Road of Less Travelled

Got the chance to travel to the East Coast twice this year, one with me slept through the ride on the bus until we reached the intended destination. The other one attempted recently on a road trip with a friend who actually had to go because of duty call. Taking on the opportunity of free hotel stay and ride, I decided to go along.

Land of Tok Nik Aziz
Kota Bahru, the rustic small town is certainly inviting despite not much to explore. After 7 hours driving, enjoying every scenic view, air and sounds of East Coast road along Raub, Bentong, Gua Musang, Kuala Krai etc, we finally reached Kota Bahru in the late afternoon. After prayer, we went ahead to Pantai Cahaya Bulan, a must itinerary for Kota Bahru. Ten minutes of looking at the big waves hitting the beach, and few snap of photos later, we were back in the car due to heavy pour. Then we spent the night at Kak Maizirah’s house, having dinner at home since it’s raining with Mi Kg Pek, spicyly yummy (and I don’t usually fond of spicy food). Next day, we gotta have breakfast with Nasi Kerabu, and so we did, it was a simple spread, and cheap. We checked in into Garden Riverview hotel overlooking the very chocolate-y coloured Kelantan River. WE then scaled Pasar siti Khadijah and THE Bazaar, scored one or two well-bargained Batik. As per everybody’s recommendation, we had lunch at Nasi Ulam Cikgu. Delicious large spread lunch and cheap! Yeay! Another round of Kota Bahru the next day; while Jojie’s working, then we are off to the next destination. One regret is that we never got to watch the original Wayang Kulit...

you gotta love Kelantan for this...

Land of the many mosques
Kuala Terengganu. The place where we should have bought all the batik (they say it’s cheaper in Kuala Terengganu) and Keropok, but due to time constraints there, all the purchase made in Kota Bahru was a smart judgment. Stayed in Primula Park royal Hotel, which is the best hotel stayed for the trip. Spent the Jojie’s working day with a friend who took me around town including the visit to the very recently famous landmark, Masjid Kristal. And then we are off to the last destination. And I was driving. Surprise! And I have proven again, I am indeed a reckless driver, and loving every minute of it. :-)

Last but not least
The final destination again has nothing much to see but a definite resting place for the long trip. In Kuantan Pahang, we stayed in the M.S Garden Hotel (I forgot to check what M.S stands are for). It is a very old and outdated hotel with not so friendly staff. Anyways, we went to Tanjung Lumpur, have a good Sata and a lavish seafood dinner which mostly were wasted because we were full with the Sata before. Tamak! Padan muka. Then we lepaking at Teluk Chempedak, looking at sunsets. It was a worthy jalan-jalan cari makan though. As if that wasn’t enough, we slept after dinner due to kekenyangan and went to the mall to have a round of Starbucks. What’s the deal? I am not quite sure; perhaps I just gotta have those because I saw the Starbucks outlet. Crazy! The next day we are back to KL before stopped for Keropok souvenir for family and friends.

Despite the constant raining throughout the tour, it was a good journey for me indeed, I finally step my feet in Kota Bahru, Kelantan… yeay!

Back to KL, work on the next day. *sigh* Tired…

Just after we reached home, since it is a monsoon season, Kota Bahru and Kuala Terengganu were hit by major flood. We are glad because we back before got trapped in that bad weather. But my heart still went to those whose home and lives were ruined with that disaster. When will this end? I guess pihak berwajib should be looking into better plan for those town so they won’t be experiencing this every year… please….