Pulau Duyung Promoted as Maritime Heritage Destination

Pulau Duyung is set to be elevated as a maritime heritage destination, with a strong focus on its traditional boat-building legacy. This strategic development aims to bolster tourism by creating educational products and interactive experiences, reinforcing the island's status as a key maritime heritage site in Terengganu.

The initiative aligns with the state's tourism strategy, which prioritizes clusters related to arts, culture, and heritage, particularly within the Kuala Terengganu city center. The traditional boat-building industry in Pulau Duyung is recognized not only for its historical and cultural significance but also for its high level of craftsmanship, presenting a significant potential for preservation and development as a tourist attraction.

To realize this vision, plans include establishing Pulau Duyung as a center for traditional boat construction, strengthening its identity as Terengganu's hub for wooden boat making. The development will feature workshops, demonstrations, and interactive sessions where visitors can witness the boat-building process, the creation of wooden boat replicas, wood carving techniques, and traditional carpentry skills, all guided by local boat builders.

The state government also intends to introduce educational tour packages. These packages will offer students, higher education institutions, researchers, and tourists direct opportunities to learn about the history, technology, and construction methods of traditional boats from experienced craftsmen. Furthermore, the traditional boat-building heritage of Pulau Duyung will be prominently featured in the "Visit Truly Terengganu 2027" campaign as one of the state's iconic tourism products, alongside other attractions in the Kuala Terengganu area. The involvement of the local community and boat builders will be enhanced through the provision of tour packages, handicraft sales, souvenirs, and cultural activities.