Here's the itinerary and expenses for 6 pax (unless specially mention otherwise) for your reference:
7th Mac 2015 - drive from Penang to Kota Bharu
We started very early. 5:15am departed from Bukit Mertajam, aiming for magnificent cloud formation view along East-West Highway. We were lucky. Big, round, clear moon light up the mountains and valleys before sunrise. Surreal and peaceful, like some vivid dreams of mine.
We reached Hentian Titiwangsa (rest stop) at around 7:45am. No more cloud formation, but still great view.The rest stop has no signs of business. Can't have our breakfast here as planned.
We ended up took tons of photos, and had a simple "picnic", clearing our biscuits and tidbits.
The driving route from Hentian Titiwangsa to Kota Bharu is a pleasant one. First of all, of course, it is a downhill drive. Secondly, you just learn to fall in love with Malaysia all over again with the simple yet lovely scenery.
By the time we reached Kota Bharu, it's already lunch time. We headed straight to Nasi Kak Wok at Jalan Masjid Lundang for lunch. We then dabao (take away) Lim Siong Kee beef noodle and dabao rice from Meena Curry House before we checked in to Pasir Belanda Resort. Had another round of lunch at the river bank terrace of Pasir Belanda.
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| This is where we had our second round lunch |
Our initial itinerary was to cover 2 temples at Tumpat and have some great afternoon snacks there. However, everyone falls in love with Pasir Belanda and refused to leave. So we relaxed in the resort instead. Some swam, some played table tennis, some took tons of photos, some sketched, and of course, some slept through the afternoon.
After everyone got their battery charged, we headed to the legendary Cheng Mai Restaurant. This restaurant definitely needs another special blog post! So stay tune.
(Pasir Belanda Resort for 2 nights - RM968; Nasi Kak Wok RM31.70; Curry rice from Meena Curry House RM17.50 for 2 packs; Lim Siong Kee beef noodle RM6.50 per pack ; Cheng Mai Restaurant RM179)
8th Mac 2015 - Batik, Kraftangan, Temple & Beach
We started our day with a hearty meal at the legendary White House. I'm sure every Kelantanese can tell you tons of stories about this decent kopitiam.
After breakfast, we went back to Pasir Belanda Resort, had the worker guided us to a batik workshop. Great fun!
Relaxed at the resort again before we headed to Museum Kraftangan. Not for the artworks (Seriously, the museum got nothing!) but for the super yummy Nasi Ulam Kampung Kraftangan.
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| Colourful Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah |
Had a brief stop at Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah (Siti Khadijah Market) to survey the market price of keropok and lekor, then headed to Wat Phothikyan at Bachok.
We then drove south along the coast line, and stopped at an unknown beach for a relaxing time. I always love South China Sea......
For dinner, we went to Kampung Kulim Restaurant to have our first round dinner, and followed by Cheng Mai Restaurant (yes, again!) for our second round dinner. Before heading back to Pasie Belanda, we went to Yati Ayam Percik (wish to dabao for supper) but they were cleaning the shop and nothing left (that was around 10pm). So we turned to Suria Satay to dabao our supper.
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| Bridge with the width of a car |
We wandered in the middle of no where and can only have faith that Waze knows what it is doing. Well, at least I felt safe. This is Kelantan!
(White House breakfast RM51; Batik Workshop: RM35 per pax; Lunch at Nasi Ulam Kraftangan RM38; Dinner at Kampung Kulim Restaurant RM57; Dinner at Cheng Mai Restaurant RM92; Suria Satay RM0.70 per satay)
9th Mac 2015 - Time to go home
We started our day at Kopitian Kita. Too many rice!!
We were lucky that when heading back to Pasir Belanda, Waze decided to show us the same route as last night. At least we have chance to see it under broad day light! Lovely lovely countryside! Too bad I drove and didn't have much photos to show here.
We relaxed at Pasir Belanda after breakfast. We collected our batik, we swam, we slept, we went crazy, took tons of photos again, and finally it's time to say goodbye to Pasir Belanda.
Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah is the final stop for last minute shopping. After that, almost everyone in the car went coma. Jenny stayed awake for another 30 minutes or so, and went coma too after her coconut drink.
The oldest among the group, and the main driver, surprisingly, is still the one with the most energy after 3 days trip. Haha!
While the others charging their battery, I had lovely view accompanied me along the way.
We stopped at Hentian Titiwangsa again for the lovely breeze and some nice afternoon tea before our Kelantan trip officially ended.
(Breakfast at Kopitiam Kita RM67; Lunch at U-lang Corner RM41)
Read also:
1. What to see
Beaches along east coast
Wat Phothikyan Phutthaktham
2. What to do
Batik Workshop
3. What to eat
Cheng Mai Restaurant
U-lang Corner
The White House
Nasi Kak Wok
Restaurant Kampung Kulim
4. Where to stay
Pasir Belanda
5. My food trip to Kelantan in 2016
See also my 2013 East Coast trip:
5D4N "Half" Peninsular Malaysia Self Drive Route
Cuti-cuti "Half" Peninsular Malaysia - Day 1
Cuti-cuti "Half" Peninsular Malaysia - Day 2 - Kedai Kopi White House
Cuti-cuti "Half" Peninsular Malaysia - Day 2 - Batik Workshop
Cuti-cuti "Half" Peninsular Malaysia - Day 2 - Nasi Ulam Kampung Kraftangan
Cuti-cuti "Half" Peninsular Malaysia - Day 2 - Temples Tour in Kelantan
Cuti-cuti "Half" Peninsular Malaysia - Day3
Cuti-cuti "Half" Peninsular Malaysia - Day3 - Near Starvation at Sungai Lembing
Cuti-cuti "Half" Peninsular Malaysia - Day 4 - Sunrise at Panorama Hill
Cuti-cuti "Half" Peninsular Malaysia - Return of the Masterpieces
Other itineraries:
2017 - Germany: Upper Middle Rhine Valley One Day Tour (Stay tune)
