Bukit Kluang, Besut, Terengganu – A Coastal Escape During the October 2020 MCO Break
- Sasteria
- Mar 31, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 10
Location: Bukit Kluang, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia.
In October 2020, during a rare break in Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO), I finally got the chance to leave the four walls of home and trade them for open sky, salty air, and the rugged beauty of Bukit Kluang in Besut, Terengganu.
The trip wasn’t just another weekend outing — it was a breath of long-awaited freedom, a journey that stitched together sandy shores, hidden sea caves, cliff-hugging boardwalks, and panoramic hilltop views.
About Bukit Kluang
Bukit Kluang is a striking limestone hill that rises sharply from the Terengganu coastline. The name “Kluang” refers to bats in Malay, likely a nod to the caves found along its base where these nocturnal creatures once roosted.
Located about 140 km north of Kuala Terengganu, it’s a local favourite for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking a mix of beachfront relaxation and hill-climbing adventure.
Its main draws include:
Sea caves carved by centuries of wave action.
A wooden boardwalk hugging the cliff face.
A short but rewarding hike to the summit.
Pristine views of the South China Sea and offshore islands.
Early Morning at the Southern Tip
I began my October morning at the southern tip of Bukit Kluang, where the river meets the sea. The sun was just breaking over the horizon, washing the shore in soft gold.
The air was crisp, the tide was low, and the reddish veins of rock glowed against the sand.
After months of restricted travel, simply standing on that quiet stretch — listening to the rhythmic hush of waves — felt like a luxury.
Walking the Coastline to the Sea Caves
From the river mouth, I followed the beach northward. The sand alternated between firm and soft, until cliffs began to rise above me.
Soon, the first cave appeared: a dark opening framed by tangled tree roots and weathered stone.
Inside, the air was cool and slightly damp. Sunlight poured in from the cave mouth, painting silver patterns on the sand. In another chamber, I had to crouch low to enter, finding a small echo chamber where the sound of the waves deepened.
Safety note: At one point, near the northern end, I encountered extremely soft sand, almost like quicksand. With the tide rising, I decided not to push further — a reminder that here, the sea decides the boundaries.
The Hidden Northern Beach – Through a Narrow Cliff Entrance
At the far northern side of Bukit Kluang, the coastline guards a secret — a secluded stretch of sand tucked behind the cliff. The only way in is through a narrow, cliff-hugging passage where land and sea almost meet.
The approach feels like stepping into an adventure film. On one side, the rock wall rises sharply; on the other, waves press against the shore, sometimes licking the path at high tide. The ground here can be uneven and damp, demanding careful footing.
As I edged through, the sound of the open sea softened, replaced by the gentle hush of the hidden cove ahead. Then, suddenly, the space widened — the cliff opened to reveal a small, untouched beach where the sand was fine, the water clear, and the sense of seclusion complete.
It’s a spot you could easily miss if you didn’t know it was there, and that’s part of its charm. The 360° video from this moment captures it perfectly — the curve of the cliff, the shimmer of the tide, and the quiet invitation to linger in one of Bukit Kluang’s best-kept secrets.
Secret Beaches and Coves Beyond the Passage
Once inside, the landscape changes again. The hidden beaches and rocky coves beyond this narrow entry feel like an entirely different world from the busy main beach.
The sand is soft and pale, untouched by heavy footsteps. One cove curves gently, its shoreline kissed by turquoise shallows that sparkle under the sun. Another hides behind jagged limestone outcrops, where small tidal pools mirror the sky.
From the 360° vantage points I captured, you can stand virtually in the middle of this secluded space and see it all — the sheer cliff behind that hides it from view, the open horizon stretching ahead, and the intricate rock formations framing the water.
The air here feels still, the waves quieter, as if the cove keeps its own slower rhythm. It’s the perfect place to sit, breathe, and let time drift with the tide. For me, during the MCO break of October 2020, this was the trip’s most serene moment — a reward that came only after stepping through a narrow, steep path and trusting the adventure.
The Hike – Trailhead 2 to the Summit
With the coastline explored, it was time to head up. I took Trailhead 2, known for being the gentler and more popular route.
The climb began under a shaded canopy, with a wooden pavilion offering a short rest. The trail soon steepened, introducing rope-assisted sections that required a firm grip and steady footing.
Gradually, the trees thinned, and glimpses of turquoise water appeared far below — a preview of the summit to come.
Summit Views – 360° of Terengganu Beauty
At the top, the world unfolded in all directions.
To the north, pale ribbons of sandy beaches curved away into the distance. To the south, limestone cliffs jutted into the sea, marking the path I had taken earlier. Offshore, small islands floated like emeralds in a sapphire expanse.
The wind was warm, the light was perfect, and the view felt like a personal reward — a moment of stillness in a year that had been anything but.
The Descent via Main Trail – Route 1
After soaking in the summit views, I began my descent via Route 1, the main trail leading directly down to the road.
The first stretch cut through a mix of open ridge and shaded forest. The path was steeper than the back route I had taken up, with a few uneven steps where I needed to watch my footing. Sunlight filtered through the trees, creating shifting patches of light on the ground.
Before long, the forest opened to reveal the concrete staircase — a long, steady set of steps built into the slope. Each step carried me closer to the sound of distant traffic and the smell of the sea carried up from the coast.
At the bottom, the trail met the roadside, just a short walk from parking and food stalls. It was a satisfying finish: from cliffside panoramas to a grounded return, the descent via Route 1 felt like closing the final page of a well-told adventure.
Reflections on an October Escape
This trip was more than just a hike. In the midst of a pandemic year, it was a chance to feel the rhythm of the tide, to step into secret coves, to stand high above the sea, and to breathe deep without a mask between me and the wind.
Bukit Kluang offered me not just scenery, but a return to motion — a reminder that the world beyond my doorstep was still there, waiting.
Tips for Visiting Bukit Kluang
Best Time to Go: Early morning for sunrise and cooler weather; low tide for cave exploration.
Trail Choice: Trailhead 2 is best for beginners; Trailhead 1 is steeper; a ridge route offers more solitude.
Safety: Watch for soft, unstable sand; avoid cave and cliff entrances at high tide.
Gear: Good hiking shoes, water, sun protection, and a camera (360° if you have one!).
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