PLAYING TOURIST AND EXPLORING KEMAMAN WITH AN EX-COLLEAGUE - PART 1

   27TH JANUARY 2026    ~ I decided to cross over to Terengganu from Pahang to meet up with an ex-colleague [of SMK Taman Universiti], Puan Rohani Shamsuddin, who is residing in Kemaman. The early plan was to take the bus, but I missed the last bus in the morning so I decided to hop on a taxi. Puan Rohani met me at the bus station in Chukai town, and the first activity was to explore Kemaman. She was with her husband who was kind enough to take me around for sight-seeing.

The first stop was the bridge over Chukai River [correct me if I am wrong], where the sign "KEMAMAN IDAMAN" on the hilltop was visible. 

The second stop was Kuala Kemaman which looked like a fishing village. One could enjoy the ocean view minus the beach. There were huge rocks by the seaside which I think acted as a barrier to stop erosion of ocean waves.

spot the cat

It looked like I was the only tourist, with two tourist guides and a cat.

TO BE CONTINUED...

THE GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE IN KEMAMAN

    27TH JANUARY 2026     ~ During the short reunion session with Puan Rohani Shamsuddin in Kemaman, an ex-colleague of SMK Taman Universiti, she took me for lunch at this one place before going back t Kuantan. Located in the heart of Chukai town, the restaurant was called KB Brewster.

The place was empty when we arrived but we could see many tables were already reserved for lunch. I guess the main reason was there was a promotion going on. The Chicken Chop was sold at only RM10 that afternoon.

I got to thank Puan Rohani again for the time spent. Guess I would have to stay there longer in order to explore Kemaman more in the future.

MY FIRST TWO EID GREETING CARDS ARRIVED TODAY

My first two Eid greeting cards for this year arrived today, on the 15th day of Ramadhan. Both are from my classmates/schoolmates of Budiman, SMS Muar.

The first one is from Puan Hafizah Mohd. Noor.

The second one is from Puan Nor Azura Masabbir Ali, which comes together with a magnetic bookmark.

Thanks to both my friends for the cards. Looking forward to receiving more cards from other people, hopefully.

WHEN IN KUANTAN, EAT DINNER LIKE KUANTAN PEOPLE DO

   27TH JANUARY 2026    ~ Before catching the bus back to Johor Bahru at 11:00 p.m. I needed to get dinner first. Eventually I ended up at this one food court with stalls selling variety of food and open air dining area in between two blocks of buildings opposite the hotel called Tangga.

I was one of the early birds who was there finding food for dinner.

I chose to eat Patin Tempoyak - a local dish synonymous with the state of Pahang. It was definitely a brilliant decision as it was real good.

That should conclude my gastronomic adventure in Kuantan for January 2026. I do not know when I will be back again but you never know when opportunity could suddenly knock.

THE BREAKFAST AT PICKERS IN KUANTAN

   27th JANUARY 2026    ~ The last episode of my gastronomic adventure in Kuantan with my TESL [UPM Class of 1993] friends took place in Pickers Cafe. It was actually located opposite the hotel where I was staying.

I was the first to be there to book a place for the big group. The dining area was almost empty as it was a working that for other people in the city.

For one thing, there choices of food for breakfast here were just unlimited, and I had trouble deciding what to eat. I ended up drinking the signature coffee of the cafe and eating Shakshuka, something that I had never tried before.

I had to bid goodbye to my friends as I had to embark on a road trip to Kemaman right after. It had been another fun-filled trip to Kuantan and there was no chance to be hungry at all. We perhaps have to wait for another wedding receptions of friends' children for more gatherings and gastronomic adventures.

DINNER TIME AT A SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN KUANTAN

   26th JANUARY 2026    ~ The second dinner gathering in Kuantan took place at a seafood restaurant called Ana Ikan Bakar Petai. This place must be popular as it was jam packed with people dining in when we arrived at about 8:30 p.m.

We found out there were two restaurants bearing the same name, and the one we went to was located right by the main road.

So we had everything seafood that evening sent to the tables.

coconut water

white rice

otak-otak and sata

butter prawn

fried squid

That was another one huge dinner happening in Kuantan for us the UPM TESL Class of 1993 gang. That was not the final gastronomic adventure though as there was one last one [for me] the next morning for breakfast.