18/05/2026

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Pulau Tenggol draws divers with pristine marine beauty

Young generation in George Town keeps trishaws rolling

DUNGUN: Pulau Tenggol in Terengganu continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Malaysia’s premier scuba diving destinations, thanks to its well-preserved coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity that attract both local and international divers. The 232ha island is widely regarded as a “diving paradise” for its crystal-clear waters, pristine marine ecosystem and abundance of exotic marine life rarely found elsewhere. Experienced diver Mohammad Johan Arman, 29, described Pulau Tenggol as a destination offering exceptional underwater visibility and stunning coral reef formations comparable to internationally renowned diving sites. “Most coral reef areas around Pulau Tenggol remain healthy and highly attractive for exploration. Every dive here offers a different experience because the seabed constantly presents new sights for divers. “The clear waters and diverse marine life give Pulau Tenggol its own unique charm. Many divers dream of visiting Pulau Tenggol because of its uniqueness and the beauty of its well-preserved coral reefs, which are difficult to find elsewhere,” he said when met on the island recently. Meanwhile, Ardila Mohd, 38, from Kuala Lumpur, said the island’s appeal lies in the variety of coral reefs throughout its waters, offering visitors an unforgettable diving experience. She said the well-preserved marine ecosystem has made Pulau Tenggol a preferred destination, especially among experienced divers seeking to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world in a peaceful natural setting. “Apart from its beautiful coral reefs, visitors also have the opportunity to see marine species such as batfish, turtles and clownfish, which are among the island’s main attractions,” she said. Terengganu Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said Pulau Tenggol not only holds strong tourism value, but also plays an important role in strengthening nature-based ecotourism in the state. He said diving spots such as Coral Garden and Amazing Graze remain popular among divers because of their underwater landscapes. “The state government remains committed to ensuring Pulau Tenggol continues to be preserved as a valuable marine treasure. At the same time, we want the tourism industry here to provide sustainable benefits to the local community,” he said. – Bernama

Ű BY T.C. KHOR AND MASRY CHE ANI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o New riders rejuvenating one of Penang’s oldest attractions, ferrying visitors around while also serving as informal tour guides

during school holidays and festive seasons. That is why I plan to open another branch in Pasir Puteh to make it easier for regular customers from Terengganu to get their flower and herb supplies,” she said. For regular customer Wan Suzilawati Wan Yusof, 52, flower baths are more than just a traditional practice, and have become part of her self-care routine. “Every month I spend more than RM100 on flowers because I buy them in large quantities for several weeks. Flower baths make the body feel fresh and help enhance natural radiance,” she said. tour guides by sharing stories and snippets of George Town’s history. “Sometimes, we explain what we know about the buildings and the history of the place.” Amiruddin said riders usually cover between one and two kilometres, depending on customer requests. While the tropical heat remains manageable, rainy weather often affects business. “The heat can still be managed, but when it rains, it becomes difficult to get customers,” he said, adding that traffic has generally not been a major issue as motorists tend to give way to trishaws. He said riders could earn between RM2,000 and RM3,000 a month, or more during peak tourist seasons. “This is one of our national heritage attractions and it helps attract tourists,” he said. George Town’s trishaw riders currently receive a RM200 monthly allowance from the Penang government, an initiative introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic and continued as part of efforts to preserve the living heritage. George Town World Heritage Incorporated has also previously assisted registered riders through repair and refurbishment programmes aimed at maintaining traditional trishaws for tourism purposes. The trade is regulated under a licensing system overseen by Penang Island City Council, while rider associations have periodically appealed for stronger financial assistance and subsidies, particularly during difficult economic periods. Amiruddin hopes the state government will continue supporting trishaw riders through incentives, tourism-related training and licensing opportunities to help improve services for foreign visitors. Although uncertain whether he would remain in the trade long term, he believes trishaws will continue to endure as part of George Town’s cultural identity. “As long as tourists keep coming, I think the trishaws will still be here,” he said.

GEORGE TOWN: Once seen as a fading symbol of the past, George Town’s iconic trishaw trade is experiencing an unexpected revival as a younger generation of riders breathes new life into one of Penang’s oldest tourist attractions. Long associated with ageing operators struggling to sustain the trade, the sight of young riders weaving through the Unesco World Heritage Site is now drawing attention from both tourists and locals. Among them is Amiruddin Alif, in his 30s, who followed in his uncle’s footsteps and has spent the past four years ferrying visitors around Armenian Street and George Town’s heritage enclave. He said about 20 young riders now operate around Armenian Street alone, while the total number

photographed landmarks since its introduction during the George Town Festival in 2012. Tourists also frequently request visits to the many murals and wrought-iron caricature artworks scattered throughout the heritage zone. Trishaw rides typically cost between RM50 and RM80 for journeys lasting between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the route, while shorter rides within the heritage area are usually priced at about RM30. “Customers definitely bargain over prices,” Amiruddin said. Beyond ferrying tourists, he said many riders also serve as informal

of trishaw riders across George Town is estimated at between 50 and 60. “If there are only one or two customers, we move on our own. But if there are many tourists, we usually move in groups,” he said. “One of the important things is that the work is halal and we can manage our own time.” Amiruddin said most of his customers are foreign tourists from China, Japan, Korea, India, the US, Europe and Arab countries, many of whom are eager to explore George Town’s murals and heritage streets. Among the most requested attractions is Ernest Zacharevic’s “Children on a Bicycle” mural, which has become one of the city’s most

Amiruddin said about 20 young riders now operate around Armenian Street alone, while the total number of trishaw riders across George Town is estimated at between 50 and 60. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Flower bath tradition continues to bloom in Kelantan KOTA BHARU: Despite the growing popularity of modern spa therapies and technology-driven beauty small scale to various communities, including the Chinese and Siamese, for traditional and religious rituals. grow steadily over the past two decades despite the increasing availability of modern products. customers unfamiliar with suitable flower combinations for baths.

She also advised customers not to smell the flowers immediately after purchase to help preserve their natural fragrance and nutrients. Another vendor, Mazura Mat Jusoh, 55, said she has been running her flower and herb business at the market for the past 19 years and enjoys steady demand. She said her customers include locals, tourists and uniformed personnel, who often buy flowers in bulk after completing training programmes. “Demand increases especially

“For the Kelantan community, Pasar Siti Khadijah is well known as a place to get flowers and herbs for various uses. Customers now come not only from Kelantan but also from other states and even Singapore. “In the past, flowers were mostly used for customs and rituals. But today, more people buy them for health care, beauty and body rejuvenation.” Kak Zah said most of the flowers are sourced from nearby villagers and sold in mixed sets to make it easier for

“When my mother became more widely known as a flower seller, she began trading at Pasar Siti Khadijah before passing the business down to me, and I have continued it until today,” she told Bernama recently. According to Kak Zah, flowers such as kenanga, cempaka, melur, kesidang, tanjung , roses and bunga Cina remain popular due to their natural fragrance and suitability for traditional flower baths. She said demand for traditional flowers and herbs has continued to

products, the traditional practice of flower baths continues to thrive at Pasar Siti Khadijah, where generations old knowledge of flowers and herbs is still being practised. Among those keeping the tradition alive is flower and herb vendor Azizah Mohd Nor, 67, better known as Kak Zah, who has spent more than four decades continuing her family’s legacy at the iconic market. She said the business was inherited from her late mother, who once sold flowers door to door on a