Day 04: Memories That Refuse to Fade...

“Time may scatter us across years and distances, but true friendship always finds its way back.”

(SMKB Girls - Class of '71)

Day 04: 29 April 2026 (Wednesday)
Route: Kota Bharu - Bachok
Hotel: Bayu Melawi Chalet, Bachok

Early in the morning, we set out in search of breakfast. Our destination was Ayang Cafe, a lively and well-loved spot known for its wide spread of traditional Kelantanese dishes. The atmosphere was vibrant, the food comforting. A perfect start to the day.

 

(Nasi Tumpang and Pulut Pagi for breakfast)

With plenty of time before check-out, we took a slow drive around town. We made a brief stop at Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah, the iconic market bustling with colours and local life. Though we didn’t buy anything, it was still a delight just to wander and take it all in.

(A decorated trishaw at Pasar Siti Khadijah)

(Vibrant atmosphere full of local flavors)

From there, we made our way leisurely towards Bachok, our reunion destination. By the time we arrived, some of the group were already there, mingling comfortably. There was an immediate sense of joy, the kind that comes from seeing familiar faces who need no introduction. And yet, there were moments of hesitation too. Faces we recognised but names that escaped us. I realised I wasn’t alone in that small struggle, and somehow, that made it all the more endearing.

(55 years of friendship)

(My best of friends - The Big Five)

(The early birds)

(Our lodging for the night)

We began with a hearty lunch, followed by an introductory session. It felt a little awkward at first, as if we were gently reacquainting ourselves with versions of people shaped by time. But soon enough, the laughter came. Easy, genuine, and with it, the years seemed to melt away.

Old memories resurfaced, not all at once, but in fragments. A shared joke, a familiar nickname, a story retold for the hundredth time. In those moments, we were no longer strangers but girls again, bound by something deeper than memory.

The afternoon unfolded with simple games, light-hearted and full of laughter, followed by a cheerful exchange of gifts. Nothing extravagant, just small tokens that carried meaning far beyond their size.

 

(The Blue Team)

(The Green Team)

As the sun began to dip and the air grew cooler, we walked together to the beach. The sea stretched quietly before us, waves rolling in with a gentle rhythm. We stood side by side, watching the sunset paint the sky in soft hues, while the scent of grilled seafood lingered in the air. In that quiet gathering by the shore, it became clear that this reunion was more than just a meeting. It was a celebration of time, of friendship, and of the invisible threads that continue to hold us together, no matter how far life has taken us.

(The two of us at the beach)

(Horse riding on a long stretch of sandy beach)

(The calm colour of sunset)

(A beautiful full moon)

That night, we slept deeply and peacefully. Hearts full, spirits light, grateful for friendships that have endured the years. Embracing us as we are, flaws and all.

Day 05: Chasing the First Light...

"Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you will miss them..." - William Arthur Ward

(The break of dawn at Bayu Melawi Beach)

Day 05: 30 April 2026 (Tuesday)
Route: Bachok - Kuala Lumpur

Destination: Home sweet home

Immediately after Subuh prayers, we slipped out in small groups and made our way towards the beach. The sky was still wrapped in darkness, but the excitement of not wanting to miss the sunrise pulled us forward. Hand in hand, we walked along the white sandy shore, our soft whispers and occasional childish giggles gently breaking the stillness of dawn.

(Ready for the beach walk)

While waiting for the first light, we wandered along the water’s edge, letting the cool ripples brush against our feet. And then, slowly, the sun emerged, painting the horizon in hues of gold. It was mesmerising. The shifting light cast a warm glow across the sea, a quiet, beautiful moment that felt almost suspended in time.

(Golden rays and quiet thoughts to start the day)

(A beautiful reflection of the sunrise)

(A golden hue over the horizon)

(A lone lost turtle on the beach)

We lingered a little longer under the gazebo, nibbling on tidbits and picking up conversations we had left unfinished the night before. Stories flowed easily, memories of childhood, laughter that came so naturally, and moments that brought both smiles and tears. Each of us carried pieces of the past, gently shared and warmly received.

(Reminiscing under the gazebo)

As the sun climbed higher and the humidity grew heavier, we retreated to the cooler dining hall for our final meal together. Breakfast was simple but comforting, nasi berlauk and nasi impit, my all-time favourites. Somehow, it tasted even better in the company of old friends.

(Ice-cream indulgence on a hot sunny morning)

And then, inevitably, it was time. Goodbyes are never easy, especially when hearts have been reconnected so deeply. We parted with warm embraces and heartfelt wishes for good health, for happiness, and for the hope that our paths will cross again soon perhaps with even more stories to tell.

For the journey back to Kuala Lumpur, we took the East–West Highway before continuing onto the PLUS Highway. The weather was kind, the traffic smooth, and the drive home felt calm, almost as if giving us space to quietly hold onto the memories we had just made.

(Jamak prayers at Masjid Nurussalam, Gerik)

(Heavy traffic entering the highway)

(Full moon over Taman Bidara)

A short escape, a long list of memories. Grateful for the time, the laughter, and the friendships that still feel like it was only yesterday. Until we meet again, may life be kind and may our stories continue where we left off.

InsyaAllah...

Epilogue Kembara Ramadhan: Reflections from the Road...

“We came home from the road, but part of our hearts will always remain in the quiet mosques we visited...”

(Kembara Ramadhan 2026)

Ten days on the road. Hundreds of kilometres travelled. Dozens of mosques visited. Yet the true journey of this Kembara Ramadhan cannot be measured by distance or numbers.

Along highways and village roads, across coastal towns and quiet kampungs, each stop became more than just another place on a map. Every mosque welcomed us with its own story. Some grand and historic, others humble and serene. But all united by the same call to prayer that echoes across this land.

There were early mornings after Subuh, long hours behind the wheel, moments of exhaustion, and moments of quiet reflection. But above all, there was a deep sense of gratitude, for the safety of the journey, for the beauty of these sacred spaces, and for the opportunity to spend this blessed month moving from one house of Allah to another.

And so this chapter of Kembara Ramadhan comes to a close. May every mosque we visited bear witness to our prayers, and may the road always lead us back to places that bring our hearts closer to Allah.

Kembara Ramadhan Malaya 2026 - Vol 9

“Sometimes the journey itself becomes the ibadah - every mile travelled a quiet zikr of gratitude...”

(The start of the 10-day Kembara Ramadhan)

On the Road with the Qur’an and Terawih

(01 - 10 March 2026)

The first ten days of Ramadhan slipped by quietly, filled with the rhythm of verses and shared intention. I joined Masjid At-Taiyibbin tadarus circle - just four of us in my group, gathering each day to recite the Qur’an together. There is something deeply comforting about reading in unison, correcting and encouraging one another softly, without much words. By the tenth day, we had completed 25 juzuk. A collective effort, a shared amanah.

Today is the 11th of Ramadhan, my final day with the group. They will continue with the remaining five juzuk without me. I leave them with gratitude in my heart, thankful for the companionship, striving for the same divine reward in the hereafter.

As in previous years, dear hubby and I will soon set off on our annual Kembara Ramadhan - ten days on the road with our trusty four-wheeler. This journey has quietly become a tradition for us. A moving sanctuary of sorts.

This year, our plan is simple yet ambitious, to perform our terawih prayers in mosques across the states of West Malaysia, with the exception of Kedah, Penang and Perlis. Along the way, we hope to stop at several other mosques - some grand and well-known, others modest and tucked away in small towns, each with its own story, its own congregation, its own warmth. At every mosque we visit, we offer a small contribution to their donation boxes.

Ramadhan feels different when you experience it on the road. Every night brings a new imam, a new recitation, a new community standing shoulder to shoulder. Yet the purpose remains the same - seeking His mercy, His forgiveness, His nearness.

As we prepare to depart, I carry with me the echoes of the Qur’an from our tadarus circle, hoping they will accompany us through every state, every mosque, every sujud.

Ramadhan Mubarak - wherever the road may lead us, insyaAllah.

2026 Kembara Ramadhan itinerary:
(01 - 10 March, 2026)
Day 01: Kuala Lumpur - Melaka
Day 02: Melaka - Johor Bahru
Day 03: Johor Bahru - Kuantan
Day 04: Kuantan - Kuala Terengganu
Day 05: Kuala Terengganu - Kota Bharu
Day 06: Kota Bharu
Day 07: Kota Bharu - Pangkor
Day 08: Pangkor
Day 09: Pangkor - Ipoh
Day 10: Ipoh - Kuala Lumpur

My Overseas Travel Blog:

munmus.blogspot.com

Kembara Ramadhan 2026 – Day 01: Tracing Light Through Seremban and Melaka...

 “In visiting the houses of Allah, perhaps we are really learning how to rebuild the house within ourselves...”

(Watching the sunset at Krubung, Melaka)

Day 01: 01 March 2026 (Sunday)
Route: Kuala Lumpur to Melaka
Hotel: MITC Hotel, Melaka

On the first day of our Kembara Ramadhan, we set out to visit four mosques across Negeri Sembilan and Melaka. Each mosque stood different in design and character, yet all shared the same quiet invitation - to pause, to reflect, to return to Allah. Four mosques. Four atmospheres. One serenity.

(Masjid Saidatina Khadijah, Seremban)

Located within the busy township of Seremban Jaya, this mosque serves as a central place of worship for the surrounding residential community. Established to meet the growing needs of the neighbourhood, it reflects the practical yet warm design typical of many Malaysian community mosques built in the late 20th and early 21st century.

Its architecture is modest, prioritising space and comfort for congregational prayers. The prayer hall is spacious and well-ventilated, creating an atmosphere of calm simplicity.

There is something deeply grounding about beginning a spiritual journey in a mosque that feels so close to everyday life - where faith and routine gently intertwine. Sometimes the most meaningful beginnings happen in the simplest spaces.

(Masjid Saidatina Aishah, Seremban)

Situated in Bandar Seremban Selatan, this mosque represents a more contemporary architectural style. Designed to serve a rapidly developing township, it features clean structural lines, bright interiors, and a layout that accommodates large congregations, especially during Ramadhan.

Like many newer mosques in Malaysia, it functions not only as a place of prayer but also as a centre for community engagement — hosting religious classes, iftar gatherings, and terawih prayers that bring together families across generations.

Standing inside, I could feel the vibrancy of a living community. The mosque did not feel static, it felt alive. Modern in structure, timeless in purpose.

(Masjid Muhamad Al-Fateh, Seremban)

This mosque is one of the architectural highlights of the Forest Heights township. Inspired by Ottoman design elements, its prominent dome and slender minaret immediately draw the eye - reminiscent of classical Turkish mosque architecture.

Named after Sultan Mehmed II (Muhammad Al-Fateh), the Ottoman ruler who conquered Constantinople in 1453, the mosque symbolically reflects strength, vision, and spiritual determination.

The landscaped surroundings add to its peaceful presence. As we stood in its courtyard, there was a sense of both grandeur and humility - grandeur in its structure, humility in the act of prayer within it. Some mosques comfort you quietly. Others inspire you to look upward. This one does both.

(Masjid Cina Melaka)

Commonly known as the Melaka Chinese Mosque, this mosque is one of the most distinctive in Malaysia. Officially opened in 2014, it was built to reflect the historical presence of the Chinese Muslim community in Melaka, a state long known as a crossroads of civilisations.

Its architecture departs from the conventional dome-and-minaret form. Instead, it features a pagoda-style minaret, curved roof ridges, and design elements inspired by traditional Chinese temples. Yet despite its cultural expression, its function and spiritual essence remain fully Islamic.

Melaka’s history as a trading port brought Arabs, Indians, Chinese, and Malays together centuries ago. This mosque stands as a modern reflection of that historical harmony - a reminder that Islam has always travelled across cultures without losing its core. With the beautiful sunset as the background, we had our iftar and performed our terawih prayers here.

(MITC Hotel, Melaka)

By the end of the day, we had travelled across towns and architectural styles, from modest community spaces to culturally symbolic landmarks. But what stayed with me was not the structures themselves. It was the stillness found inside each one.

Ramadhan slows the body through fasting, but it awakens the heart through reflection. And on this first day of Kembara Ramadhan, my heart felt gently recalibrated - one mosque at a time.