KL to Penang - the long way (Part 2)
May 2008 Story and photos by Darren Lee | See Articles Index page for links to previous articles

Thursday, Cherating, 3:00pm

Our stomachs filled, we drive out of Kuantan. It goes without saying that we got lost a few times and were making a few circles before we finally figured out where we were. Next up is the tourist spot of Cherating, known for white sandy beaches that face the South China Sea. And the most famous of all these beach resorts? Why, Club Med, of course.

The photo is a little blur but you can just make out the signboard (next to the green one) indicating the turning to Club Med.

At over RM1,000 per person, it wasn't exactly at our budget level, although once you're in, everything is free (so to speak). Free flow of food, drinks, and all the activities that will keep you occupied for the whole day.

We drive on, stopping at a Petronas station for some drinks, and the toilet stop. If you're a frequent visitor to petrol stations like I am, you'll soon discover that every station of a fuel company (e.g. Shell, Petronas) has a similar layout. So it was a case of stopping the car, getting out and walking to exactly where I knew the loo would be located. A trivial fact, but mind you, this can mean everything in an, err... emergency situation.

Once again I fumble with the reverse gear and more than once I failed the clutch test and sounds of "kraaak" emanate from the engine. I see the look of pain on Mr B's face and decide that manual cars aren't for me.

Soon we're back on the road and pass by Bukit Bauk. We have been on the coastal road since leaving Kuantan, and while it is indeed "along the coast", it was also a bit misleading because most of the time, the road curved inward and we would not see the beach until we were truly inside Terengganu. The glimpses of the coast as we drove along served only to heighten our anticipation of finally being able to confront the beauty of the open sea.

We see a signboard pointing to Tanjung Jara Resort and on a whim pulled into the hotel. This we find to be an exclusive enclave of luxury, a relatively well kept secret managed by the YTL group. Very nice and certainly a candidate for an easygoing honeymoon. Pity we forgot to take some photos. After we check out the hotel's washrooms (a must for every stop) we drive on until we see a road leading to Tanjung Jara beach.

Turning in, the quiet road opens up to a breathtaking scene; this must be one of the unknown beaches of Malaysia.

(Above) Yes this is a public beach!

But before we go on, one or two more car shots ...

(Above) Mr B's Cooper S rests by the beach. The hill in the background has a few interesting sights ...

As if by magic, one feels the stress and tensions on life ebb away with each wave of the sea.

(Above) To my left I see sand, and (below) to my right I see sand too.

Reluctant to go, we sit around enjoying the sight, the smell, the sounds of crashing waves and take in the seemingly endless South China Sea in front of us.

Thanks for reading, and Part 3 is coming soon!

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