I was paired with 3 medias from 3 different countries namely Estonia, Italy and Great Britain. This was not just an experience for them but for me as well, I find myself getting excited whenever they got excited. And this is when I realised that my knowledge of our local food (East Coast food especially) and fruit is very limited, and describing them in English makes it even harder. How do one translate delicacies such as Puteri Mandi, Kayu Keramat or Asam Gumpal into English; Bathing Princess, Magical(?) Stick and Sour Clump? Hahhahahaa.... Funny huh. Then there's Nasi Dagang, Ikan Singgang, Lekor and the rest. Oh boy, this is going to be a long day for me (and them too).
Another thing that I find it interesting is that the locals find them (medias) interesting too, they excitedly offering them the local desserts, explaining to us the local fruits plant like serai, pandan, bunga kantan or even petai (I might need to google for the English name here). Introducing to the medias durian, dragon fruit and snake skin fruit which is very exotic to non Asian; a definite eye opener.
Aside from food, the medias get to view some of Terengganu handicraft such as traditional cooking utensils, songket weaving, basket weaving, batik printing etc.
Local Terengganu desserts or delicacies.
Fascinated with the local batik painting which they get to try at their hand at Noor Arfa Batik.
Basket weaving products.
Local traditional cooking utensils.
Terengganu famous serunding ikan or fish floss.
Batik printing blocks.
Batik painting.
Songket weaving.
Later that night we feast our tummy with king of the fruit - Durian, at the Chief Minister of Terengganu's official residence where Tourism Terengganu announce the winner for the Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival 2014, as well as the winning video and daily Instagram contest.
Durian session.
Closing session.
All participants joined in the fun, joget lambak.
Other Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival 2014 entries :
Squid jigging experience in Terengganu 2014
Terengganu International Squid Jigging Festival 2014
For those interested, annual fishing season for squid jigging is from March to September which coincides with spawning season.
For more detail :
Tourism Terengganu
Terengganu State Secretary
9th Floor, Wisma Darul Iman
20503 Kuala Terengganu
Terengganu
Malaysia
Tel : +609-623 1957
Email : tourism@terengganu.gov.my
Note :
Terengganu International Squid Jigging Fest 2014 or Pesta Candat Sotong Antarabangsa Terengganu 2014 is sponsored by the state government of Terengganu, this annual squid jigging carnival aims to introduce as well as relive the old tradition that was once livelihoods for many along the coast of Terengganu between April and August each year. It has since taken on a role as a recreational activity loved by people of all ages. This year’s event will also witness foreign participation from across the region. Various activities have been lined up and include cooking demonstrations and competitions, exhibition stalls, food stalls and the likes centered about… squids. The 1Malaysia Green 1Malaysia Clean campaign that runs concurrently is aimed at promoting the beauty of the state’s coasts, beaches and islands.
