Kuala Terengganu Chinatown a.k.a. Teng Lang Po (in Fujian Dialect) is extremely rich in History and Heritage, for more than three centuries ago, The Chinese mainly from Fujian Province, followed by those from Hainan Island, Guangdong Province and other parts of Southern China settled in Kuala Terengganu, mainly dealt in local as well as international trades. The existence of the said settlement is
obvious as it was clearly recorded by Capt. Alexander Hamilton of East India Company during his visit in 1719, he wrote “Trangano, has about one thousand houses built in irregular shapes, half the people are Chinese, mainly export pepper and gold ….…”. Soon The Chinese immigrants assimilated into The Malay Culture and Tradition, spoke the Malay dialect and even read and wrote The Old Malay language, The Jawi (The Low Tieys, official interpreters of The Sultan/Chinese Community then, wrote and read Jawi, Low Tieys also acted as Magistrates) whereas The Kapitans were the Head Of The Community. The Terengganu Peranakan Chinese (the descendants born locally) practice and enjoy the lifestyles of The local Malays while respecting them, maintained their own Customs, Traditions And Religious believes and still speak The Fujian dialect unlike their comrades whom migrated and lived in The Strait Settlements where they called themselves The Baba-Nyonya mostly speak The Nyonya Malay language and very few words of Fujian. The Malays on the other hand, have been living with The Chinese Community harmoniously with a small population of Indians and Arabs in the main Chinatown street as well as within a few Villages in the vicinity for centuries. There are so much to see in Kuala Terengganu Chinatown, meet our friendly Mek Kebaya , the female Peranakan Chinese that existed for generations in Chinatown prominently wearing The Beautiful Kebaya blouse & Sarong attire known as “Kebaya Potong Kot & The Batik Sarong” once an exclusive and preferred attire in the early 20th century worn by Meks/Mok Meks with expensive accessories like Gold/Silver Kerongsang, Pening (decorated with gems) & Cucuk Sanggol in official functions and occasion of status, The Awang (Males) wearing their traditional costumes, batiks and westernized suites. Taste our delicious Peranakan local cuisine, over a hundred original recipes and unique blend with the local Malays with cooking demo & classes, witness simple yet traditional games played by The Peranakan, admire the unique mixed architecture and finishes of our centuries old buildings, the practice of matri-local marriage (where husband move in with the wife’s family), enjoy listening and speaking in heavy local Malay accent by The Mok Meks (elderly females) that will greet you by saying “Guane Gamok?” meaning “How Are You?” and many more. Visit among others, three old Taoist Temples, Old Wells, Seven beautified Themed Alley, Morning & Night Markets, the many Food & Beverage Outlets, entertainment outlets or simply experience the traditional lifestyles, KT Chinatown is also dubbed The Living History.
