Duyong Island (Pulau Duyong), Terengganu: Travel Guide (2024)
Duyong Island is a small island located in the Terengganu state of Malaysia. It is most famous for its boat-building industry. It is interesting to note that Duyong Island was previously divided into two separate islands – Duyong Besar and Duyong Kecil.
However, the two islands have become one large island due to reclamation. The coastline of this island has also changed substantially due to these processes. It is now a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters.
What to Expect in Duyong Island (Pulau Duyong)
What to Do on Duyong Island (Pulau Duyong)
1. Watching boat-making process
The island is home to a community of traditional boat builders famous for their skills and craftsmanship. For centuries, these craftsmen have passed down their knowledge from generation to generation, allowing them to create intricate designs with great precision and detail. While they have embraced modern technology, they have retained the traditional skills that have made their boats and yachts so sought after by sailors worldwide.
Duyong Island is a beautiful place to visit, and the boat builders are always happy to show off their skills. If you’re ever in Terengganu, take a trip to this island and see these fantastic craftsmen in action!
2. Visiting Fort Duyong
Fort Duyong is a fun place to visit for the whole family. It is a reconstructed old Malay palace built in 1919 by Dato’ Biji Sura. The fort was built initially using brick and cement, but it was damaged in a 1986 flood. The Malaysian Ministry of Culture and Arts decided to rebuild the fort using the original foundation.
Today, the reconstructed palace has nine roofs and is interconnected by a kitchen, veranda, bathroom, and small bridge. Inside the fort, you can read articles about the traditional boats of Terengganu that are placed on the walls. You can also see an old well located within the fort’s compound. Fort Duyong is a great place to learn about Malaysian history and culture while having a great time with loved ones.
When to Visit Duyong Island (Pulau Duyong)
Duyong Island is beautiful, but planning your visit is essential. The island is in the tropics, so it experiences a monsoon season from October to February. During this time, the area is hit with heavy rains and strong winds, making it unsafe for travel. No ferries are running to and from the island during this time.
Furthermore, the water visibility is poor during the monsoon season, so all water activities, such as diving and snorkelling, are off-limits. Suppose you’re looking for a tropical paradise. In that case, Duyong Island is worth visiting – be sure to go at a different time of the year.
How to Get to Duyong Island (Pulau Duyong)
This island can be reached by ferry (RM1), taxi (RM20), or bus (RM1), but the most convenient way to get there is by ferry. The ferry departs from the jetty behind Central Market and heads for Sebarang Takir on the north bank of Sungai Terengganu. There is only one ferry per day, and the timing varies, so it is essential to plan your trip.
Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi from downtown Kuala Terengganu to Duyung Island or a bus from the central bus station. Whichever way you choose to get there, Duyong Island is sure to be an enjoyable and memorable experience.