My journey across the East Coast states of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu had lots of surprises in store for me. I experienced their melting pot of local food, festivals and religious beliefs. They make Malaysia so rich and diverse.
What do you think of when hearing the East Coast being mentioned? Do you conjure up images of tropical islands with turtles, sun and sand? Or recall their traditional batik, wayang kulit and wau? Or maybe you hear the rumble of Jalan Persekutuan 3 (Federal Route 3) and smell their scrumptious delicacies?
My knowledge of these states was limited to my lessons in school. I was only properly acquainted with them during my trip in 2016. I had never been to the tropical rainforest in Taman Negara prior. That trip, I experienced its heat and humidity for myself. There is magic and wonder in nature. I was awestruck by magnificent sunrises, the vastness of jungles and mountain tops against a billow of clouds.
Trekking through the majestic Taman Negara rainforest was both mysterious and breathtaking. It made me feel small against the new things and interesting people I encountered. It’s been a privilege to hear their stories throughout my journey. As I looked deep into nature and contemplated its beauty, I realised that every part has a story waiting to be told.
“There is a way that both land and sea speak.” I sensed that Mother Nature constantly tells an endless tale to whoever is willing to slow down and listen.