TERENGGANU : SETIU

HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

22 JUNE 2024 

SETIU, TERENGGANU

Setiu is one of the district in Terengganu, bordered by Besut to the north, Hulu Terengganu to the south and Kuala Nerus on the east. 

The name Setiu is believed to have taken from Tok Setiu, a Bugis Commander who escaped the Dutch conquest of the Indonesian archipelago in the 19th century and migrated to Terengganu. 

The first time I went to Setiu was in 2015 when I attended the Health Screening program at University College Bestari in Setiu on February 15, 2015 and so on in 2017 and 2018. 

The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Setiu is 482 km and takes 5 hours 10 minutes to travel.

Among the health screening programs in which I am involved in Setiu are:

1. 15 February 2015 - University College Bestari, Setiu

2. 18 July 2017 - University College Bestari, Setiu

3. 1 April 2018 - University College Bestari, Setiu

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BESTARI

SETIU, TERENGGANU

15 FEBRUARY 2015

After completing the Health Screening Program at the Tiong Hua Assembly Hall in Kuala Terengganu on 14 February 2015, we continued our journey to Setiu Terengganu for the next program at University College Bestari, Setiu, Terengganu.

The journey from Kuala Terengganu to Setiu is 54 km and takes 1 hour 9 minutes.

We stayed at Pandan Laut Beach Resort located on Pantai Rhu Sepuluh Setiu, Terengganu. It is perfect for families to relax on holidays.

Pandan Laut Beach Resort Kampung Penarik includes 25 rooms and is a 5-minute drive from Pantai Rhu Sepuluh Public Beach. This resort comes with Wi-Fi in public areas.

The property is situated about 5 minutes' walk from a sandy beach. The 2-star hotel also gives access to Jalan Penarik, which is 4.5 km away. For those travelling from afar, Sultan Mahmud airport is 36 minutes' drive away.

Pantai Penarik or Pantai Rhu Sepuluh located on the coastal route from Kota Bharu to Kuala Terengganu. For seeing islands like Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Redang, and Pulau Kapas, Pantai Penarik is the ideal location.

A worthy quick stop for a stroll of an evening breeze, photo taking session or snacks in one of the seafood restaurants by the beach. Recommended for watching sunset.

University College Bestari is a Private Higher Learning Institution (IPTS). It is the first University College which strive to uphold the unprivileged Malay kids, PPRT (Program Pembangunan Rakyat Miskin) and all orphans throughout Malaysia that are capable in academic to get a chance to further their studies to a higher level. 

A total of 106 college students attended the health screening tests throughout the program.

On our way back to Kuala Lumpur, we stopped at Kg. Losong in Kuala Terengganu which is famous for its Keropok Lekor. The location of this village, which is close to Kuala Terengganu City, the Islamic Civilization Park and the Terengganu State Museum, has made Kampung Losong Keropok Lekor increasingly well-known among locals and tourists from abroad.

Keropok Lekor is a famous traditional Malaysian fish sausage snack that originated from the state of Terengganu. Made from minced or pounded fish, sago flour, salt and sugar. 

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BESTARI

SETIU, TERENGGANU

18 JULY 2017

This was the second time we have conducted the Health Screening test at UCB. The first time was in 2015.

A total of 119 college students attended the health screening tests throughout the day of the program.

Just like in 2015, we stayed at Pandan Laut Beach Resort during this program in Setiu.

Back from the health program, before returning to the resort, we will stop for lunch at Pantai Setiu which is famous for its Udang Celup tepung and Maggi Telor Sotong.

Udang Celup Tepung, shrimp or prawn are often prepared by frying, especially deep frying. 

Squid eggs mixed in Maggi Curry are delicious, you can try them if you've never tried them before.

Explore the beauty of Pantai Penarik in Setiu, Terenggani, known for its delicious celup tepung dishes, discover the hidden gem. 

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BESTARI

SETIU, TERENGGANU

1 APRIL 2018

Together with the Awareness team from the Malaysian Heart Foundation, we departed from our office in Kuala Lumpur on 31 March 2018 heading to Setiu, Terengganu for a Health program at University College Bestari, Setiu.

The distance from Kuala Lumpur to Setiu via the East Coast Highway (LPT) is approximately 492 km and takes more than 5 hours.

On the way, we had to exit at Kuala Telemung to fill up with fuel because the nearest R&R was quite far away.

Kampung Kuala Telemong is a district in Kuala Terengganu. Here is a tomb known as the Makam Pahlawan Padang Kachung (warriors tomb), also known as the "Twelve Graves", where 12 Malay fighters died fighting against the British colonialists.

Makam Pahlawan Padang Kachung

We arrived in Setiu at around 5pm and stayed at Peladang Setiu Agro Resort located in Guntong, Setiu. You can refer to the website to find out about the facilities available at this Resort.

Peladang Setiu Agro Resort is a perfect destination for those who try to get break free away from the hustle and bustle of city lives. It is located 89 km from Kuala Terengganu and 13 km from Bandar Permaisuri. Situated next to Hutan Simpan Gunung Tebu is appropriate for nature lovers. 

Personally for me, this resort suit for the family day, with room surrounded by a lake with big fishes inside the lake. 

On 1 April 2018, we set off for University College Bestari located in Putera Jaya, Permaisuri, Setiu. The distance from Peladang Setiu Agro Resort is approximately 20.5 km and only takes 24 minutes. University College Bestari (UC Bestari) is one of the first Private Higher Education Institutions (IPTS) that strives to empower poor Malay children, PPRT (Program Pembangunan Rakyat Miskin) groups, and orphans throughout Malaysia who are capable in academics to get the opportunity to continue their studies to a higher level. 

Therefore, the establishment of UC Bestari is not motivated solely by profit (non-profit making institution) but more towards welfare. UC Bestari also realizes the development of knowledge in the mainstream so that this educational opportunity can also be felt by rural communities and orphans throughout the country. Established in 1998, the college was initially located in Kampung Saujana, Permaisuri, Setiu, until it moved to its current campus in 2004. UC Bestari was upgraded to university status on 1 August 2012.

The Health Checkup Program runs from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. However, we managed to stop for breakfast before going to UCB Setiu at a warong near the Permaisuri Health Clinic.

The University College Bestari is around 20 km from the Peladang Agro Setiu Resort and it takes only 22 minutes drive. 

After finishing the program at approximately 2.00 pm, we continued our journey to Kuala Terengganu for the next program at MSU College Kuala Terengganu.

Setiu may not be as popular as other cities in Malaysia, but don't let that fool you. Setiu is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourists destination that is worth a visit.Take a break and relax at Setiu, you might wish to visit it someday again.

For me, what I like the most in Setiu is the delicious and cheap food, the calm and peaceful beach atmosphere is perfect for relaxing in the evening with the family.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

22 June 2024 > 16 Zulhijjah 1445H: 7.47 p.m