During the last 4 days, most ppl, especially my chinese frenz would have spent their day visiting their relatives.As for me, I spent my CNY hol differently. My mum thought since it was a long-term holiday, she decided that we go somewhere far,like Malaysia(Terengganu). Luckily there is enough tickets at a last minute booking.
My aim to go there was to have a look at da crystal mosque that has been built not quite a long time ago,say 1 year. Before the trip I heard that the magnificent sculpture of the mosque has improved the tourism rate there. That's a gd sign for their country.
I took a coach there so the journey to our first rest point is at machap. It took 1hr15min there. On the way there, I made use of the privileged that I was sitting near the window. I could not pull my attention away from the lush green scenery upon the window. Sugar cane,coconut plantations if I could remember vividly. Also, I managed to see some tropical rainforest along the way. As I observed, I recite the different layers that were found in the rainforest and try to spot each and everyone of them. Geog students should know... This makes my geog lessons more familiar and meaningful to me.
One of the activities listed in the itinery was the boat ride to the 14 different islands at 'Tasik Kenyir'. I was told that the island belongs to the poor pple in that state. It was true though, they were mostly fishermen earning a living by the boat ride. I managed to talk to one of them about they well-being and he said that majority of them living there were on the verge of poverty. Seriously, I cannot carry on. It is so sad to think about it.
Nevertheless, the boat ride were fun and challenging. We had to fight with the heavy drizzle and the choppy waves. Feel like going to the edge of the boat and doing the 'titanic pose'. Lol. We persevered on and we stop da first island which is the islang of herbs. There were about over 2000 species of plants which have their own medicinal value. Each plant was noted by its name as well as its functions to health. Going much deeper, they built a small cottage for the tourist to try some of their herbal drinks. There were two types: "Tongkat Ali" (for men) and "Kacip Fatimah" (for women). What they did was to chopped the bark into smaller pieces and boil it.
Although the Kacip Fatimah has a pungent smell and disencouraging colour, I still tried it. After that I took some photos of the tree can read more about its functions. Functions: Gd for menstrual problems, after childbirth, bone problems, flu, fever and to increase sexual desire(a bit obscene). Dun worry, I don't get excited after drinking it...
After that we visited another island which are fond of their fish farms. When I reached there, a few hectares of net had been set up to house their catch. There were many types of species but I only remembered one which is Talapia. Although there were 12 other islands remained unvisited, we only have the time to know the dominant ones.
In the late evening, we check-in to Ming Star Hotel and rest before dinner arrives. Guess wat, there is Secret Receipe outlet near the hotel. I helped myself with the "Tom Yum Kung" dish at secret recipe. I cannot stop from drinking the soup. It was too delicious too decribe. You guys should try it out! As sourvenir from the shop, I bought chocolate indulgence and tapao back to my hotel.
The next day we went to the crystal mosque, the highlight of the trip. I could only believe after I see it for myself. A mosque floating in the middle of the lake, with its dome wrapped with black crystals, giving out shining reflection with the help of the sun. It was sunset then. Imagine the beatiful panorama in your mind.
Lastly, I would like to say that my trip was worthwhile and no regrets. I enjoyed myself there and I don't mind going there again if opportunity was given to me.
