The Road to Old Terengganu
Anis Ramli takes a road-trip on one of the earliest-built highways in Malaysia to discover the old-world charm of Terengganu...
The deep seas off Terengganu may be rich in oil and gas reserves, making the east coast state among the region's leaders in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, but some argue that its real treasures are all found on the mainland.
With a documented history reaching as far back as the 2nd century, Terengganu certainly has accumulated a wealth of heritage influenced by the Langkasuka and Srivijaya kingdoms it was part of, and the Majapahit, Khmer and Chinese empires it traded with. Despite modern developments, the old Terengganu still remains - and the best way to explore it? Via Federal Route 3 - approaching a hundred years old, but still one of Malaysia's most scenic highways.
Malaysia Export Exhibition Centre
Did you know that there is a permanent display promoting local products and services from over 500 Malaysian companies?
The Malaysia Export Exhibition Centre (MEEC) at Menara MATRADE in Kuala Lumpur is the place for trade visitors to obtain more information on Malaysian local products for export.
Sam’s Kitchen and Sam’s on First
Piping hot rice is gently scooped onto freshly cut banana leaves, with savoury rasam, spicy chicken curry and crispy papadom.
Amplang crackers
Amplang?!
“What did you say the name was?”
While trying to pronounce the strange sounding word correctly several times, I reached out for the amplang on the table.
Biting into the crunchy snack, my taste buds began to digest its intense burst of flavour.
Ramadan Bazaar
Kueh seri muka, lepat pisang, jala emas, putu mayam and definitely the famous porridge, bubur lambuk.
Are some tasty delicacies available throughout the month of Ramadan.
Though Ramadan does sound like it is a sombre month, it is also a celebration of many things.
Observed by Muslims throughout the world, Ramadan is when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and indulging in excessive or ill-natured conduct, from dawn to dusk. It teaches one patience, perseverance and reflections of spirituality.
The Ramadan month, too, brings with it much flavours. In Malaysia, Ramadan is greeted with a riot of colourful and tasty foods.
Every state in Malaysia will have several designated places where stalls selling various delicacies and drinks for buka puasa (breaking of fast). These sites are commonly known as Bazaar Ramadan.
Keropok lekor, anyone?
Keropok lekor, anyone?
Tasty, crunchy, fishy, yummy are likely some of the words you’ll come across by Malaysians and visitors alike, in describing the popular traditional snack, keropok lekor.
Keropok lekor, a specialty of the state of Terengganu and states situated along the east coast Peninsular Malaysia is a heavenly indulgence with its crunchy, slightly fishy taste, a popular treat among locals.
Malaysian strawberries
Juicy, red, succulent strawberries…ever had a craving for some?
Malaysians are very fortunate as we do not have to book the next plane ticket overseas as strawberries are grown right at our very doorsteps.
Cameron Highlands, with its cooling climate and low temperatures is the most suitable place for these strawberries to thrive.
Desaru Fruit Farm
“Do you know how to choose a good jambu air?”
“Here, look at its fleshy back. It must be firm and make sure it is clean.”
A bubbly, Henry Goh, our guide at the Desaru Fruit Farm, with his cowboy hat grinned widely.
Several ikat of jambu air were hanging from a pole in the clean orchard. Pink and blue plastic wrappers hung colourfully on the treetops above us.
The silence was deafening, and surprisingly no mosquitoes!
“At the farm, we have good agricultural practices to ensure that our fruits are of the highest quality,” said Henry.
“Look at the farm’s clean surroundings; you see no fruits on the ground, right? We also have good drainage system and this is one reason why there are no mosquitoes here.”
“We clear away fruits fallen on the ground as it attracts fruit flies, and other insects,” he added.