Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 05: One mosque, one prayer, one day at a time...

 "Travel throughout the land and see how He originated the creation..." - Quran 29:20

(Stained glass windows and Quran foldable tables)

Day 05: 05 March 2026 (Thursday)
Route: Kuala Terengganu - Kota Bharu
Hotel: Tune Hotel, Kota Bharu

We started a little later than usual today. The journey from Kuala Terengganu to Kota Bharu would take only about three hours, so there was no need to rush. After Subuh prayers we returned to the hotel and enjoyed a rare luxury during this trip - a long nap that lasted until check-out time. 

Our fifth day of Kembara Ramadhan took us across northern Terengganu and into Kelantan, visiting several mosques that each carry their own story and character.

(Masjid Al-Muktafi Billah Shah)

Located in the Ladang area near the Terengganu Batu Buruk Beach, Masjid Al-Muktafi Billah Shah is one of the largest and most prominent mosques in Kuala Terengganu. Named after the late Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mahmud Al‑Muktafi Billah Shah, the mosque was completed in the late 1990s.

Its grand modern design is marked by a large blue dome and tall minarets that dominate the skyline. The mosque is also known for its spacious prayer hall and peaceful surroundings. Being within walking distance from our accommodation, it was a pleasant short walk for Subuh prayers.

(Masjid Hadhari, Kerteh)

Masjid Hadhari in Jerteh is among the landmark mosques of northern Terengganu. Built during the era when the concept of Islam Hadhari was promoted nationally under Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the mosque reflects modern Islamic architecture combined with traditional elements.

The mosque stands prominently along the main road in Jerteh and serves as an important religious and community centre for the district of Besut. We stopped here to perform our jamak prayers before continuing our journey north.

(Masjid Kampung Laut, Tumpat)

By the time we reached Kota Bharu, the afternoon sun was already beginning to dip. After a quick check-in and a much-needed refreshing shower, we set our GPS, and made a dash for Masjid Kampung Laut in Tumpat. We took a 'backroad' shortcut to beat the clock, but it's a tight squeeze! If you are behind the wheel of a 4WD, stick to the main roads. These rural lanes are so narrow they will put your driving skills, and your side mirrors to the test.

We arrived safely and took some shots of the beautiful mosque. The mosque is widely regarded as the oldest surviving mosque in Malaysia. Believed to date back to the 18th century, its architecture is unique, built entirely from timber using traditional Malay carpentry techniques without nails.

According to local tradition, the mosque was originally constructed by travelling Javanese Muslim preachers, led by one of the Wali Songo who landed along the Kelantan riverbanks. Over time it became a centre of Islamic learning and a symbol of early Islamic presence in the Malay Peninsula.

We had planned to break fast and perform terawih here, but learned that the mosque only hosts communal iftar once a week on Friday nights. With that, we continued our search for another mosque nearby.

(Masjid Ismaili, Pasir Pekan)

Our day ended at Masjid Ismaili in Pasir Pekan, a historic mosque closely associated with the Kelantan royal family. It was built during the reign of Sultan Ismail ibni Sultan Muhammad IV and later renovated while preserving its traditional charm.

Here we finally broke our fast and joined the local congregation for terawih prayers, bringing a calm and meaningful close to the day’s journey.

(Tune Hotel, Kota Bharu)

After Terawih prayers, we headed to a local restaurant and enjoyed a late-night snacks of 'colek' - the quintessential Kelantan Ramadan tradition, Thai roti pisang and sweet colourful ABC.

Another day of Kembara Ramadhan comes to a close - miles travelled, mosques visited, and hearts gently reminded of the beauty of worship on the road. Four mosques, two states, and countless stories - each stop reminding us how deeply faith and community are woven into the landscape of the East Coast.

Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 04: East Coast Blessings...

 “In travel, we discover new places. In Ramadhan, we rediscover ourselves...”

(Iftar area at Masjid Sultan Ismail, Kuala Terengganu)

Day 04: 04 March 2026 (Wednesday)
Route: Kuantan - Kuala Terengganu
Hotel: Sumai Hotel Apartment, Kuala Terengganu

Today's journey carried us deeper along the East Coast, where the morning breeze feels softer and the sea is never too far away.

Last night, I took some flu and cold tablets before sleep. The drowsiness lingered through the day. And somewhere between one mosque and another, I quietly dozed off in the passenger seat. Perhaps it was my body asking for rest, but my heart remained awake, grateful for the journey.

(Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah Tok Sira, Kuantan)

We performed Subuh prayers at Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah Tok Sira, Kuantan. Located in the Tok Sira area, this mosque is named after Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang. Modest yet serene, it serves as an important community mosque for residents nearby.

At Subuh, the atmosphere was calm and unhurried. The first light of dawn filtered softly through its windows, a gentle reminder that every journey begins with surrender.

(Masjid Titian Berayun, Kijal)

Masjid Titian Berayun is situated in Kijal. This mosque is affectionately known by locals as “Titian Berayun,” a name that evokes imagery of gentle crossings or swaying bridges. Its architecture blends traditional Terengganu elements with modern simplicity.

Surrounded by coastal greenery, the mosque feels airy and open, a quiet sanctuary for fishermen, families, and travelers passing through this seaside town.

(Masjid Bukit Kukuran, Kampung Gong Chengal)

Masjid Bukit Kukuran perched slightly elevated in Kampung Gong Chengal. The elevated position gives it a peaceful vantage point over the surrounding village.

Like many village mosques in Terengganu, it carries a strong sense of community heritage. The simplicity of its structure reflects the humility of rural life, grounded, sincere, and deeply rooted in faith.

(Masjid Tengku Ampuan Intan Zaharah, Kuala Dungun)

One of Terengganu’s most iconic mosques, Masjid Tengku Ampuan Intan Zaharah in Kuala Dungun is named after Tengku Ampuan Intan Zaharah, consort of Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah.

Its white structure stands gracefully. Built in the early 1990s, its architecture is elegant and airy, with a spacious prayer hall crowned by a striking dome. Performing jamak prayers here felt unhurried.

(Masjid Assalikin,  Kuala Dungun)

A prominent mosque in Kuala Dungun, Masjid Assalikin features a red dome that stands out against the coastal skyline. Its spacious interior often hosts community religious programs and gatherings.

Even in my slightly drowsy state, I remember feeling its cool tiled floors - grounding, calming, steady.

(Masjid Sultan Ismail, Kuala Terengganu)

We arrived in Kuala Terengganu in late afternoon. After a short rest, we drove to Masjid Sultan Ismail for Iftar and Terawih prayers.

Located in the heart of Kuala Terengganu, this grand mosque is among the main state mosques. With its impressive domes and spacious prayer halls, it becomes especially vibrant during Ramadhan.

Breaking fast here felt communal and warm. Strangers sharing dates, water and quiet smiles. As Terawih began, rows upon rows formed in disciplined harmony. Despite the drowsiness, the recitation flowed beautifully. Sometimes the body tires, but the soul continues.

(Sumai Hotel and Apartment, Kuala Terengganu)

Today is a day of domes, rivers, and quiet coastal towns.
I travelled in a haze of drowsiness, drifting in and out of sleep between mosques, yet every stop felt like a gentle embrace. Today may have been slower for me physically, but perhaps that was part of its lesson, to pause, to rest, and to let the journey carry me gently forward.

Alhamdulillah for safe roads, shared iftar, and another day of Ramadhan written in gratitude.

Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 03: A Night of Eclipse and Prayer...

“Some moments in life are like eclipses — rare, breathtaking, and impossible to hold.”

(After the eclipse, a bright full moon over Kuantan)

Day 03: 03 March 2026 (Tuesday)
Route: Johor Bahru - Kuantan
Hotel: Shahzan Hotel, Kuantan

We had a simple sahur with Sara and family at Nongchik Height. While the grandkids were getting ready for school, we made our way to a nearby mosque for Subuh prayers. We will be seeing them again during the eid in Kuala Lumpur.

(Masjid Kolam Air, Johor Bahru)

A well-known neighbourhood mosque in Johor Bahru, Masjid Kolam Air has long served the local community with its modest yet welcoming architecture. Its name, “Kolam Air” (water pond) reflects the area’s earlier landscape features. Over the years, it has grown alongside the surrounding residential developments, remaining a spiritual anchor for daily congregational prayers and community activities. Subuh here felt intimate and serene, a gentle beginning to the day’s journey.

(Masjid Bandar Mersing)

Masjid Bandar Mersing is located on a hill, in the coastal town of Mersing. This mosque serves as a central place of worship for locals and travellers heading to the islands. Its design is simple yet dignified, with airy prayer halls suited to the seaside climate. As a town mosque, it often becomes a gathering point for both residents and visitors, reflecting Mersing’s character as a gateway to the South China Sea.

(Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah, Tanjung Gemok)

Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah, Tanjung Gemok is
Named after a Pahang ruler. This mosque stands near the ferry terminal to Pulau Tioman. Its architecture carries a distinct East Coast charm, with clean lines and a prominent dome. Serving both villagers and travellers, it represents the enduring link between faith and the sea routes that have shaped the region’s history.

(Masjid Tengku Mahkota Abdullah, Rompin)

Masjid Tengku Mahkota Abdullah in Rompin is a relatively newer mosque, it is named after the present king of Pahang. The mosque features a spacious prayer hall and elegant modern-Islamic design elements. As Rompin develops, the mosque stands as both a religious and communal landmark, symbolising growth anchored in tradition.

(Masjid Tengku Panglima Perang, Pekan)

Masjid Tengku Panglima Perang Tengku Muhamad in Pekan is situated in the royal town of Pekan. This mosque is named after a distinguished Pahang noble title. The architecture reflects regal influences, grand yet refined. Pekan, being closely associated with the Pahang Sultanate, lends the mosque a dignified atmosphere. Performing Zohor and Asar jamak prayers here felt especially meaningful, as though pausing in a town steeped in royal and Islamic heritage.

(Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah, Kuantan)

We arrived in Kuantan early. After a short rest, we walked to Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah I, often referred to as the State Mosque of Pahang. This grand mosque is one of Kuantan’s most iconic landmarks. Officially opened in the 1990s, it features striking blue domes and four tall minarets that dominate the city skyline. The interior is expansive and luminous, designed to accommodate large congregations during major occasions.

Breaking fast here added a special warmth to the journey. The mosque’s courtyard and surrounding field provided space not only for families to break fast in the open space, but also for self reflection beneath the evening sky.

That evening in Kuantan, the experience deepened beyond the ordinary rhythm of Ramadhan. After Maghrib, the congregation performed Solat Gerhana (Eclipse Prayer) - a rare and humbling sunnah revived when the moon darkens.

(Watching the eclipse of the moon)

Stepping out to the field beside the mosque, we watched the moon gradually shadowed. There was something profoundly moving about standing shoulder to shoulder, with strangers, eyes lifted to the heavens. The celestial event felt like a quiet reminder of Allah’s grandeur, how even the moon, constant and calm, submits to His command.

We managed to witness the eclipse partially before the call to Isya echoed through the night, gently drawing us back into the mosque for Terawih prayers.

(Shahzan Hotel, Kuantan)

And as the light slowly returned, we strolled back to our hotel. A quiet reassurance that no shadow lasts forever, and that even in moments of darkness, the moon is still there with us.

What an experience! A day that began with Subuh in Johor and closed beneath an eclipsed moon in Kuantan.

Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 02: Leaving a legacy for future generations...

"The quiet miracle of Ramadhan - No matter where the road takes you, the direction of your heart remains the same..."

(Terawih prayers at Nusa Idaman, Johor Bharu)

Day 02: 02 March 2026 (Monday)
Route: Melaka to Johor Bahru
Lodging: Nongchik Height, Johor Bharu

There is something sacred about beginning the day before sunrise. The roads were still quiet. The sky carried that soft indigo hue that only Ramadhan mornings seem to possess. Calm, patient, and full of promise.

(Masjid Al-Alami, Melaka)

Standing gracefully near the Melaka International Trade Centre, Masjid Al-Alami MITC, serves as a spiritual landmark in the bustling administrative hub of MITC. Completed in 2003 and officially opened in 2004 by former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the mosque can accommodate around 2,500 worshippers.

But this morning, what stayed with me was not the capacity nor the architecture. It was the stillness. As we lined up shoulder to shoulder for Subuh prayers, the world outside felt suspended. The recitation echoed gently beneath the high ceilings, and for a moment, time slowed. Ramadhan does that. It reminds you to breathe deeper, to listen closer.

(Masjid Haji Muhammad Yassin, Pagoh)

By mid-morning we reached Masjid Haji Muhammad Yassin in Pagoh. This mosque, named after a respected local scholar, Haji Muhammad Yassin Mohamad, has quietly served its community since the 1970s. Situated near the Pagoh Higher Education Hub, it now welcomes students, academics, and travelers alike.

There is something humbling about this mosque. Here, the pace felt unhurried. The mosque stood firm, like a patient teacher watching generations come and go.

(Masjid Tan Sri Ainuddin Wahid, Johor Bahru)

In Taman Universiti, near UTM Skudai, stands this modern mosque. Masjid Jamek Tan Sri Ainuddin Wahid was completed in 2003 and named after Ainuddin Wahid, a former Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Its design reflects a blend of contemporary architecture and traditional Islamic elements -  spacious, structured, purposeful.

Being close to a university, you can almost feel the intellectual energy surrounding it. Young faces. Backpacks at the entrance. Quiet discussions after prayers. Faith and knowledge meeting under one roof. A mosque near a university reminds us that knowledge without faith is incomplete - and faith without knowledge is fragile.

(Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman, Johor Bahru)

We ended the day by performing Terawih prayers at Masjid Daing Abd Rahman, Nusa Idaman in Johor Bahru. Daing Abdul Rahman was one of the prominent Bugis leaders who played an important role in the early history of the Johor–Riau Sultanate in the 18th century.

What began as a small surau in a shop lot around 2010 has now grown into a beautiful community mosque, completed in 2019. It stands as a testament to what collective effort and sincere intention can build.

Terawih prayers there felt intimate. Children played quietly in the courtyard. Elderly men walked slowly with tasbih in hand. The imam’s voice rose and fell with the rhythm of long verses, and fatigue from the day melted into gratitude. There is a different beauty in Terawih prayers after a long journey. Your body is tired, but your heart feels awake.

(A full moon in Nongchik Height)

Day two was about witnessing how every mosque, whether grand or modest, old or new, carries the same qiblah, the same call to prayer, the same longing for Allah.

Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 01: Tracing Light Through Seremban and Melaka

 “In visiting the houses of Allah, perhaps we are really learning how to rebuild the house within ourselves.”

(Watching the sunset at Krubung, Melaka)

Day 01: 01 March 2026 (Sunday)
Route: Kuala Lumpur to Melaka
Hotel: MITC Hotel, Melaka

On the first day of our Kembara Ramadhan, we set out to visit four mosques across Negeri Sembilan and Melaka. Each mosque stood different in design and character, yet all shared the same quiet invitation - to pause, to reflect, to return to Allah. Four mosques. Four atmospheres. One serenity.

(Masjid Saidatina Khadijah, Seremban)

Located within the busy township of Seremban Jaya, this mosque serves as a central place of worship for the surrounding residential community. Established to meet the growing needs of the neighbourhood, it reflects the practical yet warm design typical of many Malaysian community mosques built in the late 20th and early 21st century.

Its architecture is modest, prioritising space and comfort for congregational prayers. The prayer hall is spacious and well-ventilated, creating an atmosphere of calm simplicity.

There is something deeply grounding about beginning a spiritual journey in a mosque that feels so close to everyday life - where faith and routine gently intertwine. Sometimes the most meaningful beginnings happen in the simplest spaces.

(Masjid Saidatina Aishah, Seremban)

Situated in Bandar Seremban Selatan, this mosque represents a more contemporary architectural style. Designed to serve a rapidly developing township, it features clean structural lines, bright interiors, and a layout that accommodates large congregations, especially during Ramadhan.

Like many newer mosques in Malaysia, it functions not only as a place of prayer but also as a centre for community engagement — hosting religious classes, iftar gatherings, and terawih prayers that bring together families across generations.

Standing inside, I could feel the vibrancy of a living community. The mosque did not feel static, it felt alive. Modern in structure, timeless in purpose.

(Masjid Muhamad Al-Fateh, Seremban)

This mosque is one of the architectural highlights of the Forest Heights township. Inspired by Ottoman design elements, its prominent dome and slender minaret immediately draw the eye - reminiscent of classical Turkish mosque architecture.

Named after Sultan Mehmed II (Muhammad Al-Fateh), the Ottoman ruler who conquered Constantinople in 1453, the mosque symbolically reflects strength, vision, and spiritual determination.

The landscaped surroundings add to its peaceful presence. As we stood in its courtyard, there was a sense of both grandeur and humility - grandeur in its structure, humility in the act of prayer within it. Some mosques comfort you quietly. Others inspire you to look upward. This one does both.

(Masjid Cina Melaka)

Commonly known as the Melaka Chinese Mosque, this mosque is one of the most distinctive in Malaysia. Officially opened in 2014, it was built to reflect the historical presence of the Chinese Muslim community in Melaka, a state long known as a crossroads of civilisations.

Its architecture departs from the conventional dome-and-minaret form. Instead, it features a pagoda-style minaret, curved roof ridges, and design elements inspired by traditional Chinese temples. Yet despite its cultural expression, its function and spiritual essence remain fully Islamic.

Melaka’s history as a trading port brought Arabs, Indians, Chinese, and Malays together centuries ago. This mosque stands as a modern reflection of that historical harmony - a reminder that Islam has always travelled across cultures without losing its core. With the beautiful sunset as the background, we had our iftar and performed our terawih prayers here.

(MITC Hotel, Melaka)

By the end of the day, we had travelled across towns and architectural styles, from modest community spaces to culturally symbolic landmarks. But what stayed with me was not the structures themselves. It was the stillness found inside each one.

Ramadhan slows the body through fasting, but it awakens the heart through reflection. And on this first day of Kembara Ramadhan, my heart felt gently recalibrated - one mosque at a time.