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.