Akok Terengganu: A sweet dessert

Akok is a traditional dessert made of rice flour, eggs, sugar and coconut milk. Those days, Akok is served during the feast or party. Now, you can get akok everywhere. There is no season for this dessert. Since it is sweet, it is advisable you drink sugarless tea or coffee after eating the akok.

Akok is ready to be served. Note it is divided into two for easier handling.

Akok is made with mixing those ingredients and put into the bronze container (special mould for cooking akok). Traditionally,  the mould (containing the liquid akok) is heated from the bottom and top using the firewood and coconut husk.  When it is cooked, the the fire is removed and the cooked akok become solid and were being put into the other container for cooling. Then, it can be served. 

You can buy this akok in the markets. In Kuala Terengganu, Pasar Chabang Tiga has permanent stalls that sell this akok. Happy travelling.

Pulut Gaur Nyior : A Terengganu Breakfast

Pulut Gaur Nyior is a cooked glutonous rice, shaped like a tennis ball and sprinkled with grated young coconut. It is a breakfast menu for Terengganu folks. It is eaten with fish. The fish may be fried fish, fried salted fish, or boiled mackerel then fried. It is very tasty. Gaur is a Terengganu word for mixing.

 The Pulut is served with grated coconut and fried fish.

The ingredients for making this breakfast are gluton rice (soak overnight in water), young coconut, fish, pandan leaf, pinch of salt and sugar. The soaked rice is drained  and was put in the steamer. Add some pandan leaf (for good smell), steam until cook. When it was cooked, shape the rice into  several tennis balls and put them  in the container. Young coconut is grated and add a pinch of salt  and sugar and spread over the rice. The pulut is served with the cooked fish or fried fish.

This food is sold in almost all food stalls in Terengganu. You can find this in Pasar Kedai Payang and Pasar Chabang Tiga in Kuala Terengganu  (in the morning). Happy travelling.

A Terengganu Heritage Pura Tanjung Sabtu: A Place You Must Visit

Pura Tanjoung Sabtu is a collection of Terengganu architecture traditional houses which existed in Terengganu some 200 years ago. These original houses (around 100 years of age) were brought in  from other areas and were rebuilt on a 14-acre site at Kampung Tanjung Sabtu. They are arranged or modelled in a typical palace environment in the 18th century. Those days, this kind of large timber houses only the royals and the rich can afford it.

Located 14 km from town centre of Kuala Terengganu, Pura Tanjung Sabtu is a classic example of  Terengganu traditional houses which is becoming extinct by days due to it is costly to maintain timber based structure as they tend to rot over times unlike the brick structures. This pura (a sanskrit word) is also located near  Nerus River, a tributary to Terengganu river.

The traditional house with airy veranda. The ground floor is for different purpose.

The two houses are attached to each other where you can walk from veranda to veranda.

The roof is unique in design.

What is special to this Pura? It is a traditional palace architecture of Terengganu Sultanate. It  has Royal Family Heirloom and Songket Weaving Demonstration area. Since it is close to the river, you can experience Bot Penambang (water taxi) from here to the Central Market of Kuala Terengganu. It is really a good experience where you can see riverine villages and its activities along the river like people bathing by the river banks, washing clothes, fishing, etc.

This pura belongs to an individual who has passion to this kind of heritage building. He is also an expert in songket design. He gave his name card to me which stated The Owner-Hosted Home Stay. The explanation went on as " Pura Tanjung Sabtu, a complex of centuries-old Terengganu Malay timber houses reassembled , restored and preserved in the style of a princely palace of 18th century Terengganu. It is a private residence of Tengku Ismail bin Tengku Su, which is now open to paying guests who would like to experience the courtly living of Terengganu's past. Your patronage will help to preserve the architectural heritage of Terengganu".

There are many houses here, one of them is occupied by the owner. Two houses are reserved as guesthouses and available for paying guests. Every house has its name. For further information of this pura, click to http://www.puratanjungsabtu.com/

The address of this pura is 5728, Kampung Tanjung Sabtu, Mukim Manir, Kuala Terengganu. How to get there there? Just drive to Batu Enam roundabout and turn to the direction of Manir. Turn right when you reach the second traffic light. Continue driving towards Jeram until you reach Tanjung Sabtu Mosque on your right. Turn right and follow the narrow road for 50 metres and turn right until you reach the end. You will pass through Malaysian kampong houses. Pura Tanjung Sabtu is at end of the road.

If you are interested to rent, you can contact 609-6153655 or email to puratanjungsabtu@gmail.com  Happy travelling.

Traditional Boat Building of Terengganu: World's Unique Craftsmanship

Terengganu, being a maritime state is blessed with so many companies and individuals that involve in boat building. What I am going to tell you is about the traditional boat building in Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu. Pulau Duyong is located right in the middle of Terengganu River estuary. Being a traditional village, this island is famous for its boat building activity.

Early stage of boat making.

The fisherman's boat nearing completion.

The boat viewed from the front.

I found there are at least three individuals who crafted traditional boats for their clients. There is a community here  that produce boats without any formal plan. It has been the practice for generations  meaning it has been passed on from generation to generation. The trio are Pok Awi, Pok Hassan and Pok Loh. Pok Loh is specialising in making yachts. Pok Loh whose real name is Abdullah Muda owns a company by the name of Custom Made Wooden Yachts.

The sign board.

The boats that they made are without the use of metal nails. They use wood nail and stainless steel bolt and nuts. They do not have any formal training in naval architecture or other carpentry works. They belong to a few family members and they recruit the new ones, trained them on the job.

They make boats and yachts for fisherman and enthusiasts. They also get the order from many boat enthusiasts from all over the world such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia, etc. Some of their clients did bring the plans or picture to show their intention. 

The workshop area.

The boats ready to use.

The boats in the water. The far end yachts is worth millions.

The new generation of traditional boat builders. They are very committed to see this craftsmanship sustainable.

The traditional boats are made of  hard timber (chengal wood). The timber is specially ordered to make boats of high quality. When you say you want them to make 80 feet long, they knew already what is its width and height and how many tons of tin ore  is needed to make the boat steady and stable in water.

The interior finishes normally done by another firm. It means once the boat is ready, they will be sent to other firm to make the finishes like bedding, kitchen, toilet, dining etc. I was told the boats are big and normally the cost is around RM2 million. The time taken is 18-24 months depending on size and finishes.

During my visit, I was lucky, I was briefed by Mr. Saiful on every process of boat making at the workshop. The more I listened, the more I learnt. I feel this traditional boat making needs real attention from the authority because of its heritage. You can not rely on memory alone. You need to document all the traditional boat making processes. They need a better space to operate with facilities. I believe it is a Malaysian Heritage that  need to be preserved and promoted.

In order to make this tradition and craftsmanship survive and sustain itself, I feel there is a need to establish a traditional boat builders school here. It should rope in all experienced boat builders as paid trainers before the experience dies with them.

If you are interested to see this traditional boat building, go to Pulau Duyong either by boat or bridge. Look for the boat making area. Ask around. Custom Made Wooden Yachts can be contacted at this number 609-6314743. Happy travelling.

Merang Jetty: A jetty that gathers people to Redang Island

Merang jetty is located at the bank of the narrow Merang River, an area rich in biodiversity. It is about 50km north of Kuala Terengganu. It is being used as a gathering point for people going to the Redang Island. Here there are many private jetties along the Merang river that cater for the tourists or visitors to the island due to lack of anchoring space for boats. So the boats have to be parked linearly along the river banks unlike the ones at Kuala Besut.

Boat belongs to one of the operators at Merang jetty.

At the jetty point, there are many private parking areas where you can park your vehicle for a fee.   A few souvenir and food stalls are available for quick buy and drink while waiting for the boats to the island or the bus (chartered bus) to other destination.

The boats are mostly owned by the chalet operators on the island. They vary in sizes depending on the status of the operator. Laguna Redang for example, has big boats to ferry visitors to its chalet. It takes an hour to reach Redang Island from Merang.

If you are interested to experience boat ride to Redang, you can embark from this jetty. It is advisable to go in the morning as the sea is usually calm in the morning. Look for boat schedule. Normal departure time to the island is around 10.00am. For those who like the rural environment, you may want to consider staying at the chalets nearby such as Suria Merang. Happy travelling.

Snorkeling at Kapas Island: A way to relax your body and enjoy the marine environment

I found a large group of holiday makers at Kapas Island doing snorkeling. The site for snorkeling is already determined i.e. at the north west of the island facing Pulau Gemia.

To go snorkeling, you need to take snorkeling apparatus with you: the goggle and the breathing pole. Everybody is supplied with life jacket. Just relax. Put your head into the water, you can see corals and many coral fish of various colours. It is quite an experience for those who are first timer.

You also can take the opportunity to relax your mind and body while in the water. You do not have to worry whether you can swim or not. The life jacket can support you to float in the water.

Some are waiting for their turn to jump into the water.

They started to spread among themselves for better view of the corals.

After two hours in the water, they are ready to go back.

This girl seemed to have two floats with her as double protection: the life jacket and life buoy. 

If you feel like snorkeling, do come to Kapas Island or any off shore island. It is wonderful. Just relax your mind and body. Dipping your head into sea water certainly can make your face a bit darker. However, after a week, it will clear off. Happy travelling.

Kapas Island Resort (KIR): An affordable Resort for all

Kapas Island Resort is one of the accommodations available on the island. It was formerly known as Primula Kapas, a subsidiary of the state corporation company. Opened in 1992, now it is under different management by the name of Kapas Island Resort. 

This resort is located very close to the beach and the island jetty. There are chalets (more than 20), games courts, a swimming pool, meeting rooms and the restaurant serving local food (western food available on request).  

The restaurant and the check-in counter.

A view from the restaurant.

A swimming pool, beside the restaurant.

The single room chalet made of timber.

The long beach.

The beach and the jetty can be seen from the resort.

One of the activities organised by patrons while staying at the Resort.

I found this resort is okay in terms of accommodation and food. The resort also can arrange for island tour and snorkeling. Happy travelling.

Jerteh's Mosque: A Mosque with a Commanding View

I found Jerteh new Mosque is really interesting. One because it is big and tall like other world's mosque and two because of its architecture. Situated right in the town centre, beside the river and it can be seen from the main road. Its stunning facade  looks elegant. 

The front of the mosque view from the main road.

The side view of the mosque, view from the town centre.

The prayer hall is on the upper floor while the teaching or activity hall is at the ground floor. Outside, there is a few stalls which sell food and drink. I think, this mosque perfectly cater for its permanent visitors or other visitors as well.

If you happen to pass by Jerteh town, you can stop here and pray at this mosque. This is a perfect stop on your way from Kuala Terengganu to Kota Bharu. You also can relax here. Happy travelling.

Kapas Island Marine Park : The Most Accessible Island

Pulau Kapas or Kapas Island is located off shore of Marang, 20 minutes drive by boat. It is one of the Marine Parks in Malaysia. The gazetted Marine Park of Pulau Kapas is 1 nautical mile from the low water tide unlike other Marine Parks which is about 2 nautical miles from the low water tide.

The beach at Kapas Island.

This island is a small island where only western part is developed. This part is shaded from the strong wind and wave. While the eastern part is rocky and has cliff.

                                                                                                                                                                                                             

The eastern side of the island which has cliff and a bit rocky.

Kapas Island has a few chalets or accommodation for the visitors such Kapas Island Resort, Mokcik Gemok Chalet or Qimi Chalets. There are also camping sites where you can rent. Adjacent to the island, there is a small Gemia Island which has a few chalets. This is also for rent.

Gemia Island.

Being a marine park, the activities that you can do here are restricted to swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, picnicking or photograph  taking. You can not do fishing, take away any corals or stepping on the corals, etc (further information click www.mpdm.gov.my).

There two types of visitors to this island i.e. day tripper and overnight visitor. For day trippers, they are actually picnickers. They come in the morning and go back in the evening. For those who want to spent more time, they spent overnight and booked an accommodation.

Finding a better spot to dive.

Snorkeling activity by the visitors.

Boats for use, being parked near the jetty.

If you want to relax in Kapas Island, go to Marang jetty (which is 15km south of Kuala Terengganu). Please do not mistaken with Merang because Merang is another town, 40km north of the state capital. 

Buy the boat ticket from the ticketing counter at the jetty and book the accommodation too (if you want to stay there). Return ticket cost around RM30.00. Look for boat timetable. The boat drive to the island will take only 20 minutes. Happy travelling.

Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP), Setiu

Terengganu International Endurance Park is located 50km north of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Situated in Bidong Valley in Setiu, its venue offers visitors and competitors the best of Malaysia's hospitality: first class stabling and quarantine area for horses; excellent trails, a safe place for endurance competition; sheltered cooling and crewing stations and vetting area; hospitality and refreshment centres; veterinary hospital.

The gate of the Park.

The buildings in the Park.

The buildings.

Veterinary Hospital.

The course is designed to provide a safe and yet a challenging competition. It takes the rider into oil palm plantation, coastline, along canal banks and the forest nearby. 

This Park has been hosting competition since 2004. It was also the venue for 2008 World Endurance Championship.

Since this event is a special event for certain segment of people and it is quite seasonal, only those interested in endurance sports are keen to participate or watch this competition. Competition normally conducted in November. Watch for the announcement. There are many hotels around this area. One of them is Sutra Beach Resort, Merang. Happy travelling.

Setiu Wetland: The rich biodiversity area that you should not miss

Setiu Wetland occupies approximately 23,000 hectares of land around Setiu River basin in Setiu, Terengganu. It consists of riparian forest, fresh water swamps, peat swamps, mangroves, nipah, brackish water, seagrass beds, sand islands and sandy beach. 

It is a breeding grounds for terrapin, green turtles (endangered species), fish, crabs, prawns etc. Now, many of this areas are used for aquaculture pond, cage culture, oyster farming etc. Some are converted into other uses. Here also, it is a feeding area for water birds and stop over sites for migratory birds

The unhurried river supports flora and fauna community.

The fish are plenty here and good for fishing.

The replanting of mangrove by the authority and NGO's

The area has typical plants: coconut, nipah, and other tree species.

The Setiu Wetland has attracted many research organisations in Malaysia like WWF, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, MNF. Even research organisations  from other countries  also come here to conduct research.

For those interested in environmental conservation and protection, bird watching, preservation of endangered species, aquaculture and the related socio-economic activities of the inhabitants, this area is a must visit.

If you are interested, contact the local travel agent or you can go on your own to Penarik and start your exploratory walk and drive. Penarik is 50km north of Kuala Terengganu. Happy travelling.

Rice field: The green carpet that sooths your eye

Besut in Terengganu is one of the eight granary areas of Malaysia. It produces rice for the nation. If you drive from Kuala Terengganu to Jerteh (in the north), you will notice vast land that are used for paddy cultivation, the staple food of Malaysia. Some lands are cultivated once a year and some are cultivated twice a year. Those who make twice a year will have to do extra work (the more they work,the  more rewards they will get). Its aim is to achieve 10 metric tons per hectare a year.

When you travel in this area, its green is like a big carpet. For those who always see concrete buildings in the city, certainly this area gives you a different scenery all together. It gives you a break. You will like it.

The green, a soothing to your eye.

I found this area very interesting as not many areas now are planted with rice. They say rice is a poverty crop. In Terengganu, only Besut District that had such big rice fields. Apart from its economic activity, it is a good lesson for future generation. Young generation can learn how paddy is cultivated. The travel industry can     use this as a tourism product. The rural houses in the paddy fields are certainly can attract tourists to experience the farmers' lifestyle. Happy travelling.

Rhu Sepuluh: Where you have to stop and admire the scenery

Rhu Sepuluh is a place in Setiu, Terengganu. It is one the  scenic routes in Terengganu. Situated 50km north of Kuala Terengganu, Rhu Sepuluh is very accessible. It is a along the Kuala Terengganu-Kampong Raja coastal road.

Rhu Sepuluh literally means ten rhu trees. Why Rhu Sepuluh is so special? I found its big park faces the blue South China Sea making it looks more peaceful. The morning breeze that blew across the area energize you. The rhu trees give some aesthetic and tropical look. Its fallen leaves are so unique.  It is one of the fisherman's villages where you can see their boats and learn their activities.There is a stall where you can buy cheap fish. It is very fresh. It is also where you can stop and quench you thirst. 

Rhu Sepuluh beach, a view from the north.

The beach without the coconut trees but the rhu trees.

The park with grass and rhu trees.

Another view of the park.

The stalls that sell sea produce like fish, crabs, squid etc.

The fish that are being sold here. it is cheaper than the market.

Rhu Sepuluh is near to Penarik. So if you want to experience this scenic route, take the coastal road. You can drive a car or motorcycle to enjoy this place (depending on the situation). Even you can cycle. Cycling is more enjoyable since you can feel the area better. This route is not congested with vehicular traffic. Happy travelling.

Bukit Keluang Beach: An attractive recreational area in Besut

Bukit Keluang beach is located in the north of Terengganu i.e. in the District of Besut. Next to the beach is a majestic hill also called Bukit Keluang. Keluang is a Malay word for bat, an animal which produces bat guano.  The beach is very broad and has  very fine sands. This shows the area has received many sediments from the waves.

The area has been used by local people for picnic and recreation for many decades. It is congested during weekend. The facilities that were provided changes with times. Those days, there were not many facilities there but now it has playground, trees, wooden bridges to connect one place to other and rest areas etc.

The lagoon that was created naturally by the wave action is now being used as part of the recreational area. I found this beach is very strategic as it faces the islands of Perhentian. The steep hill outcrop faces the sea  made it difficult to climb unless you use the proper gadgets like rock climbing gadgets. 

The authority had constructed the ladder bridge at the foothill facing the sea so that visitors can walk and appreciate the panorama. 

The beach is on the left while the hill on the right. Note, Perhentian Island is in the background.

View of the island from the area. The beach can be of many uses such as beach volleyballs and footballs.

Facilities that are provided for the public, include the children playground.

The wooden bridge that cross the lagoon.

The lagoon.

The rhu trees that are planted close to each other. They give a better shade.

The children playground and other facilities.

The rhu leaves that is synonymous with Terengganu's beaches.

If you want to visit this place, drive to Kampong Raja in Besut then go to Pengkalan Nyireh junction and proceed to Bukit Keluang at the end of the long road. You will many institutions there. When you reach Bukit Keluang Beach Resort, you turn left. Within 50 metres, you will see the beach and the hill. If you want to enjoy this beach, you may consider to stay at the resort nearby. Happy travelling.