MY TRAVEL: KEMAMAN, TERENGGANU

BY HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

31/10/2026

Kemaman is a district in Terengganu, Malaysia. It is bordered by Dungun District to the north and the state of Pahang to the south and west. It is the southern gateway to the state of Terengganu. Located 302 km from Kuala Lumpur and takes 4 hours to travel.

Kemaman is one of my favourite spots in the 80s when I was serving in Kuantan, Pahang. Kemaman borders Kuantan, so sometimes my colleagues and I would wander around the town of Kemaman. Kemaman is famous for its delicious Keropok lekor, a traditional Malay fish cracker snack originating from the state of Terengganu in Malaysia.  

It is a traditional fish cracker made primarily from ground fish meat (usually ikan tamban or ikan selayang) mixed with sago flour and salt. The mixture is rolled into long, sausage-like shapes and boiled before being served. 

The photo was taken from my room at Pok Eng Tin Hotel

Yayasan Jantung Malaysia, in collaboration with the Lions Club of Chukai, Kemaman, organised a Heart Disease Awareness Program which took place at SRJK (China) Chukai, Kemaman, on 26 October 2013. The programme, which ran from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, was attended by a total of 111 people nearby.

SRJK (China) Chukai is a Chinese national type school located in Jalan Jakar, Chukai, Terengganu. 

Throughout the programme we stayed at Pok Eng Tin Hotel, located in Taman Chukai Utama, Chukai, Kemaman, Terengganu. It is 2.4 km to SJK (Cina) Chukai.

Staying at the Pok Eng Tin hotel in Chukai, Kemaman, back in October 2013 would have put me right in the heart of Trengganu's local culture. 

The hotel situated at No. 11267, Jalan Kubang Kurus, Taman Chukai Utama, Kemaman, is known as a budget-friendly hotel and is a popular choice for travellers looking for a simple, no-frills stay near the town centre and the industrial hubs like Kerteh. 

LEBUHRAYA PANTAI TIMUR

Lebuhraya Pantai Timur, or East Coast Highway, is an interstate controlled-access highway running parallel to the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The currently operational 433 km segment of the expressway through Karak, Pahang and Kuala Lumpur. 

The LPT begins from the eastern end of Kuala Lumpur - Karak Expressway at Karak, Pahang, then runs through Lanchang, Mentakab, Temerloh, Chenor, Maran, Sri Jaya, Gambang, Kuantan, Jabur, Cheneh, Chukai, Kijal, Kerteh, Paka, Dungun, Bukit Besi, Ajil and Telemong, ending in Kampung Gemuruh near Kuala Nerus in Terengganu. 

Kemaman is a beautiful upcoming tourist attraction that is worth visiting. It may not be as popular as other cities in Malaysia, but don't let that fool you. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at these hidden destinations. 

Hj Zulheimy Bin Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

31 October 2026: 12.46 p.m.