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 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.

A long weekend at Nong Chik Heights

“The memories we make with our family is everything.” – Candace Cameron Bure

(Lunch with the kids at Boat Noodles)

(The kids favorites)

(Aira Ashran, my youngest grandkid)

A weekend in JB...

"You have two choices, to control your mind or to let your mind control you..." - Paulo Coelho

(Alia, Arif and Aira with grandpa)

We spent the weekend with our kids and grandchildren in JB. Next week we will be away for almost a month for our year-end 4x4 trip to Thailand. We planned to visit the highlands of Thailands and the mosques along the route, InsyaAllah...

(Missing the grandkids)

(Movie time)

(Four Fingers, Arif favorite)

Kembara Ramadan 2022 - Johor

 "Happiness is not about getting all you want, it is about enjoying all you have..."

(01 Masjid Jamek Parit Sulung, Johor)

(02 Masjid  Sultan Abu Bakar, Johor)

(03 Masjid Kolam Air, Johor)

(04 Masjid Sultan Ismail Kota Iskandar, Johor)

(05 Masjid Bandar Seri Alam, Pasir Gudang, Johor)

(06 Masjid Jamek Al-Hana, Johor)

(07 Masjid Nusa Idaman Daing Abdul Rahman, Johor)

(08 Masjid Sultan Iskandar Taman Dato Onn, Johor)

(09 Masjid Al-Hadi  Kg Makam Kota Tinggi, Johor)

(10 Masjid Al- Mustaqim Teluk Sengat Kota Tinggi, Johor)

(11 Masjid Bandar Mersing, Johor)

(12 Masjid Jamek Kg Seri Lalang Mersing, Johor)

Breakfast at Chamek Kopitiam in Senai, Johor

"Let go of what's gone, be grateful of what remains, and look forward to what is coming next..."

(Chamek Kopitiam in Senai)

Chamek Kopitiam got their name from Chamek, a small village in Kluang District, Johor. The name originated from the Chinese variation of the word Jambi, which is rather hard to pronounce.

The village is a multiracial village, having all Chinese, Malays and Indians. Mostly, the Malays are of the Javanese descendants, and they practiced the Javanese culture in their everyday life. The populations mainly work in rubber plantation, palm plantation, and a few opened grocery stores.

The village is located nearer to a small town of Paloh.

(An old photo on the wall)

This morning we had lontong for breakfast at Chamek Kopitiam in Senai. We are sending Sara to the Airport. She is flying off to Langkawi for a workshop session over the weekend and will be back on Monday.

We are in JB for the week to look after the three grandchildren, Alia, Arif and Aira while their mom is away.

(Opened with strict adherence to the SOP)

(Variety of breakfast dishes to choose from)

(Lontong and Chamek tea)

Johor - A trip to Pulau Kukup and Tg Piai...

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep..." - Robert Frost

(The mangrove jungle, peaceful and quiet)

After our program Amal in Pontian, we decided to explore some attractions in Pontian and decided to visit the Kukup National Park and Tanjung Piai.

Pulau Kukup is one the largest uninhabited mangroves in the world. It is also the only one situated in Johor waters. Today, Pulau Kukup has received international recognition as the island has been granted the status of a 'Wetland of International Importance' (RAMSAR site) by the Geneva-based Ramsar Convention Bureau.

A local folklore tells a tale of Pulau Kukup, an abode for five celestial princesses. One day, one of the princess fell in love with a sailor and they eloped. A curse was set upon the island of Kukup and it was submerged by sea. The island later resurfaced, but it was covered in mangroves. Many have tried to settle on this island, but without success. Some say this is because the island is inhabited by spirits.

Pulau Kukup is today the home of countless species of wildlife. Among these are the playful monkeys, the quiet mudskipper or the nosy wild boars.

(The gang boarding a ferry to Kukup National Park)

(Kelong Fish Farm with varieties of fish to choose)

(A home-stay on the old floating fishing village)

(Arriving at Kukup Island jetty)

(Tickets to enter and explore the National Park)

(Pulau Kukup is shaped like a palm with 6 fingers!)

(The jetty with basic amenities)

(A group photo at Kukup National Park)

(A place to rest and relax, tranquil and serene)

(The pathway leading to the entrance to the National Park)

(An island of Mangroves and mudflats)

(Protected as a National Park under the Johor State Park Corporation) 

(Pulau Kukup is one of the biggest inhabited mangrove sites)

(Declared as a RAMSAR site in 2003)

(One of the many mangrove species) 

(There are various species of wildlife too)

(The many small resting huts in the mangrove jungle)

(A well-maintained pathway into the mangrove jungle)

(Ready to board the ferry back to the mainland)

(Happy faces on board!) 

(A famous Kukup Seafood Restaurant on stilts)

(Ready to go to our next destination)

Our next destination is Tanjung Piai situated at a cape in Pontian District, Johor. Tanjung Piai is one of the five Ramsar sites in Malaysia. Tanjung Piai is also an important nature site in Johor, being the 3rd designated park of Johor National Park Corporation. Tanjung Piai has high socio-economic value for fisheries. The site also has high ecotourism potential, attracting many visitors.

Located on the southernmost tip of mainland Asia, the skyline of Singapore is visible across the Johor Strait from the point. It features resorts and seafood restaurants, perched on wooden jetties that are surrounded by a rugged and rarefied coastline of unspoiled mangrove forests.

Under the Ramsar Convention, the government and relevant stakeholders have an obligation to ensure the mangrove ecosystem and its values are maintained. Erosion at the site needs to be minimized to safeguard the ecological integrity of the mangrove ecosystem. The root causes of the erosion need to be eliminated or reduced.

It is also an important habitat for migratory and resident birds. These include the IUCN-listed vulnerable species, such as the Lesser Adjutant Stork. It is part of the Important Bird Area of southwest Johor, which extends from Parit Jawa to Tanjung Piai. The southwest Johor mangroves are ecologically important as a natural barrier for protecting the inland villages and agricultural lands from storm events, including tsunamis.

(Tg Piai is the southernmost point of Peninsular Malaysia)

(Tg Piai Resort and seafood restaurant on Stilts)

(A good place for fishing enthusiasts too)

(A 15-metre light tower which flashes once every 3 seconds)

After our trip to Pulau Kukup and Tanjung Piai we checked-in Kukup Golf resort and spent the night relaxing and unwinding in one of the 54 villas there.

(A golf resort amidst mangrove, shrubs and palm fronds)

(Checking in for the night)