Driving East Coast Malaysia (Kelantan & Home)

Talking business in Pasar Siti Khadijah, KB

Sunset across the river from Ridel Hotel, KB

Kota Bharu was not in my main plan of visit but I stopped there to see my friend, Ramlah. Unfortunately when I arrived her husband was scheduled to go to hospital for checkup. So we managed to meet up for a few hours for dinner. With no hotel reservation, I just took chances and stopped at the first hotel that is near the market area, Ridel Hotel by the river which charged RM127.00 per night for single occupancy. Not exactly an attractive hotel but good enough as it is near the market and the tourist area. I have been to almost all the tourist attractions in Kota Bharu, so my time was spent at Siti Khadijah Market and surrounding area.

Silver shop at Craft Village in Kota Bharu

I wonder what happened to Kelantan silver jewelery work. Some years ago I could find silve jewelery in any goldsmith shops but not now. Looking for a siversmith or silver jewelery shop was like looking for a needle in a haystack. I wanted to buy some traditional silver jewelery and Maz and Ika were interested too. I bought a few pieces of Kelantan silver jewelery some years ago but because silver tarnish easily, I didn't take care and now they were lost forever. It was a pity as I couldn't fine the intricate designs anymore now.
After trudging the town looking for silversmith shop, I found a small one tucked insignificantly at the Craft Village which exhibits limited number of jewelry. I was disappointed. However, I managed to buy a few pieces for me, daughters and daughter-in-law as well as for Rania. It seemed there is a bigger silver shop in town which I didn't know though I passed the shop several times when cruising the town. For those who are interested in silver should go to KB Permai at 5406 C, Jalan Sulatanah Zainab, Kota Bahru. Beside Kelantan silver, I bought a few batik kaftan for gifts.

Gua Musang railway station

By this time I was tired and yearned for my bed. After 2 nights in KB, I checked out early at 7 am to drive back to PJ via Gua Musang which took me 8 hours. On the way I stopped at Gua Musang train station to admire the awesome limestione hills there. Unfortunately Gua Musang doesn't know how beautiful and attractive the surrounding area is. The station is deserted and there seem no effort to beautify it. People in Gua Musang are lucky that they live among nature that's so stunning.

Limestone hills outside Gua Musang area

Pasar Siti Khadijah KB

Driving out of Gua Musang was pleasant with good roads newly paved except the stretch going to Raub-Temerloh. The scenery was fabulous because of the many limestones hills. I fervently prayed in my heart that the government will not destroy these hills to make way for roads. I envy some forengn countries I visited. They never touched any natural beauty in their countriees to preserve it for generations to come. But just look at the limestone hills near Ipoh which have been wrecked by greedy hands and turned it into quarry, leaving the hills gaping so ugly. Driving up to north Malaysia, that's a place I hate to see.
It was a relief reaching home after 8 hours driving with small stops for lunch and washroom. Seeing Rania's excitement seeing me and her smiles made my return rewarding. I had a good trip and syukur alhamdulillah, I was safe and my car did not let me down.
My future plan is to travel Malaysia and stay not in hotels but in homestay in kampung.

I also intend to drive from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu if I get good positive companion to travel with me.