Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival

Festival Mencandat Sotong Antarabangsa Terengganu

View on map
Food & DrinkKuala Terengganu/coastal districts
DatesDates TBA · Usually SpringCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forRegional food & drinkTurning traditional squid jigging, a
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: MYR
CategoryFood & DrinkFestival type
The story

Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival in Kuala Terengganu/coastal districts

The Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival introduces visitors to candat sotong, traditional night squid fishing, along Terengganu's coast between April and June each year, with earlier editions in Kuala Terengganu drawing international media from more than 20 countries. Participants head out after dark on boats equipped with bright lights to attract squid to the surface, using a reel with nylon line and an upward-pronged lure, creating a spectacle of illuminated boats resembling a floating city at sea.

Terengganu's coastline on Malaysia's east peninsula has long depended on traditional fishing techniques adapted to the specific behavior of local marine life, and candat sotong, or squid jigging, is among the most visually striking of these practices.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Turning traditional squid jigging, a long-practiced local fishing technique, into a structured tourist activity gives visitors direct hands-on participation in a real Terengganu fishing tradition rather than a staged cultural performance

02

The mystery stays covered

The visual spectacle of dozens of illuminated boats gathered offshore after dark, drawing squid to the surface with light, is genuinely distinctive among Malaysia's coastal festivals, described by participants as resembling a floating city at sea

03

The city starts moving

The festival's original run drew significant international media attention from over 20 countries, reflecting deliberate positioning by Terengganu tourism authorities to use the activity as a marketing tool for the state's wider marine and island tourism offerings

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Candat sotong

Water and renewal

Living ritual

or squid jigging

The sacred route

Living ritual

is a traditional Malay fishing technique long practiced along Terengganu's coast

The local code

Living ritual

using light to attract squid to the surface at night

Tradition 5

Living ritual

the festival formalizes this local fishing knowledge into a visitor-accessible experience while continuing to support the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities in the state

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually Spring

Getting around

For Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival, plan transport around the exact Kuala Terengganu/coastal districts venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Practical boating attire including a windbreaker or light jacket for cooler evening sea air, closed-toe non-slip shoes for boat decks, and a change of clothes in case of splashes or spray.

Safety

Use normal food-market caution, hydrate, and leave time between crowded stalls.

Where to stay

For Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival, stay near the part of Kuala Terengganu/coastal districts you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Entry may be free while tastings, meals, or special tables are paid locally.

Language/currency

MYR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map3.14 N, 101.69 EOpen in Google Maps

Kuala Terengganu/coastal districts, Terengganu, Malaysia

Nearest airportTGG — Sultan Mahmud
TransportFor Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival, plan transport around the exact Kuala Terengganu/coastal districts venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name...
Stay areaFor Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival, stay near the part of Kuala Terengganu/coastal districts you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Kuala Terengganu/coastal districts via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Kuala Terengganu/coastal districts, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearPractical boating attire including a windbreaker or light jacket for cooler evening sea air, closed-toe non-slip shoes for boat decks, and a change of clothes in case of splashes or spray.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Malaysia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival?

Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival is listed for Multiple months · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Kuala Terengganu/coastal districts, Malaysia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Kuala Terengganu/coastal districts, Terengganu, Malaysia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLterengganu.gov.my
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually Spring
Source statusOfficial source linked
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