THE HEALING SESSION AT PUNGGAI BEACH IN PENGERANG

   16TH SEPTEMBER 2026    ~ For city people, one of the common places visited for a healing session is at the beach. I just got to know the beach at Amerald Hotel in Pengerang [where we were staying] is called Punggai Beach.

My friend and I went down to the beach at about 5:30 p.m. There was no sun in the sky, but it was still quite warm outside. It must be the haze that originated from Kalimantan, Indonesia.

There were not many people at the beach on Malaysia Day public holiday, as it was only a single day in the middle of the week. That should be something that I would be thankful for as a huge crowd would not contribute to our plan to enjoy peace and tranquility by the seaside.

the view of the hotel from the beach

the seaweed that was washed ashore

Basically we just strolled along the beach, and admired the view, and took as many photos as possible.

As I was lost in my own world, the biggest surprise happened. A lady and her partner approached me, smiling and asked whether I am Cikgu Zainal. She is an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti who happened to spend her holiday with her husband at the same place.

I got to thank Miss Yasmin Awatief for stopping by to say "hi" to me. I sometimes met my ex-students who had grown into fine young men/women at the most unexpected places. Guess fans are just everywhere.

EXPLORING PANTAI MAWAR OF ENDAU

    29th JUNE 2026    ~ Pantai Mawar was a private beach that was located near to our chalet [READ HERE], about one minute away by car. It was opened to public 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.pm daily with a small entry fee of RM5. You could also camp in the area with friends or family.

It was Monday, a working day, so there were very few people in the area, and it looked like as if we were the only visitors around.

Other than the pine trees and the long stretch of sandy beach, another attraction of this place was Pulau Mawar at the other end. One could walk on the small walkway to the small island, and trek up the hill to the other side for another panoramic view. We didn't go there as it was already getting hotter.

I was here 3 years ago with my colleagues. Read more about my trip to this place here:

The Breathtaking View

Trekking Trip
The Stone Arch

One of the best places to have a picnic or just to sit down and enjoy the view of the greenery and the sea. Pantai Mawar is the must-visit place for people who love to take photos for their social media accounts. As for me, I don't mind going there again and again.

EXPLORING MORE OF BUKIT PENYABONG

   29th JUNE 2026    ~ While driving downhill from the viewpoint spot on Bukit Penyabong [READ HERE], we found this lowland which was hidden by some trees. My travel buddy decided to stop by and explore a bit.

There was a narrow stretch of beach sheltered by the trees. We spent just a short time here, to admire the scenic view from the sea level this time.

VIDEO #1

VIDEO #2

VIDEO #3

VIDEO #4

We finally managed to step on the sand of Penyabong Beach. After taking some photos there, it was time to bid Penyabong farewell this time. I don't mind coming back again to this place especially when there are not many people around.

DISCOVERING PANTAI TELUK GOREK IN ENDAU, MERSING, BY ACCIDENT

    28TH JUNE 2026    ~ Initially the plan was to explore Pantai Mawar but it was about to close to public when we arrived there past 5.00 p.m. We then decided to go to Pantai Penyabong, but we ended up at Pantai Teluk Gorek after taking the wrong turn by accident.

There were very few people around at the beach on Sunday evening when other people were ready to get back either to school or work the next day. 

We got the beach all to ourselves. Besides getting to admire the nature, we could take photos and strike as many poses was we wanted without people watching. We did not stay for long as the place was getting darker and we decided to go somewhere else right after.