Jeti Shahbandar - gateway to city's exotic islands

The Taman/Garden Shahbandar also has its own jetty. The jetty is the gateway to the nearest exotic islands such as Kapas Island, Gemia Island, Bidong Island and Redang Island.

From this jetty visitors or tourists will board the vessels or ferries to their own destination or the islands. Some of the resorts management from those islands will provide the ferries, vessels or speed boats to their guests and the jetty is the popular take off and arrival for them.

the parking lots

There are a parking bay just beside the jetty provided for the visitors to park their cars or buses whilst they are visiting the islands. Some parking fees will be charged on the exit depending on how long the parking is consumed.

There are some places where you can sit and relax just beside the river bank and facing the estuary. During the weekend, this place is crowded too.

I have been here many times already and I am brave enough to convince people to visit this place in the evening...not necessarily in weekends, normal day will be perfect too. Bring your children here. Let them enjoy the space and the pace freely. But, be sure not to let them getting close to the river bank...just to avoid any tragedy and/or regrets.

Taman Shahbandar - the big trees park

Dataran Shahbandar, Kuala Terengganu

After finishing my survey at Dataran Maziah, I walked across the road to Taman/Dataran Shahbandar. Taman Maziah and Taman/Dataran Shahbandar were the places where you can walk under the shade of big trees. Trees over hundred years age are still living strongly here.

The trees are high and have many branches, fresh leaves and flowers too. 

Walking underneath the trees in the gardens made me felt fresh and relax.

a building like a boat hosting a small shop attached to it

a T'Shoppe  store attached to the boat structure selling refreshments and groceries

hawkers stall selling refreshments

 big trees are everywhere

I think it is a perfect place to rest or sight seeing with family or love one.

Taman Dataran Maziah

Taman Maziah, Kuala Terengganu

For citizen of Kuala Terengganu, Taman Dataran Maziah is not much different from other places of interest of the city. Is it because of the place is not attractive or not good or maybe, the existence of the garden itself is not really needed by the public?

 

I have had passed by the garden many times before but I did not feel to drop by. Yesterday I have to send Kakmie to the Post Office which is located nearby the Maziah Garden. After parked my car beside the road, I walked to the Garden. 

the Post Office is in the background

It was a warm shiny noon and the sun was well above my head. I could feel the heat. I rushed to the shadow of one big teak tree. I could feel the strong warm wind coming from the estuary of Terengganu river which was just 400 meters from the Garden.

I walked over the remaining part of the Garden. There were stone benches and chairs under the shadow where visitors can rest and relax. 

a view of the Garden with the historic Bukit Puteri in the background

I tried to catch some view there with my hand phone, but the Garden keeper was there, scowled and turn his face when I click my phone. I knew he was angry to me because I have captured his photograph  for relaxing and enjoying his sweet time whilst he was still on duty. Moreover,  the seat  is supposed to be sat by a visitor like me...not him. His job is to clean and sweep the old leaves dropping almost every minute from the big threes there. With due respect thereto, I have opted no to produce the picture of his sour face here.

 

I spent about one hour walking and sitting in the Garden. I noticed that the flow of visitors there were very poor...just 5 persons (inclusive of  the Garden keeper and me)  in an hour. I did not know why. Perhaps that area is not a crowded portion of the city or perhaps the place is not attractive enough.

But, in my opinion the Garden is beautiful. Maybe its location is so near to the other garden called Taman and Dataran Shahbandar and not far away from the city's Central Payang Market. Just maybe. 

a view of the historic Istana (palace) Maziah taken from the Maziah Garden

Somehow or rather, the Garden is suitable for recreational activities and relaxing in the evening. Fresh air from the open South China Sea will make you feel healthier and happier.

It is a location I recommend you to visit...perhaps just for few minutes only.