Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 08: Exploring the navigable roads of Pangkor Island...

"Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller..." - Ibn Battuta

(Watching the sunrise at Telok Dalam beach)

Day 08: 08 March 2026 (Sunday)
Route: Pangkor Island
Hotel: Island Homestay, Pangkor

After the quiet serenity of yesterday’s journey to Pangkor, the eighth day of our Kembara Ramadhan was spent entirely exploring the island at a slower, more reflective pace.

The day began at dawn with Subuh prayers at Masjid Telok Raja Bayang, one of the island’s charming mosques located not far from Pangkor town.

(Masjid Telok Raja Bayang, Pangkor)

This mosque serves the local fishing community and residents of the island. The mosque’s name comes from the nearby Telok Raja Bayang area, a historic settlement on Pangkor. Though modest in size, the mosque is an important spiritual centre for the island’s Muslim community and offers a peaceful setting for early morning prayers. 

It is noted as the only mosque on Pangkor Island that has an adjacent cemetery.. The mosque is over 100 years old. It was originally built in 1923, by local villagers using forest wood through a 'gotong-royong' or communal work effort. While it maintains its historical status, it has undergone recent renovations to modernize its facilities.

(At a viewpoint - chasing the sunrise)

As the first light of morning spread across the sea, we set off on a small adventure - riding our rented motorbike around the island.

Pangkor in the early morning has a gentle rhythm. Fishermen returning from the sea, quiet roads shaded by coconut trees, and the sound of waves rolling onto empty beaches. We stopped frequently along the coastal road — sometimes to watch the sunrise, sometimes simply to take photographs or enjoy the calm beauty of the island.

(A boat for islands hopping)

Among the stops were several beaches that reveal different faces of Pangkor: the quiet stretch of Pantai Telok Dalam, the lively resort area of Pasir Bogak Beach, and the popular seaside village of Telok Nipah Beach.

Along the way we also visited two historical landmarks that connect Pangkor to centuries of maritime history - the weathered walls of Dutch Fort and the mysterious ancient stone known as Batu Bersurat Pangkor.

(Kota Belanda or Dutch Fort)

Built in 1670 by the Dutch, this small fortress of Dutch Fort (Kota Belanda) was constructed to protect their tin trade in Perak and to guard the strategic shipping routes along the Strait of Malacca. The fort later fell into disuse and was partially destroyed, but it has since been restored as a historical site. Today its old brick walls stand as a reminder of Pangkor’s role in regional trade and colonial rivalry.

(Batu Bersurat of Pangkor)

Located near the Dutch Fort is a large engraved rock known as Batu Bersurat. The stone carries 17th-century carvings left by Dutch soldiers, including the image of a tiger and several inscriptions believed to commemorate the killing of a wild tiger on the island in 1743. The carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s colonial past.

(Duty Free Shop)

By midday, the tropical sun had grown intense and fasting began to take its toll. Our ride around the island ended with a brief stop at the duty-free shops near the jetty to pick up a few souvenirs before returning to rest.

(Masjid Al Badar @ 1000 Selawat, Pantai Telok Baharu)

As evening approached, we gathered for Terawih prayers at Masjid Al Badar 1000 Selawat. The rhythmic recitation of selawat that gives the mosque its name seemed a fitting close to a day filled with gratitude and reflection.

Masjid Badar is popularly known as Masjid 1000 Selawat because of the many inscriptions of selawat displayed around the mosque. The unique concept encourages visitors to continuously recite selawat while admiring the calligraphy. The mosque has become one of Pangkor’s distinctive religious landmarks and a meaningful stop for visitors seeking spiritual reflection.

 

(Completing 20 rakaat of Terawih)

As the day drew to a close, the island slowly returned to its quiet rhythm with the sea breeze cooling the air. Travelling while fasting may tire the body, yet it sharpens the heart’s awareness of every blessing.

On this small island in the Straits of Malacca, another day of Ramadhan passed not just as a journey across places, but as a reminder that every road travelled can also be a journey inward.

Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 09: Carrying memories forward...

"Ramadan is a journey of the heart, guiding us from darkness to light..."

(A typical iftar set at most mosques)

Day 09: 09 March 2026 (Monday)
Route: Pangkor Island - Ipoh
Hotel: Anderson ImpianaKU Suite, Ipoh

Today marks our final morning on the beautiful island of Pangkor. By 11.15 am we would be boarding the ferry back to Marina Island Ferry Terminal. The ninth day of Kembara Ramadhan promises new roads, new mosques, and new moments of reflection as we continue our journey towards Ipoh, with several detours planned along the way.

Last night, after nursing my chronic back pain with a dose of painkillers, I drifted into a deep, tranquil sleep and slept like a log until it was time for sahur. The packing, thankfully, was left in the capable hands of dear hubby.

(The minaret of Masjid Raja Bayang)

In the cool hush of early morning, bracing ourselves against the slightly chilly sea breeze, we slowly made our way by motorbike to Masjid Raja Bayang for Subuh prayers. We chose this mosque because it was the closest to our lodging, but also because I had grown fond of the calm ambience and the quiet serenity of its surroundings.

By 10.00 am we checked out of our accommodation. Our luggage had mysteriously doubled - one bag filled with dirty laundry and another stuffed with chocolates and ikan bilis. Balancing two bags on a motorbike was no easy feat, but we managed the short ride to the jetty safely and returned the rented bike without incident. Not long after, the ferry departed right on time.

(On board of the ferry to the mainland)

Upon arriving at Marina Ferry Terminal, we collected our trusty 4WD and paid the parking charges online before heading off. After a quick refuelling stop in Setiawan, we set the GPS and made a detour to visit the 130-year-old Masjid Kampung Tinggi in Bagan Serai.

(Masjid Tinggi Bagan Serai)

Also known locally as Masigit Lawas, it is one of the oldest mosques in Perak and a significant cultural landmark for the Banjar community. The original mosque was built around 1897 by Banjar settlers who migrated from Banjarmasin, Indonesia during the British colonial era. The mosque earned the name Masjid Tinggi (Tall Mosque) because of its distinctive height, while the Banjar community affectionately refers to it as Masigit Lawas, meaning “old mosque.”

Architecturally, the wooden structure reflects strong Indonesian influences and is said to resemble the historic Masjid Demak in Java. Today the original mosque is preserved as a heritage site, standing proudly as a reminder of the early Banjar presence in the area.

(Masjid Al-Athar, Bagan Serai)

Adjacent to it stands Masjid Al-Athar, a newer mosque built in 1965 to accommodate the growing congregation that the historic wooden structure could no longer hold. Unlike the traditional Banjar style of its predecessor, Masjid Al-Athar features a more modern architectural design. Deeply rooted in the same Banjar community, it continues the legacy of the old mosque. We performed our jamak prayers here before continuing our journey.

From Bagan Serai we rejoined the PLUS Highway heading towards Ipoh. Along the way, news of a major accident causing a 5-kilometre traffic jam between Kuala Kangsar and the Menora Tunnel prompted us to exit earlier and take a slower alternative route through Kuala Kangsar. The detour made the journey longer than expected and resulted in a rather late check-in at our accomodation in Ipoh.

(Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II, Ipoh)

After a quick shower and a brief rest, we drove out again to Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II, the official State Mosque of Perak, to break our fast and perform the terawih prayers. Located in the heart of Ipoh, the majestic mosque was completed in 1968 and is known for its striking modernist design, crowned by 66 oval-pointed domes and a 125-foot minaret.

(Majlis tahlil before breaking fast)

Just as the call to maghrib approached, heavy rain began to fall. It turned out to be a welcome blessing, cooling the air after days of relentless heat and humidity that had accompanied us throughout our journey since the start of this Kembara Ramadhan.

As we left Pangkor behind this morning, I realised that every step of this journey carries more than just distance travelled. Each mosque visited, each road taken, and each unexpected detour adds another quiet layer to the experience of Ramadhan on the road.

Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 10: The Journey Home...

“The road has ended, but the prayers we carried along it will continue their journey to the end...”

(The last mosque in our trip)

Day 10: 10 March 2026 (Tuesday)
Route: Ipoh - Kuala Lumpur

Every journey carries us forward, but the last day always asks us to slow down - to look back at the miles travelled, the prayers whispered, and the quiet blessings gathered along the way. Every journey, no matter how meaningful, must eventually find its way home.

On the final day of our Kembara Ramadhan, the road southbound carried us not only closer to home but also to a few more mosques along the way. Yet, unlike the earlier days of the journey, I found myself less eager to explore. My heart felt heavier as we approached the last mosque on our list. Quietly I wondered whether we would still have the strength, the perseverance, and the spirit to undertake another journey like this in the years to come.

They say aging is a privilege denied to many. Perhaps it is like climbing a mountain - breathless with every step, yet rewarded with a clearer and wider view from the summit. A gentle sadness lingered in my heart, but it was accompanied by hope and prayer. I trust that I will continue to be guided by the wisdom of my heart rather than the worries of my mind.

(Masjid Muhibbuddin Shah, Ipoh)

Our final Subuh prayers of this Kembara Ramadhan were performed at Masjid Muhibbuddin Shah, located just a short drive from our accommodation at Anderson ImpianKU Suites.

The mosque serves as a central place of worship for the community and visitors to Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun. Built in 1996, it is easily recognised by the prominent round blue-green dome that crowns its main prayer hall. The design blends Middle Eastern and Nusantara (Malay Archipelago) styles. 

After Subuh, we had enough time to enjoy a short power nap before checking out.

(Masjid China Muhammadiah, Ipoh)

Before leaving Ipoh, we made a brief stop at Masjid Muhammadiah (Masjid Cina). Known for its distinctive Chinese architectural design, the mosque features a pagoda-shaped minaret, green glazed roof tiles, and a graceful half-moon entrance. It can accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers.

The site originally housed Madrasah Muhammadiah, founded in 1973. A small surau built in 1978 was later upgraded to a mosque in 2007, and the current Chinese-inspired structure was completed in 2013. Performing our sunnah prayers here felt especially calming, as if the quiet elegance of the architecture itself invited reflection.

(Jambatan Sultan Nazrin Shah)

Rather than taking the highway, we chose the slower coastal road towards Kuala Lumpur - a route that winds through quiet villages, stretches of paddy fields across Perak, and eventually the historic coastal town of Kuala Selangor.

(Masjid Tuminah Hamidi, Bagan Datuk)

Continuing along the old road towards Kuala Selangor, we made another detour to visit Masjid Tuminah Hamidi in Bagan Datuk. This stunning floating mosque stands along the banks of the Perak River and is the third mosque of its kind in the state.

(The murky water of Sungai Perak)

The complex includes an open square, a multipurpose hall, and exhibition spaces, with capacity for about 5,000 worshippers. The mosque was named by DPM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in honour of his parents and was inaugurated in March 2025. We had visited this mosque several times before. During this visit, some areas were under repair, but we were able to perform our jamak Zohor and Asar prayers in the temporary prayer area.

By the time we entered the LATAR Expressway, the afternoon was already fading. Instead of heading straight home, we made one last detour to Masjid Damansara Perdana to break our fast and perform Terawih prayers.

(Masjid Damansara Perdana)

Often described as an “industrial-themed” mosque, it features a minimalist modern design using raw steel, concrete ventilation blocks, and soaring ceilings without traditional domes or arches. Its contemporary architecture blends naturally into the surrounding urban landscape and has drawn much attention since its completion. 

(The mimbar in the prayer hall)

That evening the mosque was filled with worshippers. The iftar area lively with families and travellers, and the prayer hall packed to the brim during Terawih.

(Kembara Ramadhan final iftar in Damansara Perdana)

When we finally reached home, exhaustion quickly caught up with us. The bags were left unpacked. After a quick hot shower, we slipped straight into bed, letting the warmth ease our tired muscles.

Tonight we rest with gratitude. May every step of this journey bring us closer to Allah, and may every mosque we visited stand as a quiet witness to our prayers. Journeys end, but the prayers offered along the way will continue, long after the road falls silent.

17th Umrah Trip: A Journey That Begins Within...

 "Labbaik Allahumma labbaik" (Here I am, O Allah, here I am)...

(The holy Kaabah in Makkah)

This year, hubby and I chose to begin our travels early. Instead of chasing new cities or familiar comforts, we felt drawn to start with a spiritual journey of an Umrah trip, a return to the Holy Lands. It felt right to place our hearts first before anything else, to realign our intentions before the year unfolded further.

Though we have performed Umrah many times before, the preparations never seem to grow easier. There were documents to check, bags to pack, prayers to memorise, and quiet worries of faltering health that crept in between moments of excitement. I realised that experience does not always bring ease; sometimes it brings deeper awareness of responsibility and purpose.

(Masjid Nabawi in Madinah)

In those moments, I reminded myself to pause, to breathe and to soften my heart. This journey was not only about arriving in Makkah and Madinah, but about learning to let go of control, of haste, of unnecessary anxiety. I hoped that with a calmer heart and sincere spiritual readiness, the ritual of the pilgrimage itself would be fulfilled with ease.

Our Umrah Itinerary:
(21 - 31 January, 2026)
Day 01: KL - Makkah
Day 02: Makkah - 1st umrah
Day 03: Makkah - Hudaibiah 2nd Umrah
Day 04: Makkah - Jaaranah 3rd Umrah
Day 05: Makkah - Down with fever
Day 06: Makkah - Madinah, the Hijrah Route
Day 07: Madinah - Mosque Tour, Raudhah Visit
Day 08: Madinah - Historical City Tour
Day 09: Madinah - Makràkah Badar Tour
Day 10: Madinah - A Day of Rest
Day 11: Madinah - KL

Perhaps this Umrah, once again inviting me to begin not only with steps taken on sacred ground, but with peace nurtured quietly within.

Will be updating, if time permits, in my travel blog: munmus.blogspot.com 

A Wolf Supermoon...

"Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars..."  - Les Brown

(22nd floor, Putramas Apartment)

It was the first full moon of the year, and tonight the celestial display was mesmerising.

The moon appeared slightly larger and noticeably brighter than a typical full moon. This January full moon is known as the Wolf Moon, and it earns the title supermoon because it occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth. 

Despite its evocative name, it has nothing to do with actual wolves, only ancient seasonal traditions and the quiet poetry of the night sky.