Ah is that the crashing surf I hear?
Sadly no, its just the rain pitter-pattering down on my window pane here in the city. Still, if I close my eyes and pretend I hear the sound of the ocean, I can just about see myself back on the beach, sun hat on my head, slathered in sunscreen, oiled in body oil with just the faintest salt twang in the air as I’m buffeted by the sea winds that make my hair stiff and stand on end 🙂 Here are some of my beach snapshots – I shared the beauty stuff last week so these are just some random shots I rather liked. Enjoy!
I was away on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, facing the South China Sea. The sea is blue and relatively clear, the sand is soft between your toes and much to my pleasure, the sun shone everyday that I was there. Would have been quite miserable otherwise 🙂
I parked myself for most of the day that I was there, in a gazebo facing the sea. Being a bit Asian about things, I made sure that it was suitably shaded by coconut trees. Yes, I will confess that I’m not a sun worshipper and I was slathered in at least 3 layers of sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours or so. Needless to say, I failed to come back with a tan – yay! 😛
It was lovely and very windy and I would alternate between snoozing or reading. I brought along with me a random book called Soulless – a book about a soulless spinster, vampires and werewolves. It was funny in parts but mostly I found it a bit of a drag. Still, it made good beach reading because I didn’t have to pay attention, I could zoom through it in between snoozing and didn’t miss a thing. Spent all day out in the gazebo, evenings in the pool (I’m being Asian remember? Evenings are cooler and the sun isn’t as intense :P), stuffed myself with loads of food and gave no thought to anything else but whether I should apply more sunscreen.
I did manage to fit in some time to say “Hi!” on Instagram while leaving my mark in the sand, which is a really silly thing to do because the waves promptly washed it all away. Next time, leave your mark in cement, not sand 😉
And here’s what happens when you try to leave your mark in the sand, and not notice the waves coming in. You just end up getting your feet wet!
I also did something I almost never do – wake up early to catch the sun rise over the sea.
The gorgeous light more than made up for it though. The morning sea breeze is very invigorating and there is something very soothing about sitting on a deck chair, listening to the waves, feeling the morning air on your skin and then seeing the sun creep up over the horizon, painting the sky with a million colours.
I highly recommend this activity to anyone on holiday. Its a perfect time for reflection, and to commune with nature before the world wakes up. I went back to sleep after that. I was on holiday after all! 😀
I also had loads of good food. I’m still paying for it with the kgs I must have piled on over just that one weekend! Also, you cannot go to the East Coast and not eat Keropok Lekor which is a delicious fish based local snack. Locals will know what I mean and will (hopefully) agree! 😀
There are 2 types – the ones rolled into long tubes and then fried, which I heard referred to as “fish sausages”. It is chewy and very nice eaten with the sweet chilli sauce provided. Another is the thin sliced type which are more crunchy and would be known as “fish crackers”. Don’t ask me to choose between them, I can’t! 😛
And on that gluttony note, ends my short beach holiday. Made you jealous? Erm… sorry. I’ll try not to do it again 😛
Paris B
p/s Life’s a beach? Well, substitute your own 5 letter word starting with B and ending with H 😉
Jacqueline says
I want to go on holiday too! I can’t wait till December I’m going back to Bali.
Paris B says
Yay for Bali! 😀 I’d been there just once and the thing I remember most is the gorgeous FOOD! LOL
Tracy says
Looks like a lovely beach vacation! And the FOOD. YUMM! I’ve never taken a beach vacation before-like you I’m not much for sunning, but it sure looks relaxing though!
Paris B says
Oh Tracy, you should try a beach vacation just once 😀 Stay out of the sun like I did (yay for no sun tan and skin cancer LOL!) and you’d enjoy it I’m sure. Its very relaxing because usually there’s nothing to do but watch and listen to the waves. Let me know if you’re ever in my part of the world and we’ll get your a beach vacation you’ll remember for life! 😀
Lily says
Oh, I love Lekor…yum… And I love that shot where the waves crashed at your feet! I think I might just go and scour for some Lekor now…
Paris B says
Thanks Lily! I’m a lekor fiend too! 😀 Just nice that there’s a pasar malam on tonight with… lekor! 😀
rudi says
what a wonderful time you’ve had !
May I ask specifically where in Terengganu? have a mind to go and bum out too.
Paris B says
This was along tg. jara 🙂 But I’d been to any hotel in Kuala Terengganu by the beach and it was just as lovely. The sand over on the East Coast is quite something – so soft!
Janie says
What’s the point of going to the beach if you don’t tan under the sun?
Paris B says
Well, the sea for one 🙂 I enjoy relaxing to the sounds of the sea and to enjoy the sea breeze. I’m not one for tanning at any time since I embrace the typical fair Asian look 🙂
xin says
i think beach holiday is a best time for some soul-searching or errr..bumming around. such a shame on me that i have never been to the east coast before
Paris B says
Ooh do go to the East Coast. The drive is much easier now with the new highway and the beach/sand and sea is quite different from what we get over here on the West Coast. I’m thinking of going to Redang next round – I’ve never been. Wanna go? 😉
Gin says
Ahhh I need a holiday badly now!!! I have never been to the east coast!! (that explained why I didnt like beach!)
I am saving up for a conference..in japan this dec!
I hope I will be able to get a seat though…heard it is competitive..
Couldn’t afford to go on my own trip… Zzz..
I noticed u went to Jap afew times before Paris, may I email u THEN for jap travel tips IF I ever get the seat please? >.<
Paris B says
Ooh Japan! I’d love to go back some day 🙂 I’ve only been once though so erm I’m not sure how much help I’ll be LOL! But feel free to drop me a line just in case 🙂 I hope you get your seat for the conference!
gin says
THANKS SO MUCH PARIS!
u are so nice! <3
oops, i mixed up the japan with korea! so i thought u went more than once.. but still, by then, any info would be helpful!!!!!!
AnT says
Eeeeee Your toes…they are so cute 😀
Seriously, you really love Red 😀
Glad that you finally went for your beach holiday 😉 Oh, never heard of fish sausages 🙁 Must try one day though 🙂
Paris B says
Oh dear you’ve never had Keropok Lekor? Ah you must! I often see some stalls selling at the pasar malam so if you head down you should be able to get some 😀 And yes, me and red and very good friends LOL!
Becca says
Yum! The fried egg over fried rice?? I am so craving that now!
Paris B says
Oh yes that was delicious! I guess you know what to have for lunch? 😉
Jasmine says
Gosh PB you made me miss home badly. I’ve already missing the Ramadan Bazaars in KL ..now that I see the fish keropok..I’m drooling. In fact fish keropok/keropok lekor taste nicer than prawn crackers. Oh dear! Rambutan is my fav too and the mangosteen! Awesome fruits.
Gal you are lucky..I’m just hoping that these local fruits and delights are easily available in Sydney and won’t cost a bomb. Back home, one can easily find a banana or rambutan or mangosteen tree at the backyard. Now when I’m back in KL next year..I know what exactly to eat and savor. Thanks for the post gal 🙂
Paris B says
Aww Jasmine, Sorry to make you miss home 🙁 I’m guessing you are in Sydney? I’ve seen a lot of local stuff there when I last visited many years ago but they are generally much pricier of course. I must agree with you. Fish keropok trumps prawn crackers any day! I go for the black fishy smelling ones hehe…
HapaGirl says
Love the pictures, Paris! I’m also heading to Terengganu this weekend for trip to Pulau Lang Tengah. Hope you enjoyed your holiday!
Paris B says
Thank you HapaGirl and I think you’ll love it in Lang Tengah! I haven’t been but I’m told its beautiful, the sand is soft and the waters are clear for snorkelling – have a good time! 😀
Jen says
I tried to catch the sunrise when I was on a holiday w/ my family last summer but I failed! LOL
There’s always next summer btw 🙂
Paris B says
LOL! Its terribly hard to haul yourself out of bed that early in the morning just to see the sun – but when you make it (with a bit of grumbling along the way) its quite worth it 😀 Next summer then!
Swati says
awesome holiday, Paris 🙂 and, sun doesn’t seem to be literally burning…bit of cloudy.
Paris B says
It was very hot in the middle of the day but there were these fat fluffy clouds around – I had a great time 😀
beetrice says
yay for short breaks and love the sunrise photo, but my fave would have to be the one with you splashing in the water – the colours are just gorge! 🙂
PS: did you manage to bring back any keropok lekor?? 😛
Paris B says
Aww thanks Bee! I did bring back some lekor but *burp* termakan already 😛
Marina(Makeup4all) says
Ah, I love all the photos, especially food and beach! 🙂
Paris B says
Thanks Marina, I had a great time and I hope you do too on your holiday 🙂
Jennifer says
Wee such a fun and lovely post 🙂 Love the blue skies, sun, sea, sand and the food galore!
Paris B says
Ahhh sitting here at work on a dreary morning, I almost wish inwas back there already, with no worry except what to eat next! Lol
casey23 says
Oh my god I am about to have my period and I have a huge craving for food!! These pictures are driving me crazy 🙂 And I still didn’t go to holiday 🙁
Paris B says
Erm sorry Casey LOL! I hope you get to go on holiday soon. Or at least plan one – half the fun is in the planning 🙂