Chapter 3: The East Coast
Continuing towards the east coast along the scenic Federal Route 4, we stopped in Gerik (known as the Rest Town) for lunch. The noodles I had was really sucky but I suppose there was no choice since the next town (i.e. Jeli) would be a good 120kms away. We did (very) short breaks at Pulau Banding, Air Panas Jeli and Gunung Reng but these sights were not very impressive. Turned into State Route D22 and headed towards Rantau Panjang (another border town between Malaysia and Thailand). There were certain stretches of the road where both countries were separated via a small stream. Although there was no intention to cross the border (we were really tempted to swim across the stream though we heard there were alot of smuggling going on), we pretended we were in Thailand by listening to Thai radio stations. :)

Before arriving at our intended rest stop for the night in Kota Bharu, we headed to the Tumpat district where several Buddhist temples could be found. Paused at Wat Phothivihan, Wat Pikulthong and Wat Machinmaram to admire the reclining, standing and seating Buddhas respectively. It was kind of interesting (or maybe even surreal) to see these Buddha statues in the apparently religious Muslim state even though these were built during the time where Kelantan was a Thai vassal state. We ended this Thai association with the trip by having wonderful Thai food with YC's cousins.

It was almost 11pm when we finally arrived in Kota Bharu. Established in 1844 as the state capital and royal city of Kelantan, Kota Bharu also means the new city (in Malay). It was also the landing point for the Japanese when they invaded Malaya in 1941. Checked in to KB Garden Hostel (RM40/S$17.39 per double) at the northern part of the city. While Black hit the hay almost immediately, I went to a nearby cafe for my Teh Tarik. Tried to do a walk but was really sleepy. Although it was past midnight, at no point did I felt unsafe (probably would not do that if I was in Johor Bahru). A policeman who was on duty even waved at me to say hi. It certainly does not sound that bad to be in the conservative Malay heartlands.

Black and me did a morning walk and explored the city (i.e. Padang Merdeka, Sungai Kelantan and its surroundings). There were several museums around the area but we did not have time to do a decent visit. Soon and YC joined us and we had our breakfast (Nasi Kerabu!!) at the Laman Siti Khadijah (in between Central Market and Buluh Kubu Bazaar). Also spent some time at the interesting Central Market (a.k.a. Siti Khadijah Market) where everything ranging from fresh produce to clothes are available. This is a must-see whenever one is in the city.

It time was not of a constraint, I would have liked to hang around in Kota Bharu for a few more days to soak into the laid-back atmosphere. Perhaps one day I will be back here again. We left the state capital and wanted to take a look at Pantai Irama (Beach of Melody) but somehow we had lost our way. Headed south and rejoined Federal Route 3; this would lead us all the way back to Johor Bahru and we do have some distances to catch up!