JalanJalan

Yes, there is a ‘Kg Kelantan’, tucked in Ulu Perak between Kuala Kangsar and Lenggong. It was founded by my grand-uncle more than 100 yrs ago, as he traveled by foot from Kelantan (where else?), via Siam, to Perak looking for a long-lost uncle.

Reaching the village of Kuak he must have felt tired, and decided to settle down with a local girl. So he founded Kg Kelantan, and eventually became a wealthy rubber plantation owner. Btw, the uncle he was looking for actually lived in Sabak Bernam, still a long long way away from Kuak! Yes, I do have a bunch of long-lost relatives somewhere in Sabak Bernam too. Now I know where I got my travel-bug from.

Saturday morning, 15th December 2007

Along PLUS Expressway to the north, exit here.

Then take brand new Route 76 towards Gerik.

About 25km on, and you hit Kg Kelantan.

We are here for a double-wedding, both boys are my cousin’s kids, all working in KL.

Big Groom’s POV.

The village is on the banks of Lake Chenderoh, formed by a power-generating dam opened in 1930.

Metal bridge connecting parts of the village.

Commercial fish-rearing is big business here, premium fishes of various types.

First house in Kg Kelantan, built by founder grand-uncle Saad more than 100 yrs ago.

Next to it, remnant of a huge Merbau tree, felled to build the old house above.

Underneath the house, a multipurpose area.

Inside house, a thoroughly knackered kid (my nephew actually :-)).

Cocoa tree next to house.

Sick cocoa - the motionless ants seem high on something.

Cocoa innards.

Flesh on white pods can be eaten (taste so-so lah), and the hard seeds contain the real cocoa stuff.

Old gear to press rubber sheets, after being processed from rubber milk.

Finished rubber sheets must be grooved, to prevent them sticking to each other, I guess.

Pickled fish is also a Kg Kelantan specialty.

If you have time, drive further up Route 76 towards Lenggong/Gerik, and you’ll come to a very scenic spot of Lake Chenderoh …

… and the photogenic Nazrin Bridge.

> END of STORY