...... Gunung Jerai

Yours Sincerely's ( Y S ) better half lamented that we had seen the sun rise over the Sahara and set over the Andaman Seai. We were on the peak of Snow Mountain in China and Mt. Titilis in Switzerland. But we have never been atop Gunung Jerai after living in Alor Star for 40 years! So, we hit for Gunung Jerai one fine day in the X-Trial which is a 4-wheel drive and built for the job - climbing.

This is part of the road up. Y S would say that the road is manageable except for some cork screw and hair-pin corners, and a few one carriage stretches. Be on the watch-out for on-coming traffic and horn at blind corners.

This is one of the chalets managed by The Regency. The destination is not only remote and isolated but also very, very low on occupancy. So, you can have the whole resort to yourself. But, make sure that you know how to use your time or else you will be driven C R A Z Y ! Time seems to stand still here. It is nevertheless a perrfect hideout for writers and poets seeking inspiration . and of course, honeymooners. LOL

Of course, be prepared to meet your "cousins" on the way up. There are many colonies of these dusty monkeys which can be quite intimidating if your car windows are down.

Y S had the opportunity to meet a local enterprising Chinese agriculturist who ventures into organic farming and "Shitake" mushrooms culture. He offered to take us on a tour of his farm.

Y S was at 1200 meter above Alor Star, at Kedah Peak or Gunung Jerai - quiet , serene and picturesque.

This is Puncak kedah Restaurant, ready to serve two guests - Y S and better half. We had the whole restaurant to ourselves.



Better half had her favourite "Roti Jala" and chicken curry.

"Teh Tarik" for two. Somehow it tastes better at 1200 metres. How romantic !

Some of the poplars up on the peak.

This is the rewarding scenery that greets you.


Y S was amazed by this perfect tree.


Don't be surprised. This "Cuttle fish and Kangkong" , of course, is not available at Gunung Jerai but Y S made a small detour on the way down to the small town of Gurun. It is better half's favourite. The one sold here gives you more pieces of cuttle fish, a generous sprinkling of sesame seeds and thick gravy that never fails to titillate your taste buds. All for RM6.00

This is the shop that sells the "Cuttlefish fish with kangkong" and if we have time, we usuallyl order a good helping of boiled cockles. Better half craves for this specialty like a pregnant woman does and Y S has to detour to this shop on most trips to or fro Penang !

Take that detour in life and see life.