Jackfruit (Nangka)
Backpacking-Asia.com - Your travel source for South-East Asia
Cherating

Cherating is the only real backpacker hub at the east coast of the peninsula on the mainland. Offering plenty of affordable chalets and a relaxed atmosphere, it is good place to stop for a night or two on the way up or down the east coast. The beach itself is not that spectacular and misses the palm directly at the beach. But it has a good vibe and few things you can do like taking a tour or renting a kayak up the river into the mangroves. There is also an active surfer scene when the waves are right. Cherating is located about 30km or 1h by local bus north of Kuantan.

Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is located at on at the east coast of the peninsula at the mouth of the Sungai Terengganu river. It’s the capital of the state of Terengganu which forms together with Kedah and Kelatan the heartland of malay culture. KT is good stop for one or 2 days before moving on along the eastcoast or towards the National Park / Tasik Kenyir. There are also day trips available to Pulau Rendang (Island) and Tasik Kenyir (Lake)

Sign at Buddhist Temple in Penang

Jackfruit (Nangka)

Jackfruit or Nangka, as it is locally known in Malay, is the largest tree borne fruit in the world. The jackfruit trees native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Phillipines and Sri Lanka but but also common in Malaysia, probably introduced by humans some time ago.The fruits can reach 36 kg in weight and up to 90 cm long and 50 cm in diameter.

Jackfruit Tree:




Jackfruits fresh from the market:



Before getting the cutting started, its best to stand by a bucket of oil and apply generous amount onto the knife and hands otherwise it'll be hard to get rid of the slimy stuff (white-ish liquid at the heart of the fruit) which can even be used as glue. Once the hands or knife got stained, apply oil even during the cutting process.
You need a sharp knife to cut the fruit:






messy business to get the pockets of flesh out:





Done! Now the pieces are ready to be eaten. It's also common to cover them in flour and fry them in oil.




Even the remaining seeds can be eaten after they are steamed (similar to chestnuts which are fried though):



Have Your Say
If you want contribute some extra information, report some correction or just comment, please feel encouraged to do so.
Comments are moderated to avoid spam. It might take a few moments until they appear on the website before we approved the comment.
Add your comment here.

Comments:

You need to be logged to write a comment. Log in here:

Forgot your password?


Not a member of the Backpacking Asia community? Register here!
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Jungle Train
Southern Pahang
BOOK HOSTELS
Things to do & see
Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Lagoon

(1 comment)
Sunway Lagoon is a major amusement park in Petaling Jaya (PJ), just south of KL. It is known for its thrilling rides in both the water park and the adjacent dry park. ... more
Melaka, Harmony Street

Jalan Tokong Besi in Chinatown is also called Harmony Street because Temples and Mosques of the three main religions of Malaysia are located peacefully in the same small street. ... more
PRESS ARTICLES
Malaysia at 50: So far, so good (International Herald Tribune)

Philip Bowring of the “International Herald Tribune” reflects about the country on it’s 50th (or 44th, read the article) anniversary, it’s rapid growth from rural to modern industrialized country. The peaceful situation but also the political and racial problems Malaysia is facing today.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

2007:
8.Nov - Deepavali
20.Dec - Hari Raya Qurban
25.Dec - Christmas Day

2008:
1 January (Tues) New Year’s Day
10 January (Thurs) Awal Muharam (Maal Hijrah)
7 & 8 February(Thurs & Fri) Chinese New Year
20 March (Thurs) Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
1 May (Thurs) Labour Day
19 May (Mon) Wesak Day
7 June (Sat) Birthday of SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong
31 August (Sun) National/Merdeka Day
1 & 2 October (Wed & Thurs) Hari Raya Puasa *
27 October (Mon) Deepavali *
8 December (Mon) Hari Raya Qurban
25 December (Thurs) Christmas Day
29 December (Mon) Awal Muharram (Maal Hijrah)

* - Subject to confirmation

DID YOU KNOW?
Mamak Stalls

Mamak Stalls are a muslim Indian restaurants serving southern Indian cuisine. It’s a popular hang-out place for locals to meet friends and drink tea and have snacks like Roti Canai. The heart of Malaysia beats here.

STORIES
Keropok Lekor
The easiest way to describe Keropok Lekor is to call it fish sausage. It is the specialty from Terengganu, a state at the east coast and omnipresent in the streets and villages and very much a part of the live of the people there. Here are some pictures from one of the most popular Keropok Lekor stalls or shall I say factory, in Kuala Terengganu.