Travel Day: Kuala Terengganu

I bid farewell to my island paradise early this morning and boarded the 8:00 speedboat back to Kuala Besut on the mainland. Unfortunately for me, buses to my next stop (Kuala Terengganu) don’t leave from the town’s bus terminal. A local taxi driver pointed me in the direction of the main highway telling me I could flag a bus down there. 25 minutes of walking along the highway yielded no evidence of bus nor bus stop and I started to get worried. The taxi man’s advice was vague and I wasn’t convinced he was entirely sure of what he was saying.

Saw this along the way:


With luck, I came upon a police blockade where the helpful Const. Abdul Aziz set up a chair for me under the shade while he asked around on my behalf. I guess it’s instantly assumed that any non-uniformed individual sitting at a police blockade, surrounded by cops is a captured suspect. Occupants of the cars passing through slowed their vehicles to get a better glimpse of the “criminal under custody,” breaking their stares only as my eyes met theirs. I can’t begin to imagine what must have crossed their minds when I responded with a big toothy smile.

Mr. Aziz lined up a cheap cab (police discount?) to the neighbouring town of Jerteh where they have a proper bus terminal.

Kuala Terengganu seems like any other Malaysian city, with no major distinguishing features to speak of. I’m going to spend my time here re-supplying.

My map of the city says that there’s a Chinatown nearby. I’ll be sure to check that out tomorrow.