10 Days In October: Part II

Friday, 23 October 2026 

This morning, I took the subway train to Liziba Station. Just like Hanoi Train Street, there’s nowhere else where you can find so many people gathering together to watch trains going into a building (we also have that in good old KL).  After that, I walked and climbed hundreds of stairs from street level to get up to Fotuguan Park. Then I joined hundreds of other visitors on the Skywalk to Eling Park (the Skywalk is only one way, i.e., one cannot access the Skywalk from Eling Park) then spent some time in Eling Park. The Skywalk is free; one only need to show passport to get the ticket with QR code from the tourist service office.

After that, I walked down to Eling subway station and rode the subway to Guanyinqiao where there’s a pedestrian street. It took me some time to locate the halal eatery in Guanyinqiao Food Street where I had my lunch before returning to my room  I ventured out again in the late afternoon and headed for Raffles City. Then I walked to Qiansimen Bridge and joined hundreds of others waiting for the Honyadong lights to come on at 18:30.

I was excited when I came across a supermarket that sells goods at bargain prices (a bit like Busy For You shops I found in Yunnan, but some items cost less than at Busy For You). I also found a halal restaurant quite close to my hotel with more competitive prices but I didn’t have dinner as I wasn’t that hungry.

The hotel manager left a bag of snacks for me outside my room tonight. I did notice I was entitled to a free tour but didn’t pursue it. So maybe this was an alternative to the free tour.

Walked 31,580 steps or 19.9 km and walked up and down wayyy too many stairs (57 stairs according to my iPhone) on my third day in Chongqing.

Saturday, 24 October 2026

This morning, I checked out from the hotel, rode the subway and checked into another hotel close to Chongqingxi (Chongqing West) Railway Station. I had an early morning train tomorrow and didn’t want to be anxious about missing the train (the subway starts operating at 06:32 and I wouldn’t make it in time. I could get a Didi or taxi but don’t want to worry about being in a traffic jam or road diversion or closure. The power sockets at this hotel were different but the owner kindly Kent me his phone charger.

I went out in the early afternoon and met Lala again at Xiejiawan and we had lunch at an Uyghur restaurant. Then we walked around the area and Lala treated me to tea and dessert. We parted ways at 17:00 and I made my way to Danzishi and walked to Danzishi Old Street and stayed for the drone show that takes place every Saturday evening from 20:30. The show lasted 20 minutes. When the show was over, I returned to Danzishi station and rode the metro back to Chongqingxi.

Walked 15,550 steps or 8.9 km on my fourth day in Chongqing.

Sunday, 25 October 2026

I checked out early this morning and was in the train bound for Leshan within ten minutes of leaving my room (that’s how close the hotel is to Chongqixi  Railway Station!). Arrived in Leshan and then wandered to find my hotel. It took me a short while to locate the hotel. My room wasn’t ready and I was supposed to be able to check in by 10:00. The manager consulted her boss before upgrading me to another room. I had some breakfast and rested while waiting to perform afternoon prayers.

I left my room in the early afternoon and walked to Leshan Bus Station where I caught the 13:35 bus K1 to Giant Buddha. The fare was ¥2. I got down at the North Gate and walked to the park shuttle bus. I’d purchased tickets to the Giant Buddha and the park shuttle (one-way) on Trip.com beforehand. I got down one stop further than I should so I walked back 300 metres. Then I joined the other visitors queuing to enter and once in, climbed up steps to the viewing platform. As usual, there were many people there because the 71-metre tall Giant Buddha of Leshan is a part of the Mount Emei Scenic Area UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I wandered around the area then followed signs and walked down to Nine Bends Plank Road. We had to wait for about ten minutes before we could proceed to Buddha’s feet because the path is narrow. One could also take the boats to view the Giant Buddha from the river but the pier is further.

I spent 90 minutes at the Giant Buddha before leaving via the East Gate. It took me about 20 minutes to walk from the East Gate to the North Gate and I just about managed to catch the K1 bus back to Leshan Railway Station. I asked the driver if the bus accepted Alipay but she waved me through.

I returned to my room and stayed in. There was no halal eatery around the area but I’d packed ramen so I had a cup of that for dinner.

Walked 15,630 steps or 11 km in Leshan.

Monday, 26 October 2026

Another early start for me today. I checked out and rode the 07:21 train to Chengdudong. Yes, back in Chengdu to conclude my unfinished business, heh. This time, I bought the train ticket from Railway 12306. There were many passengers who didn’t have a seat and were standing in the aisle and at the doors. A lot of them got down at Chengdunan station.

I’d booked a hotel near Chengdudong Railway Station as I planned to take the train to Huanglong Jiuzhai early the following morning. I walked to the general direction of the hotel and had problems finding it at first. The hotel had messaged me yesterday enquiring when I expected to arrive so I expected to be able to check In immediately. I was not happy when I was told that rhe room I booked had to share bathroom with another room. The manager said if I wanted to change to a room with private bathroom, I’d have to pay extra. I asked if there was any room with private bathroom where I didn’t have to pay the price difference. After all, I’d been offered free room upgrades at various hotels in China before. Finally, she managed to find a room for me and I’d have to wait for the cleaning lady to clean the room first.

It didn’t take long and she showed me to the room about ten minutes later. The floor was still wet from being mopped. I was therefore not amused to find hairs on the round table. I didn’t want to make further noise but took a photo so that I could mention it in my hotel review.  I stayed until it was time to perform afternoon prayers. Then I walked to the Muslim restaurants near the hotel (one was in the connecting building but I decided to venture further and had lunch at the second restaurant).

After lunch, I took the metro to People’s Park. There were so many people there, and it was a weekday too. I spent an hour there then made my way to Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street on foot. I stumbled upon a road selling modern wedding dresses, then Qingshiqiao Market, then a road selling seafood while walking towards Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street. After browsing shops there, I walked to Anshun Bridge before taking the metro back to Chengdudong.

The autumn has definitely arrived in Chengdu but the temperature was still bearable and mild.

Walked 24,060 steps or 16.7 km on my first day back in Chengdu.

To be continued

10 Days In October: Part I

I’d started thinking of returning to Chengdu when I came back in mid-June. This time, I would combine it with Chongqing. I pondered if I should fly to Chengdu or Chongqing first and ran a few scenarios with a few dates in October. Why October? Because it’d be almost autumn then and not as hot as July or August and I’d already had plans for September. My sister shared that she would be going to Yunnan and I decided to leave after she came back.

After running the scenarios and dates, I bought my Hainan Airlines ticket on Trip.com during the 07/07 offerings. When I was transiting in Shanghai coming back from Ulaanbataar, I went to the airline counter and requested for Muslim meal. However, I was told not all legs would have the option.

Tuesday, 20 October 2026

My flight was supposed to depart at 21:05 and I’d planned to leave at 17:00 and make my way to KLIA T2. However, it started threatening to rain that afternoon so I changed my mind and left 30 minutes earlier. The rain had started falling as I walked to the bus stop. I had to use my waterproof jacket to cover myself walking from the bus stop to the MRT station.  I then found out that the flight had been retimed to depart at 22:05. Great, what was I supposed to do at the airport for an extra hour? Anyway, better to arrive early than be caught in the rain and arrive late. The flight was further retimed to depart at 22:35…

We finally boarded. I dozed off during take-off but got up to have my late supper.

Wednesday, 21 October 2026

We landed in Haikou after 02:00 and had to take the bus to the terminal. I cleared passport control then went to the domestic terminal and tried to catch some kip. I wasn’t successful of course.  I gave up at 05:15 and went to perform prayers.

We took off at 07:30 and landed at 09:45 in wet Chongqing. I took the metro to Linjiangmen station and marvelled at the scenery when the train emerged above ground. It took me a while to find my hotel (no thanks to the wrong review given by a previous guest for sharing the wrong exit). I stopped to ask a few people before I finally found the building. Strewth!

I ventured out after prayers in the early afternoon to Kuixinglou just across the hotel. The square offers an amazing perspective of the city’s elevation. You start at one end of the square on the second floor (or first floor to us) and literally the next minute and just across the square, you’re on the 22nd floor! Anyone would be floored by this, pun intended!

Next, I walked to Shibati but not before having a late lunch at a halal eatery. You start at the top and go down the steps. The map indicated there is a Shibati station; however, I found it was still under construction so I grudgingly climbed back the stairs to take the subway to Houbao where I had a bird’s-eye view of the buildings and the Yangtze River. I wandered around the neighbourhood, wondering how to get down to street level before deciding to return to the station. Oh, there were escalators going down (I’d followed an old lady and taken the lift).

I then walked along Nanbin Road to Longmenhao Old Street before taking the metro back to Linjiangmen. Even navigating the subway means trekking across corridors and going up and down stairs - Jiaochangkou station, I’m looking at you! I was not amused to find myself at Jiaochangkou station and having to trek it’s corridor again but it was what it was. It’s really a very hilly city, y’all.  It was an overcast first day in Chongqing but not too cold. Anyway, I did read another blog where the author mentioned that clear days are rare in Chongqing.

Walked 30,250 steps or 20.8 km on my first day in Chongqing.

Thursday, 22 October 2026

Today, I joined a Chinese-speaking group to Three Natural Bridges in Wulong, more than three hours’ bus ride away from Chongqing. I’d done my research and joining a tour works out better than taking the metro then train from Chongqing to Wulong and attempting to reach Three Natural Bridges by the local bus. And then there’s the return journey to be considered too… I also compared between Klook and Trip.com and chose the tour offered by the latter.

I left the hotel very early in the morning as I had this fear of getting to the wrong meeting point. The guide told me the bus would come by 07:10 and that I must not be late. The bus arrived at 07:00 and I quickly boarded. We stopped about twice to pick up more passengers before we set off for the journey.

We reached Wulong around 10:00 and the bus stopped for a very early lunch. I decided to fast today as I was sure I’d have problems eating whatever food the restaurant would serve and was happy to note that a few other passengers also opted to skip the early lunch. Then I realised it was actually a good idea to have early lunch because one would need to energy to walk at Three Natural Bridges.

I also opted out of the glass platform as I wasn’t sure if I was brave enough to walk on glass with hundreds  of feet of nothingness below me. I walked to the rotating lift and went down and began my hike, stopping every now and then to take photos. I even climbed up many, many stairs to a viewing platform (and encountered some unpleasant Korean Americans there).

We were told to assemble by 13:30 at the exit but I was already out by 13:00. The guide saw me and brought me to the park shuttle bus and told me to board it to Longshuixia Fissure Gorge. This is a deep limestone canyon. Both Three Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Fissure Gorge lie within the Wulong Karst National Geology Park which is a part of the South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Similar to Three Natural Bridges, we also took a lift to descend down before walking through and along the gorge. I was done within 75 minutes but I did stop many times to take photos.

We finally left at 15:40 and made our way back to Chongqing. We reached Shibati at 18:20 and I had dinner before returning to my room to get some souvenirs for Lala. I would be meeting her later that evening. Lala is a Chongqing-native and I met her on the flight to Tashkent in April 2024.

We met at Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street. She was also entertaining an Indonesian father-daughter acquaintances and we walked together for a bit before waiting for a taxi to bring the two to their hotel. The father was at least 80 years old and still fit! He could walk without a cane!

I then went to Lala’s office (which building is site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea from 1944 to 1945, there’s a museum on the first floor or ground level to us) and we sat there having tea and chatting until 23:00. She kindly gave me a taxi lift back to my hotel on her way home.  Walked 22,130 steps or 14.7 km on my second day in Chongqing.

To be continued

East Coast Retreat

I’d planned this trip before April and took advantage of the MATTA Fair offers in early April. One date change had to be made when the original start date was the day following with my sister’s hospital appointment and we both made changes to the check-in and hospital appointment dates. Oh well. 

Wednesday, 16 September 2026

I left home after Isya’ prayers and made my way to Gombak Integrated Terminal. I’d booked a bus leaving at 00:30. I had the misfortune of sitting next to an elderly man who kept asking me if we had arrived at Melati station. I told him I didn’t know as I was more familiar with the stations between Jelatek and Abdullah Hukum. He was being a nuisance and I smelled something unpleasant on him. I surmised that he was drunk and was praying he wouldn’t suddenly spew on me. Alhamdulillah, he got down at Taman Melati station, so I had peace for the duration of one station.

Thursday, 17 September 2026

My bus arrived early so after boarding it, I quickly found my seat and tried to catch some kip. The driver drove fast and all too soon, we’d arrived at Terminal Sentral Kuantan. I checked my watch: it was 03:25 then.

I spotted some chairs and went down and tried to rest. I just say that Terminal Sentral Kuantan is one miserable building. It has a roof but no walls. I think at least two of the bathrooms didn’t work. I was so happy when it was finally time to perform morning prayers.

After prayers, I went up to catch the C33 bus into the city. The fare was RM2. The bus went into the International Islamic University Malaysia (Kuantan campus) grounds so I got to see how the campus was like. I went down at a stop near Indera Mahkota and after a while, I walked up to KMI Kuantan Medical Centre. I had some breakfast, performed dhuha prayers and freshened up. Then I walked out and cross the road to get the bus to Sungai Lembing. However, Google Maps marked the bus stop wrongly so the bus didn’t stop for me.  

Hopping mad by then, I decided to turn back and walked to Lotus Hypermarket. I sat in there reading for an hour before leaving. This time, I crossed over to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Mosque to wait for the next number C50 bus which was due at 10:20.  The bus came, I flagged it down and boarded it. The fare to Sungai Lembing was RM4. A bargain for a 40-km ride! We reached Sungai Lembing after an hour.

I got down with my bag and wheeled it along. The museum which I wanted to visit is on a hill and I almost groaned when I saw it. I spotted a prayer place and thought of leaving my bag there but it was barred so I continued on to the museum. Thankfully I managed to leave my bag in the security guard’s office. The museum ticket was RM2 and I walked up the steps leading to the entrance.

Visitors must enter bare-footed so I shed off my sandals and walked into the museum. There was a group of elderly Chinese visitors ahead of me. Sungai Lembing was likened as El Dorado of the East as it was here that a British Settlement existed in Sungai Kenau Valley. Mining activities had created a town for the last 100 years, making it famous as its mines were the largest underground mines in the world. The building that houses the museum used to belong to the manager of the tin mining company. I spent 35 minutes at the museum.

I then walked to Kolong Pahat Suspension Bridge about ten minutes’ walk away. I crossed the bridge to Kolong Pahat Village and walked through the peaceful village until the Rainbow Suspension Bridge where I crossed back to the museum side. The villagers also cross the bridge using their motorcycles.

I retrieved my bag and thanked the guard. I stopped to buy some sugarcane drink before walking to the bus station. I wanted to catch the 13:00 bus back to Kuantan and as I didn’t think I had enough time for lunch, I had the sugarcane drink and buns I bought at Lotus instead as my light lunch.

From the city bus station, I made my way to AC Hotel Kuantan and checked in. It rained shortly after.  I ventured out after 18:00 and walked into the city. I must say I didn’t like the road surface in Kuantan and the lights were just too long! I walked along the riverfront and was surprised to find it deserted. Of course the haze was there but I was still surprised that there weren’t more people out and about.

I wandered to the art street and then had dinner at a restaurant at Jalan Mahkota before walking back to the hotel. It was starting to rain again as I neared the hotel.

Friday, 18 September 2026

I decided to have a late breakfast so I went down at 09:10. I bumped into a colleague and she insisted I join her for breakfast. She left after 40 minutes and I continued on eating slowly.

I checked out just before noon and left my bag at the left luggage. Then I walked to the nearest bus stop and waited for bus C20 to Teluk Cempedak. It’s been ages since my last visit to Teluk Cempedak. I walked along the beach past Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort before turning back. I was hoping to find the hiking trail but didn’t see it. Oh well, no biggie.

I took the C20 bus back to Jalan Teluk Sisek and walked back to the hotel. I sat there at the small library reading while waiting for my nephew and niece to pick me up. They arrived at 17:45 and we drove off to Chukai. It was peak hour then and the long lights didn’t help but we finally arrived at the Airbnb my nephew had booked at 18:55.

We walked to the nearby shops and had dinner there.

Saturday, 19 September 2026

We left just before 10:00 and drove to Dungun, stopping at a few beaches en route, namely Pantai Teluk Kalong, Old Cruise Ship Jetty Kijal, and Pantai Tampin Kemasik. We met this friendly cat at Pantai Kemasik who was resting by the boulders and ended up feeding some of the stray cats when we stopped for some refreshments.

We reached Tanjong Jara Resort about an hour later and waited to check in. Unlike Pangkor Laut, this process took us some time. We weren’t shown around the resort either; the lady at the reception just directed us to the big resort map and showed us the key buildings. We then rode a buggy to Nelayan Restaurant and waited a while for our orders to arrive. The lady at the reception had promised to send our room keys to the restaurant but they weren’t there when we left so I asked for the keys to be sent to the Games Room. The Games Room is bigger than the one at Pangkor Laut which was a bonus at least.  Finally we managed to enter our rooms but our bags took a while to arrive. After prayers, I pumped the iron before going down to join the Village Life where hotel staff and guests participated in traditional games like takraw, congkak, stilt walking, and batik canting. I had some pulled tea and keropok lekor and a complimentary shoulder massage too. It ended at 18:00 and the staff were busy preparing the area for dinner that evening.

I went with my niece to the Teratai pool and sat there until 18:45. The mosquitoes were starting to come out and I was their target. I returned to the room, showered and performed prayers.

Dinner that evening was Taste of Terengganu and was an informal affair. We went to the Games Room after dinner and amused ourselves with foosball, billiard and Jenga.  

Sunday, 20 September 2026

It rained overnight and when I went for an early walk, the stairs were still wet. I walked along the beach and watched the sunrise. The haze was indiscernible in Dungun and I was thankful that we managed to escape it albeit temporarily. My sister and BIL came along shortly after and at 07:45, we walked to Di Atas Sungai restaurant for breakfast.

My sister and niece joined Sucimurni Exercise at 08:30 just off the reception area. I had signed my BIL, nephew and myself up for Jara Hill Walk that would begin at 09:30. I returned to the room to change footwear before returning to the reception. There were two Caucasian men and a Chinese father and adult daughter also joining the walk. We walked to the end of the villas then turned into the jungle. Our guide took the time to explain about the flora and fauna and wild animals that could be found at the resort. The first part of the walk took us up and down the hilly terrain and we stopped every now and then to listen to the guide’s explanation. We also enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of the beach from a platform up the hill. Then we came out from the jungle and walked in the village before entering a secondary jungle which was easier as it was mainly flat. All in all, the walk took an hour.  I returned to my room and had a soak in the bath tub.

We walked to Nelayan Restaurant for lunch again today. The service was slow again but we had Chef Anne today to chat with us. The whole lunch affair took about 100 minutes! We then hurried to the Games Room for our karaoke session (the karaoke room is above the Games Room). We’d booked the room when we arrived.

After the karaoke and some foosball games, I went to a gazebo and sat reading until the mosquitoes started coming. I returned to the room, had a quick shower and performed prayers. We had booked dinner for 19:45 and chosen yakiniku and steamboat. I wasn’t too thrilled with this but the others wanted it. My nephew and niece helped to boil the food and grill the meat and vegetables.

After dinner, we went to the Games Room again. I returned to the room ahead of the others though and began packing.  

Monday, 21 September 2026

I brought my bags down and we stored them in the car en route to breakfast at Di Atas Sungai. The others chose to have the resort help with their luggage.  We left right at 10:00 and stopped to get some fish sausages before heading back to KL.

That would likely be my last visit to Tanjong Jara…