Descriptions of the CLOSE UP Journey, the learning and lessons:

1. The East-West Highway—the journey will travel through the main range mountain of Peninsular Malaysia, a straight highway that connects Kuala Lumpur eastwards to Kuantan, then turn north to Kemaman and then to Kuala Terengganu. An opportunity to experience the infrastructure of Malaysia and come into close contact with the 130 million years old Tropical Rainforest.
   
2. Kemaman Haibing Coffee Shop – this is a truly a "One Malaysia" favorite; the owner is a Hainanese well into his 90’s now with the second generation taking over the reign. In this very relaxed and friendly coffee shop; you see the various Malaysian races mix and chat over nasi lemak (fragrant rice); half boiled egg, toast and the quintessential Hainan Coffee. A truly delightful relaxed meal.
   
3. Primula Beach Hotel – one of the oldest and most convenient 5 star hotel located by the beach right in the heart of Kuala Terengganu, a most convenient place to act as your holding bay to explore Terengganu.
   
4. Local Eateries: The locals will take you to this unpretentious seafood restaurant where fresh catch from the sea are served. Seafood Dinner at Restaurant Ocean, Lot 2079, Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin,20000 KL (海城海鲜酒家) - Menu: Steamed Fish, prawns, petai, vegetable and rice. Tell them you are a friend of Dato Tok Teng Sai, our advisor, you would be treated like family members.
   
5. Hainan Coffee Shop in China Town: Breakfast at 100 Year old Hainan Coffee Shop (Sin Phin Siang): friend noodles, yam cake, spring rolls, toast and half boiled egg and coffee. The owner is a cultured person; with wonderful Chinese proverbs emitting power and guidance for daily living; a place where locals go to meet friends and chat. Walk about the old street; watch the swift let’s flying in the air; try to reflect on the lives of the early settlers.
   
6. Lake Kenyir – The Route: On route to Kenyir, fruit picking – the route to Kenyir is dotted by Malay villages and their kebun buah (fruit gardens), bring a basket and a pair of scissors; ask if you can visit a kebun and do some fruit picking, maybe you can pick enough rambutan for a fruit picnic at Lake Kenyir. 45 minutes from KT you will arrive Pengkalan Gawi, the lake jetty and begin Kenyir Island hopping, visit the Herbs Park, Kelah Sanctuary, Lasir waterfall ( picnic lunch- fruits, sandwiches and water),slow cruise around the lake, tea at Petang Island Resort, and return to Pengakalan Gawi for dinner ( Kampung Chicken, Fried fresh fishes, Beans)
   
   
   • Pengkalan Gawi: The Jetty and Restaurant: Mohd Anuar bin Mohd; Gerai Ke 4, Tel 019 9253 628- mother and son operates this humble eatery; serving up fresh fishes, beans and rice; steamed or deep fried as you wish. If you again want the family feeling, tell them you are a friend of our advisor Datok Tok.
   • Herbs Park: Synonymous with natural lushness, the lake has a wide variety of herbs renowned for their medicinal properties. The park is 15 hectares in size, 26,000 herbal plans of 230 species are planted here.
   • Lasir Water Fall: Picnic Lunch Lasir Waterfall is one of the many spectacular waterfalls within Lake Kenyir. It's a lovely waterfall that occurred at a boundary between two different rock types. It's a fall from about 500 feet high.
   • Kelah Sanctuary: Kelah is an endangered fish species; which the government makes conscientious effort to protect. In this sanctuary, the Kelah lives peacefully in their natural habitat made possible by 24 hour surveillance of the sanctuary.
   • Elephant Sanctuary: There are two captured elephants now protected in this sanctuary by the department of wildlife Malaysia. There is a special animal viaducts constructed in the area to enable wild animals safe crossing without disturbing other road users.
   • Orang Asli Community: This community of native people consists of 20 families of local native people; local visitors can see how these native jungle people live; if you are lucky you can see them on their bamboo rafts or in small boats roaming the lake area to gather jungle produce such as rattan, sandalwood, and resin or catching fish. You would be amazed how unhurried they are, moving around to search for a better life.
   
   
7. Kuala Terengganu: Krystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal), Floating Mosque (Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah), Pasar Payang (Central market), Batu Enam fruit market (famous for its durian if in season). Shopping for Songket and batik.
   
8. Redang Island: Berjaya Redang Beach Resort
   
9. Local Cuisine:
   I - Nasi Dagang, a very local favorite consisting of fresh fish and rice.  II - Fried Fresh Fish and Keropok Lekor (Deep Fried Fish Cakes) III - Hainun cube bread with butter and kaya at Sin Phin Siang   IV - Seafood--all kind so fresh fishes are available at very good prices. V- Malaysian durian, Terengganu durina -- if you visit during the durina season, go to Batu 6 market and get some really good durian. For 7 of the very best "maosanwang" durian, you can get it for RM60, which you may need to pay RM300 in Kuala Lumpur!
   
10. Take lots of clean air/oxygen and good photographs home with you. The clean air and good light produces wonderful photos.