CITY LIVING
TRAVEL TALK TALK
A Luxury Health Resort In The Philippines: The Beautiful East
The Farm At San Benito Coast Of Malaysia “ Just relax. All is well…” Nyima Pratten
rliners, away ai t os -c w lo by , w ro th Malaysia is a stone's acts visitors from all tr at d an es ti ci e es n om major Chi fr xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx the year thanks to its t ou gh u ro th ld or w e around th ure and awesome lt cu g in st re te in e, at temperate clim head to the popular y an m t ls hi w , er ev food. How elled to the less av tr lk Ta , st oa C t es the W beaches of Penang on s on the East Coast he ac be l, fu ti au be as ly well known, but equal of the country.
A
fter landing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city, it is easy to get to the East Coast by car, bus or internal flight. We took a 30-minute flight from the capital to Kuantan, an oil-rich, major city situated on the East Coast. In Kuantan, we rented a car to travel up the East Coast and were amazed by the pristine, sandy white beaches void of people. Along the way, we discovered coves and beaches, seemingly untouched by mankind and teaming with sea life. We planned to stop in local kampongs along the way to sample local food, experience the unique culture and enjoy the beaches. Cherating, about 30km north of Kuantan, is known as the epicentre for Malaysian surfing and populated by a ragtag crew of international and local surfers. In the small village, it is possible to rent surfboards, kite or wind surfing and land sailing equipment as well as stand up paddle boards along with wetsuits or snorkels, for those who are not so coordinated. We rented equipment from Kam's Surf Shack, which also doubles as a bar and a relaxing place to hang out whilst waiting for, or watching, the surfers. The surf breaks far out from the village and offers both experts and beginners the chance to get out onto the waves. Close to the village is a Club Med hotel, for visitors who want a bit of luxury, but there are also plenty of hostels and guesthouses along the small restaurant and bar strip making up the only main road of the small village. Close to Cherating, in Kemaman Terengganu, is the Kemaman Terengganu Turtle Hatchery (Tel: +60139064828). This small hatchery aims to protect green back turtles that lay their eggs on the East Coast beaches. At the hatchery, we saw freshly hatched green back turtles, which we were able to release into the sea that evening. We carried almost 100 freshly hatched turtles to the beach in a shopping basket. When we got to about 10 metres away from the seafront, we placed the basket on the ground and tipped our precious cargo onto the sand in the direction of the waves. Immediately, the go-getters in the group went raring to the front of the pack in a mad dash for the water, whereas some of the slower babies, who we think had been squashed
16 TalkMagazine
November14
at the bottom of the basket under the weight of the others, had troubles getting started, seemingly ignoring their natural instinct to head for water. We turned one unfortunate little turtle in the directing of the sea five times and then crossed our fingers. Unfortunately, the giant leather back turtles, which were once prevalent in this area, no longer come to Malaysia’s East Coast to lay their eggs as, previously, the beaches were not protected and locals and tourists alike were able to disturb the female turtles during the intimate moment when they were laying their eggs. This discouraged the turtles from coming back the next year until eventually, no leather back turtles came at all. Now, the local government protects the beaches where the green back turtles lay their eggs. Currently, no one can enter the beach during the night, unless with a guide, so that they cannot disrupt the delicate egg laying process. Although seeing a green back turtle come out of the sea to lay her eggs is not guaranteed, we were lucky enough to see one exit the sea, pull herself laboriously along the beach and start digging a hole in the sand with her flippers in preparation to lay her eggs. Although we kept our distance, we were able to see the magical process from afar. Pak Su, our knowledgeable and passionate guide, taught us that the sex of the eggs depends on where the mother chooses to lay them. If the mother lays her eggs in a place where they will experience high humidity, such as in the middle of the beach, the eggs will all hatch to become females, whereas if the mother lays them in a less humid
area, possibly higher up on the beach in the shade of trees, they will all become male. After the mother lays her eggs on the beach, the hatchery will collect the eggs and replicate the surroundings of the original nest in the safety of the hatchery until they hatch and are ready to be released into the sea. If the female turtles survive until adulthood, they will come back to the same beach to lay their eggs and the whole process will hopefully be repeated again. On the drive back to Kuantan, there is the opportunity to take a sightseeing tour to watch fireflies (Tel: +60179789256). In the evening, we journeyed on a small boat though the mangrove to see the fireflies in their natural environment. Our guide, Hafiz, is an extremely inspiring and passionate firefly enthusiast who has discovered a way to communicate with the insects. As we passed trees teaming with the critters, he would flash his torchlight in a certain pattern to beckon the fireflies towards us. Within a few minutes, we were surrounded by the illuminating creatures in an astounding display that resulted in smiles and gasps from everyone. Malaysia is a melting pot of different cultures and the food is no different. The three main categories you will find, when travelling the East Coast, is Malaysian halal delicacies, spicy Indian curries and fresh Chinese seafood dishes. Make sure to try the Malaysian dish of nasi lemak; slightly sweetened coconut rice with spicy sambal sauce, salty crisp baby anchovies and roasted peanuts, which is a beautiful balance of opposing flavours. Go for an Indian thali, served on a banana leaf, and eat a variety of Indian curries and rice with your hands. You can also get other Indian breads such as paratha, puri and dosai. Finally, make sure you get chilli crab and Malaysian-Chinese dishes at fresh seafood restaurants dotted along the coast. A trip to the unspoilt East Coast allows visitors to experience real Malaysia, without the constant crowds of tourists. It is a do-it-yourself type holiday, so be sure to rent your own car and explore the multiple beaches and towns nearby.
Advertorial
SERVICES & AMENITIES:
Himalayas Nantong Hotel is conveniently positioned between Nantong city centre and the new CBD. It is beside the famous tourist site of Wolf Mountain (Lang Shan). The Hotel is part of “Nantong The City”, a modern take on a 19th Century-styled complex encompassing residences, shopping, museums, dining and entertainment. It is the first hotel to feature Old-Nantong style and also offers Memory Beds and Memory Pillows to all guests. Jiu Jian Tang Chinese restaurant and events venue serves Nantong seafood specialities, river fish and a new concept of green and pollution-free organic cuisines all in a contemporary Chinese
setting. Guests are able to taste the delicacy of the dishes and enjoy the courtyard, mountain and river surroundings. The restaurant caters to all occasions with elegant indoor and outdoor dining venues, plus unique themed private VIP rooms equipped with modern audio-visual facilities. Exciting, chic and cultured, the contemporary hotel will speak the “Language of the World” and deliver “Extraordinary Moments” through superior service standards, memorable accommodation and gourmet experiences. Himalayas Nantong Hotel | 18 South GongNong Road, Nantong,Jiangsu. Tel: +86 513 6688 9999. www.himalayashotels.com
To ensure maximum comfort whether on business or leisure, Himalayas Nantong Hotel brings you:
• Complimentary wired/wireless internet in
the room and wireless internet throughout the hotel
• Complimentary in-room mini-bar • Complimentary coffee/tea and mineral water • In-room refrigerator • In-room safety deposit box • Individual air conditioning and heat control November14 TalkMagazine
17