The car felt heavier with all those food we consumed. The road we were traveling on hugged the coastline and at certain stretches there were unobstructed views of the sea. Coconut trees lining the road gave a rustic feel but we noted dying coconut trees losing their crowns. The East Coast without ample coconut trees would look like a sad lady shorn of her hair.
Life is carefree but sometimes you don’t know whether to be envious or horrified. Like this underage boy on the motorbike with only slippers and no helmet. He grinned at me, eyes hidden by huge sun glasses. I have seen up to five on a motorbike, a parent with 3 small kids sandwiched together. While we are alarmed at the danger, would we have done the same in their situation?
By 2.00 pm, we reached Teluk Ibai, just 4 km away from our destination – Kuala Terengganu. We stopped there to visit the famous Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque also known as the “floating mosque” (Masjid Terapung). The architect is relatively simple and clean cut but beautiful. The white building under a blue sky and fluffy clouds reflecting on the calm water of the surrounding lake evoke a pleasing serenity. This was further enhanced by the sea breeze of the
We reached Phua’s house by 3.30 pm and his niece took an interest in us. We chatted with his parents who showed us very interesting old sepia photographs of their school days. Well mannered girls in black and white uniform, teachers with their bouffant hair style and 60s clothing lining up under fern trees in front of their wooden school building standing on concrete legs. We were treated to home brewed tea prepared from wild sugarcane. A delicious curry chicken and rice was served with “Acar” (a spicy, sweet and slightly tangy vegetable salad). More food but how could we refuse?
We reached out hotel – Gem Beach Resort (RM160.00 per night) in Batu Rakit by late afternoon and of course the first thing we noticed is the lazy chairs under the coconut trees facing the sea. It is inviting but we decided to take a rest first and wait for the sun to go down a bit.
Our rooms have balconies where we relaxed, chatted and ate the snacks we brought along. I know, still eating.
There are plenty of luxuriant plants especially bougainvillea giving it a hanging garden feel.
What is this lonely boat doing out there in the open sea?
Towards evening, we headed for the beach. The oppressive heat has by now given way to cool evening breeze and it was very pleasant walking along the beach.
As the evening deepened with the sinking sun, the sky gave a wonderful display of color. We are pleased with the fact that the beach is so deserted. The Malay New Year celebration must have something to do with it. After many years of traveling, I often treasure quiet moment more than hectic ones rushing around to take in more of everything.
A tender moment shared between father and son.
The waves and undercurrent are very strong on the East Coast and many inexperienced swimmers have got into difficulties here. As I stood on the sand, I could feel the waves pulled them away from under my feet.
The lights came out.
Enough time has passed by now for us to be hungry again so we drove out to Kuala Terengganu’s
In the restaurant named Golden Dragon, we ordered (from top clockwise) steamed Garuba fish, 5 spices meat rolls, Xing Jiang bean curd, bitter gourd fried with roasted pork. Unfortunately, they ran out of all the soups that night so we did not get our lotus root soup.
It had been a long day. After the heavy meal, we were ready for bed thus ending the first day of our road trip to Kuala Terengganu. We have seen and savored much during the 500 km journey. It had been lovely so far. Tomorrow promises more.
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