Shrek's First Road Trip

It was with some excitement that we were finally on our way for a road trip in Shrek, our 1992 Volvo 240E.  We had booked a hotel in Kuantan, knowing that it was Hari Raya and that a lot of the little eating places would be closed.  Wayne chose one that looked like it had a number of eating options for us.  It was a good choice.  The beach was just out the door, fantastic swimming pool area with plenty of seating in the shade.

The view while waiting for the lift.

We left home around lunch time trying to use the GPS on the phone to help us get out of KL but we ended up following the road signs.  We took the main highway all the way going through a number of toll gates that had varying prices.  The most expensive one we used was !9.00 ringgit.

Wayne had a Smart Tag which meant that we just had to tap and go.

We had to drive through a two lane tunnel not far out of KL.  Not sure how long it was but it did seem to go on for a while.

The rest area signs were all similar but there didn't seem to be many people stopped there.

Finally we arrived in Kuantan about 3 hours later.  It was time for a snack before looking for our hotel about 14 km's out of Kuantan.

We tried out the swimming pool pretty quick as we were hot and dusty from our drive.  Dinner was in the little cafe there with a view overlooking the swimming pool.

Enjoying a Kuantan Mai Tai.

The next day was a leisurely start to the day, breakfast, walk along the beach,.

These crabs roll the sand into little balls and toss them out of their hole.

back for a swim in the pool and then it was time for a drive up the coast to see the beaches. We then a did a round trip back to Kuantan to visit a recommended beach and a drink at the Hyatt Hotel.  It was worth the cost just to be sitting looking at the beach of white sand.

Cherating Beach - hoping to see some turtles but not one in sight.

Chemedak Beach...beautiful white sand.

Time to head back to the hotel for a swim and relax by the pool before dinner.

As checkout was at noon we were able to start the day leisurely.  Breakfast, read, swim read, check out of hotel and then off to find a decent coffee before our trip back home.  This time we had decided to take the back roads.  Although the roads weren't as good, and the trip was a bit longer it was more scenic as we went thorough small kampongs and beautiful scenery.  We found this sign and although we weren't lost it showed us the way home!

It always amazes us just where New Zealand pops up.  Apparently it is also named after New Zealand!

 Back through the tunnel and we are nearly home.

Only one more tunnel and yes it was raining...quite heavily and our wipers make such a horrible noise.  Thankfully Wayne had bought some new blades to put on and here's hoping that this stops the noise.

It was such a good relaxing weekend away and now I can't wait to do it all again!