We arrived at Kuala Terengganu yesterday afternoon, 18 May, after four day hops up the coast from Tioman Island. Our first two nights we anchored off the coast, the first being a bit rolly, and the last night at Pulau Kapas. The first two legs were about 60NM each and wind conditions were such that we had to motor or motor sail the whole way. We were able to turn off the engine for four hours on our leg to Kapas and arrived late afternoon. Not long after setting our anchor we had a rain squall come through so were unable to check out the neighbouring coral reefs.
Rain squall approaching Pulau GumiaThe coast along the eastern side of the peninsula has been strikingly different from that along the west in the Malacca Straits. We have had long stretches of beautiful beaches most of the way, not so many fishing boats to contend with, and much clearer waters. We have managed to catch two small tuna and missed two strikes so the fish count continues.
Before leaving for Terengganu, which was only an 11NM leg, we were able to spend a good couple of hours snorkelling the reef on Kapas and the tiny island to the north, Pulau Gumia. We were rewarded with beautiful coral gardens, thousands of beautiful and colourful fish, a couple of black-tipped reef sharks, a turtle and rocks smothered in sea anemones.
We will spend a few days in Terengganu refuelling, reprovisioning and doing some sight-seeing before heading out to the rest of the islands off the state of Terengganu. All promise to have sparkling, clear waters with excellent snorkelling.Typical local boat design around Terengganu
