It’s been more than a year since I made the promise to visit all 13 Malaysian states. Now, I have only two states to conquer.
Can you believe it? I didn’t really think it was possible when I made the goals but here we are with only Pahang and Terengganu left on the list.
Good news is, I’ll be crossing out these two states very soon. D and I have made plans to head to the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia and visit the towns in the two states.
Next Friday night, I’ll be taking a night bus to Kuantan. The rest of the plans have not been confirmed but our general plan is to head to Kuala Terrenganu and back to Kota Bahru.
From Kota Bahru, we will take a morning train back to Singapore. The train route is known as the Jungle Line and has a great view. I’m looking forward to the magnificent view but not the 14 hour train ride on a seat.
I haven’t discussed the itinerary with D but I’ll list a few interesting places which I hope to check out.
Pahang
Kuantan
When I was in primary school, I did a project on Kuantan but I still get it mixed up with Kelantan because the name sounds so similar.
Kuantan is famous for its nature stuff like beaches and waterfalls. I’m not sure how much nature we would be seeing but it’s a good-to-know.
Image credit: Phalinn Ooi
Pekan
When I first found out about Pekan, I was very amused by its name. In Malay, “pekan” means town. And this town’s name is Pekan. Imagine a town called town. Haha!
After I calmed down, I read a little more about Pekan (on Wikipedia). Turns out, it’s the royal town of Pahang and the hometown of our current prime minister (which means this place gets a lot of perks!)
Image credit: Shamsul Liza
Terengganu
Poor Terengganu, despite having so much land, it is most famous for its islands and beaches (which isn’t too bad, I guess).
Kuala Terengganu
The state museum is said to be really good. (I’m still hurting from the not-that-awesome museum in Alor Setar.)
Image credit: macloo
I am interested in the Chinatown. Terengganu is one of the muslim dominant states, I’m curious how the Chinese community lives. (This brings back memories of the kopitiam in Perlis where the shopowner was Chinese and the stalls owner was muslim. I couldn’t figure out their living arrangements.)
Image credit: kayb_82
Jungle Rail
The train ride to end all train rides in Malaysia. (Is that how you use the phrase?)
You know what long train rides mean? PICNIC!!
Image credit: Albert Freeman
YQtravelling 