A Reunion by the Sea...

“Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world...”

(Friends forever)

It is time for our SMKB classmates’ reunion once again.

This year feels a little more special. We have managed to gather a small but meaningful group of girls from the Class of ’71. Each carrying her own stories, her own journey through time. Our meeting place: the breezy shores of Bayu Melawi Beach in Bachok, Kelantan, where the sea stretches wide and the wind seems to whisper memories from long ago.

Some of the girls, together with their families, will be staying the night at the resort, turning this reunion into a brief family retreat. Others will join us just for the day. Just enough time, perhaps, to laugh, to reminisce, and to reconnect. The plans are simple, but filled with joy. A seafood barbecue by the beach, light-hearted games, and the kind of conversations that only old friends can share.

I find myself feeling unexpectedly excited. There is a certain warmth in meeting old friends, those who once shared classrooms, laughter, secrets, and youthful dreams. Some I have not seen since the day we went our separate ways after school. Time, of course, has left its gentle marks on all of us. We have aged, each in our own way, shaped by life’s many turns.

We may not recognise one another immediately. Faces change, voices soften, and years quietly reshape us. But beneath it all, something remains untouched.

 

(SMKB Reunion - 2017)

There is something timeless about friends who knew you before you became who you are.

My Trip Itinerary:
Day 01: Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Terengganu
Day 02: Kuala Terengganu
Day 03: Kuala Terengganu - Kota Bharu
Day 04: Kota Bharu - Bachok (Reunion Day)
Day 05: Bachok - Kuala Lumpur

My Overseas Travel Blog:

munmus.blogspot.com

Day 01: A Journey to the East Coast...

“So often we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to enjoy the journey...” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

(Warisan Kota Temir, Kuala Berang)

Day 01: 26 April 2026 (Sunday)
Route: Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Terengganu
Hotel: Sumai Hotel Apartment, Kuala Terengganu

We began our journey at 7.00 am, quietly loading our bags into the Hi-Lux as the morning was just beginning to stir. This trip holds a special purpose, my school reunion in Kelantan, with my husband joining me for the journey. We decided to start a few days early, allowing ourselves time to wander, to revisit places of history, and to rediscover the charm of the East Coast at an unhurried pace.

Our first stop was a simple pleasure of nasi berlauk breakfast at Restoran Putri in Sri Gombak. It was hearty and comforting, just what we needed before merging onto the Karak Highway. The road ahead was kind to us that morning. Traffic flowed smoothly along Karak and LPT2, almost as if welcoming us eastward.

We refueled both the vehicle and ourselves along the way. First at Petronas Bentong, then brief stops at Hentian Sebelah Lanchang and Kemaman. These pauses, though small, added rhythm to the journey.

We exited at Ajil Toll Plaza. Our first meaningful destination was the historic Memorial Batu Bersurat. This site marks the discovery of the Batu Bersurat Terengganu, a 14th-century inscribed stone that stands as one of the earliest evidences of Islam in the Malay Peninsula. The inscription, written in Jawi, speaks of Islamic laws and governance, offering a glimpse into a time when faith was beginning to shape the identity of this land. Standing there, one cannot help but feel a quiet reverence for the depth of history beneath our feet.

We continued to Makam Tok Gajah, the resting place of a respected local figure and warrior. Tok Gajah is remembered for his courage and resistance during turbulent times, particularly in opposing foreign influence. The site is simple, yet dignified, echoing the humility of those who came before us.

Driving along a smaller road by the river, we arrived at Warisan Kota Temir. This heritage site reflects the remnants of an old settlement believed to date back centuries, once serving as a centre of early governance and trade. Though time has softened its edges, the spirit of a once-thriving community still lingers.

Lunch was a delightful surprise, a small roadside eatery serving murtabak rusa and nasi goreng rusa. It was rustic, unassuming, and delicious in the way that only such hidden places can be.

Our journey then took us to Makam Syeikh Abdullah, known affectionately as Tok Pauh. He was a respected Islamic scholar who played a role in spreading religious teachings in the region. The calmness of the area seemed fitting for someone who dedicated his life to knowledge and faith.

By late afternoon, we made a brief stop at Masjid Padang Mengkuang to perform our jamak prayers, another quiet pause, grounding us amid the movement of travel.

We arrived at Sumai Hotel Apartment around 4.30 pm. We will be staying in Kuala Terengganu for two nights at Rm105/night. The room welcomed us with much-needed comfort, and we surrendered to a short power nap. The heat of the day had been relentless, leaving me drained and nursing a slight headache.

Still, by 7.30 pm, we gathered enough energy to head out again. This time to the waterfront, where the iconic Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge stood gracefully against the evening sky. We watched as its lights shifted in colour, reflecting softly on the river. A gentle, almost poetic end to the day.

Dinner was light, soup noodles and crispy fried calamari at a seaside restaurant along Batu Buruk Beach. The sea breeze, though warm, carried a sense of calm.

Back at the hotel, a refreshing shower washed away the day’s fatigue. We turned in early, grateful for a journey that had begun not just with miles travelled, but with meaning rediscovered.

Day 02: Tracing Faith and Time...

“In every quiet mosque, history whispers and the heart listens...”

(Galeri Ilmu Tok Ku Tuan Besar, Kuala Terengganu)

Day 02: 27 April 2026 (Monday)
Route: Around Kuala Terengganu
Hotel: Sumai Hotel Apartment, Kuala Terengganu

We began the morning unhurried, letting the day unfold gently before us. Kuala Terengganu would be our base, our journey today was about tracing faith, history, and the quiet beauty of old mosques scattered across the state.

Our first stop was Masjid Raja Bukit Besar built in 1919. The old mosque was demolished and a new mosque was built in 2015 and renamed as Masjid Sultan Muhammad. The new mosque carries a calm dignity, with its layered rooflines and traditional Malay architectural elements reflecting a time when design was shaped by both function and faith.

Breakfast followed at the ever-popular Nasi Dagang Atas Tol, simple, familiar, and comforting.

From there, we continued to Masjid Hiliran, one of the oldest mosques in the state, known for its distinctive multi-tiered roof and strong Javanese influences. It was declared a National Heritage Site in 2019. While the exact date of its original wooden construction is unknown, it is believed to be over 200 years old. It is believed to be the first mosque in Terengganu built with two floors. A highlight of the site is the Telaga Mandi Gajah Putih (White Elephant Bathing Well) built during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin IIl. A quiet reminder of the cultural exchanges that once shaped this region.

We then visited Masjid Kampung Bukit Bayas, a historic mosque closely linked to early Islamic scholars in Terengganu. It is notable for its long history, dating back over 150 years, and its preservation of traditional Malay architectural elements. Built around 1873, it is one of the older mosques in the region. It is also associated with the legacy of Syeikh Abdul Kadir Bukit Bayas, a prominent religious scholar. It is famous for its intricate wood carvings on the mimbar, which showcase traditional Malay motifs like awan larat, floral patterns, and vines. The mosque understated structure speaks more through its legacy than its form. A place where knowledge and devotion once flourished side by side.

Our journey continued to Masjid Kampung Mesah Baru, a modest village mosque that reflects the enduring role of faith within close-knit rural communities, simple, grounded, and quietly steadfast. This is a new mosque believed to have been built over the century old original mosque. While the exact date is not precisely recorded, which is common for older community built mosques that may have evolved from smaller suraus over time.

Further inland, we arrived at Masjid Kampung Dusun, one of the most remarkable stops of the day. It is one of the oldest mosques in Terengganu, with records indicating it was built around 1908. Built entirely from cengal wood without the use of nails, the mosque stands as a testament to traditional craftsmanship. Elevated on stilts and adorned with delicate carvings, it reflects the elegance of Malay architecture. Known locally as Masjid Raja, it is also believed to have once served as a refuge for Sultan Sulaiman during the Japanese occupation. Even today, the presence of the old beduk on its veranda quietly preserves echoes of the past.

We made a brief stop at Empangan Sultan Mahmud. The scale of the dam was impressive, though ongoing construction limited what we could explore. Still, the vastness of Tasik Kenyir stretched beyond, hinting at its natural grandeur.

On the return route, we visited Masjid Beladau Kolam, a peaceful mosque set within a quiet village landscape, another reminder of how deeply mosques are woven into daily life here. It is recognized as one of the oldest and earliest religious education centers in Terengganu. Historically, it was the site of the second Tok Pulau Manis (Sheikh Abdul Malek) religious school. It was originally built as a wooden mosque by villagers. The current permanent concrete building was constructed in 1996. The mosque features a single dome and only one minaret..

One of the most meaningful visits was to Masjid Pulau Manis. This mosque traces its origins to the 17th century, built on the site of a religious school founded by the esteemed scholar Tok Pulau Manis, the legendary Malay scholar Syeikh Abdul Malik bin Abdullah, Once a renowned centre of Islamic learning, it attracted students from across the Malay world. Though the structure has been renovated over time, its spiritual legacy remains strong especially with the nearby resting place of Tok Pulau Manis, still visited and remembered by many.

On our way back, we stopped at Masjid Tok Ku Tuan Besar for jamak prayers. One of the oldest mosques in Terengganu, it is closely associated with Tok Ku Tuan Besar, a respected scholar whose real name was Sayyid Abdul Rahman Al-Idrus, who played a significant role in spreading Islamic teachings in the region. Traditionally designed with a multi-tiered roof and timber elements, the mosque reflects the classic Nusantara style. More than a place of worship, it once served as a centre of learning and community life, a role that still lingers in its quiet presence. The tomb of Tok Ku Tuan Besar is located adjacent to the mosque.

Before returning to the hotel, we made a quick detour to Pasar Payang. A simple lunch at the food court, followed by a small purchase of kuih bahulu and bottles of honey, added a touch of local flavour to the day.

Back at the hotel, we rested well, grateful for the slower pace, the stories uncovered, and the quiet beauty of places that continue to stand, not just as buildings, but as keepers of time. Each mosque carried its own story of faith, resilience, and community.

Day 03: Ocean views and scenic drives...

“The road by the sea has a way of slowing time. Each stop a story, each mile a memory...”

(Surau Langgar Rindu at Rhu Tapai, Terengganu)

Day 03: 28 April 2026 (Tuesday)
Route: Kuala Terengganu - Kota Bharu
Hotel: Tune Hotel, Kota Bharu

We packed our bags for an early check-out, the morning air still soft with the calm of the coast. Today’s journey would take us north to Kota Bharu, following the scenic coastal road. One we have come to love for its quiet charm and unexpected treasures. Along the way, we planned to visit old mosques and a few places that hold stories of their own.

After a hearty breakfast at the food court beside Pantai Batu Buruk, we began our drive, crossing the elegant Terengganu Drawbridge. The road opened up towards Rhu Tapai, where our first stop awaited, a place both humble and extraordinary.

Tucked away in Kampung Rhu Tapai, Surau Langgar Rindu is unlike any surau we have seen before. Built almost entirely from reclaimed wood, cengal, tembusu, and even driftwood. This prayer house carries with it a quiet soul. Some of its timber is said to be over 300 years old, each piece carefully gathered and shaped by its builder, Abdul Karim Embong.

There is a stillness here that invites reflection. The craftsmanship is intricate, yet unpretentious. Every beam and carving telling a story of patience, devotion, and love for tradition.

After refuelling in Merang, we made a familiar detour, one we never skip. Our favourite stop at Mr Celup Tepung Station (MCTS) where the sea breeze greeted us once again. This place is always lively, known for its wide array of freshly fried seafood, celup tepung done just right. It has become our favourite lunch stop along this route, where simple food meets a beautiful view.

Our next stop brought us into the heart of history. The echoes of the past in Besut where the Masjid Lama Kampung Raja stands as a quiet witness to time. Built in 1895 by Tengku Che Haji bin Raja Hitam, it once served as the main mosque before the construction of Masjid Nasiruddin Shah.

Nearby lies the royal mausoleum, where former rulers of Besut rest, adding a sense of reverence to the surroundings. Just beside it, we explored what remains of Istana Tengku Anjang. Only the wooden skeletal structure endures, elevated on stilts in traditional Malay style. Walking through its quiet, weathered frame felt both fascinating and slightly eerie, like stepping into a forgotten chapter of history.

Not far from there, we visited Desa Ukiran Kayu Kota Putera, a vibrant centre dedicated to the art of Malay wood carving. The village is home to several traditional buildings - Rumah Limas Bungkus, Rumah Tele, and Rumah Potong Belanda, each serving as workshops, galleries, and classrooms. Here, the legacy of woodcraft continues through skilled hands and patient teaching. It was heartening to see tradition not just preserved, but lived.

As we continued our journey towards Kota Bharu, we made a quick stop to recce Bayu Melawi Chalet, the venue for tomorrow’s reunion. A quiet anticipation began to build.

Before reaching the city, we performed our jamak prayers at Masjid Al-Naim in Jelawat, grateful for a moment of pause after a day on the road.

After checking into our hotel and resting briefly, we drove to Kampung Guchil. There, I had the chance to visit my brother and his wife, someone I had not seen in quite a long time. It was a simple, heartfelt reunion, made more meaningful by the comfort of seeing them both in good health. We shared tea, stories, and laughter, the kind that needs no effort.

Dinner was modest, beef soup and tomyam at a local eatery. By the end of the day, we settled in for the night with a quiet sense of gratitude.

Day 04: Memories That Refuse to Fade...

“Time may scatter us across years and distances, but true friendship always finds its way back.”

(SMKB Girls - Class of '71)

Day 04: 29 April 2026 (Wednesday)
Route: Kota Bharu - Bachok
Hotel: Bayu Melawi Chalet, Bachok

Early in the morning, we set out in search of breakfast. Our destination was Ayang Cafe, a lively and well-loved spot known for its wide spread of traditional Kelantanese dishes. The atmosphere was vibrant, the food comforting. A perfect start to the day.

With plenty of time before check-out, we took a slow drive around town. We made a brief stop at Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah, the iconic market bustling with colours and local life. Though we didn’t buy anything, it was still a delight just to wander and take it all in.

From there, we made our way leisurely towards Bachok, our reunion destination. By the time we arrived, some of the group were already there, mingling comfortably. There was an immediate sense of joy, the kind that comes from seeing familiar faces who need no introduction. And yet, there were moments of hesitation too. Faces we recognised but names that escaped us. I realised I wasn’t alone in that small struggle, and somehow, that made it all the more endearing.

We began with a hearty lunch, followed by an introductory session. It felt a little awkward at first, as if we were gently reacquainting ourselves with versions of people shaped by time. But soon enough, the laughter came. Easy, genuine, and with it, the years seemed to melt away.

Old memories resurfaced, not all at once, but in fragments. A shared joke, a familiar nickname, a story retold for the hundredth time. In those moments, we were no longer strangers but girls again, bound by something deeper than memory.

The afternoon unfolded with simple games, light-hearted and full of laughter, followed by a cheerful exchange of gifts. Nothing extravagant, just small tokens that carried meaning far beyond their size.

As the sun began to dip and the air grew cooler, we walked together to the beach. The sea stretched quietly before us, waves rolling in with a gentle rhythm. We stood side by side, watching the sunset paint the sky in soft hues, while the scent of grilled seafood lingered in the air. In that quiet gathering by the shore, it became clear that this reunion was more than just a meeting. It was a celebration of time, of friendship, and of the invisible threads that continue to hold us together, no matter how far life has taken us.

That night, we slept deeply and peacefully. Hearts full, spirits light, grateful for friendships that have endured the years. Embracing us as we are, flaws and all.