The Journey from KL to Kuantan

I was travelling by coach along the East Coast Highway from KL to Kuantan in November 2013. Having made this trip many times before, I decided to document it through photographs on this occasion, showing the landscape, scenery and other interesting things.

All photos were taken on the coach with no flash. The quality is therefore not of the highest order, but tells the story of the journey I want to share with you.

Vehicle scrapheap in KL

Last glimpse of the KL Tower before we turned east towards Kuantan

A Hello Kitty bus!

Sitting comfortably for the 3-hour journey east

The winding roads shortly after leaving KL for Kuantan

View of the highlands

The tunnel separating the winding roads outside KL with the straight highway to the east coast. My wife and I continue our tradition since 2005 of sneaking a quick kiss while on the bus going through this dark tunnel!

Fluctuating altitudes in the highlands make my ears blocked each time we pass through. The weather is often cold, wet and very dangerous

A view of the scenery around the highlands

Rest station one hour from KL

Approaching one of the many tolls that dot the highways of Malaysia

Toll booths

A welcome rest station on the way to Kuantan

An open field with a vast expanse of palm trees approaching

Exit to a small town on the way to Kuantan

The Pahang River near Temerloh

Taller dropping trees stand amidst smaller palm trees

A pylon sits in a palm tree plantation

More open fields

Tried to seize a chance to wave at this lorry driver, but he was rightfully concentrating on the road!

Heavy trucks can be frequently seen on the east coast highway

Huge stone walls looking like cliff faces line sections of the east coast highway

Scenery along the east coast highway approaching Gambang

A landscape on the east coast highway near Gambang

Arrived at the exit to Gambang

The Gambang toll. Just 25 minutes until we reach Kuantan

Some people waiting at a bus stop outside UMP

A house stands alone on an empty piece of land near Gambang

The distinctive yellow and red steps leading to a temple 5km from the Gambang toll

A helicopter sits stationary at the Kuantan airport

Top 20 Photos of 2013 - #5

#5

As I peered out of the hotel window to see the KL sky at night, I noticed one of the few rooms with the lights on and curtains open. There was also a lady standing by the window sending a message on her phone. It was an opportunity I had to take, and it turned out to be one of my favourite images of the whole year. The dull white walls of Vistana Hotel are complimented by the illuminated KL Tower beside, and contrasted by the sole human form in between.

Top 20 Photos of 2013 - #15

#15

At #15 is this charming view of the beach named Teluk Chempedak, Kuantan's most famous coastal location. I wanted to capture something other than the usual sand, sea and sky scene, which looks so picture perfect in travel magazines and online articles. In contrast to the usual blues and browns found at beaches, this scene displays the greens of nature which are so abundant at Teluk Chempedak. The new red footbridge transports people from the first beach to the second, and as it can be a strenuous walk for some, there is shelter on the way to stop for a few moments and admire the sea, as the people in this photo are so doing.

The hills of Teluk Chempedak

The many trees of the Teluk Chempedak hill overlap the foot bridge linking the main beach with a second one. The greenery is a fascinating sight and is still home to a large troop of monkeys who come out during the lunch hour.

Back Alley

A back alley in Bukit Sekilau, Kuantan. When I go running I glance down each back alley and notice cats hanging out. I gaze at the hill and admire the scenery. Though not as beautiful, the back alleys do provide perspective!

Teluk Chempedak beach - Contrasts and Variety

Teluk Chempedak beach in Kuantan sits at the base of a collection of hills. I love the variety of sights including sky, sea, sand, rocks and vegetation.

How does variety in life enhance your existence?

Teluk Chempedak view

Here is a view of Teluk Chempedak taken yesterday afternoon in Kuantan . . .

A tree-lined hill provides a luscious backdrop to the second beach across the bridge at Teluk Chempedak as the waves roll in to splash against the famous rocks. Beautiful, isn't it?

Spending time at Taman Gelora

We recently took our Russian friends to Taman Gelora. Regular visitors to my blog will know all about Taman Gelora from previous posts. It's a beautiful, tranquil park by the beach where people love to go jogging in the evening and where it is not so hot due to the bounteous trees blocking out a good portion of the sun's rays. Or if you're me, you love taking photographs at Taman Gelora!

Chinese Garden, Singapore

I came back from my latest trip to Singapore with a visit to the Chinese Gardens, located a short walk from the Chinese Garden MRT.

I was glad to get in as the last time I went, it was closed for renovations. The weather was fine and I spent around an hour walking around the gardens, taking a few pictures on the way.

Me at the entrance

Sadly, access inside the tower was denied. Later my friend told me that there was a suicide case there recently.

This year is the year of the dragon

A cheeky monkey

Some of the scenery at Chinese Garden

Commemoration stone for the opening of Chinese Garden in 1975

Statue of Confucius at Chinese Garden, Singapore

The Bonsai Garden

A seat with Mickey

A Chinese sundial sits in the gardens

Two birds hop across the grass at their home, the Chinese Garden, Singapore