Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Cycle Malaysia Day 24 Dungun to Chukai

Good morning Dungun and a beautiful sun rise at the beach to start off Day 24.
On this day I have Anne & Kim following me in this part of my journey, they took advantage of the long holiday and made their way to Dungun. This flower is the beach morning glory also known as goat's foot.
We were not sure as to where we will be eating before we start our journey and were lucky to find this warong after a short ride from the guest house.
Nasi kerabu was good and the ladies enjoyed very much with this local delicacy.
Feeling blessed with a satisfying breakfast before we start with our ride.
We will stop at whatever places we like whenever we see interesting features, we will take a picture or two and move on.
The sight at the bridge over Sungai Paka as we were about to enter Paka town after 25km on the saddle.
A detour towards to beach after we have passed Paka town with an intention to stop for a drink and we managed to see how lekor is made at Keropok Seri Paka located at Kampung Cacar.
Freshly made keropok lekor sausages ready to be poached and sold.
The boiling water being heated up using wood just like the traditional way.
We tried both the steamed and fried keropok lekor and all of us prefer the fried one.
Keropok Seri Paka can be found at Paka GPS : 4.634258, 103.439561 and next to it is a warong makan where we ordered the fried keropok lekor and drink while the steamed lekor was from Seri Paka.

So much of Dungun district after we have passed Paka town.
Paka Power station seen along the way.
After 52km from Dungun we made it to Kemasek, a good place for picnic with spectacular beaches.
We were here at Kemasek beach and they say that Kemasek has one of the most beautiful beaches in east coast and the water is one of the clearest.
Anne slowly walked towards the water, sat on the rock and started playing with the sea water.
She just could not resist from jumping into the water, Kim and I were just watching her enjoying herself.
Another scenic view of Pantai Kemasik.
The lovely row of boats with its roof.
A break with some "tapao" food and drinks in Kijal.
We found this prominent "T" junction under a big tree for a pit stop with cars and motor bikes passing by watching us by the road.
As we were coming towards the district of Kemaman we have to pay a price to proceed with a series of  dragon backs.
The view at Chukai River with a couple of vessels moored by the side of the river.
Our accommodation in Kemaman and our bicycles were safely caged by the side. Let's go for the stuffed crabs.
Well done ladies and cheer for a successful ride to Kemaman.
What a great meal at Restoran Tong Juan at Jalan Sulaimani, Kampung Dusun Nyior (GPS : 4.231526, 103.428064). 
Day 24 - The ladies cycled 85km on their first day and some photo credit to Anne Cheong.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Cycle Malaysia Day 23 Kuala Terengganu to Dungun

Lawrence of KT Chinatown Lodge recommended me for a Bak Kut Teh breakfast, initially I thought it was not a good idea to have BKT in KT but anyway I went for it. It turned out to be a great breakfast, the BKT was delicious the meat is cut in smaller pieces as compared to those in KL.
The trishaw man and me on the road for a day ride, his was within the city while mine was from town to town.
Batu Bersurat roundabout based on the discovery of the Inscribed Stone in Kuala Berang, Hulu Terengganu is significant for Terengganu which proven the earliest acceptance of Islam by a state ruler in the Malay Peninsular. The Batu Bersurat monument is beautifully landscaped and serves as yet another landmark monument for visitors arriving into Kuala Terengganu Heritage Waterfront City.
Indeed you are beautiful and I hope to visit you again, beauty.
So long and farewell to Kuala Terengganu.
And I see you again, the unique bus.
The Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque or the Floating Mosque is the first real floating mosque in Malaysia. It is situated in Kuala Ibai Lagoon near the estuary of Kuala Ibai River, 4 km from KualaTerengganu Town.
Another beautiful mosque at Chendering and it is the Sultan Ismail Mosque located by the road side white in colour and standing majestically.

After passing by Marang Town I have to cross a bridge over Marang River. The origin of the district's name is attributed to a Chinese entrepreneur of dried sea products known only by the name of Ma, who was one of the first settlers in the area. The sea products, consisting of fish and squid, are dried on racks called rang by the local populace. Given Ma owned all the rangs, the area became known as Ma rang (i.e. 'Ma's rangs'), which eventually became Marang.
At Kampung Kelulut beach where I stopped by and took a rest. The beach at the east coast is truly amazing long and beautiful facing to South China Sea.
Penjara Marang or Marang Prison right in front of the main road Route 3.
There were several pelotons seems training along this stretch of road.
Kedai Makan Ustaz located at GPS : 5.052717, 103.287077 has a wide range of Malay food. I have been marking this place 7km away with signage promoting the warong.
Ikan bakar stove in front of the shop. A clean and decent place for meal with ample space for parking.
My choice of gulai tempoyak ikan patin with a strong sourish taste.
At times it can be very quiet on the road and my mind could be wandering about anything that comes as I pedal on.
Jambu Bongkok Forest Reserve, seem quiet and I just wonder if there is any activity for tourists over here.
It has a elongated river running parallel with the main road with thick mangrove vegetation.
The weather was getting hot as I slowly gain my distance towards Dungun.
 You can learn about the different species of turtles at the Rantau Abang Turtle Information Centre.
Pantai Batu Pelanduk Kuala Abang has lovely beach and interesting rock formation. Sadly the turtle viewing has become difficult due to severe poaching in the past, once there were a great number of big leatherback turtles visiting this beautiful shore.
I could see a long bridge as I was climbing a slope and that must be the entrance to Dungun.
Yes it's Dungun alright after 84km of cycling under the hot sun and I have reached the place safely. I need a super cold drink.
View from the bridge and Dungun town is on the other side.
I always enjoy the view when crossing a bridge and Dungun Bridge is quite long. The river beneath is Dungun River flowing out the estuary into South China Sea.
Old Dungun town still have old timber shophouses many have been redeveloped into concrete ones while a few are maintaining its original being which is so wonderful to see.
Some of the remaining timber shop houses in old Dungun town.
I was supposed to meet Anne & Kim at the Bus Station but I got news that their bus has broken down and making alternative transport to come to Dungun.
My meal again with a plate of economical rice and a glass of kopi "O".
They were lucky to get a rescue car from Gambang Toll to Dungun.
Finally Anne & Kim arrived in the evening after a long day looking for alternative transport. Thank you Christopher Lee for recommending this shop, Ban Yeow Restaurant located at
Taman Saeda, Kuala Dungun, GPS : 4.741303, 103.418299
The dishes for our dinner, surprisingly the tofu looks simple but it's special and delicious. So was the fried fish.
We stayed at this place called Anggun Beach Guest House.
Day 23 where I cycled 84km to Dungun from Kuala Terengganu to meet Anne & Kim.