Sungai Golok,Thai south

Exiting from the Sungai Golok train station,a map of the district is being displayed and very handy.

This will ensure that you won't deviate to certain areas which are currently under travel advisory.

Towards the eastern side is the Province of Narathiwat with its beautiful beaches facing the Gulf of Thailand.

On the west is Yala Province while on its northern border is Pattani Province.

On the right column of photo (click to enlarge) are the two immigration border checkpoint with neighbouring Malaysia (town call Rantau Panjang).

Going to Malaysian state of Kelantan via Sungai Golok is most common for tourists and foreigners while the other one at Tak Bai exit are normally used by the local people and.... ..I just wonder why some people ask me whether I cross the river!

During the dry season,can easily walk across at all the loopholes but not now with the monsoon and swelling river.

 The river has a span of less than 500 metres similar to what I see at Tajilek(Myanmar) with Mae Sai(Thailand).






North-west of Sungai Golok is Songkhla Province where Haadyai is the third largest city in Thailand.

Surprisingly at the southern tip of Sungai Golok near the Malaysian border is a gold mine.

Must be mineral resources and not name of place or company like Goldmine Garment Co Ltd at Samut Prakan near Bangkok.

This map here is for the Yala District,notice the huge lake there.

Well if you wish to cross over to Malaysia via Thai exit town of Betong,there are minivans from Sungai Golok as well.

While in Betong do visit comrade Chin Peng Piyamit Tunnel similar to that of Cu Chi Tunnel in Vietnam.

Piyamit Tunnel connects right to near Haadyai.The former communist party of Malaya Chinese will bring you inside for a tour.

The Malaysian side town is Gerik.(state of Perak,capital Ipoh)
From Ipoh to Penang Island is another one and half hour drive along the expressway.

This travel billboard is more about Narathiwat Province which is 1,134km from Bangkok.

Narathiwat is one of the four Thai provinces which have a Muslim majority; 82% are Muslim and only 17.9% are Buddhist.

 Also 80.4% speak the Patani Malay as their first language.

Narathiwat Malays are very similar in ethnicity and culture to the Malays of Kelantan, Malaysia. 






 A replica of a temple (wat) entrance on the pedestrian bridge as you are about to go into the town.





The Anglo -Siamese Treaty of 1909 saw Thailand relinquished its claims to sovereignty over Kedah (Thai: ไทรบุรี (Saiburi)), Kelantan (Thai: กลันตัน (Kalantan)), Perlis (Thai: ปะลิส (Palit)) and Terengganu (Thai: ตรังกานู (Trangkanu)) which integrated the British sphere of influence as protectorates.

These four states, along with Johor, later became known as the Unfederated Malay States.



The radio frequency modulation(FM) is 106.50 Mhz.












A small train station waiting platform.

  Train from Bangkok via Haadyai has just arrived,time was around 11:30am when photo taken.

I took a train once from Hualampong in Bangkok at around 12:00 midnight to reach Haadyai at around 9:30am.



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Signboard says "SungaiKolok Keretapi"=SungaiKolok Train.
Thai language for train station:-"sathani rot-fai"
Beside the entrance were some muslim food stalls and sundry stalls.






Coming out from here just walk across the main road is the town centre.
Another signboard says"Beware of Trains".You'll be expected to walk via the railway lines in order to reach the platform.





The busy morning market just across the train station.The market already has its sign of activities as early as 5:00am.
The immigration checkpoint opens at 6:00am.
During that one hour lapse I noticed most of the motorcyclist already making many trips transporting goods to a car park area in Rantau Panjang just beside the immigration checkpoint.

I drove from Kuala Lumpur the day before to drop off my relatives from Melbourne,Australia at Club Med Cherating Beach in Kuantan(Pahang State).

Travelling from Kuala Lumpur via East West Highway is a breeze.
Departing at 11:00am to reach the Jabor Exit at 2:00pm and arrive Club Med at 2:30pm just in time for the check-in.
Subsequently I continued my 3 hours journey to Kota Bharu in Kelantan spending a night there.
 At 5:00am the following day,I drove from Kota Bahru to Rantau Panjang which takes 30 minutes.The private parking lot is owned by a chinese called Charlie Lee charging RM5.00 per day while immigration officers got exemptions.
If you do require any assistance at the border do contact him. Distance from Immigaration checkpoint to market:-1km.


 A local mosque without those glamorous minarets.

 The inner township road.
Armed Thai security personels were manning at strategic points especially around the town centre.









 Thairice International. (http://www.golokthairice.com/)








The Merlin Hotel in the heart of town just opposite the police headquarters.
Police personnels were stationed at all strategic locations around town and is very safe to visit Sungai Golok.
Closed circuit cameras mostly around here.
 
During weekends hotels are nearly full with muslim malays from neighbouring country who were here to enjoy whatever available from woman,beer,entertainment and even polygamy which is rampant here..

While back home they just have to behave religiously.In neighbouring country any close proximity of gender from different sex by muslim in secluded places can be charged by the religious department for "Khalwat"




Nam Tok Chat Warin Forest Park Hala-Bala Wildlife Reserve (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าฮาลา – บาลา) is a new conservation area of Thailand.
 It was officially established in 1996.

Sirindhorn Waterfall (น้ำตกสิรินธร) is not a waterfall that falls from a high cliff but is really a stream that comes down from a forest at a higher altitude.
The falls feature a wide rock plateau suitable for relaxation.





Kids playing truant from school.(Thai:rongrian) What's your name?(Khun cher arai) From right the kids names were now,hum,op and kit.

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 View from Hawaii Guesthouse (fan room attached toilet,double bed =Baht220)

Morning breakfast had a bowl of noodle.Baht 35.
Noodle with soup==mee nam
 Noodle only soup separate==mee haeng.

Hotels and guesthouses:

Genting 250 Asia Road 18 (Tel: 0 7361 3231-40) 234 rooms: 550-720 baht (1km from immigration checkpoint)

Grand Garden 66 Soi 3 Prachawiwat (Tel: 0 7361 3600-5, 0 7361 3501-4) 118 rooms: 650-2,000 baht

Krung Thong House 143 Vithiuthok Road (Tel: 0 7361 1511, 0 7361 2662) 23 rooms: 200 baht

Come In 48 Surirong Road (Tel: 0 7361 1187) 20 rooms:200-300baht

Chonun House 43/5-6Soi Phuthon Chareonkhet Road (Tel: 0 7361 1421) 23 rooms: 130-280 baht

Savoy 8/2 Chareonkhet Road (Tel: 0 7361 1093) 27 rooms: 130 baht.

Taksin 1 30 Prachawiwat Road (Tel: 0 7361 1010, 0 7361 1083) 39 rooms: 110-280 baht

Taksin 2 Prachasamran Road (Tel: 0 7361 1088) 49 rooms: 180-430 baht

Thai Laem Thong 193/8 Prachawiwat Road (Tel: 0 7361 1094, 0 7361 2387) 34 rooms: 200-350 baht

Thai Eak 43 Wongwithi Road (Tel: 0 7361 1052, 0 7361 3136) 37 rooms: 220-320 baht

Thani 4/1 Chunmankha (Tel: 0 7361 1241) 52 rooms: 120-220 baht

Tara Regent 45 Soi Phuthon Chareonkhet Road (Tel: 0 7361 1801-2) 119 rooms: 350-450 baht

Nam Thai 2 93-95 Soi Phuthon Chareonkhet Road (Tel: 0 7361 1163) 37 rooms: 120-250 baht.

Parkson 501 Soi Phuthon Chareonkhet Road (Tel: 0 7361 2789-90) 40 rooms: 380-420 baht

Plaza 2 Thetpathom (Tel: 0 7361 3403, 0 7361 1875-6) 94 rooms: 400-650 baht

Phiman 76/4 Chareonkhet Road (Tel: 0 7361 1464) 17 rooms: 200 baht

My House 98/34 Saritwong Road (Tel: 0 7361 1069, 0 7361 3569) 24 rooms: 200-280 baht

Marina 173 Soi Phuthon Chareonkhet Road (Tel: 0 7361 3881-5) 180 rooms: 700-1,500 baht

Madi 19/4 Chunmankha Road (Tel: 0 7361 1214, 0 7361 1122) 27 rooms: 140-250 baht

Merlin 68 Chareonkhet Road (Tel: 0 7361 1003, 0 7361 1431) 96 rooms: 410-550 baht

Trengganu Crystal Mosque.

Trengganu is an east coast state in Peninsula Malaysia with the Malay ruler being head of state(the Sultan).
The current King of Malaysia is from here.
 It faces the South China Sea and experienced heavy rainfall during the monsoon season between October till February.

During this time the sea is out of bound. This state has its rich history where it has being under the influenced of the following empires:-Srivijaya,Majapahit and Khmer until the arrival of Islam and this is the first Malay state to embrace Islam.

Kuala Trengganu is the capital of Trengganu State. Kuala Besut town is the main port for ferries to the Perhentian Islands.

 Marang, the port for ferries to Kapas Island while Merang, the port for ferries to Redang.  

Islands nearby:
 Pulau Rhu Hentian Pulau Perhentian Pulau Lang Tengah Pulau Redang Pulau Tenggol Pulau Gemia Kapas island  

Getting there:
Express coach departs daily from all of the major cities and towns in the peninsular. Travel from Kuala Lumpur (6 hours), Singapore and Johor Bharu (8 hours), and Penang (7 hours). From Kuala Terengganu to Thailand's border town of Sungai Golok is another 5 hours journey by car.



Taman(Park) Tamaddun(civilisations) Islam main arch entrance.
It is also known as Edutainment Park as described on the wall.
Inside this park you have the Monument Park – Convention Center– Crystal Mosque– Guest House – River Cruise – B'Beteng

Price for Guesthouse:- 3 Bedrooms (Max 6 paxs) RM 400 / unit / night Inclusive of Free entrance to Monument park worth RM 45 Free Extra Bed ( Max 2 unit only) .




Visitors could take a trip on Bas Bandar from Taman Shahbandar to get to TTI at the Wan Man Island.
The bus also will be stopping by other interesting spots in Kuala Trengganu.
Bas Bandar Operating days/hours:Monday - Thursday: 11.00am, 1.30pm, 4.30pmFriday - Sunday & Public Holidays: 11.00am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm (Bus Fare:RM1.00)




The River Cruise boat.







Fare RM10 per pax for a one hour ride.
Visitors could use water taxi services or locally known as bot penambang at Shahbandar Jetty to get from the town of Kuala Terengganu to Wan Man Island where TTI is nestled.





Upcoming events:-
1)Terengganu World Invitational Jetrace Challenge 2011 Date : 1 - 3 April 2011 Venue : Pulau Duyung, Kuala Terengganu
2)Kenyir Lake International Triathlon 2011 Date : 9 - 10 April 2011 Venue : Pengkalan Gawi, Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu
3)Kapas -Marang International Swimmathon 2011 Date : 23 - 24 April 2011 Venue : Pulau Kapas & Pantai Kelulut,

Marang Guided Tour Around the Island with River Cruise along the Terengganu River Special Rate : RM 39 (Adult) + RM 35 (Children)



Masjid Kristal Trengganu has its architectural designs similar to those found in Masjid Xian in China,Masjid Kuddus Mina in Indonesia, Masjid Pusat Petani di Thailand serta negara Islam yang lain.(and others)

The park is a colourful mosaic marked by 21 exquisite miniatures of famous mosques and monuments from the Islamic countries showcasing the grandeurs of Islamic arts and architectures.

 The island is divided into two zones.

Zone 1 housed the 21 miniature mosques, monuments, souvenir shops, restaurant by the river and a recreational lake. Audio visual presentations and signage of the heritage and history provides interesting information for visitors.

Zone 2 housed a commercial centre, a convention centre, a main square and an Islamic concept garden. Tucked at the tip of the island is the glittering Crystal Mosque.
Majestically constructed with crystal shine glass and steel overlooking the scenic Terengganu River, it is the iconic splendour and pride of Terengganu.
The breathtaking view of the park with its colourful lightings of the mosques and monuments seen from the Terengganu Bridge is picture perfect with panoramic background, especially during sunset that add to the lustrous colour of nature at its best.

Every year towards the end of October month,there is an international yatch race called the Monsoon Cup and is being held near the mouth of Trengganu River.

The Malay word for mosque is masjid.
This building had many typical features of Islamic architecture.
 It had an onion dome.
Its walls were elaborately decorated.
Long ago, the walls of Dome of Rock were covered in dazzling marble and mosaics.
In the 16th century, architects redecorated it with geometric marble tiles.


In Islam, pictures of people were not allowed, so the building is covered with geometric patterns and calligraphy.

Muslims believe that God revealed himself in the book called the Koran.
Words are sacred, so for a Muslim, calligraphy is also sacred.
Quranic verses inside the prayer's hall.





The Mufti pavillion.
Muftis are Islamic scholars who normally will address the audience during Friday prayers.

 The 4 pillars of Islam being depicted by these 4 minarets.

In a largely arid region, the Islamic garden represents an image of paradise.
The basic plan is a rectangular enclosure walled against the dust of the desert and divided into at least four sections by water channels. Pavilions are placed at focal points within the gardens.

Saint John Cathedral Church

Saint John Cathedral church with its twin spires, located at the center of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia.

This area is called Bukit Nanas. If you walk through the road here,you'll pass by the famous Christian Brothers school called St John Instituition thereafter is the forest reserve entrance nearby.
 In Thailand you have the St John International School at Ladprao near Bangkok.

This is a Roman Catholic church and is aligned to the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. It was originally opened in 1883, making it one of KL's oldest buildings.

 January 8th is the anniversary of its dedication.
Usually in Christian Brothers Schools,they have a large chapel inside the school as well where every Friday there will be mass prayers.

 The altar with Lord Jesus Christ. This section is the holiest section of the church.

Blessed by this Grace, The Archbishop of Malacca, M Olcomendy on 27.3.1955
Parish Priest:Fr N Maury
Architect:RB Pereira
Contractor:Knock Teck & Company
 (28.3.1954)the church was built.

Statue of the blessed Mother Mary.

Church Mass Schedule:

Saturday:6:30pm

 Sundays:8:00am,10:30am & 6:30pm.

Filipinos community started a small flea market beside the road entrance to the church.

Sundays is the only day off for our Filipino colleagues and the ususal place for their meeting and focal point is the St John Cathedral Church,Kotaraya Sopping Arcade,the Sungai Wang Plaza.


 Cintamani Travellers Lodge is just a stone throw away from the holy church. 37,Jalan Hang Lekiu,Tel:+603-20704071

Fax:+603-20266640

mayview1@streamyx.com

http://www.mayviewglory.com/

Shared Bath room:

Single fan:RM35 Single a/c:RM45

Super Single:(1-2pax):RM45

Double a/c with window:RM60 no window:RM50

Double deck 2 pas:RM50

Attached Bath:

Queen bed with TV:RM80

Superior Family with TV (3-4 pax):RM90

Serai Inn,2nd Floor,Jalan Hang Lekiu.

Tel/Fax:+603-20704728

enquiry@seraiinn.com

entrance via side lane beside Segi College Nursing School.

All a/c rooms:RM45-RM74

Drop In Lodge,

Near the corner of Jalan Tun HS Lee junction with Lebuh Ampang. Tel:+603-207486314

Room Rates:RM30-RM45




 Formerly the Standard Chartered Bank main office was in this blue building,a stone throw from the St John Cathedral but have shifted to Lot 10 shopping complex near Bukit Bintang Road.








A leisurely walk less than 2km from the heart of the city near the old Standard Chartered Building will lead to the Kuala Lumpur Twin Tower KLCC.