Gem Island Resort & Spa

Top choice in Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast

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Located on Pulau Gemia, 800m north of Pulau Kapas, this resort offers breezy bungalows set right over the edge of a reef – watch schools of fish and black-tipped reef sharks cruise by from your balcony. There are a couple of small private beaches, but note the coral starts a few steps from the beach; much better for snorkelling than swimming.

The spa offers the usual pampering services, and all-inclusive package deals are available. The restaurant captures the sea breeze and the quality of the food matches the magical views.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Kompleks Muzium Negeri Terengganu

    Kompleks Muzium Negeri Terengganu

    12.48 MILES

    Located around 6km west of the city centre, the traditional houses that front the museum's spacious grounds are worth the price of admission. Exhibits…

  • Pulau Duyung

    Pulau Duyung

    11.73 MILES

    This is the largest island in the estuary. It is changing fast, with modern housing estates being built on reclaimed land, but there is still a sizeable…

  • Taman Tamadu Islam

    Taman Tamadu Islam

    11.78 MILES

    Touted as the world’s first ‘Islamic civilisation park’. Taman Tamadu Islam is divided into two zones. Zone A is free to the public and houses the Crystal…

  • Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah

    Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah

    7.26 MILES

    The most famous religious structure in the state is the Floating Mosque, located 4.5km southeast of Kuala Terengganu. It’s not really floating, just set…

  • Ho Ann Kiong

    Ho Ann Kiong

    11.3 MILES

    One of Chinatown's most attractive buildings, this compact and colourful riot of red and gold architecture and decor dates back to 1796. It was…

  • Istana Maziah

    Istana Maziah

    11.19 MILES

    On the eastern flank of the hill near the Central Market is the sultan’s palace. It’s built in colonial-era style, but renovations have given the…

  • Central Market

    Central Market

    11.29 MILES

    The Central Market is a lively place to sample tasty local snacks, sniff a durian and purchase other fresh fruit and fish. Browse a wide collection of…

  • Crystal Mosque

    Crystal Mosque

    11.57 MILES

    Domes and minarets made up of facets of bronze-tinted, smokey glass and reflecting each other provide for a striking riverside apparition. Built in 2006,…

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Nearby Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast attractions

1. Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah

7.26 MILES

The most famous religious structure in the state is the Floating Mosque, located 4.5km southeast of Kuala Terengganu. It’s not really floating, just set…

2. Cultural Centre Stage

9.66 MILES

Across the road from Pantai Batu Buruk, the main beach, is the Cultural Centre Stage; check with the Tourist Information Office to see if any shows are…

3. Pantai Batu Buruk

10 MILES

This city beach is popular with families; children will enjoy flying kites here. However, it’s not the best beach in Malaysia given the strong winds and…

4. Zainal Abidin Mosque

11.11 MILES

The gleaming Zainal Abidin mosque dominates the city centre. The interior is relatively austere, but enlivened by sunlight streaming through nine domes…

5. Istana Maziah

11.19 MILES

On the eastern flank of the hill near the Central Market is the sultan’s palace. It’s built in colonial-era style, but renovations have given the…

6. Bukit Puteri

11.22 MILES

Across the road from the Central Market, look for an escalator and steep flight of steps leading up to Bukit Puteri, a 200m-high hill with good views of…

7. Sultan Mahmud Bridge

11.27 MILES

This landmark bridge was under construction at the time of research. It's due to be completed in 2019.

8. Turtle Alley

11.29 MILES

This Chinatown alleyway is covered with attractive mosaics and metal plaques about Kuala Terengganu's endangered turtles.