Kuantan Escapade - Part I

It's been a while since my family went for a vacation. I think the last time was in PD when I was 8 months pregnant and honestly thought I was going to deliver in PD Hospital when I had stomach cramps. It was months ago that Rfaiq and I planned to go to Kuantan. After being in and out of hospital with the kids, we truly deserve a break. Aira was up early that day. Maybe she too was excited to go for her first vacation. We had to wake Faiq, so there was a minor drama. We left AD at 9 a.m and dropped by Mak Long's house. She was not well and had a really bad cough. I hope she recovers soon. After a brief chat, we said our goodbyes and the journey to Kuantan began! Before we reached the Karak toll, there were loads of cars at every patrol station. And as the cars slowed down after the first toll, we thought, "Gosh! It's gonna be a looooong drive to Kuantan!" Traffic eased a bit after the Genting exit and was smooth except for some parts where there were ongoing road maintenance. Rafiq and I chatted with frequent "Bila nak sampai kat pantai ni?" interruptions from Faiq. My friend, Ida also called to ask us if we were on the way because apparently there were many walk-in customers at the Annex Rest House. Told her I already confirmed my booking the previous Wednesday and that we will be there at about 1 p.m.

Kepenatan

It took us almost 4 hours to finally reach our destination and we went to check-in, we were informed that our room wasn't ready as they were installing new air-conds. So we decided to go for lunch at Restoran Singgalang Jaya because Rafiq felt like having kampung style lunch. We had fried paru, ligamen lembu masak lemak (I am sure this is not the correct term but it was exactly that!) and ayam goreng. It was yummy!

We checked in, rested for a while before going to the the beach. Since there was no available parking spot in Teluk Cempedak, we decided to take Faiq to the playground. We found a playground near a beach and Faiq simply couldn't resist. Our initial plan was just to take a stroll down the beach, no plan to mandi laut whatsoever but Faiq's excitement got the best of him. So mandi laut la jadi nyer. I had made plans to meet up with Ida for dinner at Tanjung Lumpur and when we told Faiq we were leaving, there was a drama of protest because dia belum puas mandi lagi. Kena pujuk bagi dia main playground dulu.

Want to swim but no swimming attire. How hor?





Like this lor!!

At the playground

The reason for our "kan-cheong"ness to go to the restaurant before 7 p.m. was because Ida told us that if we were late, we won't be spoiled for choice. Even as early as 6.30 p.m., there were no shrimps left but we managed to order most of our favourite foods. Ida arrived after Maghrib as she had to entertain her aunt who came from KL. She was introduced to Syamima Aira and as usual got along well wth Faiq who fondly called her Mak Teh.

Restoran Ana Ikan Bakar Petai

Sotong Goreng Tepung

Lala Sweet Sour

Tom Yam Ayam

Ikan Pari Bakar Petai


Steamed Siakap


Ida with Faiq & Aira

We chatted for a while before heading to town. Ida suggested a boat ride around Kuantan but unfortunately, there were no tickets available. I told Ida, "Fuyoh! Happening jugak Kuantan nih ek?" Since both Faiq and Aira had had a long day, we decided to call it a day. We reached the rest house at about 10 p.m. and went straight to bed because tomorrow is BEACH DAY!!