Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 04: East Coast Blessings...

 “In travel, we discover new places. In Ramadhan, we rediscover ourselves...”

(Iftar area at Masjid Sultan Ismail, Cendering)

Day 04: 04 March 2026 (Wednesday)
Route: Kuantan - Kuala Terengganu
Hotel: Sumai Hotel Apartment, Kuala Terengganu

Today's journey carried us deeper along the East Coast, where the morning breeze feels softer and the sea is never too far away.

Last night, I took some flu and cold tablets before sleep. The drowsiness lingered through the day. And somewhere between one mosque and another, I quietly dozed off in the passenger seat. Perhaps it was my body asking for rest, but my heart remained awake, grateful for the journey.

(Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah Tok Sira, Kuantan)

We performed Subuh prayers at Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah Tok Sira, Kuantan. Located in the Tok Sira area, this mosque is named after Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang. Modest yet serene, it serves as an important community mosque for residents nearby.

At Subuh, the atmosphere was calm and unhurried. The first light of dawn filtered softly through its windows, a gentle reminder that every journey begins with surrender.

(Masjid Titian Berayun, Kijal)

Masjid Titian Berayun is situated in Kijal. This mosque is affectionately known by locals as “Titian Berayun,” a name that evokes imagery of gentle crossings or swaying bridges. Its architecture blends traditional Terengganu elements with modern simplicity.

Surrounded by coastal greenery, the mosque feels airy and open, a quiet sanctuary for fishermen, families, and travelers passing through this seaside town.

(Masjid Bukit Kukuran, Kampung Gong Chengal)

Masjid Bukit Kukuran perched slightly elevated in Kampung Gong Chengal. The elevated position gives it a peaceful vantage point over the surrounding village.

Like many village mosques in Terengganu, it carries a strong sense of community heritage. The simplicity of its structure reflects the humility of rural life, grounded, sincere, and deeply rooted in faith.

(Masjid Tengku Ampuan Intan Zaharah, Kuala Dungun)

One of Terengganu’s most iconic mosques, Masjid Tengku Ampuan Intan Zaharah in Kuala Dungun is named after the consort of Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah. Its white structure stands gracefully. Built in the early 1990s, its architecture is elegant and airy, with a spacious prayer hall crowned by a striking dome. Performing jamak prayers here felt unhurried.

(Masjid Assalikin,  Kuala Dungun)

A prominent mosque in Kuala Dungun, Masjid Assalikin features a red dome that stands out against the coastal skyline. Its spacious interior often hosts community religious programs and gatherings.

Even in my slightly drowsy state, I remember feeling its cool tiled floors - grounding, calming, steady.

(Masjid Sultan Ismail, Cendering)

We arrived in Kuala Terengganu in late afternoon. After a short rest, we drove to Masjid Sultan Ismail for Iftar and Terawih prayers.

Located in Cendering, in the outskirt of Kuala Terengganu, this grand mosque is among the main state mosques. With its impressive domes and spacious prayer halls, it becomes especially vibrant during Ramadhan.

Breaking fast here felt communal and warm. Strangers sharing dates, water and quiet smiles. As Terawih began, rows upon rows formed in disciplined harmony. Despite the drowsiness, the recitation flowed beautifully. Sometimes the body tires, but the soul continues.

(Sumai Hotel and Apartment, Kuala Terengganu)

Today is a day of domes, rivers, and quiet coastal towns. I travelled in a haze of drowsiness, drifting in and out of sleep between mosques, yet every stop felt like a gentle embrace. Today may have been slower for me physically, but perhaps that was part of its lesson, to pause, to rest, and to let the journey carry me gently forward.

Alhamdulillah for safe roads, shared iftar, and another day of Ramadhan written in gratitude.

02 Kembara Ramadhan - Kuantan, Pahang

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less…” - C. S. Lewis

(Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1, Kuantan)

Day 02: Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Route: Melaka - Bandar Muadzam - Pekan - Kuantan
Distance: 318 km
Hotel: Hotel Shahzan, Kuantan (Rm136.29)

Had sahur of nasi kandar and toasts at Subaidah Restoran Melaka Raya. Solat subuh was at Masjid Kampung Hulu, Melaka. The mosque is located in Malacca City and the oldest in Malacca and among the oldest in the country, having originally been built around the year 1720 - 1728 and had underwent several renovations.

(Masjid Kampung Hulu, Melaka)

(The old mosque is located in the middle of the city)

Checked out at 9.30 am and drove towards Pekan via Bandar Muadzam Shah, Rompin. A brief stop in Bandar Muadzam for solat Zohor/Asar at Masjid Al-Muadzam Shah. The mosque that was built in 1986 has the influence of local architectural design and does not have a dome. The pyramid roof design is the identity of this mosque. The mosque reflects the characteristics of traditional Malay house architecture. There is a square-shaped minaret, with pyramid-shaped roof resembling the roof of the mosque.

(A short break for prayers)

(Traditional Malay house architecture)

Arrived in Pekan around 3.30 pm and visited the two mosques Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah and Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah Al Haj. As there were no accommodations near the two mosques we drove on to Kuantan.

(Our favorite mosque in Pekan, Pahang)

(Dark clouds looming over the horizon)

By 5.30 pm we checked in Shahzan Hotel which is strategically located near Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1, the State Mosque of Pahang and next to the Pasar Ramadhan. The mosque is located in the heart of Kuantan town. The smaller original mosque, was built in the 1960s. Due to its centralised location and importance, the mosque was later demolished and rebuilt to make way for a new and bigger mosque which became the State Mosque of Pahang which was completed in 1994.

(Muslims families breaking fast on the field)

(We had iftar in the mosque)

Had iftar and solat terawih at Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1, Kuantan. Received two packs of nasi berlauk for sahur, alhamdulillah.

(Checking out next routing at Shahzan Hotel)

09 Kembara Ramadhan - Cameron Highlands, Pahang

“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius…” - Arthur Conan Doyle

(Masjid Abu Bakar, Tanah Rata)

Day 09: Wednesday, 27 March 2024
Route: Gua Musang - Cameron Highland
Distance: 118 km
Hotel: Cameron Golden Hill Resort (Rm78.23)

Sahur with packed nasi lemak at 4.30 am. Solat subuh was at Masjid Muhammad Faris Petra Gua Musang located just across the road . Checked out around 11.00 am and headed towards Cameron Highlands via Lojing route.

(The full moon over Masjid Muhammad Faris Petra, Gua Musang)

Performed solat jamak Zohor/Asar at Masjid Long Tan Lojing, Kelantan. The name of Masjid Long Tan is in conjunction with the name of the ruler of the South Kelantan, Long Tan bin Long Yunus bin Long Sulaiman. Masjid Long Tan, Lojing is the first district mosque built in Lojing. The mosque was constructed in 2010 and completed in 2013. The mosque is located near the border of the state of Kelantan and Pahang. The weather was cool and the surrounding ambiance was awesome.

(Heading towards Cameron Highlands)

(The wind was blowing strong in Lojing)

(Enjoying the cool weather and the scenic view)

(Zohor/Asar prayers at Masjid Long Tan, Lojing)

(A brief history of the mosque)

Checked in at Cameron Golden Hills Resort at Tanah Rata, Pahang. We booked for a studio apartment but was allocated a 3-room apartment instead. Rested the whole afternoon. Had iftar and solat terawih at Masjid Abu Bakar at Tanah Rata.

(We used to visit this mosque during our biking days)

(Reciting the quran before Isya' prayers)

After the terawih prayers, the jemaah were given a pack of Cameron Highlands zucchinis each to being home. On the way back to our apartment, we detoured to Anjer Corner and bought packed nasi goreng and sup ekor for sahur.

(Freedom for Palestine at Anjer Corner)

Chilling out in Genting Highlands...

 "In life you will realize there is a role for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you and some will teach you lessons..."

(Spending a few days at Awana Genting)

We celebrated hubby's birthday in Genting Highlands.

As a BNM retiree I had the opportunity to stay at the executive resort in Awana Genting. We spent three days/2 nights relaxing and Jalan-jalan Cari Makan, commuting between GPO and the summit trying out good eateries. Even on weekdays, Genting Highlands are crowded with locals and foreign tourists.

I am expecting to gain a few kg after this.

(Riding on the cable car)

(Cable cars passing by Chin Swee Caves Temple)

(Cool weather at the summit)

(Varieties of Fish & Chips)

(Kebab and sandwiches)

Pekan Bandar DiRaja Pahang...

 "When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you..." - Winston S. Churchill

(Keep Pekan Clean Campaign)

After lunch, we drove on the coastal road from Leban Chondong to Pekan, about 75 km away. It took us about an hour to reach the Royal town of Pekan. We performed our jamak prayers at the Sultan Abu Bakar 1 mosque then later stroll around Pekan town before we droved to the famous Murtabak Mengkasar Hj Din restaurant for tea.

The traffic jam on Karak Highway was extraordinarily massive. We reached home way after sunset.

(Solat jamak at Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar 1)

(Murals on the wall)

(Street Arts in Pekan)

(Murals along Jalan Teng Quee)

(Sultan Abu Bakar Museum)

(RM10 entrance fee)

(Military transport vehicles)

(Fighting warriors sculpture)

(Metal warrior sculptures)

(Old train carriages)

(Wooden horses decorating the ground)

(Walking among the horses)

(One of the finest preserved heritage buildings)

(Originally built for British Residents in Pahang)

(Elephants and deers wooden sculptures)

(Murtabak Mengkasar for early dinner)