THE SIGNS OF THE COMING OF EID UL-FITRI

There were already signs Eid is just around the corner. I start to receive goodies from friends.

Cookies from Puan Radziah Hassan, an ex-colleague of SMK Dato' Jaafar.

Fruit Cake from Puan Sim Poh Mun, an ex-colleague of SMK Dato' Jaafar.

Another bottle of cookies but not from an ex-colleague, but from my gastronomic adventure buddy, Mr. Redzuan.

We have already fasted for 20 days for the year 1447 Hijrah [Muslim Calendar], another 9 or 10 more days to go.

 

THE PACKAGE THAT WAS COURIERED TO MY HOUSE FOR RAMADHAN

My first couriered package for Ramadan arrived today. It was from Puan Hayati Burkhan, a friend of UPM TESL Class of 1993.

As you can see, the content of the box was something rare and believe it or not, I had earlier anticipated what was I about to receive when I was told by my friend to expect a package to be sent to me.

Thanks to Puan Hayati Burkhan for her generosity. Only Allah may repay her kind gesture in this holy month of Ramadhan, the month of giving.

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.