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| KUALA TERENGGANU BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES |
1. Kampung Cina (Chinatown)
9. Masjid Hiliran (Hiliran Mosque)
1. Bangunan Persatuan Sejarah (Historical Society Building)
| 2. Bukit Keledang (Keledang Hill) |
| 7. Low Tiey's Well |
| 4. Istana Maziah (Maziah Palace) |
8. Masjid Abidin (Abidin Mosque)
5. Istana Tengku Long (Tengku Long Palace)
11. Rumah Tele (Tele House)
10. Masjid Tok Ku (Tok Ku Mosque)
3. Bukit Puteri (Puteri Hill)
| Some of the shophouses in Kampung Cina |
| Bridge at the entrance of Kampung Cina |
This mosque is situated about 3 km from the town of Kuala Terengganu and built on Lot no 1686, in the
locality of Losong in an area of about 0.6 hectares. It was established by Haji Mat Kaya and originally
made of wood and then later changed to bricks. This mosque is also known as Haji Mat Kaya mosque,
taking the name of the person who financed the construction of the mosque. Haji Mat was a man of
wealth and had studied religious knowledge in Bunut Payung, Kelantan.
This mosque was constructed in the year 1925. Tuan Besar was the first imam of the mosque. The pulpit
of the mosque was the craft work of Tuan Mamat following the instructions given by Haji Mat Kaya. The
original material used were egg white, lime mortar, honey and bricks.
An interesting feature of this mosque is that it was built in multiple stories and follows the style of the
"Limas Belenda". This mosque is the first in the state and probably the first in the country to be
constructed in such a way.
The pulpit was built by Allahyarham Encik Wan Mamat, a prominent craftsman during that time. The
pulpit was built in 1352 H of the Islamic calendar under the instructions of Tuan Haji Mat Kaya himself. 14
Year Built: 1925
Architect:
Style: Malay Vernacular (Lima Belanda)
Location: Losong
locality of Losong in an area of about 0.6 hectares. It was established by Haji Mat Kaya and originally
made of wood and then later changed to bricks. This mosque is also known as Haji Mat Kaya mosque,
taking the name of the person who financed the construction of the mosque. Haji Mat was a man of
wealth and had studied religious knowledge in Bunut Payung, Kelantan.
This mosque was constructed in the year 1925. Tuan Besar was the first imam of the mosque. The pulpit
of the mosque was the craft work of Tuan Mamat following the instructions given by Haji Mat Kaya. The
original material used were egg white, lime mortar, honey and bricks.
An interesting feature of this mosque is that it was built in multiple stories and follows the style of the
"Limas Belenda". This mosque is the first in the state and probably the first in the country to be
constructed in such a way.
The pulpit was built by Allahyarham Encik Wan Mamat, a prominent craftsman during that time. The
pulpit was built in 1352 H of the Islamic calendar under the instructions of Tuan Haji Mat Kaya himself. 14
Year Built: 1925
Architect:
Style: Malay Vernacular (Lima Belanda)
Location: Losong
This building was previously owned by Tengku Teh Dungun which sat on a 0.07 hectares of land. The
lot no is 437 and situated in the locality of the Kuala Terengganu town.
This building was then sold to Tengku Biji Wangsa (Tengku Hitam bin Ali). Upon his death, this building
was used as a temporary office for the Municipal Council of Kuala Terengganu. In the year 1986, The
Terengganu state agreed to hand over this building to the Terengganu branch of the Historical
Society of Malaysia to be used as their office and a center for organising their activities. The hand
over ceremony was concluded by Y.A.B Dato’ Seri Amar Di Raja Tan Sri Haji Wan Mokhtar bin Ahmad,
the Chief Minister of Terengganu on the 10th of April 1986 or on the 1st of Syaaban 1406 H of the
Islamic calendar. 14
Year Built:
Architect:
Style:
Location: Lot 437
lot no is 437 and situated in the locality of the Kuala Terengganu town.
This building was then sold to Tengku Biji Wangsa (Tengku Hitam bin Ali). Upon his death, this building
was used as a temporary office for the Municipal Council of Kuala Terengganu. In the year 1986, The
Terengganu state agreed to hand over this building to the Terengganu branch of the Historical
Society of Malaysia to be used as their office and a center for organising their activities. The hand
over ceremony was concluded by Y.A.B Dato’ Seri Amar Di Raja Tan Sri Haji Wan Mokhtar bin Ahmad,
the Chief Minister of Terengganu on the 10th of April 1986 or on the 1st of Syaaban 1406 H of the
Islamic calendar. 14
Year Built:
Architect:
Style:
Location: Lot 437
This hill which is situated by the Terengganu River was once used as a base for traders from the
upstream of the river to trade all of their commerce products. It is near this hill that Sultan Zainal
Abidin I (1708 – 1733) built a palace and an old fort simply called the "Old Fort". It is in this palace
that the sultan administered all of the state affairs until he died.
Sultan Zainal Abidin I was buried on top of the hill and was known as Marhum Bukit Nangka. It is
also on top of this hill that Nang Zainab (Cik Puan Besar), wife of Sultan Zainal Abidin II, other
royal dignitaries and the ruling elite were buried. On top of this 50 metre high hill, some
impressive headstones imported from Acheh can be found. 1,14
Year Built:
Architect:
Style:
Location: Lot 437
upstream of the river to trade all of their commerce products. It is near this hill that Sultan Zainal
Abidin I (1708 – 1733) built a palace and an old fort simply called the "Old Fort". It is in this palace
that the sultan administered all of the state affairs until he died.
Sultan Zainal Abidin I was buried on top of the hill and was known as Marhum Bukit Nangka. It is
also on top of this hill that Nang Zainab (Cik Puan Besar), wife of Sultan Zainal Abidin II, other
royal dignitaries and the ruling elite were buried. On top of this 50 metre high hill, some
impressive headstones imported from Acheh can be found. 1,14
Year Built:
Architect:
Style:
Location: Lot 437
| Graveyard of Sultan Zainal Abidin I |
| Other graveyards on Bukit Keledang |
During the late Ming Dynasty and early Ching Dynasty (middle 17th century) the people from the
province of Fujian in China had started to travel south by boat. Most of them settled down on the
lands where they landed.
The Lim clan who migrated south about 300 years ago to explore and cultivate the land in the south
eventually settled in Kuala Terengganu. To provide for their drinking and cleaning needs a well was
dug at the site in Kampung Tiong.
The design of the well proper reflected the habitat and culture of the conservative community at
that time. The oval shaped well was built of clay bricks. It had two bathing chambers to cater for
men and women separately. Low wall of 6 m by 6 m was built around the well as its boundary. The
water from the well was clear, fresh, pleasant and sweet in taste and had a continuous flow of
supply.
In Kwong Shih Year of Ching Dynasty (1875), there was a long drought in the district that resulted in
an epidemic and dried up most wells in the town. Those wells left with very low water supply was
unfit for human consumption as the level of saline in the water was too high. The Lim ‘clan’s well in
Kampung Tiong was the only well left with abundant supply of good quality water. Mr. Lim Keng
Hoon who held the appointed post of Low Tiey of Juru Bahasa, was very generous to allow the
public to use the water from his well. The town folks were then able to obtain adequate supply of
drinking water during that long drought, thus reducing the hardship experience. Since them the
well was named Low Tiey’s Well, by the people in the town to commemorate the good deed of Low
Tiey. 1
Year Built:
Architect:
Style:
Location: Lot 437
province of Fujian in China had started to travel south by boat. Most of them settled down on the
lands where they landed.
The Lim clan who migrated south about 300 years ago to explore and cultivate the land in the south
eventually settled in Kuala Terengganu. To provide for their drinking and cleaning needs a well was
dug at the site in Kampung Tiong.
The design of the well proper reflected the habitat and culture of the conservative community at
that time. The oval shaped well was built of clay bricks. It had two bathing chambers to cater for
men and women separately. Low wall of 6 m by 6 m was built around the well as its boundary. The
water from the well was clear, fresh, pleasant and sweet in taste and had a continuous flow of
supply.
In Kwong Shih Year of Ching Dynasty (1875), there was a long drought in the district that resulted in
an epidemic and dried up most wells in the town. Those wells left with very low water supply was
unfit for human consumption as the level of saline in the water was too high. The Lim ‘clan’s well in
Kampung Tiong was the only well left with abundant supply of good quality water. Mr. Lim Keng
Hoon who held the appointed post of Low Tiey of Juru Bahasa, was very generous to allow the
public to use the water from his well. The town folks were then able to obtain adequate supply of
drinking water during that long drought, thus reducing the hardship experience. Since them the
well was named Low Tiey’s Well, by the people in the town to commemorate the good deed of Low
Tiey. 1
Year Built:
Architect:
Style:
Location: Lot 437
This palace is one of the oldest palaces still standing in Terengganu. According to the notes
morning on the 31st of May 1895 or on the 7th Zulhijjah 1312 H of the Islamic calendar during the
reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III, the eleventh sultan of Terengganu. According to Dato Seri Amar
Di Raja, Haji Ngah Muhamad bin Yusuf, this palace was erected in the year 1897. Looking at the
dates, definitely there is a discrepancy but in most probability the putting of the head stone
ceremony have different dates is due to financial reasons.
This palace was constructed to replace Istana Hijau (Hijau Palace) which was destroyed in a
huge fire in 1881. Tengku Chik Abu Bakar was the person responsible to rebuilt it and assisted by
Engku Besar Paduka Raja, Syed Abdullah bin Zain Al-Idrus, Dato’ Mata-Mata (Encik Muhamad bin
Abdul Rahim), Tengku Panglima Besar Tengku Muda Kecik, Tengku Besar Paduka Indera and 20
Malay and Chinese craftsmen.
After solving the financial problem, the ceremony for "setting up" of the palace was held on the
7th of August 1903 or 14 Jamadilawal 1321 of the Islamic calendar. Maziah Palace was used as a
place for the sultan to handle all administrative matters of the state. Other than that, the palace
was also used for official functions like weddings, circumcision, funeral and to entertain foreign
guests who visit Terengganu. The palace was renovated during the reigns of Tunku Sultan Ismail
Nasiruddin Shah and Sultan Mahmud Al-Mukhtafi Bilah Shah. 14
Year Built:
Architect:
Style:
Location:
morning on the 31st of May 1895 or on the 7th Zulhijjah 1312 H of the Islamic calendar during the
reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III, the eleventh sultan of Terengganu. According to Dato Seri Amar
Di Raja, Haji Ngah Muhamad bin Yusuf, this palace was erected in the year 1897. Looking at the
dates, definitely there is a discrepancy but in most probability the putting of the head stone
ceremony have different dates is due to financial reasons.
This palace was constructed to replace Istana Hijau (Hijau Palace) which was destroyed in a
huge fire in 1881. Tengku Chik Abu Bakar was the person responsible to rebuilt it and assisted by
Engku Besar Paduka Raja, Syed Abdullah bin Zain Al-Idrus, Dato’ Mata-Mata (Encik Muhamad bin
Abdul Rahim), Tengku Panglima Besar Tengku Muda Kecik, Tengku Besar Paduka Indera and 20
Malay and Chinese craftsmen.
After solving the financial problem, the ceremony for "setting up" of the palace was held on the
7th of August 1903 or 14 Jamadilawal 1321 of the Islamic calendar. Maziah Palace was used as a
place for the sultan to handle all administrative matters of the state. Other than that, the palace
was also used for official functions like weddings, circumcision, funeral and to entertain foreign
guests who visit Terengganu. The palace was renovated during the reigns of Tunku Sultan Ismail
Nasiruddin Shah and Sultan Mahmud Al-Mukhtafi Bilah Shah. 14
Year Built:
Architect:
Style:
Location:
| View from Bukit Puteri |
Sayyid Yassin bin Sayyid Akil bin Sayyid Ahmad was among of the an important man during the reign
of the late Sultan Zainal Abidin I. His parents, who were from Hadramat (South Yemen), had
traveled far and wide spreading Islamic religion until Sumatra. Sayyid Yasin, who was born at
Sumatra had migrated to Terengganu and married the sultan’s daughter, Che Siti. His grave is
situated in a fenced area on the top of Bukit Puteri.
The lighthouse
The lighthouse on Bukit Puteri is located inside the fort. Fishing and trading were once the major
occupations, and the fisherman and traders would ply the Malay Archipelago in their Perahu Besar
(vessels) The lighthouse guided their return up the Kuala Terengganu river.
The lighthouse was built upon the proposal of Syed Husein bin Gulam al Bukhari during the reign of
the late Sultan Zainal Abidin III (1881 – 1918 M) 1
of the late Sultan Zainal Abidin I. His parents, who were from Hadramat (South Yemen), had
traveled far and wide spreading Islamic religion until Sumatra. Sayyid Yasin, who was born at
Sumatra had migrated to Terengganu and married the sultan’s daughter, Che Siti. His grave is
situated in a fenced area on the top of Bukit Puteri.
The lighthouse
The lighthouse on Bukit Puteri is located inside the fort. Fishing and trading were once the major
occupations, and the fisherman and traders would ply the Malay Archipelago in their Perahu Besar
(vessels) The lighthouse guided their return up the Kuala Terengganu river.
The lighthouse was built upon the proposal of Syed Husein bin Gulam al Bukhari during the reign of
the late Sultan Zainal Abidin III (1881 – 1918 M) 1
On top of Bukit Puteri, somewhere in the middle of it, there is a bell that has been around for generations
of Terengganu rulers.
The bell which is currently on the hill, was made during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III, around the year
1908. Its circumference is about 228 cm, its height 78 cm. It is made of brass and weighs about 175 kg.
According to recorded stories, there was a ceremony in front of Istana Maziah to commemorate the casting
of the bell. The master craftsman was Wan Ali bin Wan Awang, and he was assisted by craftsmen from
Kampung Tanjong and Kampung Paya, Kuala Terengganu.
The first bell was named ‘Nagar’ and was installed during the reign Sultan Umar, the ninth Sultan of
Terengganu on the 17th of Syaaban 1270 (15th May 1853). During the early days, the bell was looked after by
the royal scouts. During the reign Sultan Omar until Sultan Zainal Abidin III, it was taken care by Encik Ali bin
Abdullah.
The function of the bell was as a signal to alert the populace if there should be any major catastrophe or
disaster such as fire, enemy attack or someone running amok. According to tradition, whenever the bell rang
at odd times and sounded discordant, business premises around the town would close. Members of the
aristocracy and the slaves of the sultan would run into the palace to be close to the sultan and be armed to
face any threat.
The bell is also used until today during the fasting month and during the celebrations of Eid. During the
fasting month, the bell will ring at 6 in the evening and at the time of breaking the fast and every hour until
the beginning of the day of fast. At 12 midnight, the loud sound of the bell known as the “Goncang” (the
shake) can be heard, followed by the shot of the canon.
During the Eid celebration, the bell is rung loudly with a rhythmic sound to mark the beginning of the prayer
and the departure of the sultan to the mosque. However, during the time of Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah,
this is no longer practiced. 1
of Terengganu rulers.
The bell which is currently on the hill, was made during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III, around the year
1908. Its circumference is about 228 cm, its height 78 cm. It is made of brass and weighs about 175 kg.
According to recorded stories, there was a ceremony in front of Istana Maziah to commemorate the casting
of the bell. The master craftsman was Wan Ali bin Wan Awang, and he was assisted by craftsmen from
Kampung Tanjong and Kampung Paya, Kuala Terengganu.
The first bell was named ‘Nagar’ and was installed during the reign Sultan Umar, the ninth Sultan of
Terengganu on the 17th of Syaaban 1270 (15th May 1853). During the early days, the bell was looked after by
the royal scouts. During the reign Sultan Omar until Sultan Zainal Abidin III, it was taken care by Encik Ali bin
Abdullah.
The function of the bell was as a signal to alert the populace if there should be any major catastrophe or
disaster such as fire, enemy attack or someone running amok. According to tradition, whenever the bell rang
at odd times and sounded discordant, business premises around the town would close. Members of the
aristocracy and the slaves of the sultan would run into the palace to be close to the sultan and be armed to
face any threat.
The bell is also used until today during the fasting month and during the celebrations of Eid. During the
fasting month, the bell will ring at 6 in the evening and at the time of breaking the fast and every hour until
the beginning of the day of fast. At 12 midnight, the loud sound of the bell known as the “Goncang” (the
shake) can be heard, followed by the shot of the canon.
During the Eid celebration, the bell is rung loudly with a rhythmic sound to mark the beginning of the prayer
and the departure of the sultan to the mosque. However, during the time of Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah,
this is no longer practiced. 1
Bukit Puteri in the town of Kuala Terengganu is a historic site. The 200-metre high hill boasts a
fort on the summit that is over a 100 years old and well preserved. Other relics of history found
on the summit include a large bell, graves, a lighthouse and a flagpole. The 0.688-hectare hill is
located near the mouth of the Kuala Terengganu river. It is conveniently located near the
palace, Istana Maziah, and the mosque, Masjid Abidin, tow other historic sites that are must-
sees.
There are many legends as to the origin of the name Bukit Puteri. It has been claimed that
when Dato’ Bendahara Padang Saujana Johore (died in 1697) sent his representative Megat Seri
Rama to rule Terengganu, the hill was already known as Bukit Puteri. Other say that a Tuk Raja
Menteri who came from Johore gave the hill its name.
Bukit Puteri was used as a fort during the reign of Sultan Mansur, Sultan Muhamad and Sultan
Umar.
The hill is the highest point in the town and offers visitors a fine view of Kuala Terengganu and
its surroundings. 1
fort on the summit that is over a 100 years old and well preserved. Other relics of history found
on the summit include a large bell, graves, a lighthouse and a flagpole. The 0.688-hectare hill is
located near the mouth of the Kuala Terengganu river. It is conveniently located near the
palace, Istana Maziah, and the mosque, Masjid Abidin, tow other historic sites that are must-
sees.
There are many legends as to the origin of the name Bukit Puteri. It has been claimed that
when Dato’ Bendahara Padang Saujana Johore (died in 1697) sent his representative Megat Seri
Rama to rule Terengganu, the hill was already known as Bukit Puteri. Other say that a Tuk Raja
Menteri who came from Johore gave the hill its name.
Bukit Puteri was used as a fort during the reign of Sultan Mansur, Sultan Muhamad and Sultan
Umar.
The hill is the highest point in the town and offers visitors a fine view of Kuala Terengganu and
its surroundings. 1
ii) The Bell
For many decades, there were many cannons
sitting on Bukit Puteri. These were given names
such as Seri Jamlor, Seri Bueh, Seri Johor and Laila
Majnum. At one particular site can be found 2
cannons sitting side by side. Legend has it that the
smaller cannon is the offspring of the larger one.
Hence its name Meriam Beranak (The Canon That
Begets)
According to tales, the larger cannon was named
Che’ Selamah and the smaller cannon named Che’
Sefiah. It was also believed that the smaller cannon
was fed the foam of the waves by the locals.
Unfortunately during the period when Terengganu
was under Siamese rule (1943 – 1945), many of these
cannons were taken back to Siam. 1
sitting on Bukit Puteri. These were given names
such as Seri Jamlor, Seri Bueh, Seri Johor and Laila
Majnum. At one particular site can be found 2
cannons sitting side by side. Legend has it that the
smaller cannon is the offspring of the larger one.
Hence its name Meriam Beranak (The Canon That
Begets)
According to tales, the larger cannon was named
Che’ Selamah and the smaller cannon named Che’
Sefiah. It was also believed that the smaller cannon
was fed the foam of the waves by the locals.
Unfortunately during the period when Terengganu
was under Siamese rule (1943 – 1945), many of these
cannons were taken back to Siam. 1
| IV) Canon Ball Store |
| V) The flag pole |
The flag pole on Bukit Puteri is 18 metres tall
and is buried 2meters deep. It was first raised
on the 22nd April 1899 (Muslim Calender: 12
Zulhijjah 1316 Hijrah) during the reign of Sultan
Zainal III with full ceremonial honours
accompanied by 16 cannon salutes. The present
flag pole was raised during the reign of Sultan
Sulaiman Badrul Alam Syah. 1
Year Built: 1899
Architect:
Style:
Location:
and is buried 2meters deep. It was first raised
on the 22nd April 1899 (Muslim Calender: 12
Zulhijjah 1316 Hijrah) during the reign of Sultan
Zainal III with full ceremonial honours
accompanied by 16 cannon salutes. The present
flag pole was raised during the reign of Sultan
Sulaiman Badrul Alam Syah. 1
Year Built: 1899
Architect:
Style:
Location:
Masjid Abidin is also known as the White Mosque and was built during the reign of Sultan
Zainal Abidin II, the third Sultan of Terengganu and was made of wood. After the throne
was taken over by His Highness Umar in the year 1837, this mosque was upgraded by using
new built material such as bricks, honey, sand, limestone and lime.
According to history, this mosque was originally built without any structural foundation,
the space is only fixed using an arch shaped engraved wall. At that time, there was only a
wooden structure with a ‘belian’ wood roof with six bathing wells
The most significant change on the building was during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III
who added in the middle, built a brick wall and three minarets. The renovation works was
led by Tengku Muda Kemaman (Tengku Panglima Besar) and assisted by Malay and Chinese
craftsmen. The engravings on the doors were done by Tengku Abdul Kadir bin Salim while
the minor engravings were drawn by Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman. 14
Year Built: 1899
Architect:
Style:
Location:
Zainal Abidin II, the third Sultan of Terengganu and was made of wood. After the throne
was taken over by His Highness Umar in the year 1837, this mosque was upgraded by using
new built material such as bricks, honey, sand, limestone and lime.
According to history, this mosque was originally built without any structural foundation,
the space is only fixed using an arch shaped engraved wall. At that time, there was only a
wooden structure with a ‘belian’ wood roof with six bathing wells
The most significant change on the building was during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III
who added in the middle, built a brick wall and three minarets. The renovation works was
led by Tengku Muda Kemaman (Tengku Panglima Besar) and assisted by Malay and Chinese
craftsmen. The engravings on the doors were done by Tengku Abdul Kadir bin Salim while
the minor engravings were drawn by Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman. 14
Year Built: 1899
Architect:
Style:
Location:
| The graveyards of royalties and with Acheh head stones.... |
The word Tele means the building attached to the rear of a palace and is specifically for
ladies. The building was built approximately in early 1888 by the late Sultan Zainal Abidin III in
the compound of Maziah Palace. It was built according to traditional Terengganu Malay
architecture. Its walls consists of 80 pieces of dove tailed wood paneling, 24 carved and
sculptured pieces, 24 pieces carved with verses of the holy Quran and 4 pieces engraved with
Burdah verses above the main door.
The king of Thailand Rama V Chulalongkorn and his entourage once stayed in this building
during his visit to Terengganu in September 1888. The principal occupant of this building was
Cik Kalthum binti Hj Daud, a consort of the late Sultan Zainal Abidin III and it later became the
residence of his two princesses, Tengku Nik Hajjah and Tengku Ngah Hajjah.
This building was first relocated and reerected at a site in Jalan Negara, Kuala Ibai,
Terengganu on 19th March 1970 (12th Muharam 1390 H) in a brief ceremony. This was made
possible by the efforts of Tan Sri Datuk Mubin Sheppard Al Haj ad the contribution of Eastern
Mining & Metals Co. Ltd
On 6th July 1987 this building was finally relocated at the present site in the compound of the
Terengganu State Museum Complex. It is under the custody of the Terengganu State Museum
Board and has become a historical heritage of not only the state of Terengganu but of
Malaysia as well. 1
Year Built: 1888
Architect:
Style: Malay Vernacular
Location: Compund of State Museum (behind Maziah palace)
ladies. The building was built approximately in early 1888 by the late Sultan Zainal Abidin III in
the compound of Maziah Palace. It was built according to traditional Terengganu Malay
architecture. Its walls consists of 80 pieces of dove tailed wood paneling, 24 carved and
sculptured pieces, 24 pieces carved with verses of the holy Quran and 4 pieces engraved with
Burdah verses above the main door.
The king of Thailand Rama V Chulalongkorn and his entourage once stayed in this building
during his visit to Terengganu in September 1888. The principal occupant of this building was
Cik Kalthum binti Hj Daud, a consort of the late Sultan Zainal Abidin III and it later became the
residence of his two princesses, Tengku Nik Hajjah and Tengku Ngah Hajjah.
This building was first relocated and reerected at a site in Jalan Negara, Kuala Ibai,
Terengganu on 19th March 1970 (12th Muharam 1390 H) in a brief ceremony. This was made
possible by the efforts of Tan Sri Datuk Mubin Sheppard Al Haj ad the contribution of Eastern
Mining & Metals Co. Ltd
On 6th July 1987 this building was finally relocated at the present site in the compound of the
Terengganu State Museum Complex. It is under the custody of the Terengganu State Museum
Board and has become a historical heritage of not only the state of Terengganu but of
Malaysia as well. 1
Year Built: 1888
Architect:
Style: Malay Vernacular
Location: Compund of State Museum (behind Maziah palace)
| VII) Sayyid Yassin Graveyard |
| VI) Meeting Platform |
" The fort is located on the top of Bukit Puteri and was used during the civil wars between Baginda
Umar, Sultan Mansur II and Sultan Muhamad I who were fighting for the throne of Terengganu which was
finally settled that Tengku Mansur and Tengku Umar would jointly rule the state from 1831 AD onwards,.
Tengku Mansur became the Sultan of Terengganu, while Tengku Umar was appointed the Yang Di Pertuan
Besar.
The division of power between the two powerful men did not end dissension. Each insisted on selecting
their own District Chiefs. The civil war continued, with Tengku Mansur making his fort at Bali Bukit and
Tengku Umar at Bukit Puteri. Tengku Umar eventually lost and retreated to Besut and finally to Daik. He
was returned to the death of Sultan Mansur Shah II and regained the trhone of Terengganu.
On his return to Terengganu, Tengku Umar attacked Sultan Muhammad I who had taken his position at
Bukit Puteri. Sultan Muhammad I lost the battle and retreated to Dungun. Over the next few months,
however, Sultan Muhammad I, with the aid by Tengku Hitam of Dungun, repeatedly attacked Tengku
Umar at Bukit Puteri but was unsuccessful.
The fort on top of Bukit Puteri was erected by Baginda Umar and was made of bricks, honey, lime
mortar, and the white of eggs. The cannons, used to repel enemies and as signal on ceremonial state
occasions still sit in the fort. Each cannon was given a name – Sri Johor, Sri Bueh, (better known as
Meriam Beranak), Laila Majnum and Seri Jamlor. These cannons were imported from Spain, Portugal and
other parts of Malay Peninsular.
During the Japanese occupation between 1941 to 1945, these cannons were removed from the fort by
the Occupying Forces who intended to present them to the Siamese government. However, this never
came about and the cannon still remain.
In this fort also a raised platform like a throne (singgahsana) which was used as a place to discuss
strategies during war and beside it is a hole used for storing the cannon balls." 1
Umar, Sultan Mansur II and Sultan Muhamad I who were fighting for the throne of Terengganu which was
finally settled that Tengku Mansur and Tengku Umar would jointly rule the state from 1831 AD onwards,.
Tengku Mansur became the Sultan of Terengganu, while Tengku Umar was appointed the Yang Di Pertuan
Besar.
The division of power between the two powerful men did not end dissension. Each insisted on selecting
their own District Chiefs. The civil war continued, with Tengku Mansur making his fort at Bali Bukit and
Tengku Umar at Bukit Puteri. Tengku Umar eventually lost and retreated to Besut and finally to Daik. He
was returned to the death of Sultan Mansur Shah II and regained the trhone of Terengganu.
On his return to Terengganu, Tengku Umar attacked Sultan Muhammad I who had taken his position at
Bukit Puteri. Sultan Muhammad I lost the battle and retreated to Dungun. Over the next few months,
however, Sultan Muhammad I, with the aid by Tengku Hitam of Dungun, repeatedly attacked Tengku
Umar at Bukit Puteri but was unsuccessful.
The fort on top of Bukit Puteri was erected by Baginda Umar and was made of bricks, honey, lime
mortar, and the white of eggs. The cannons, used to repel enemies and as signal on ceremonial state
occasions still sit in the fort. Each cannon was given a name – Sri Johor, Sri Bueh, (better known as
Meriam Beranak), Laila Majnum and Seri Jamlor. These cannons were imported from Spain, Portugal and
other parts of Malay Peninsular.
During the Japanese occupation between 1941 to 1945, these cannons were removed from the fort by
the Occupying Forces who intended to present them to the Siamese government. However, this never
came about and the cannon still remain.
In this fort also a raised platform like a throne (singgahsana) which was used as a place to discuss
strategies during war and beside it is a hole used for storing the cannon balls." 1
Some of the structures and relics that can be found on top of Bukit Puteri:
I) The fort
III) The Meriam Beranak (Cannon)
Masjid Tok Ku is located in Kampung Tok Ku, Kuala Terengganu. Initially this mosque
was a madrasah which was built by Syed Muhamad bin Zainal Abidin al-Idrus (Tok Ku
Tuan Besar) and made into an educational religious center for the locals. The ever
increasing number of students year after year, made him increase the size of the
madrasah and eventually it was turned into a mosque. This was materialized with the
help of the general public and also Tok Ku Tuan Besar’s own students. The
expenditures for building this mosque was taken from the money from the charity
fund. 14
was a madrasah which was built by Syed Muhamad bin Zainal Abidin al-Idrus (Tok Ku
Tuan Besar) and made into an educational religious center for the locals. The ever
increasing number of students year after year, made him increase the size of the
madrasah and eventually it was turned into a mosque. This was materialized with the
help of the general public and also Tok Ku Tuan Besar’s own students. The
expenditures for building this mosque was taken from the money from the charity
fund. 14
The row of shophouses above are located in Chinatown, Kuala Terengganu. Chinatown has existed
since the early 18th century even during the golden days of Kuala Terengganu when it was a busy
port.
The settlement of the Chinese people near the mouth of the river Terengganu was at first only at
first for temporary while awaiting the change of season but soon became permanent because they
felt that the place was easy for doing commerce. The settlement at this area had developed rapidly
and its development had been parallel with the settlement of the state administrative center by
Sultan Zainal Abidin I in Kota Lama, Kuala Terengganu.
The architecture of the brick buildings built in this area are common in China. However, not all of
the buildings here are owned by the Chinese but some are owned by the Malays who have leased it
to them. 14
since the early 18th century even during the golden days of Kuala Terengganu when it was a busy
port.
The settlement of the Chinese people near the mouth of the river Terengganu was at first only at
first for temporary while awaiting the change of season but soon became permanent because they
felt that the place was easy for doing commerce. The settlement at this area had developed rapidly
and its development had been parallel with the settlement of the state administrative center by
Sultan Zainal Abidin I in Kota Lama, Kuala Terengganu.
The architecture of the brick buildings built in this area are common in China. However, not all of
the buildings here are owned by the Chinese but some are owned by the Malays who have leased it
to them. 14
6. Kampung Cina (Chinatown)