Kuala Terengganu, anyone?

Allow me to continue from my July's lazing and feeding time in the East Coast.

Today is 1st Syawal (Muslim calendar) so it's Hari Raya, a grand day for Muslims after a month of fasting, 2 days of rest for others. To celebrate, I'll start with pictures of the 2 grand p(a)laces of worship our money built. Best news: no entrance fees. This main attraction at the still new Islamic Civilisation Park was expected to attract at least 1 million visitors this year. Wonder where's the crowd. Oh that's another quiet mosque sitting across from this reflective mosque. Did not catch its name though.The RM200 million (or RM1 billion. Depending on who you ask) Masjid Kristal ie Crystal Mosque is just a namesake. Like most grand buildings in our beloved country, crystals only hang on huge chandeliars within. Not much effort went into washrooms.Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque, better known as Floating Mosque is located at Kuala Ibai Lagoon and water in the lake is fed by the sea.Locals informed that floatation scene happens during flood season, err towards year end? (-_-)" Guess the photographer of the official Visit Terengganu website didn't want to get wet either. =P

Now a jumble of other things we saw during a day trip. The taxi took us to Losong Village where every household are into small industry of producing Keropok Lekor (Fish crackers).

Here's a short snap I snatched from wiki:-

"In the Malaysia, krupuk are usually made by grinding fish, prawn or a vegetable into a paste, mixing with sago and then deep-frying it. It comes in three main forms: keropok lekor which is long and chewy, keropok losong (steamed) and keropok keping which is thin and crispy. It is frequently served with dipping sauces."

How can a trip to the East Coast be complete without a visit to a Batik factory?

And the most MUST do over there is ..

shop for beachwear at either Pasar Payang or the Waterfront shop for kenduri (Malay party) material at either Pasar Payang or the Waterfront

and local delicacies.

When I was there a new market just opened across from Pasar Payang. At all markets, enjoy the bargaining process. Oh just so you know, there's NO cinema in Kuala Terengganu and the only departmental store (Parkson) was still under renovation during my July 2008 visit.

If you have an hour or more to spend, why not take a bus ride to the outskirts? Taxi for a day trip to mosques, batik factory & Losong Village: RM60.00