From Pahang to Trengganu.
The (morning) view from Citiview Hotel @ Kuantan looked like this one here.
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On the way down to the coffee house at the hotel, we chanced upon this sign at the lift lobby. It appeared that the Citiview Hotel was not in favour of durian smells either! |
We had breakfast @ the hotel. I notice that, so far in the many times that I have had hotel breakfasts in Malaysia, the common item on the menu would always be Nasi Lemak.
Not my favourite, especially at 7.30 in the morning. But Hubs is the sort who digs in such things. What can I say? Opposite attracts, no?
At one glance, the breakfast spread was very un-appetising. However, as I walked down the food aisle, I noticed there were sunny-side up eggs, bread, sambal tumis, and chicken ham. These were the perfect ingredients for a delicious morning sandwich.
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Apa lagi? I piled on lah. I also added on some chicken porridge. And orange juice. And of course, the essential cuppa. Chomp chomp. Heavan you! |
We checked out of Citiview Hotel and resumed our drivelogue. Our aim was to arrive at Kuala Trengganu by evening.
The drive through the various towns and villages was pretty peaceful and quiet, albeit a bit turbulance with such uneven roads and even man-sized pot holes. Often, we 'sailed' a few inches off the grounds. The landscape did not change dramatically. I spend quite a bit of time looking at road signs and believe me, I am so glad I am a Malay and thus abled to read these signs at one glance. Some were confusing, with arrows pointed to the right first and then as we drove on a few kilometres ahead, it was pointing to the opposite direction.
The drive was also littered with many kampung houses which, honestly to me, looked as if they were going to collapse. Life was a bit quiet, I suppose, because, Saturday there was a work day (their weekends are Thursdays and Fridays). The locals walked around unhurriedly, it being a kampung life, without seemingly having any purpose nor aim in life. Many sat in makeshift stores, often made up of just a table and a few chairs, by the road, selling food items like local kuihs, keropok lekor and the assorted drinks.
Another thing was we never knew if we had really come into another town altogether, as there were no signs to indicate that we were, for example, out of one town and had entered Cherating.
A great thing that Hubs was a walking compass. Really.
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Just ahead from the Citiview Hotel, we stopped by a magnificient-looking mosque, the Sultan Ahmad I Mosque. The construction of this mosque, in 1964, cost a whooping RM37 million. The value is obvious in the impressive architecture and remarkable structural design. |
| As we pulled over, we looked up and saw a very unique metal tree with metal leaves, on which each one was printed God's 99 Glorious Names. Excitedly, we looked and successfully located our eldest son's name, Muhaimin. |
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We resumed our drive and came across something very peculiar. There was this building, out of which, snaked a very long queue. And I meant, very long. Those in queue were dressed very smartly - the men even endured ties under the scorching sun. Most were holding files of some sort.
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Coincidentally, there was a traffic stop and I managed to capture a couple of shots. In the cool comfort of the air-conditioned car, Hubs and I were guessing what the queue was for. Based on the smart attires of the queuers, I would think they were there for a job application. Hubs was saying that they were probably queueing to pay some taxes. I counter-attacked: In neckties? |
The light turned green and we inched forward. To our astonishment, the queue was much longer than what we had thought! It snaked for at least a kilometre!
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Hubs concluded: Orang Singapore selalu complain kalau kena beratur. Suruh dorang datang tengok sini! |
We drove on and when we came to Cherating, we decided to take a look at one of the various water sport centres that dotted the many beaches.
| We also stopped by a campsite where many morning activities were taking place. Groups of young participants, probably in their teens, were hurdled together, listening to lectures or playing a game or two. There was a tremendous spirit of camaraderie even early in the morning. |
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| I walked down to the beach and realized one thing – that the beaches here did not have much grass. They did, yes, but very sporadically and there were definitely more sand than grass. If you look at Singapore beaches and the picnickers, they would usually be lounging on patches of grass – the bushier the better. However, here at Cherating, it was the norm to actually sit on the sand itself! |
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Just beside the beach, there was a resort called Sanctuary Resort which also provided team building packages. We parked just outside the resort and went inside, just to take a look. Unfortunately, there were no indoor activities planned at that time.
We went out to the car. Hubs first slide in the driver's seat and when my bum hit the passenger's seat, I heard him said, with panic lacing his words: ALAMAK! Kereta tak boleh start.
Gulp.
We looked at each other. Hubs tried once again to turn the key in the ignition lock. No cough from the Matrix. Not even a whimper. Just dead silence.
Gulp.
In my mind, I was already seeing myself calling my mechanic-brother in Singapore for some tips, or even to Ibu Ros, asking her to fetch us from Trengganu (!). Panic started to creep in slowly as Hubs tried unsuccesfully to start the car for the third time in the row.
Both of us then went outside and opened the hood. We peered inside. Then Hubs noticed 'something' and stamped on 'something' underneath the hood. He tried to start the car again.
Grrr-r-r-r-ish...
Thank God! The car purred to life.
Apparently, roads in Malaysia are pretty 'rocky'. Hubs especially hated the regulatory strips that lined the roads almost at 10 minutes interval of driving continuosly. We often drove over bumps and uneven gravel, so much so that the battery (we think) came off loose. Luckily, Hubs is the Mr-Know-It-All and Mr Calm. Sure he knew nuts and bolts about car mechanism but the little that he knew saved our day (or trip).
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To 'celebrate' Hubs' genius-ness, we posed for some lovey dovey pictures. Of course, the car just had to commerate the event as well! |
The next stop we made was at The Legend Resort. There was a souvenir shop that I simply could not resist in checking out and parting with a few Ringgit in the end. |
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I was already seated in the passenger side of the car when Hubs walked out from the shop while counting his Ringgit (or what was left of it, after my shopping spree). I looked up and saw him standing very appropriately under the signboard. Very appropriate considering that he managed to revive a non-responsive car to life despit zilch knowledge in car mechanisms. Some may call it lucky but to me, it's just legendary when it comes to Hubs! |
On the way out of The Legend Resort @ Cherating, we came across an alternative lodging, possibly much cheaper than The Legend. It has a very unpretentious name - Pak Itam Inn. However, for some reasons, we dared not venture in.
Along the drive, alongside some dense jungle, we came by a trail of youths half-walking and half-running by the road.There appeared to be a leader at the front of the line, who carried a a short stick with a yellow cloth tied at the end (prob disguising as a flag), who continuosly shouted out encouragement and providing motivation.
Here are some random shots that we took on the way to Kuala Trengganu.
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Something we do not quite witness in Singapore - the construction of a dome of a mosque. If you look closely, at the right, there was a construction worker, just below the dome. Probably cementing the holding area of the dome. |
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There are just so many of these roadside shops that dotted the way from Cherating to Rantau Abang. I assume that Malaysia does not have any regulations or guidelines in advertising, thus the owners of these sendirian-berhad have to think of something catchy and clever to make their shops stand out from the rest. This resulted in a burst of endless creativity, much of it was sendirian-berhad done as well. |
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Ladies selling some sort of lemang-looking foods. As we were determined to reach Kuala Trengganu by evening, I did not have the time to stop and chat with these ladies. Nor would I have the courage to attempt these local delicacies! |
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One of the many suraus, which to me, looked like mosques, that lined the roads. |
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The aftermath of the recently concluded general election in Malaysia was still heavily felt here. Many political posters were still up. |
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Another eye-catching roadside shop. |
Finally, KUALA TRENGGANU, HERE WE COME!
Of course, a stop at Rantau Abang was essential. At the time of arrival, we were, unfortunately, unable to see the live turtles laying eggs (in season between May and August, with the peak in June and July).
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We then resumed our drive and came to a very witty resort called MAK CIK GEMUK 69, which also housed a souvenir shop. Again, I had to have my retail theraphy and yes, parted with a few Ringgit here as well. Funny, the nice friendly lady who attended to me was slim and I would hardly call her 'Mak Cik'. What a gimmick!
We then decided to make a stop at Teluk Ibai, to check out the famed Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque, or otherwise known as The Floating Mosque.
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According to the history, this mosque was built in 1991 by the late Sultan of Terengganu, Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah for this mother, Tuanku Intan Zaharah binti Almarhum Tengku Seri Setia Raja. It was designed by a celebrated architect, Raja Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad. The design of the mosque reflects a subtle Islamic influence combined with local features, incorporating the use of marble, ceramics, mosaic works and bomanite paving. We reached there at about just past midday, under the hottest sun you could ever imagine. The weather, however, made the mosque, glowed unusually, as it was gleaming white. The whiteness contrasted with water beneath it, and this resulted in a very illuminating effect, almost as if there was a holy glow around the mosque. It was breathtakingly mesmerizing. |
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That's me walking out from the Mosque, heading towards the car. Unknowingly, Hubs was happily snapping pictures of his wife trying to escape the scorching heat of Teluk Ibai. |
Time check: Almost 4pm.
We decided, that since we were already in Kuala Trengganu, it was time to start hunting for accomodation for the night.
Now look, it was end March, early April. Hardly peak season. There were many hotels – 5-stars or budget – that littered the beautiful city of Kuala Trengganu. There should be no problems in securing a hotel room for at least a night.
Right? Wrong.
I began looking through the various hotels in I LUV MALAYSIA handbook. Since it was only for a night, I decided to narrow down to hotels that were rated 3-stars (that’s the lowest I could possibly agree on – anything lower, I’m turning back home right there and then).
I made my options and began calling them. One by one.
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‘Sorry, madam, we are fully booked…’ ‘Tonight is fully booked…’ ‘For tonight? Sorry, madam, full-house…’
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I looked at Hubs. Hubs looked at me. We were both playing with the idea of sleeping in the car for the night.
I tried again. Now, going on to 4-star.
‘Sorry fully booked tonight…’ ‘Full house tonight, madam…’ |
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I began to feel the sweat trickling down my back, despite being in an air-conditioned car. At the same time, I was also thinking of a hot bubble bath to soothe away the aches and pains of traveling non-stop since morning.
Finally, we decided to drive around the city and hit on to a 3-star hotel called YT Midtown Hotel. I’ve tried calling them but there were no answer. Perhaps, there would be an available room.
Looking at the map, we managed to locate the hotel without much trouble. We parked the car and walked in to the reception. It would cost us RM115 for the night. Unfortunately …
‘Sorry, madam, our rooms are all booked for tonight…’
Oops.
We walked out and began driving around looking for respectable-looking hotels. We chanced upon Grand Continental Hotel along Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin. It was another 3-star but appeared grander (no pun intended) and cost much more, at RM240 per night.
We walked to the reception and asked for a room. A very pretty and friendly receptionist attended to us. However, she had a very strong local accent and when she spoke, I had a hard time in comprehending. Whenever I am in Malaysia, I always make a conscious effort (and a very laborious one at that) NOT to speak English. Therefore, that time, when I could not understand what she was talking about, I turned to Hubs and whispered: What did she say? I don’t understand.
Apparently and unfortunately, all their Standard and Deluxe rooms were taken up BUT … their Continental Rooms were still available. These came with their own perks, but considering that we were only going to be there JUST TO SLEEP, we would not be enjoying the perks at all. And of course, these rooms came at a higher price.
Hubs looked at me and said: Come on, it will be our anniversary tomorrow, let’s take it.
And so we did.
Appreciatively, and already thinking of freshening up, we parked the car at the hotel car park and went up to our room. It was worth the price we paid for – even came with a hair dryer and ironing services (self-serve of course). Gratefully, we unpacked and freshened up.
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The view of the beach from our 12-storey hotel room. |
Thirty minutes later, at around 5.30pm, we went out to hunt for dinner. Only then we realized that we had not had any lunch! It could be the long drive that made us forget the rumblings in our stomachs, or it could be just the heavy breakfast that we took at Citiview Hotel. At any rate, we were ravenous when we realized our missed lunch.
While waiting for the lift at the lobby, I called back home and began relating the events of the day. |
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We decided to check out the famed Central Market, locally known as Pasar Payang. It is located by the Terengganu River, and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state. It is said that no visit to Trengganu is worth the time and effort without a visit to this Market.
Unfortunately, it was almost 6pm when we located and reached the area. The 2-storey Market, which is supposed to house items from dodol to batik, turtle eggs to football jerseys, was more than 2-third closed. Some shops were open, but these were fruit stalls.
We parked the car by the busy street and snapped some photos, including a couple of authentic looking buses.
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The building behind me, the pinkish one, reminded me of an old Singapore Post building. |
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We walked around the area and came to a restaurant by the river that appeared to be on stilts. The menu featured nothing fancy - most were familiar dishes. I noticed that they served quails at such an unbelievingly low price. I started to drool and urged Hubs to do inside and start ordering.
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Hubs' choice of Nasi Goreng Kampung came with a few sticks of Satay. Obviously, over there, it is the norm to eat Satay with rice. I've once encountered this too during a routine trip to Johor. |
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QUAILS TO DIE FOR! |
After dinner, we decided to walk around, to minimize the fats intake (!). I looked longingly at the fruits at the fruit stalls, but was unable to take in any more bites.
The Bazaar Warisan just in front of the Central Market. It was unfortunately closed at that time. Either that, or it had yet to be opened. I noticed that it appeared almost deserted. |
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Durian is definitely the king of fruits – here, at Trengganu, durians were very popular. |
As we were strolling along the Trengganu River, the sun was just setting. The ambience became very romantic and orange streaks were cast on the horizon. |
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Looking serene, peace and calm. I just had to BURP at this point! |
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The jetty looked as if it has been bathed in golden lights and the gentle lapping of the river added to the tranquility-ness of the area. It was very heavenly, and a befitting end to such a long day on the road. |
Or so, I thought.
But no, Hubs had a sudden crazing for ABC- Air Batu Campur. The Singapore equivalent would be the Ice Kacang. We drove around the city and came upon a big area that housed two restaurants.
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It was definitely not a corner; more like alongside a major road, but nevertheless, the area was called Sedap Corner. We took a spot and ordered ice-cold ABC. It came topped with a strawberry ice cream. |
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Now, where is my ABC?, Hubs wondered. |
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Tucking into his ABC and being oblivious to his wife sitting beside him and looking on. |
After desert, we drove around the city to check out the night scenes. Or lack of. Apparently, after Margrib, it was SHUT DOWN time for most shops. Some stayed open – these were like grocery stores, pharmacies, or a specialized shop or two. Apart from these, the roads were quiet, serene but almost eerie. Well, at least, in some lone alleys or lanes.
Close to 10pm, we returned back to the hotel.