Chukai

Chukai

Chukai

Town in Terengganu, Malaysia

Chukai (Terengganu Malay: Chuka), also known by the name of Kemaman Town (Malay: Bandar Kemaman, Terengganu Malay: Bando Mamang) is a mukim and capital of Kemaman District, Terengganu, Malaysia.

Quick Facts Chuka, Other transcription(s) ...
Kemaman Municipal Council building

The name "Chukai" (proper spelling of the Malay word: cukai) means 'taxes' in Malay. The town is so named due to its position near the estuary of the Kemaman River, whereby taxes and levies were imposed on riverine traffic, especially during the British colonial period. Chukai is the biggest town in southern Terengganu, and its position between the state capitals of Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu as well as proximity to the oil town of Kerteh has turned Chukai into a major commercial hub for the region. Nearby Kemaman Port serves both as a fishing port and supply base for oil platforms off the Terengganu coast.

Attractions

The Hai Peng Coffee Shop, located just off the main Kuantan-Kuala Terengganu route and near the town centre is famous for its fine coffees.[2]

Other attractions in the vicinity include:

  • The Ma’ Daerah Turtle Sanctuary Centre (near Kerteh)
  • Firefly watching along Sungai Kak Yah (Kak Yah River) in Kampung Ibok
  • The fishing village of Kuala Kemaman
  • Boating and kayaking along the Chukai River at the Bakau Tinggi Recreational Area[3]

Many beaches are within a short driving distance from Chukai. They remain idyllic, undisturbed by the fast-growing pace of development in Terengganu.

Club Med Cherating Beach is about a 15 minutes drive south away from the town centre, towards Kuantan, Pahang. Another world class resort nearby is the Resorts World Kijal (formerly Awana), about 25 minutes drive north from the town centre, towards Kuala Terengganu, the state capital.

  • The Hai Peng Coffee Shop, a Chukai landmark famous for its coffees and toast.
  • A trishaw parked by the roadside with Chukai town in the background.

References

  1. [1]
    Dept. of Urban and Rural Planning, Terengganu State Government. Rancangan Struktur Negeri Terengganu 2005-2015 (Malay), 2005
  2. [2]
    "Coffee, anyone?". thestar.com.my. 2006-03-26. Retrieved 2007-03-20.
  3. [3]
    Zanina, P. (2006-10-10). "Road less travelled in Terengganu". nst.com.my. Archived from the original on 2007-04-26. Retrieved 2007-03-20.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Kemaman.
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