prosperity, the fort was erected to showcase Terengganu’s rich architectural heritage.Strong Corinthian and Egyptian influences add to its artistic allure. A few historians are of the opinion that the person responsible for the building, Datuk Biji Sura, was so influenced by visiting tradesmen to Kuala Terengganu that he decided to incorporate their art into his design of the fort.
Despite its age, the white walls hardly showed any sign of wear. Perhaps this was due to the innovative use of clay, sand, eggs, honey and lime (from cockle shells) for construction at the time by the rich and famous. I remember once reading with scepticism, in Noel Barber’s Tanamera, about the use of this technique to produce plaster that was as smooth and strong as marble. Perhaps there was some truth to the tale after all.Datuk Biji Sura was the cousin of Terengganu’s first Menteri Besar. He was well educated and began his career as a clerk at the Terengganu Court. He was later appointed a member of the Royal Council with additional duties as chief Syariah Court judge and commissioner of Religious Affairs.Boat Builders After soaking in the illustrious history of the island’s past, I made my way to see an industry that had become synonymous with Pulau Duyong.
No visit to the island would be complete without a visit to its renowned shipyards. The island has gained worldwide recognition as a centre for traditional boat making. The boats are built without the use of blueprints or plans!I watched in awe as the local craftsmen went about their task. Everything was done by hand and surprisingly, there were few modern equipment used. I approached several builders taking a break nearby.What they told me was simply amazing. It’s true indeed that they don’t use a single blueprint or plan to build a vessel, be it a giant trawler or a luxury yacht destined for foreign shores!
All a master craftsman needs to know is the type and size of vessel. He then draws on his vast experience and photographic memory to begin his work. Even in this day and age, well-worn traditional tools like axe, saw, plane and hammer are the main tools of the trade.Before returning to their work after the short break, one of the craftsmen pointed in the direction Kuala Terengganu and said “Monsoon Cup”.
I knew immediately that he was referring to the Heritage Bay Club Marina and Resort, which incidentally was my final stop for the day.Home of the Monsoon CupLeaving Duyong Old Fort and the traditional boat builders, I drove towards the Heritage Bay Club Marina & Resort with its spanking new clubhouse, chalets and state of the art yachting facilities.Along the way, I had the strangest feeling of being in a time capsule with the entire history of Pulau Duyong moving fast forward at lightning speed.
I was now heading back to the future!The Heritage Bay Club Marina & Resort was established in conjunction with the inaugural Monsoon Cup in 2005 to promote Terengganu as a world acclaimed yachting venue.
It offers water related activities like river cruises, sail tours and regattas and conducts training for community groups, corporate organisations and the general public.I headed for the Ulek Mayang Restaurant to quench my thirst and get a chance to rest my travel weary feet. Here, I enjoyed stunning views of Kuala Terengganu town and the South China Sea from its ultra modern dining area.
Even the partitions separating each table were shaped like sails!The food had interesting local names like Pulau Redang Special (foot-long chicken sausage bun), Heritage Bay Club Lekor Fried Rice with fried fish cake, Monsoon Laksa and Nasi Lemak Traditional Seberang Takir.Fed, rehydrated and rested, I went to the marina, hoping to catch a glimpse of the prize-winning boats to be used in the Monsoon Cup competition. I was not disappointed. There they were, a pair of boats inscribed “Richard Mille”, bobbing gently by the pontoon.With great satisfaction, I bade farewell to Pulau Duyong.
By then, the evening sky was a picture-perfect backdrop for the island which embodied both Terengganu’s illustrious past as well as the promise of a bright future.Getting ThereBy Air: Pulau Duyong lies a short distance from Kuala Terengganu, the capital and largest town in the State.
The opening of the Sultan Mahmud Bridge in 1990 not only allowed easy access to the island but also spurred its growth from a sleepy fishing village to a tourist destination. Kuala Terengganu is about 50 minutes by air from Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia make several daily flights to Kuala Terengganu.
Pulau Duyong is about 20 minutes from the airport.By road: Travellers from Kuala Lumpur can head east towards Kuantan via the Karak Highway. It takes about three hours to reach Kuantan. From there, the smooth driving and scenic coastal route will lead straight to Kuala Terengganu.
Those from the north, including Penang, should take the East-West Highway and head towards Kota Baru. From here, take the coastal road and you’d be in Kuala Terengganu in no time at all. From the south, including Johor and Singapore, drive along the North-South Expressway and exit at Yong Peng. From there, travel along the main thoroughfare to Labis and Segamat. Just follow the road signs from Segamat to Kuantan.
From there, it is smooth driving all the way to Kuala Terengganu.
By Sea:
Those intending to approach Pulau Duyong by sea should note that its position is Lat 05° 20.3´ N Long. 103° 085´ E. The Pulau Duyong Light Beacon flashes green (3s) while the Kuala Terengganu Light Beacon flashes quick white. Communication is via VHF listening on Ch. 16 and Single Side Band (SSB) on frequency 8124.00 KHz.
Accommodation
The Heritage Bay Club Marina and Resort offers comfortable chalet-style accommodation. There are three categories of chalets: Cemara (duplex), Teratak (executive suite) and Serambi (deluxe room). Guests have a choice of dining either at the Mayang Sari Restaurant or at the Terengganu House poolside lounge.
For further information and reservation, contact The Heritage Bay Club Marina & Resort, Pulau Duyong, 21300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. Tel: 09-627 7888 Fax: 09-622 9903. E-mail: info@heritagebayclub.com.
Website: http://www.heritagebayclub.com/
Must Do
Interesting sights are best appreciated on foot.
Bring ample drinking water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Wide brimmed hats will offer a respite from the tropical sun.In the village, watch the villagers go about their daily activities including drawing water from ancient wells. Then visit the Duyong Old Fort. Look out for its exquisite woodcarvings especially on the veranda. The boat building workshops are a must visit.Walk around the marina to see the racing boats on display. Along the way, stop and enjoy the bracing sea breeze and stunning views of Kuala Terengganu town across the Terengganu River. Pictures by ALAN TEH LEAM SENG
Pulau Duyung
View Pulau Duyung in a larger map
Pulau Duyung or Mermaid Island are consist of Pulau Duyung Besar (big) and Pulau Duyung Kecil (small) this island ....,actually not really an island instead both are two peninsular that extends from the mainland and river towards the sea. Its Pulau Duyung Besar is the home and the most famous place to find the Finest, The Busiest, The most acclaimed master boat makers and The Oldest Traditional Boat Making in Malaysia and soon will be an international tourist destination.
Pulau Duyung which is only a few hectares big, sits between The Sultan Mahmud Bridge and Kuala Sungai Terengganu (Sungai Terengganu’s river mouth). Making its easily assessable by road or river.
This old-fashioned and laid-back little island can be visit on any time of the year. Among the last cache of Traditional boat maker that produce wooden sailing boat is Abdullah bin muda, a master yacht craftsman who is known and sought after by many sailing enthusiasts who have heard about his skills within the international sailing community over the world. Abdullah’s handcrafted yachts are very popular around the world that he received many orders that came from Singapore, Canada, Algeria, Australia, the United States, and Denmark, Britain, New Zealand, Italy, France and much more since his first overseas sales in 1965.
Abdullah’s handcrafted yachts or Custom Made Wooden Yachts are quite famous and remarkable as all the design of the boat are from his imagination. All the boat and yachts of the boats are dovetailed and pegged rather than nailed. All he need from his client is what do they want or characteristics of the boat on the spot that he can just simply draw out the remarkable design to his client in just minute that fist timer will be flabbergasted by his imagination right on the spot. Abdullah’s workshop which sits on a very scenic spot of Sungai Terengganu is one of the state’s most popular tourist haunts, especially for foreigners who arrive by the vanload, if not busload the workshop is located in the heart of the village in a traditional Malay house.
At Abdullah’s workshop many tourist can see how good and skill he and his skilled apprentice is at work. Which usually leave most people shock and baffle seeing how they chisel away, hacking and saw ling the wood with out even drawing or looking at any plan? They simple and languidly took the wood and start chopping and sawing straight away without the slightest or though of making any mistake.
Another reason which made him famous and much respected by many people is his loves of making boat, his modesty, this can bee seen with his modest bungalow which is just a stone throw from his workshop even thought many of the vessel that are build by his works shop are value over a quarter million US Dollar. He is a man who keeps his promise that even if the other party go back on their word and he has a philosophy is that “as long as there is no order from the owner to abort the deal, the agreement stays and the vessel will remain here.” and most importantly his laid back and honesty when dealing with boats most people cant believe that with his much sought skill and ten of million dollar worth of project in five decade his custom made yachts and boat making fee are relatively cheat except for the material. Which make him still a poor man that even thief will simply looked away from his house.
Anyone who wish to hire him had to be patient to get his order as Pakcik Abdullah doesn’t have a dead line on when to finish the order as he take extreme care and pride in making his boat that it may need a year or two to finish. The result are remunerable as most of the new owner will be awe in amazement of his job . Last year’s Monsonn Cup had cause his name more famous and had bring an order worth 5 million US dollar worth of nailess vessel and yacht and other sailing boat.
The Annual Monsoon Cup
Beside of the traditional boat making industry Pulau Duyung are also famous for its salted fish and fish cracker industry at Pulau Duyung you will find many fish are salted and than put under the sun for 4 or 5 day until it is dried.
Ok...Back to business... beside this, there is another attraction here. Which is the International Sailing Championship, the Monsoon Cup. The Moonsun Cup was the idea of The Prime Minister Datuk Sri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was here at Terengganu to congratulate Terengganu’s BARISAN NATIONAL for winning the election and took back the turtle state from the Pas party. During his sigh seeing in KT. The tour stop at the middle of the Sultan Mahmud Bridge to view the city’s waterfront, our Prime Minister. “Pak Lah” (as were usually called before he was elected as the fifth PM of Malaysia) suggest that the waterfront should be developed as an international stage or venue for sailing as he view the Pulau Duyung bay are suitable for sailing.
After that day Wan Hisham the chaiman of the state development of infrastructure , public amities and comuniction was chosen to change Pulau Duyung Bay into an International Sailing Venue ae The Monsoon Cup and the state company T-Best Event Sdn Bhd was form to run the event.
Last year they were a dramatic change at Pulau Duyung (as seen in ESPN on December 2005 During the live telecast of the Monsoon Cup). The state Gov decide and had built Heritage Bay Chalet, 5 star resort with swimming pool and much more . 60 unit were build during the first phase and another 60 more are currently been built to provide accommodation to tourist who want to stay at the calm Pulau Duyung and during the annual Monsoon Cup (Check the event Calendar) and 120 unit of 3 flour apartment was also build last year for rent .
Rm 60 million was spent on just to developed Pulau Duyung and its marina. The other development project that the state Gov also plan are the project to developed and establish an fishermen port, a playground garden ,shop and other building on a 30 hectares wide area.
The first Monsoon Cup was held in December 2005. But strangely.... last year the fierce monsoon season that usually strike from Octobers didn’t happen....?( still we were happy because we got to see many famous people like actor, singer and sport stat like Ferari team, Michele Yeoh, Jacky Chan and much more.It was like a festival and all suddenly Terengganu was on the world map and many dignitary from here and abroad was here at the small city of Kuala Terengganu.
To get here
To get here is very simple you can use the Sultan Mahmud bridge and take the Pulau Duyung exit in the middle of the span. From there, ask for directions to the “boat builder’s place” and walks there. You can even take a river boat ride from Pasar Payang or at the small jetty that lay just next to Hotel Seri Malaysia in Kampung Cina which both are use mostly by farmer and local to unload they produce from farm to sell here and going to Seberang Takir for Keropok Lekor and its seafood. The short ride should cost about 70 sen per person. And most importantly work at the workshop ceases by 4.30pm and it’s closed on Fridays. Pakcik Abdullah can be reached at 09-631 5072.
Accommodation
For accommodation, u can stay at a small sea facing Chalet for as low as Rm 20 per night in Pulau Duyung Besar or 3 star Hotel Sri Malaysia in Kampung Cina or 5 star Heritage Bay Chalet or u could rent the 3 storey apartment for a whole year. Both chalet blends perfectly into the village or Kampung life, that u may think that the chalet are your house that you can mingle with the local folks who sit down on small pondok drinking ‘kopi” as is u are staying with the local. The stay here will be quite remunerable. To get here you need to get to Uncle Awi yellow house. His house can be easily find but if you get lost. Uncle Awi are well know by the villager and some town folks .You can ask any of the local kid for “Rumah Awi” and they will direct you to his house. Heritage Bay Chalet can bee seen from a far which a swimming poll in the middle.
Beside the scenic spot the chalet is quite remunerable as next to Awi’s place, live Hasim who was a former sea crew and sailor who one work in the international water with various ship. Here you can find and buy and see how he made the many handcraft Wooden model of many old trading boat, Junk and many more which once strive the water of Terengganu ,Malaysia and the great South China Sea.
At Pulau Duyung also you can find an old istana called Istana Kota Lama, Pulau Duyung. Which had recently been open to the public after the timber palace was restore by a group of historical NGO foundation.
For reading about Pulau Duyung you can go to
http://allmalaysia.info/news/story.asp?file=/2003 /travel/islands/icboat
View Pulau Duyung in a larger map
Pulau Duyung or Mermaid Island are consist of Pulau Duyung Besar (big) and Pulau Duyung Kecil (small) this island ....,actually not really an island instead both are two peninsular that extends from the mainland and river towards the sea. Its Pulau Duyung Besar is the home and the most famous place to find the Finest, The Busiest, The most acclaimed master boat makers and The Oldest Traditional Boat Making in Malaysia and soon will be an international tourist destination.
Pulau Duyung which is only a few hectares big, sits between The Sultan Mahmud Bridge and Kuala Sungai Terengganu (Sungai Terengganu’s river mouth). Making its easily assessable by road or river.
This old-fashioned and laid-back little island can be visit on any time of the year. Among the last cache of Traditional boat maker that produce wooden sailing boat is Abdullah bin muda, a master yacht craftsman who is known and sought after by many sailing enthusiasts who have heard about his skills within the international sailing community over the world. Abdullah’s handcrafted yachts are very popular around the world that he received many orders that came from Singapore, Canada, Algeria, Australia, the United States, and Denmark, Britain, New Zealand, Italy, France and much more since his first overseas sales in 1965.
Abdullah’s handcrafted yachts or Custom Made Wooden Yachts are quite famous and remarkable as all the design of the boat are from his imagination. All the boat and yachts of the boats are dovetailed and pegged rather than nailed. All he need from his client is what do they want or characteristics of the boat on the spot that he can just simply draw out the remarkable design to his client in just minute that fist timer will be flabbergasted by his imagination right on the spot. Abdullah’s workshop which sits on a very scenic spot of Sungai Terengganu is one of the state’s most popular tourist haunts, especially for foreigners who arrive by the vanload, if not busload the workshop is located in the heart of the village in a traditional Malay house.
At Abdullah’s workshop many tourist can see how good and skill he and his skilled apprentice is at work. Which usually leave most people shock and baffle seeing how they chisel away, hacking and saw ling the wood with out even drawing or looking at any plan? They simple and languidly took the wood and start chopping and sawing straight away without the slightest or though of making any mistake.
Another reason which made him famous and much respected by many people is his loves of making boat, his modesty, this can bee seen with his modest bungalow which is just a stone throw from his workshop even thought many of the vessel that are build by his works shop are value over a quarter million US Dollar. He is a man who keeps his promise that even if the other party go back on their word and he has a philosophy is that “as long as there is no order from the owner to abort the deal, the agreement stays and the vessel will remain here.” and most importantly his laid back and honesty when dealing with boats most people cant believe that with his much sought skill and ten of million dollar worth of project in five decade his custom made yachts and boat making fee are relatively cheat except for the material. Which make him still a poor man that even thief will simply looked away from his house.
Anyone who wish to hire him had to be patient to get his order as Pakcik Abdullah doesn’t have a dead line on when to finish the order as he take extreme care and pride in making his boat that it may need a year or two to finish. The result are remunerable as most of the new owner will be awe in amazement of his job . Last year’s Monsonn Cup had cause his name more famous and had bring an order worth 5 million US dollar worth of nailess vessel and yacht and other sailing boat.
The Annual Monsoon Cup
Beside of the traditional boat making industry Pulau Duyung are also famous for its salted fish and fish cracker industry at Pulau Duyung you will find many fish are salted and than put under the sun for 4 or 5 day until it is dried.
Ok...Back to business... beside this, there is another attraction here. Which is the International Sailing Championship, the Monsoon Cup. The Moonsun Cup was the idea of The Prime Minister Datuk Sri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was here at Terengganu to congratulate Terengganu’s BARISAN NATIONAL for winning the election and took back the turtle state from the Pas party. During his sigh seeing in KT. The tour stop at the middle of the Sultan Mahmud Bridge to view the city’s waterfront, our Prime Minister. “Pak Lah” (as were usually called before he was elected as the fifth PM of Malaysia) suggest that the waterfront should be developed as an international stage or venue for sailing as he view the Pulau Duyung bay are suitable for sailing.
After that day Wan Hisham the chaiman of the state development of infrastructure , public amities and comuniction was chosen to change Pulau Duyung Bay into an International Sailing Venue ae The Monsoon Cup and the state company T-Best Event Sdn Bhd was form to run the event.
Last year they were a dramatic change at Pulau Duyung (as seen in ESPN on December 2005 During the live telecast of the Monsoon Cup). The state Gov decide and had built Heritage Bay Chalet, 5 star resort with swimming pool and much more . 60 unit were build during the first phase and another 60 more are currently been built to provide accommodation to tourist who want to stay at the calm Pulau Duyung and during the annual Monsoon Cup (Check the event Calendar) and 120 unit of 3 flour apartment was also build last year for rent .
Rm 60 million was spent on just to developed Pulau Duyung and its marina. The other development project that the state Gov also plan are the project to developed and establish an fishermen port, a playground garden ,shop and other building on a 30 hectares wide area.
The first Monsoon Cup was held in December 2005. But strangely.... last year the fierce monsoon season that usually strike from Octobers didn’t happen....?( still we were happy because we got to see many famous people like actor, singer and sport stat like Ferari team, Michele Yeoh, Jacky Chan and much more.It was like a festival and all suddenly Terengganu was on the world map and many dignitary from here and abroad was here at the small city of Kuala Terengganu.
To get here
To get here is very simple you can use the Sultan Mahmud bridge and take the Pulau Duyung exit in the middle of the span. From there, ask for directions to the “boat builder’s place” and walks there. You can even take a river boat ride from Pasar Payang or at the small jetty that lay just next to Hotel Seri Malaysia in Kampung Cina which both are use mostly by farmer and local to unload they produce from farm to sell here and going to Seberang Takir for Keropok Lekor and its seafood. The short ride should cost about 70 sen per person. And most importantly work at the workshop ceases by 4.30pm and it’s closed on Fridays. Pakcik Abdullah can be reached at 09-631 5072.
Accommodation
For accommodation, u can stay at a small sea facing Chalet for as low as Rm 20 per night in Pulau Duyung Besar or 3 star Hotel Sri Malaysia in Kampung Cina or 5 star Heritage Bay Chalet or u could rent the 3 storey apartment for a whole year. Both chalet blends perfectly into the village or Kampung life, that u may think that the chalet are your house that you can mingle with the local folks who sit down on small pondok drinking ‘kopi” as is u are staying with the local. The stay here will be quite remunerable. To get here you need to get to Uncle Awi yellow house. His house can be easily find but if you get lost. Uncle Awi are well know by the villager and some town folks .You can ask any of the local kid for “Rumah Awi” and they will direct you to his house. Heritage Bay Chalet can bee seen from a far which a swimming poll in the middle.
Beside the scenic spot the chalet is quite remunerable as next to Awi’s place, live Hasim who was a former sea crew and sailor who one work in the international water with various ship. Here you can find and buy and see how he made the many handcraft Wooden model of many old trading boat, Junk and many more which once strive the water of Terengganu ,Malaysia and the great South China Sea.
At Pulau Duyung also you can find an old istana called Istana Kota Lama, Pulau Duyung. Which had recently been open to the public after the timber palace was restore by a group of historical NGO foundation.
For reading about Pulau Duyung you can go to
http://allmalaysia.info/news/story.asp?file=/2003 /travel/islands/icboat
