Terrapuri

Land Of Palaces

Heritage is something worth keeping. Some folks actually collect them. The east coast of peninsular Malaysia is rich in heritage and there are some who do more than most to keep these heritage alive. A better term to use is ‘preserve.’ So allow me to rephrase. Some folks do more than most to preserve these heritage. One of these folks is Mr Alex Lee, the owner of Terrapuri Heritage Village; a resort made up of old houses; a heritage from days long past.

Old wooden houses and palaces makes this place special. The reason you see bikes around in this article is because we were on a road trip travel program called Eat, Travel, Ride International 2.0.

Mr Lee collects and restores old (over 100 years old) wooden houses that were once owned by aristocrats, and old palaces. To date he has 29 of them at his resort; Terrapuri Heritage Village in Penarik Beach, Terengganu. What sparked his interest in collecting these old wooden houses and palaces is that he used to live in one of these houses. Perhaps his collection of old houses and palaces reminds him of his youth.

Old houses and palaces restored with original wood that the houses were built with except for those that are not safe to use. The houses are also constructed without nails.

Terrapuri Heritage Village is designed based on a 17th century Terengganu palace with 20 villas, a gallery, and a beach house. Each of them has been given a name based on the area where they were located. An example is Rumah Seberang Takir. Rumah Seberang Takir or Seberang Takir House is a house that was first built in Seberang Takir, a vilage in Terengganu.

One of the doors at Terrapuri Heritage Village.

Terrapuri Heritage Village has something else special. It sits in-between a mangrove river (Setiu Wetland) and the South China Sea. From the beautiful beach one can see Redang Island, Perhentian Island, Bidong Island, etc. The beautiful Penarik Beach is a lovely place to sit back and relax, perhaps under one of its wooden cabanas. The sea is mesmerizing and together with the waves bring along some calmness.

Beautiful Penarik Beach (Pantai Penarik) is where Terrapuri Heritage Village is located.

A few wooden cabanas provides some shade at the Penarik Beach.

Being blessed with such a unique location, Terrapuri Heritage Village is a great place to go to to watch fireflies glittering about at night around the trees at the mangrove river. During the turtle season greenback turtles come up to the beach to lay eggs. Painted terrapins too lay their eggs along the banks of the river. This makes Terrapuri Heritage Village a good place to go to to experience nature.

Other than relaxing at the beach and hanging out with mother nature, there are a few things to do. There is a swimming pool to cool off or have fun at. Kids will certainly have loads of fun at the pool. As for adults there is a traditional spa to relax at and release stress. If you are looking for more adventurous things to do, there’s more. You can also book trips to the islands for snorkeling via speedboat. The boat ride takes about 40 minutes depending on which island one chooses to go to.

One of the old villas at the grounds of Terrapuri Heritage Village. Below it is a dining area.

The main house where registration of guests is done.

furniture from days of old.

A shop that sells souvenirs and other stuffs.

If you are looking for some peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city an should you want to experience some of Terengganu’s heritage, book yourself one of these old villas and immerse yourself in the relaxing atmosphere of Terrapuri Heritage Village in Terengganu. If the intoxicating sea breeze and calm surroundings do not relax you enough, there is always the traditional spa to drain the stress off you.