Kota Terengganu, Malaysia, celebrates the “Squid Jigging Festival”

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

Kota Terengganu, the capital of the state of Terengganu on the east coast of Malaysia celebrated an ancient seafaring folk event, the “Squid Jigging Festival” – a traditional competition between the l

Kota Terengganu, the capital of the state of Terengganu on the east coast of Malaysia celebrated an ancient seafaring folk event, the “Squid Jigging Festival” – a traditional competition between the local fishermen that takes place during the squid season from April to June.

From this year, the festival has acquired the status of “International Squid Jigging Festival,” with the support of the state government of Terengganu. The festival has been included in the contest of the Visit Malaysia Year launched at ATF (Asean Tourism Forum) held in Cuching (Malaysia) in January 2014, to present Terengganu to the world through the collaboration of more than 300 journalists from different languages invited to attend the amusing celebration.

With this initiative, the Minister Yab Dato ‘Seri Haji Ahmad Bin Said, assisted by Fathil Ahmad Bin Abd Ghani, Manager (Promotion) of Tourism Terengganu, aims to improve the branding of Terengganu as a leading tourist destination in the region with the lure of Malaysia – “Beautiful State, Beautiful Culture” – a slogan that encompasses the attractions of the region but also the friendliness of the local communities and their traditional lifestyle.

The Terengganu region was the poorest of Malaysia regions until it was discovered that there is offshore gas and oil – in the South China Sea – overlooked by its city shores. By investing in tourism, Terengganu aims to emerge to the attention of the world.

Kota Terengganu, the capital of the region, arrival and departure base of large numbers of international press, is full of attractions: from homes that have kept the original structure in different styles, villages on stilts, (campong), historic buildings, the Terengganu State Museum with late-style architecture, China Town, and a large food market. Amid the many mosques stands the glittering Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah Crystal mosque, or floating mosque, because it appears to be resting on the surface of the sea – a masterpiece of Islamic art. Among the interesting attraction is the Taman Tamadun Islam Monument Park citadel which includes a faithful reproduction of the 23 major mosques in Asia, as well as an interesting museum. Last but not least, are the beautiful islands with pristine water and white sands. In addition to living in an old times atmosphere, the city has taken steps to enter into a phase of modernization giving way to hotel industry development.

Kemaman and Besut are the starting points to the seafaring for squid fishing. In the fishing harbor, dozens of multicolored fishing boats are aligned, ready for boarding. A crowd of local youth greets passengers, and in a few minutes, a vast range of the sea is dotted with boats. It is a thrilling effect that stimulates enthusiasm releasing screams and calls from boat to boat. On arrival at the given fishing position, the anchor is cast and the hooks are set with the hope of returning with a good catch. Attractive prizes in currency are up for grabs.

Back to the base, the jury in the gardens of club 10 Rhu Beach Resort Setiu waits to record: number of squid pro-capita and the size and weight of each of them. In the end, everything ends up on giant grids – enough for over 300 starving souls.

The environment is festive, and at the award ceremony, no one is excluded from a price, starting from whomever returned with 50 grams of squid to the lucky ones whose catch reached 10-20 pounds.

Cash prizes are proportionate and range from a certificate of particiption up to $10,000.

In addition to this generous fun competition, the six-day program gives the opportunity to visit places of incredible beauty: a plantation of mangroves, small weaving centers, Terrapuri Heritage Village with a folklore show, the releasing of baby turtles to the sea, oyster beds, the Tasik Kenyir Lake, and the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia within the area of Eco-Tourism Park. And there are fast boats to Kelah Jungle Shrine at Sungai Petang along a river full of large carp greedy for human skin.

Then there is the Tropical Park on the island of Kenyir with its endemic wild orchid plantation. And another surprise of visiting the great Kenyir Elephant Village with trained adult elephants and their puppies performing at the pond led by their trainers. Pulau Pinang, one of Malaysia’s marine parks, was established to protect and conserve the habitats of marine aquatic life. Here, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. Sang Suria Hotel in the Redang Laguna Island Resort, with its dive centers, massages and other structures is a paradise for an exciting vacation – ideal for honeymooners. A sumptuous dinner can be enjoyed in the gardens of the Museum of the State of Terengganu with traditional local specialties.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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