[h=1]2014-03-20 to 23: 4D2N Bentong & Kuantan Durian Trip[/h]Updated <abbr title="Monday, March 24, 2014 at 4:25pm" data-utime="1395649520" class="timestamp">16 hours ago</abbr> · Taken in
Kuantan
Residents of Punggol East came together for a short getaway from 20 Mar 2014 to 23 Mar 2014 to Kuantan and Bentong. It was a relaxing tour to the rural parts of Malaysia, where we had new experiences and at the same time re-lived memories from yester-years.
We headed up to Bentong via overnight coaches. The journey was a long and tiring one, as the coach seats could never compare to the comfort of a regular bed. However, when we arrived at Bentong Town for breakfast at 6am, everyone was wide awake and excitedly walking around the local morning market, taking in the sights and sounds of the rustic market, including the live chickens and ducks that we do not get to see nowadays in Singapore markets.
After the market, we proceeded to the Sempali Groundnut Factory in Raub, where the manufacturing process was explained to us. A sumptuous durian buffet lunch followed, which also included many other fruits like jackfruit, mangosteen, and papaya. Despite having a heavy breakfast earlier on, we still greatly enjoyed the durian lunch. Later in the day, at the Elephant Conservation Center in Kuantan, we went up close to baby elephants, with some residents taking photos of themselves feeding the elephants!
The next morning, we headed out to Sungai Lembing after breakfast. The relaxing stroll down the countryside and the experience of crossing the hanging bridge brought back memories for some residents, who shared among themselves their childhood stories living in kampungs similar to the ones we saw. For the younger ones in the group, it was a good opportunity to learn about life in the early days in Singapore. Some of them were surprised at the sight of a road-side loo, which the elderly residents told us are common occurrences in the early days.
We visited the Sungai Lembing Museum on Tin Miners, where we learnt more about the tin mining industry in Sungai Lembing. We also visited the Batik Village, where the process of making batik dye was demonstrated, and for those who were interested, we could make our own DIY batik T-shirt! We ended the day with a visit to the Kuantan beach, a nice place for scenic photo-taking.
The final day of the tour started with a visit to a famous sea products factory, after which we began the long journey back to Singapore by coach, stopping by at Yong Peng to buy local products. After a sumptuous dinner, we crossed the causeway and headed back home.
Many residents told us they enjoyed the trip, especially when they were able to see and relate to the things that they used to go through before. We are glad that residents enjoyed themselves and look forward to more trips to come!
Reported by: Ng Swee Bee
Photo credit:
Ng Swee Bee