Fort and cannons
The sultanate's defensive post for centuries.
Akml5599 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Akml5599 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sang Ekstasi — CC BY 4.0 · Sang Ekstasi — CC BY 4.0
A small hill with a big history in the heart of Kuala Terengganu, only about twenty metres high but overlooking the mouth of the Terengganu River and the sea, which is why it served the sultanate as a defensive post from the sixteenth century. Its name means Princess Hill, and a local legend tells of a princess who lived here and lent people dishes for their weddings, until, angered by those who never returned them, she left. On top are the remains of an old fort and cannons, a large bronze bell once rung for warnings and announcements, the royal flagpole and a small lighthouse. A short staircase leads up, and the top gives a wide view over the river, the drawbridge and the old town. Entry is a token fee of about one ringgit, and the hill opens daily from nine to five. At its foot stands Istana Maziah, the Sultan of Terengganu's official palace, built in the 1890s and used for royal ceremonies; it is not open to visitors but can be seen and photographed from outside. The visit is short, best in the morning or late afternoon, as the top is exposed to the sun. The central market, the traditional crafts bazaar and Chinatown are all around the hill, so make it part of a walk through the old town.
The sultanate's defensive post for centuries.
Rung for warnings and announcements.
The Sultan's official palace below.
City centre, at the mouth of the Terengganu River
No, it is an official palace for royal ceremonies and not open to visitors, but its facade is easy to photograph from outside on your way up the hill.
