an evening with Herdawaty in Terengganu

I have somehow managed to 'struggle through' the morning traffic and th emorning bad weather for my 1030 meeting in Kuantan, of course I did not make it right on the dot -  I was an hour LATE!! Anyway, the meeting kick-off smoothly..and later in the afternoon, I left Kuantan for Kuala Terengganu!!

Sound hectic alright!! I was lucky that I have somehow managed to get my colleague to drive for the 4hrs duration, and when we arrived in Kuala Terengganu, it was already late in the evening which means no more 'tea-time Terengganu Style'!!  (fish fritters 'keropok lekor' and all, I mean) So, we had straight to our hotel - this time around I chose another hotel instead of Grand Continental, called the Permai Park Inn. First impression was okay - not bad. But before he head for our room, we hang out at the coffee house for a shot of 'teh tarik Herdawaty' (milk tea named after Herdawaty whom I dont really know who, but the tea taste good given to the fact that most hotel serves lousy-tasty teh tarik!!) but it didn't cure my flu!! yeahh, I'm away from home and I catch a flu!!

and I thought KT would be another sleepy hollow at night..

I never thought Kuala Terengganu would have a 'live' after the clock strike 12, but a tour around the town (oops..it is now a city) at night revealed that there're still Terengganu denizen lingering around..at coffee shops by the beach, around and about the promenade..and I never thought, I would feel so exhausted due to our daytime gruelling task that I can't wait to get back to my hotel room and lie down and goes to zzzz.. in fact I have been awake since 4am on sunday and it is now passed midnite into a Monday morning!!

So, here I am..on the bed (I think my own bed feels much better..but what choice do I have?) and I'm about to log off..no 'night activities' seems alluring anough to get me out of the bed.... no more activities of proving that KT is no longer a sleepy hollow at night..

Anyway, I should be getting myself 'fit' again for tomorrow's official agenda..so goodnight all!

Why does people chose to shop at Pasar Payang?

Pasar Payang or the Central Market of Terengganu is located in the middle of the old part of Kuala Terengganu, next to its main riverside. It is a double story buidling with natural ventilation which seems unedequate and most of the time the whole atmosphere seems too suffocating due to flocks of people visiting and shopping, especially when this time around was the school break season for Malaysia. So, if you are not a fan to 'congestion' so this might not be the place of your interest, but you would not get 'accredited' as being in Kuala Terengganu if you haven't step foot in the market and 'feel' its ambience!

Just for the record, I've been here before, so, knowing how the place would turn out during peak season doesn't create the thrill of going there at all and it doesn't made me a big fan of this place and furthermore - me and shopping? it doesn't always pair well.!! However, I would have to 'entertain' this opportunity. Which explain the reason behind packs of shopping bags that I have to carry by the end of 2hrs 'shopping spree'..hehe (auw..looking at those items inside the bags now, none were meant to be mine actually..auchh)

Anyway, the Pasar Payang is divided to several areas which designate the item that were on sale. For example, on the Ground Level - it was all selling dry spices, delicacies and other food related. Where as on the upper level - were filled with series of arcade that selling fabric, mostly batik and songket, lots of it! The whole ambience which fills with colors and patterns and more colors, which made me kind of fuzzy. It create such a twirl in your eyes having to go through all those vibrant colors at one go, let alone having to select one that could be consider-nice.

I can't imagine how stressful, I would turn out to be if I were to go through all those fabric and having to choose which one I would desire most!! It defintely not going to be so.. so I just grab something that looks decent enough in less than 5 minutes of decision making, as souvenirs to family members without having put much thought of colors or design except the quality of the material, which also were presented in huge variations to suit your budget. I would really admire those who go through all these from one arcade to another, and another just to find something interesting enough to suit their taste and of course-budget. I mean, really - you have to bargain and serious bargain takes time and effortless persuasion, which to me, time is not something seriously you wish to spent in such 'suffocating' place like this..


On overall, I would reckon that the authority should look deep into the cleanliness expect of the whole complex and for such profit making place, certain amount money have to be put aside for maintenance purposes and the daily upkeep of the place. I mean, this place still looks the same like I've been here when I was a child and also another round ten years ago (haha..it was that long ago, and I've been traveling back and forth to Terengganu for almost 2 years now..) Also, it would be a good idea to have the whole complex to be air-conditioned as it could be humidly hot for tropics like Terengganu.

How Grand could it turn out to be?

Grand Continental Kuala Terengganu is just a basic 3-star hotel. I'm guessing it's a late 80's hotel with a typical 80's interior that I would say, it could be typically found at almost all Grand Continental Hotels in Malaysia (you know, the green-cream striped upholstery, bedspread and curtains with hazelnut brown furniture - get the picture?)

Nothing fancy for the porte-cochere as it has none The drop off area consist only its internal lay-by with a small foyer. The Lobby was rather small as well - it was quite pack with 2 bus-load of people upon my arrival. The architectural language of the lobby?? I personally think it need a quick dose of refurbishment as it looks too worn-out. The coffe house located directly 10 steps up from the lobby - it hard to be missed, so I guess I already know where my breakfast would be for tomorrow.

There ain't any designated lift lobby for this hotel, the lift lobby actually opens up to the waiting lounge (refer the photos) I personally preferred a separate designated area for Lift Lobby as it segregate the chaos of waiting lounge or the hotel's lobby. And it was strangehaving a cake display right next to the lift!


Anyway, my room on the fifth floor was facing directly opposite the lift door, so I won't get my self lost around the corridor finding my room ..tsk tsk! In general the room is quite spacious in terms of the size of floor area, with 2 single bed and an area for extra bed, but I felt it was more than generous for a single occupancy. It has a small bay window facing South China Sea (I think it's the Ketapang Bay), with textured wall-paper, and hazelnut brown furniture (not my kind of interior). The bathroom was quite small though in relative comparison to the room with a brown-speckle-marble counter top, but generally in clean state.

my room is overlooking South China Sea - and that tall building is Hotel Tanjong Vista

Owh, this hotel was located nearby the famous market in Kuala Terengganu called Pasar Payang - you would want to go if you are looking for souvenirs or batik or songket..or Terengganu delicacies..However, I think you should get your butt out of your room - nothing fancy to adore, tv channel was so basic..the room was basic which too my standard of travelling would only suit for one main purpose - sleep ur muscle. So, if you doesn't have any high expectations, this hotel would be a good pick as the rate is quick affordable, but if you are looking more from your stay in hotel than perhaps you should find others than would suit your taste. But hey, I've made it through so, it wasn't that bad..  ;)

Loosing the battle to loose the lb!

I'm so famishly full right now, been following the social networking since I touchdown at 4pm, started with tea-session (plus all the fried seafood, fish fritters..etc), then followed by more seafood for dinner,and finally the day ended by supper. Am finally residing in my room at Hotel Grand Continental, trying to get to sleep for I had to be early tomorrow, but I was so full!! (I'm not going to loose anymore pounds in near future if things keeps on piling at this rate..haha)

Anyway, to kill the time let me describe of the hotel..

Covering the east-coast again..

Flying off to Terengganu again - and it's weekend!!

Kuala Terengganu - Besut again..

The flight this morning was a bit shaky, there are more clouds than usual morning flights but it was just for the first 10 minutes of the journey, whereby the rest of it turn out smooth. Arrive in Kuala Terengganu feeling a little bit sleepy with just 3 hrs of sleep last night. I hope I can stay awake for the meeting..the entire journey from Airport to Besut seems forever!!

Kg. Raja Besut - view taken from 6 meters from ground level

Kg. Raja Besut - view of main road taken from 6 meters from ground level

Flying off to Kuala Terengganu

There are already crowd of people at each domestic check-in counter when I make my way at 6am to Skypark. Neverthelessly, it only takes not more than 5 minutes for each passenger to register at the counter provided they don't have any luggage to check-in as well, so I would consider the man behind the counter as efficient.

Anyway, if you are early, you can grab your breakfastor your cuppa from the Starbucks or McDonalds or any other kiosk which has already operating at that hour. I noticed, the waiting lounge of Skypark today was crowded with passenger-to-be of 5 domestic routes. Everybody is about to embark the earliest flight available to major domestic destinations in Malaysia, be it Penang, Kota Bharu or like myself to Kuala Terengganu. I think for travelling on a budget or if you prefer a low-cost carrier, taking Firefly would be a better choice over Air Asia since you don't have to travel all the way through to LCCT and the parking rate here is only RM1.50 per hour (of course if you don't mind the ticket being slightly more than Air Asia), plus it is not overly crowded unlike LCCT. But of course, if you prefer 'posh' environment that taking up MAS at KLIA should be your pick.

Screening the crowd, I would say that, almost everybody were 'dressed' in their 'working suit'. As previous trip, there would be a bunch of people that I saw here whom would share the same return flight at the end of the day - just like myself .. So, lets home our journey today would turn out well. Ameen..

waiting lounge of Kuala terengganu Airport after check-in

Terengganu Airport taxiway

900 kilometeres of journey in a day

I wasn't in the mood to snap photos anymore this evening, but this what I've got which showing how strong the wind of east-coast side of the country and I weren't actually following the coastal road this time around - was passing through the internal state route, the stretch known as Jabor-Jerangau via Jerteh exit straight from Besut. We actually passing through the country side of Terengganu-Pahang route... exhausted! It feels like ages to get through the entire stretch of road, with mostly palm plantation on left and right of the road... it feels like I've been sitting in the car for a thousand miles journey!

When you are so tired, nothing beats more than the urgency to lay on your back on a thick fluffy bed and pillows..I'm so eager to get to Kuantan and put the whole traveling to a stop. It was already past 7 and skies are getting dark when I reach Kuantan. With just lunch at noon, no dinner could beats the needs of thick fluffy bed and pillows.. am so damn exhausted!!

Look at those sweeping palms blown by strong wind coming from South China Sea

Packing my way to Terengganu

I hate it went everything that has been programmed and scheduled need another round of re-scheduling which means I need to reschedule my flight, buy another ticket, book a room, add on more files in my bags!! And on top of that, I hate it when I can't get myself to sleep the night before any journey away from home! It's 1am and I'm still wide awake, haven't complete packing-up my travel bag and I have to make sure I can wakes up at 5am!! Good luck, Medzz..

East Coast (2nd Day): Kuala Terengganu

The morning starts with a light drizzle, but we pray hard that it would still allow us to explore Terengganu. We chose Kuala Terengganu for a start.
Went to the State Museum, the majority of the exhibit was still the same as those that I have been in the year 2000 and the whole complex was in serious need of periodic maintenance - pity.
Then we had lunch before we make our way to the Crystal Mosque. And on the way back, we stop by at Kampung Losong to get some 'Keropok Lekor' (fish fritters)
PITY: every place I went in Terengganu are lacking of good periodical maintenance!

East Coast During Monsoon Season

dark clouds hovering over us through out the journey

Journal of the journey to eastcost during monsoon:
041210 10:30am: Subang, Gombak, Karak - cloudy, Temerloh, Gambang - drizzle, temp 25deg
041210 1:30pm: Kemaman, Kerteh, Paka - drizzle, temp 24deg
041210 3:30pm : Dungun,Rantau Abang - drizzle, Marang-heavy rain, temp 23deg041210 6:30pm: Kuala T'ganu, Merang-Setiu - raining, been travelling thru a very 'wet' day..

Interesting view of Lake Kenyir from the air

I'm all excited over this scenery - Lake Kenyir from the air!!

At first, I didn't know it was Lake Kenyir - but the scenery was phenomenal that I have to get confirmation straight away from the locals. If you are taking a flight, from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu, make sure you make a seat reservation on the left of the plane as you could only sees this enchanted view from that side of the plane (I couldn't see it on my way back as I was seating on the left - the lake can only be clearly seen if you are sitting on the further right of the aisle if you are heading forth Kuala Lumpur)

groups of small islands in the middle of Lake Kenyir - view from air

groups of small islands in the middle of Lake Kenyir - view from air

Mammoth Architecture of Terengganu

I have been to Kuala Terengganu before, but never with airplane. So the first time I travel to Kuala Terengganu with plane I was shocked with the giant upscale mimic of 'trengganu traditional house' as their Airport.. this is what we call as 'mammoth architecture'.


 

Another 'first impression' that I received was the view of collapsed roof of the Main Stadium right in front of the Airport!!

Exploring Terengganu - July 2008

My first journey to Besut involved a continuous 600 kilometers of driving from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu with the first pit-stop for breakfast in Kuantan, where we had a delicious calimari fried rice (it looks more of  fried calimari with rice with big portion of calamari than rice - nice!)
An hour later, we proceed the journey to Terengganu and after 5 hours of drive we reach Marang. We stop over by the coastal road and head for nearby stall for  quick lunch. All throughout, the weather was okay.

We decided to make another stop in Kuala Terengganu city centre which we regret so, as we were caught in traffic congestion. The congestion has delayed our arrival in Merang which is about 45 minutes journey from city centre. We opt to stay at Merang Suria Resort by the Tanjung Rhu Tapai beach facing the Redang Island. The resort however doesn't actually sits facing the beach, and you have to take a 5-minutes walk to take your stroll by the beach, however the beach was private and secluded, but as any other beach that facing South China Sea, it wasn't advisable to take a dip into the water even how alluring it seems to be.. Anyway , our room was on the 2nd floor and the room could be consider as neat. Its floor were finished with tiles which suit the condition of having to walk into the room with all the sands particle creeping your barefoot..Our windows are facing the sea while the entrance corridor was facing the pool, which create an advantage. However, the buffet was quite bland, so don't give a very high expectations on food here.


We checked out the very next day, not due to any bad reason that is, but we need to head for Besut which is about an hour journey from Merang. So, we checked-in at Bukit Keluang Beach Resort. It is an interesting resort with clusters of individual timber chalet with intricate carvings for selection. However it doesn't located immediately to the beach and you would need to walk more than 15minutes to get to the nearest beach.. Due to that, we decided to travel to Kota Bharu as it was only an hour away from our current location.

With all the traveling, we head home straight from Besut, stopping only for lunch.