TERENGGANU IDENTITY: PROPOSED HARBOURSCAPE TOURISM AT KAMPUNG SEBERANG TAKIR, TERENGGANU

Abstract

Waterfront developments have received attention from the Malaysian government for their East Coast Economy Region (ECER). Kuala Terengganu has transformed the urban master plan to be more comprehensive, especially for the Tourism industry. Furthermore, the construction of the new Terengganu Drawbridge has positive and some negative impacts on the village’s surrounding economy and the cultural heritage, especially Kg. Seberang Takir. This landscape development project at Seberang Takir, Terengganu, along the Terengganu estuary near Seberang Takir beach, is a 39 acres site. Kg. Seberang Takir is rich in its cultural heritage, such as Batik and Bot Penambang (boat transport). The site is by water bodies, i.e. Terengganu estuary, facing Kuala Terengganu town. This project aims to create spaces at Kg Seberang Takir in terms of cultural heritage, economy, and environmental aspects that have been affected by the fast development around it. The design concept is ‘Warisan Persisir Air’, literally meaning inherited coastal property by the sea. The design strategies of ‘Harborscape Tourism’ emphasise the three aspects - cultural heritage, economy and environment. The design proposals are Seberang Takir Resort and other tourism facilities such as boardwalk and restaurants. An enhancement imitative of the existing Bot Penambang jetty is made by proposing an art and craft centre for batik, boat craft and accommodating fisheries enhancement activities such as ikan bilis, belacan and keropok production centre. The planting concept on ‘Coastal Tropical Beauty’ is also part of the proposal in designing the Harbour waterfront design in Malaysia