Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 09: Carrying memories forward...

"Ramadan is a journey of the heart, guiding us from darkness to light..."

(A typical iftar set at most mosques)

Day 09: 09 March 2026 (Monday)
Route: Pangkor Island - Ipoh
Hotel: Anderson ImpianaKU Suite, Ipoh

Today marks our final morning on the beautiful island of Pangkor. By 11.15 am we would be boarding the ferry back to Marina Island Ferry Terminal. The ninth day of Kembara Ramadhan promises new roads, new mosques, and new moments of reflection as we continue our journey towards Ipoh, with several detours planned along the way.

Last night, after nursing my chronic back pain with a dose of painkillers, I drifted into a deep, tranquil sleep and slept like a log until it was time for sahur. The packing, thankfully, was left in the capable hands of dear hubby.

(The minerat of Masjid Raja Bayang)

In the cool hush of early morning, bracing ourselves against the slightly chilly sea breeze, we slowly made our way by motorbike to Masjid Raja Bayang for Subuh prayers. We chose this mosque because it was the closest to our lodging, but also because I had grown fond of the calm ambience and the quiet serenity of its surroundings.

By 10.00 am we checked out of our accommodation. Our luggage had mysteriously doubled - one bag filled with dirty laundry and another stuffed with chocolates and ikan bilis. Balancing two bags on a motorbike was no easy feat, but we managed the short ride to the jetty safely and returned the rented bike without incident. Not long after, the ferry departed right on time.

(On the ferry to the mainland)

Upon arriving at Marina Ferry Terminal, we collected our trusty 4WD and paid the parking charges online before heading off. After a quick refuelling stop in Setiawan, we set the GPS and made a detour to visit the 130-year-old Masjid Kampung Tinggi in Bagan Serai.

(Masjid Tinggi Bagan Serai)

Also known locally as Masigit Lawas, it is one of the oldest mosques in Perak and a significant cultural landmark for the Banjar community. The original mosque was built around 1897 by Banjar settlers who migrated from Banjarmasin, Indonesia during the British colonial era. The mosque earned the name Masjid Tinggi (Tall Mosque) because of its distinctive height, while the Banjar community affectionately refers to it as Masigit Lawas, meaning “old mosque.”

Architecturally, the wooden structure reflects strong Indonesian influences and is said to resemble the historic Masjid Demak in Java. Today the original mosque is preserved as a heritage site, standing proudly as a reminder of the early Banjar presence in the area.

(Masjid Al-Athar, Bagan Serai)

Adjacent to it stands Masjid Al-Athar, a newer mosque built in 1965 to accommodate the growing congregation that the historic wooden structure could no longer hold. Unlike the traditional Banjar style of its predecessor, Masjid Al-Athar features a more modern architectural design. Deeply rooted in the same Banjar community, it continues the legacy of the old mosque. We performed our jamak prayers here before continuing our journey.

From Bagan Serai we rejoined the PLUS Highway heading towards Ipoh. Along the way, news of a major accident causing a 5-kilometre traffic jam between Kuala Kangsar and the Menora Tunnel prompted us to exit earlier and take a slower alternative route through Kuala Kangsar. The detour made the journey longer than expected and resulted in a rather late check-in at our accomodation in Ipoh.

(Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II, Ipoh)

After a quick shower and a brief rest, we drove out again to Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II, the official State Mosque of Perak, to break our fast and perform the terawih prayers. Located in the heart of Ipoh, the majestic mosque was completed in 1968 and is known for its striking modernist design, crowned by 66 oval-pointed domes and a 125-foot minaret.

(Majlis tahlil before breaking fast)

Just as the call to maghrib approached, heavy rain began to fall. It turned out to be a welcome blessing, cooling the air after days of relentless heat and humidity that had accompanied us throughout our journey since the start of this Kembara Ramadhan.

As we left Pangkor behind this morning, I realised that every step of this journey carries more than just distance travelled. Each mosque visited, each road taken, and each unexpected detour adds another quiet layer to the experience of Ramadhan on the road.

Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 08: Exploring the navigable roads of Pangkor Island...

"Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller..." - Ibn Battuta

(Watching the sunrise at Telok Dalam beach)

Day 08: 08 March 2026 (Sunday)
Route: Pangkor Island
Hotel: Island Homestay, Pangkor

After the quiet serenity of yesterday’s journey to Pangkor, the eighth day of our Kembara Ramadhan was spent entirely exploring the island at a slower, more reflective pace.

The day began at dawn with Subuh prayers at Masjid Telok Raja Bayang, one of the island’s charming mosques located not far from Pangkor town.

(Masjid Telok Raja Bayang, Pangkor)

This mosque serves the local fishing community and residents of the island. The mosque’s name comes from the nearby Telok Raja Bayang area, a historic settlement on Pangkor. Though modest in size, the mosque is an important spiritual centre for the island’s Muslim community and offers a peaceful setting for early morning prayers. 

It is noted as the only mosque on Pangkor Island that has an adjacent cemetery.. The mosque is over 100 years old. It was originally built in 1923, by local villagers using forest wood through a 'gotong-royong' or communal work effort.. While it maintains its historical status, it has undergone recent renovations to modernize its facilities.

(At a viewpoint - chasing the sunrise)

As the first light of morning spread across the sea, we set off on a small adventure - riding our rented motorbike around the island.

Pangkor in the early morning has a gentle rhythm. Fishermen returning from the sea, quiet roads shaded by coconut trees, and the sound of waves rolling onto empty beaches. We stopped frequently along the coastal road — sometimes to watch the sunrise, sometimes simply to take photographs or enjoy the calm beauty of the island.

(A boat for islands hopping)

Among the stops were several beaches that reveal different faces of Pangkor: the quiet stretch of Pantai Telok Dalam, the lively resort area of Pasir Bogak Beach, and the popular seaside village of Telok Nipah Beach.

Along the way we also visited two historical landmarks that connect Pangkor to centuries of maritime history - the weathered walls of Dutch Fort and the mysterious ancient stone known as Batu Bersurat Pangkor.

(Kota Belanda or Dutch Fort)

Built in 1670 by the Dutch, this small fortress of Dutch Fort (Kota Belanda) was constructed to protect their tin trade in Perak and to guard the strategic shipping routes along the Strait of Malacca. The fort later fell into disuse and was partially destroyed, but it has since been restored as a historical site. Today its old brick walls stand as a reminder of Pangkor’s role in regional trade and colonial rivalry.

(Batu Bersurat of Pangkor)

Located near the Dutch Fort is a large engraved rock known as Batu Bersurat. The stone carries 17th-century carvings left by Dutch soldiers, including the image of a tiger and several inscriptions believed to commemorate the killing of a wild tiger on the island in 1743. The carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s colonial past.

(Duty Free Shop)

By midday, the tropical sun had grown intense and fasting began to take its toll. Our ride around the island ended with a brief stop at the duty-free shops near the jetty to pick up a few souvenirs before returning to rest.

(Masjid Al Badar @ 1000 Selawat, Pantai Telok Baharu)

As evening approached, we gathered for Terawih prayers at Masjid Al Badar 1000 Selawat. The rhythmic recitation of selawat that gives the mosque its name seemed a fitting close to a day filled with gratitude and reflection.

Masjid Badar is popularly known as Masjid 1000 Selawat because of the many inscriptions of selawat displayed around the mosque. The unique concept encourages visitors to continuously recite selawat while admiring the calligraphy. The mosque has become one of Pangkor’s distinctive religious landmarks and a meaningful stop for visitors seeking spiritual reflection.

 

(Completing 20 rakaat of Terawih)

As the day drew to a close, the island slowly returned to its quiet rhythm with the sea breeze cooling the air. Travelling while fasting may tire the body, yet it sharpens the heart’s awareness of every blessing.

On this small island in the Straits of Malacca, another day of Ramadhan passed not just as a journey across places, but as a reminder that every road travelled can also be a journey inward.

Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 07: Crossing the Titiwangsa to Pangkor Island...

"This Ramadan, may every journey — on the road and within - be guided by light, reflection, and gratitude."

(On top of Banjaran Titiwangsa)

Day 07: 07 March 2026 (Saturday)
Route: Kota Bharu - Pangkor
Hotel: Island Homestay, Pangkor

In the quiet blessings of Ramadhan, our journey continues - seeking prayers, peace, and reflection in the mosques we visit along the way.

(Masjid Raja Long Yunus Langgar)

We performed Subuh prayers at Raja Long Yunus Langgar Mosque. It was built at the end of 1870. This mosque is also known as the Mukim Langgar Mosque. It started with a wooden mosque which was later modified with stone and added space. It was built during the reign of Sultan Long Senik Mulut Merah (Sultan Muhammad II).

After Subuh prayers, we began the long journey out of Kota Bharu, heading westward across the majestic Titiwangsa Mountains via the East–West Highway.

(A short rest at Titiwangsa R&R)

The drive was both scenic and demanding. Winding through dense rainforest and mountain passes, the route reminded us how vast and beautiful the Malaysian peninsula truly is.

Covering roughly 450 kilometres, the journey took more than seven hours, including a brief stop in Lumut where we performed our jamak Zohor and Asar prayers.

(Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II, Lumut)

Our prayers were performed at the elegant Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II, a prominent mosque serving the coastal town and nearby naval base.

Named after the former Sultan of Perak, the mosque is known for its clean white façade and distinctive domes overlooking the Straits of Malacca, offering a peaceful sanctuary for travellers and locals alike.

(Arriving in Pangkor island)

From there we continued to the nearby Marina Island Jetty Complex and boarded the 3:45 pm ferry to Pangkor Island. The ferry was full with local Chinese and Indians tourists. During Ramadhan, less Malays will travel to the island.

After arriving on the island, we rented a motorbike, the easiest way to explore Pangkor’s quiet roads, fishing villages and seaside scenery.

(The Masjid Al Khairiyah Cina, Pangkor)

Our final mosque of the day was the unique Masjid Al Khairiyah Cina, also affectionately known as “Masjid 1000 Doa.” Built with strong Chinese architectural influences, the mosque reflects the cultural diversity of Pangkor’s community. Its name refers to the many inscribed supplications and calligraphic decorations adorning the interior walls, reminding visitors of the power of prayer and remembrance.

(A mosque adorned with caligraphy of 1000 doa)

After breaking our fast quietly in the hotel room, we returned to the mosque to perform Terawih prayers, bringing a long day of travel to a gentle and meaningful close.

As the night breeze drifted across Pangkor Island and the final prayers of the evening concluded at Masjid Khairiyah Cina, the long journey of the day slowly settled into a quiet sense of gratitude.

Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 06: Tracing the Footsteps of Kelantan’s Ulama...

"Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a wayfarer..." - Prophet Muhammad

(A prominent white marble mimbar)

Day 06: 06 March 2026 (Friday)
Route:  Kota Bharu
Hotel: Tune Hotel, Kota Bharu

After arriving in Kota Bharu the day before, our Ramadhan journey in Kelantan continued at a gentler pace. The state is known not only for its strong Islamic traditions but also for its many historic mosques closely linked to renowned local ulama.

On our second day here, we set out to visit several of these places - mosques that have quietly witnessed generations of worshippers, students of knowledge, and seekers of spiritual guidance.

(Masjid Muhammadi, Kota Bharu)

Our morning began before dawn at the historic Masjid Muhammadi, where we joined the congregation for Subuh prayers. Often regarded as the state mosque of Kelantan, Masjid Muhammadi traces its origins to 1867 during the reign of Sultan Muhammad II of Kelantan. 

Over the decades it has served not only as a place of prayer but also as a centre of Islamic learning where many respected scholars once taught. In the quiet moments after Subuh, the mosque felt peaceful and timeless, as if holding within its walls the prayers of generations.

Afterwards we set our GPS towards the countryside to visit two mosques closely connected with Kelantan’s long tradition of Islamic scholarship.

(Masjid Tok Pulai Chondong, Machang)

Our first stop was Masjid Tok Pulai Chondong, associated with the renowned 19th-century scholar Tok Pulai Chondong. It is a historic mosque in Machang, Kelantan, famous for its 165-year-old wooden minaret. It was founded by the prominent scholar Tok Pulai Chondong (Haji Abdul Samad bin Haji Abdullah) around 1856-1857.

The mosque's most striking feature is its 25.9-metre wooden minaret, built in 1857. It was constructed using Cengal wood hauled by hundreds of residents from Bukit Cina, Kok Lanas which is approximately 15 km away.. The minaret has an octagonal shape and contains 25 trapezoid shaped steps. Although the mosque building itself has undergone several renovations, the original wooden tower remains standing.

(Masjid Tok Selehor, Tumpat)

From there we continued to Tumpat to visit Masjid Tok Selehor. The mosque was founded by the renowned Kelantanese scholar Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Uthman, popularly known as Tok Selehor in 1921. It began as a small madrasah and pondok school before being elevated to mosque status.

The site is most famous for its Suluk Tok Selehor, a small, historic prayer cell used for spiritual seclusion and meditation. Situated in Kampung Kok Pasir, Tumpat, it is nestled within a peaceful Muslim graveyard, adding to its reflective atmosphere.

By midday we returned to Kota Bharu, where dear hubby attended Friday prayers at Masjid Sultan Muhammad II in Telipot. Named after the Kelantan ruler the mosque serves the surrounding community and gathers a large congregation for Jumu’ah prayers. While he joined the Friday gathering, I took the opportunity to rest for a while before our evening programme.

(Masjid Al-Sultan Ismail Petra, Kubang Kerian)

As sunset approached, we made our way to Masjid Al-Sultan Ismail Petra. Located near Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, the mosque is known for its welcoming atmosphere during Ramadan.

That evening the spacious grounds were filled with people gathering for an open-air iftar. Families, students and travellers sat side by side, sharing a simple meal as the call to Maghrib prayer echoed through the evening air. We stayed on for terawih prayers, ending the day in a calm and reflective rhythm of worship.

(Breaking fast in the open air)

In total, five mosques marked our journey today, each carrying its own story and place in Kelantan’s Islamic heritage.

As we travel from one mosque to another, it feels as if we are tracing the footsteps of those who kept the light of knowledge and faith alive long before us.

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.