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.

(Tasty Nasi Berlauk for breakfast)

 
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.

(The Batu Bersurat Memorial)

(The earliest evidences of Islam in the Malay Peninsula)

(Terengganu 14th-century inscribed stone on display)

(The discovery of the Batu Bersurat depicted in a painting)

 
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.

(The signage to Makam Tok Gajah)

(Brief history of Tok Gajah)

(The resting place of the legendary Tok Gajah)

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.

(The GPS led us to a less trodden, short cut route)

(Traditional wooden gate with carvings at Warisan Kota Temir)

(A traditi(onal Malay house built on stilts)

(Replica of classic Terengganu architectures)

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.

 

(Nasi Goreng Rusa for lunch)

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.

(Historical background of Sheikh Abdullah Tok Pauh)

(Newly build walls around the tomb)

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

(Masjid Padang Mengkuang, Marang)

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.

 

(Our lodging in Kuala Terengganu)

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.

(The iconic Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge)

 
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.

(A seafood restaurant at Batu Buruk Beach)

 
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.