Pantai Irama

Wednesday, April 16, 08
Leaving Kota Bharu by bus 39, John and I head to the South China Sea 20 km as the egret flies. Our destination is Pantai Irama. 2 1/2 ringgit and I'm swimming in the Sea at a million dollar beach. No one is here - literally. 150 ft out and the water is still waist deep. Fine, light brown sand, shells, rocks along the top end of the beach to stop erosion and its all mine to enjoy. We swim in front of a WWII pill box sunk into the sand. This is where the Japanese came ashore continuing down to Singapore. The British, with all big guns aimed off shore, counting on the Japanese attacking from the sea, were caught with their military intelligence pants down and surrendered. These are the men who built the railway in Burma, and died by the thousands.
Walking along the beach, we find a spot with trees and kiosks serving food. Deep fat fried fish and orange drink for lunch. We continue slowly stopping periodically. A group of girls wearing head scarves want their picture taken - looks like a school uniform. Five boys play in the sea. What a life. If I take a step, and don't move, dozens of hermit crabs pop out of the sand and scurry away.
As we walk along the small walkway which lines the trees and beach, we come upon a group of Malays feasting. A man, later found to be named Ramlee, intercepts us and asks where we're from. This is a standard question and I don't think much of it. After a brief exchange, he invites us to join them for some food. Having eaten 10 minutes previously, we accept. Some rice, a beef dish, fish, chips and a drink. He leads us to a mat where we remove our footwear and sit. His wife joins us as we eat with our fingers. Dessert is a Malay delicacy - rice soaked in sugar and fermented for 3 days. Tasty! After some more talk, he invites us to a cultural event, dance and whatnot, not sure, tonight at 8:30 - 22 km south of Kota Bharu. We accept as Ramlee writes directions on a paper to be given to a taxi driver. Dinner will be served following the event. Some better clothes are suggested. Well, this is all I have. It will have to do.
Only a 10 minute wait, the 39 bus picks us up and we're back in Kota Bharu 50 minutes later. Time to wash my pants and hope they dry and wash the sand off my feet. A shave will also happen.
I have had a bad feeling about this evening's excursion and have decided not to go.
Pantai Irama pics: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/musungi/PantaiIrama