This is an impromptu trip and mainly for the purpose of Qing Ming Jie (Tomb sweeping festival). i.e visiting my SO's ancestoral graves and visiting of family staying at Terengganu.
Some of the meals are eaten with relatives, hence the location and food is missing from the travel itinerary (apologies as i seriously have no idea).
I was hoping to see the sea turtles hatching of eggs. Unfortunately, its isn't the season for it. Sea turtles season is July to October with August being the peak.
Travel dates: 25 - 28 March 2016
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Food: Lunch: Yuan Yean Fish Ball Noodle, Yong Peng 元廷正宗永平西刀鱼丸, Dinner: With Family
Stay: Cukai, First Residence Hotel
The travelling time from Singapore to Kemaman took longer than expected. We spent 2.5 hours just to clear the jam and we started off early too at 7.30 am. I guess we aren't that early after all after being stuck for like ever. After clearing the Singapore customs we immediately head to the temporary toilet before trying to clear the Malaysia customs. No joke when you need to answer nature's call and stuck in a never ending jam.
To eat:
Yuan Yean Fish Ball Noodle - budget
123, Jalan Besar, 83700 Yong Peng, Johor, Malaysia
The fishball is very flavourful and in my own terms has the taste of the sea. But the more dense than what we have in Singapore. There is different types of noodles to choose from but we all opt for noodles that are freshly made that day. The dry noodle is soft with a tinge of alkaline. The soup that accompanied the dry noodle is sweeter and saltier. The soup noodle is more bland.
We also ordered the yong tau foo which is also one of the popular dish here. I like the brinjal which is big fresh and inserted with a generous serving of fish paste.
The fish cake is very different as the outer crust is crispy and the contents more dense. Probably due to more fish meat??
I also love the otah that is juicy and spicy. Texture wise is tougher than the soft otah that we are used to in Singapore.
On the whole meal, i will rate it at an astounding 7/10.
After a long jam and drive, this is a very fulfilling meal and we off to Terengganu.
To stay:
First Residence Hotel
Lot 119, Jalan Sulaimani, Bandar Chukai, Kemaman, 24000 Cukai, Malaysia
While the lobby look fresh and new, you can tell there are signs of wear and tear at the little corners like the ceiling.
Upon entering the lift, there is an overwelming stench of mould and cigarette smoke and it got worse when we reach our room. I had to open the room to air it but doesn't really help.
The rooms maintain a basic cleaniness and the bed is firm but the sheets are rough with small fabric balls. There are also cobwebs up in the ceiling corners. After bathing at night, i realise that there is no hair dryer and i end up sleeping with wet hair that night. :(
Location wise this hotel is considered quite prime and located in town. There are also 2 marts which are open 24 hours.
There are few decent hotels in this place and you have to brave this little hotel if you're passing through the area.
Day 2:
Food: Breakfast: Kedai Kopi Tin Kam Leng, Tea at Pantai Kelulut, Dinner: With Family
Stay: Felda Residence Hotel
To eat:
Kedai Kopi Tin Kam Leng - budget
Jalan Sultan Sulaimani 24000 Cukai, Terengganu Malaysia
This is quite unique as it serves noodles with a whole fish. The steam kampong fish is very moist and yummy. The fresh yellow noodle sprinkled with bean sprouts is delicious with only a tinge of alkalinity. The fish soup is superb. It is cook with local sardines for hours to make the broth. Uniquely, this dish is served with keropok and the way to eat is to dip the keropok in the soup and take a wholesome bite out of it. For greater flavour, you can add hei bee hiam to the noodles.
Aside from the awesome noodles, this place also brewed a great cup of coffee (kopi) which looks very thick (gao) but taste is neutral and sweet.
I also had a very yummy soft boiled egg that is very fresh. This is so so good that i am salivating while writing this.
Rated: 7.5/10
Keropok Lekor 008 - budget
This is my first time eating keropok (or fried fish slices) with a view to match. Its fried till crisp but the insides is soft and QQ. The texture of the keropok is in between a kueh and a fishball. This is something i've never tasted before and i can continuously eat this like potato chips. This is how good this is.
We add this with fresh coconut juice.
To stay:
Felda Residence Hotel
Jalan Hiliran, Terengganu Darul Iman, Kuala Terengganu, 21400, Malaysia
The view of the lobby is near the riverfront and so is the cafe.
The rooms are quite huge and bed is firm. But the pillows are soft and comfortable. Hair dryer while not available in the room. Room is spacious.Special request to be made for hair dryer to be sent.
The views from 17th floor cafe is very soothing. Great for a glass of juice while waiting for time to pass.
However, all electricity is cut off from the building at 10.30 am. I am not sure if this is just a one time occurrence or a bid for the hotel to save on costs.
Day 3:
Visit: Crystal Museum
Food: Breakfast: Kah Pah, Lunch:Madam Bee Kitchen , Dinner: Ocean
Stay: Primula Beach Resort
To visit:
Crystal Museum
Islamic Heritage Park, Kuala Terengganu, 21400, Malaysia
This is listed as one of the top visit places at Kuala Terengganu. All visitors to the mosque must be appropriately dressed.
Luckily they did provide clothes for wearing. Head for girls must be cover with a shawl as well.
This place is quite pretty and good for a quick lookaround.
To eat:
Kah Pah - Stall 30 - budget
30 Gerai, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Some of the meals are eaten with relatives, hence the location and food is missing from the travel itinerary (apologies as i seriously have no idea).
I was hoping to see the sea turtles hatching of eggs. Unfortunately, its isn't the season for it. Sea turtles season is July to October with August being the peak.
Travel dates: 25 - 28 March 2016
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Food: Lunch: Yuan Yean Fish Ball Noodle, Yong Peng 元廷正宗永平西刀鱼丸, Dinner: With Family
Stay: Cukai, First Residence Hotel
The travelling time from Singapore to Kemaman took longer than expected. We spent 2.5 hours just to clear the jam and we started off early too at 7.30 am. I guess we aren't that early after all after being stuck for like ever. After clearing the Singapore customs we immediately head to the temporary toilet before trying to clear the Malaysia customs. No joke when you need to answer nature's call and stuck in a never ending jam.
To eat:
Yuan Yean Fish Ball Noodle - budget
123, Jalan Besar, 83700 Yong Peng, Johor, Malaysia
The fishball is very flavourful and in my own terms has the taste of the sea. But the more dense than what we have in Singapore. There is different types of noodles to choose from but we all opt for noodles that are freshly made that day. The dry noodle is soft with a tinge of alkaline. The soup that accompanied the dry noodle is sweeter and saltier. The soup noodle is more bland.
We also ordered the yong tau foo which is also one of the popular dish here. I like the brinjal which is big fresh and inserted with a generous serving of fish paste.
The fish cake is very different as the outer crust is crispy and the contents more dense. Probably due to more fish meat??
I also love the otah that is juicy and spicy. Texture wise is tougher than the soft otah that we are used to in Singapore.
On the whole meal, i will rate it at an astounding 7/10.
After a long jam and drive, this is a very fulfilling meal and we off to Terengganu.
To stay:
First Residence Hotel
Lot 119, Jalan Sulaimani, Bandar Chukai, Kemaman, 24000 Cukai, Malaysia
While the lobby look fresh and new, you can tell there are signs of wear and tear at the little corners like the ceiling.
Upon entering the lift, there is an overwelming stench of mould and cigarette smoke and it got worse when we reach our room. I had to open the room to air it but doesn't really help.
The rooms maintain a basic cleaniness and the bed is firm but the sheets are rough with small fabric balls. There are also cobwebs up in the ceiling corners. After bathing at night, i realise that there is no hair dryer and i end up sleeping with wet hair that night. :(
Location wise this hotel is considered quite prime and located in town. There are also 2 marts which are open 24 hours.
There are few decent hotels in this place and you have to brave this little hotel if you're passing through the area.
Day 2:
Food: Breakfast: Kedai Kopi Tin Kam Leng, Tea at Pantai Kelulut, Dinner: With Family
Stay: Felda Residence Hotel
To eat:
Kedai Kopi Tin Kam Leng - budget
Jalan Sultan Sulaimani 24000 Cukai, Terengganu Malaysia
This is quite unique as it serves noodles with a whole fish. The steam kampong fish is very moist and yummy. The fresh yellow noodle sprinkled with bean sprouts is delicious with only a tinge of alkalinity. The fish soup is superb. It is cook with local sardines for hours to make the broth. Uniquely, this dish is served with keropok and the way to eat is to dip the keropok in the soup and take a wholesome bite out of it. For greater flavour, you can add hei bee hiam to the noodles.
Aside from the awesome noodles, this place also brewed a great cup of coffee (kopi) which looks very thick (gao) but taste is neutral and sweet.
I also had a very yummy soft boiled egg that is very fresh. This is so so good that i am salivating while writing this.
Rated: 7.5/10
Keropok Lekor 008 - budget
This is my first time eating keropok (or fried fish slices) with a view to match. Its fried till crisp but the insides is soft and QQ. The texture of the keropok is in between a kueh and a fishball. This is something i've never tasted before and i can continuously eat this like potato chips. This is how good this is.
We add this with fresh coconut juice.
To stay:
Felda Residence Hotel
Jalan Hiliran, Terengganu Darul Iman, Kuala Terengganu, 21400, Malaysia
The view of the lobby is near the riverfront and so is the cafe.
The rooms are quite huge and bed is firm. But the pillows are soft and comfortable. Hair dryer while not available in the room. Room is spacious.Special request to be made for hair dryer to be sent.
The views from 17th floor cafe is very soothing. Great for a glass of juice while waiting for time to pass.
However, all electricity is cut off from the building at 10.30 am. I am not sure if this is just a one time occurrence or a bid for the hotel to save on costs.
Day 3:
Visit: Crystal Museum
Food: Breakfast: Kah Pah, Lunch:Madam Bee Kitchen , Dinner: Ocean
Stay: Primula Beach Resort
To visit:
Crystal Museum
Islamic Heritage Park, Kuala Terengganu, 21400, Malaysia
To eat:
Kah Pah - Stall 30 - budget
30 Gerai, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
My husband always sing praises of the Nasi dagang of Terengganu and it is his ultimate must eat food when he's back. He hasn't been to his hometown for 20 years so his craving is at its peak. We located the most popular Nasi dagang in kuala terengganu and i was so keen to try the food.
I was so in for a disappointment. The fish is cook till its dry and tough like eating sardines. The curry sauce is thick and sweet. The rice used is the longer grain thai rice and cooked in coconut milk and its much firmer than the white rice.
My conclusion after eating this beloved dish: this is an acquired childhood taste. After all the hype i think punggol nasi lemak wins so many folds. But as this is a local delicacy, my suggestion is to try it and move on if you dislike it.
Rated: 5.5/10
Madam Bee's Kitchen - mid range
Jalan Kampung Cina, 20100 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
I was so in for a disappointment. The fish is cook till its dry and tough like eating sardines. The curry sauce is thick and sweet. The rice used is the longer grain thai rice and cooked in coconut milk and its much firmer than the white rice.
My conclusion after eating this beloved dish: this is an acquired childhood taste. After all the hype i think punggol nasi lemak wins so many folds. But as this is a local delicacy, my suggestion is to try it and move on if you dislike it.
Rated: 5.5/10
Madam Bee's Kitchen - mid range
Jalan Kampung Cina, 20100 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
More local delicacies to try.
Fried mee siam is the more outstanding of the two dishes. It has greater flavour with a tinge of spiciness.
Terengganu laksa - this is a mix between Assam laksa and our coconut milk laksa in Singapore. Taste is sourish and lightly spicy with coconut milk. The noodle used is thicker than our local Laksa.
Rated: 6/10
Ocean
Lot No. 9990, Jalan Tali Air 5, Ban 2, Selangor, 45400 Sekinchan, Malaysia
This place came recommended by relative and we met them here. I guess its one of the better restaurants.
The prawn is very fresh and topped on steamed eggs. Tender and drizzled with wine.
Bittergourd egg is sliced very thinly and does not have a tinge of bitterness to it.
The sweet potatoe leaves is fresh but it is cooked very quickly so it tasted a little raw.
The salted egg squid is well fried and crispy. Love the fritters that is coated with salted egg and curry leaves.
The sweet and sour prawn is fried till crisp on the outside but the still moist and tender on the inside.
The signature prawn is well spiced with dried chilli but not as refreshing as the first steamed prawn.
The toufu has a mix of tou gan and tou fu. Toufu is like tou hua, soft and tender. Tougun is a little more denser. Fried shrimps (Heibee) is used to topped the toufu.
To stay:
Primula Beach Resort
Jalan Persinggahan, 20400 Kuala Terengganu, TE, Malaysia
This is quite a old hotel. Lobby is quite big and expansive. Check-in is quite fast.
The rooms is old and jaded but quite big and spacious. All our rooms have a glimpse of the sea.
This is what welcome us when we exit the lift from every floor. It got me real excited. But too bad our rooms don't have such a pretty view.
I was super disappointed with the pool, the water look so green and no one is using it.
The deck chairs are all broken and un-used.
Seems so much better to sink the feet in the sand and walk the beach
Not one of the best hotels when it has one of the best locations. Kind of sad to see it not developed.
Day 4:
Lunch:Restoran Yat Hing , Dinner: San Low Seafood
Yat Hing
A4852, Lorong Seri Kuantan 25, 25250 Kuantan, Malaysia
Though the place is know for its bak kut teh, i saw that there is a pig organ soup and i requested to try it instead. I love love love it. The instestines are clean and the broth is very peppery, spicy and well flavoured.
The sambal fish is soft moist and yummy.
The bak kut teh soup is really good too! Though the meat served is quite standard fare. I love all the mushrooms they put in there - golden and button mushrooms.
San Low Seafood
Jalan Merah 1, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Terengganu laksa - this is a mix between Assam laksa and our coconut milk laksa in Singapore. Taste is sourish and lightly spicy with coconut milk. The noodle used is thicker than our local Laksa.
Rated: 6/10
Ocean
Lot No. 9990, Jalan Tali Air 5, Ban 2, Selangor, 45400 Sekinchan, Malaysia
I quite impressed with the quality of Zhe Char at Malaysia.
Rated: 7/10
Rated: 7/10
To stay:
Primula Beach Resort
Jalan Persinggahan, 20400 Kuala Terengganu, TE, Malaysia
The rooms is old and jaded but quite big and spacious. All our rooms have a glimpse of the sea.
Not one of the best hotels when it has one of the best locations. Kind of sad to see it not developed.
Day 4:
Lunch:Restoran Yat Hing , Dinner: San Low Seafood
Yat Hing
A4852, Lorong Seri Kuantan 25, 25250 Kuantan, Malaysia
San Low Seafood
Jalan Merah 1, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
I cannot remember much of this dish as i forgetten to pen down my review. oops. I will write more if i ever get back here again.
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