Project By:
CoRal Malaysia

For:
TERENGGANU STATE GOVERNMENT

With Cooperation From:
University Malaysia Terengganu

FIRST PHASE: Mini Terengganu (2005 – 2006)

1.0 Introduction

CoRal Malaysia successfully pioneered the setting up a Malaysian Underwater Gallery, at Bidong Island, Terengganu. The project was officiated by Dato Mohamed Awang Tera, Exco for Industrial Development and Tourism for State of Terengganu on 17th of June, 2007.

This project was realized after two years of planning and brainstorming with various parties including State government of Terengganu and other agencies.

CoRal Malaysia proposed this unique project as a result of a rise of new developments in the world of scuba diving - artificial reefs of various shapes, and practice of dumping all sorts of ‘junks’ into the ocean.

Our association hopes that we have proven our sincere efforts to create another tourism product for State of Terenganu in particular, and for Malaysia as a whole.

What is certain, this is the first Underwater Gallery for Malaysia and Asia. If given chance for more structured development, it can become product of world standard.

2.0 Malaysian Underwater Gallery – Mini Terenganu Chronology

a) September, 2005 – first brainstorming session with Dato’ Mohamed Awang Tera, UPEN, and officers from Marine Park, Fisheries Department and Tumec
b) March, 2006 – Mapping and defining the landscape for the Underwater Gallery
c) May, 2006 – Ocean Clean Up for Bidong in conjunction with Earth Day
d) July 2006 – List of replicas were sent to Terengganu State Museum, six were chosen
e) September, 2006 – Contractor started to build the replicas
f) 18 – 20 November, 2006 – Six replicas lowered in the Vietnam Bay
g) March, 2007 – First check after the monsoon season
h) 15 – 17 Jun, 2007 – Official Opening of the Underwater Gallery by Dato’ Mohamed Awang Tera

3.0 Mini Terengganu (2005 – 2006)

3.1 Gerbang Negeri Terengganu
3.2 Perahu Payang
3.3 Batu Bersurat
3.4 Tepak Sirih
3.5 Tengkolok
3.6 Keris