Last month, there was a long 3-day weekend because it was our country's National Day. I went to an island in the east coast of Malaysia. I have not been to any islands on the east coast and this state too. So, I told myself - This long weekend, I want to go to Redang Island, and also explore Terengganu, the state where the island belongs to.
31082012 - I drove from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, which I was informed it was going to take me about 7 hours. I went with my friend, and I agreed to be the driver. So, we started our journey at 1.30am. I was quite alert at that hour, amazingly! Probably because I was excited! And coincidentally, the day was the first day of the Hungry Ghost Festival. I was so scared driving on the highway because there were no lights! What in the world.. Then, it was the old roads, and then the coastal road towards Terengganu. I passed by the oil and gas refinery in Terengganu. There were balls of fire burning, and I can't snap a good photo. Upon reaching the state of Terengganu, I stopped numerous times because the scenery was just too good to be passed on. Well, good is an understatement.. it was just priceless, and has to be captured.
It was 6.40am. The roads were quiet. So, I pulled to the side, and took the puffs of cloud hovering above the sky, with the obvious streak of orange across the horizon.
At 7am, the puffs of cloud were arranged so neatly across the sky. The clouds look so perfect. They reminded me of marshmellows. And sometimes little pillows. Imagine if there are no clouds. The skies will be like a palette of colours.
At 7.20am, we passed by a river, and saw a breathtaking view of the sun rising. With its reflection against the river, and the little bags of white cloud, it is so hard to believe this gorgeous view can be found in Malaysia. My own country.
Here I zoomed into the sunrise, and it was so bright orange. It looks more like dusk instead.
Can you see the name of the river? It's Sungai Dungun - Dungun River.
Then, we were back on the road and about 7.45am, we passed by this famous resort - Tanjung Jara Resort. I have no idea why is it so famous, but I have heard of its name before. Their interior is really nice, and their fish is so huge! Plus, they have a swimming pool and they have their own private beach too! The sand is so soft and fine. It was my first encounter with the beach in Terengganu! I was so overwhelmed with excitement. Because I made it happen! I initiated this trip, and here I am, stepping on the soft fine sand of the east coast.
Then, I saw this and I recalled why Tanjung Jara is famous. Their spa facility was award-winning. They even had a trophy for it.
It was back on the road and I love the scenic route. I love how the coconut trees are so aligned along the road. I love how the roads have no vehicles. I love how the air smelt so fresh. I love how the breeze of the wind is so cooling.
Then, I saw the signboard with the name that I have always seen in books, magazines and newspapers. Rantau Abang. The place where the turtles come to lay their eggs. I was so excited! Am I so lucky to be able to see turtles? Could I be that lucky? We continued along the road until we saw the signboard - Hentian Penyu (Turtle Stop). This is it!
Before we went to see the turtles, we had our breakfast which is just opposite the sign 'Hentian Penyu'. We had the local food of Terengganu - nasi dagang. This rice is steamed with coconut milk, and is served with fish curry. Oh so yummy!
Full with food, we walked over behind the foodstall because Rantau Abang beach was just there. It turns out that there are no turtles.. and I was thinking to myself.. how could there be turtles at 9am! Plus the information centre is closed because it was a public holiday, and also it's a Friday. In the east coast, their weekend starts on Friday, and their first day of the week is Sunday while a majority starts on Monday. So, we could not ask anyone about the turtles. Instead, we walked again on the fine sand, and stare at the endless South China Sea with the sun glaring down at us.
After absorbing as much as I can of the view of Rantau Abang, we continued the drive towards Jeti Pulau Kapas. It was on the way. Plus Pulau Kapas was very near and we could see the island from the jetty. The water was so clear. I could see fish swimming inside. I saw jelly fish too!
I love this bag of mine. I bought it from Nepal. I love the different shades of pink. I love the "flowers-on-flowers" pattern. I love the colourful balls which is the strap (which can't be seen in this photo).
I drove slightly further out from the jetty and saw a purple observation tower, which I walked up to take a view. Across, you can see the jetty of Pulau Kapas.
Oh, look this photo of mine has the colourful balls of my bag!
Next stop was to look for the tourist attractions of Terengganu. I have did a bit of research, and the first to look for is Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah which is also known as the Floating Mosque. Very interesting, right? A mosque that is floating. It was easy to find the place as there are signboards to show the place. I was very keen to enter inside the mosque, but unfortunately, I was not appropriately dressed for it (I was wearing a sleeveless top. I had a scarf but it is not long enough to cover my head and arms). I thought we will be provided with robes like how National Mosque, Pink Mosque and Iron Mosque in Putrajaya does.
See the concept of the Floating Mosque. There are actually beams underneath it.
11.35am, and it was time to look for lunch!
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