Postcards from Krabi

Bismillah.

It's good to keep busy and do our own things as we please.
: )

I've been busy travelling, working and having fun at the same time. Was in Krabi last weekend - a small seaside town in the southwest of Thailand, about 90 minutes flight from KL.

Like most people, the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of Krabi is - sunny holiday on the beach and island hopping. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about an annual grand Mawlid event organized at the Central Mosque of Krabi Province from 25th to 29th Feb 2016.

About 40% of Krabi's population is Muslim, therefore halal food is almost everywhere. In fact, a good number of 4 or 5-star resorts and more than a dozen budget hotels are owned and managed by Krabi Muslims.

A photo of the owners of Phu Pi Maan Resort Krabi
with Malaysia's former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir

I was unaware that the hotel I booked belongs to a Muslim until I arrived and was greeted by one Muslim receptionist donning a head scarf. According to the oh-so-demure sounding lady (typical of Thais), the Chula (leader) representing the Muslim community of Thailand had just checked out from the resort.

Chula Aziz who is also known as the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand is the Grand Mufti who leads the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand. It is an official government position appointed by the King of Thailand. Chula Aziz was in Krabi for two days in conjunction with the Mawlid event at the Central Mosque of Krabi Province.

My car and home-away-from-home
at Phu Pi Maan Resort Krabi.

Driving along Aonang beach road.
Reminds me of Gurney Drive in Penang. 

The newly renovated Aonang Mosque
is a stone's throw away from Phu Pi Maan Resort

My heart bloomed with delight to see these school boys
having some fun after school.
No shorts. Only sarong. 

You know you have come to a Muslim dominated province
when you see a big sign of Assalamualaikum
at one of Krabi's largest supermarket - Big C.

A touch of Thai-ness at Tesco Lotus.
Five minutes away from Phu Pi Maan Resort.

The Central Mosque of Krabi Province
buzzing with Mawlid activities.

Islamic Bank of Thailand opens a booth
at the Mawlid event at Krabi Central Mosque.

In conjunction with the upcoming
Sunnah Food Campaign Video Competition (SFCVC)
organized by Exa Publishing and Al Falah TV YouTube channel,
yours truly made a cooking demo video
at Phu Pi Maan Villa.
Stay tune for a simple no-bake pumpkin pie recipe!

And we also shot a brief video with Minsyam Sdn Bhd 
at Krabi Front Bay Resort
- another big halal hotel owned by a Muslim.
Minsyam is a Malaysian company well known
for sunnah food products
especially olive oil and premium khal (dates vinegar).

After all the work is done
one should never leave Krabi without going island hopping.

People say Í left my heart in San Francisco.
I say I left my hat in Krabi.
And should any Indians chase you away
by saying "podah" to you, tell them: 
Yes I'm going to podah at Poda Island.
An ideal place to "podah" LOL

The joy of sharing Poda island with only half a dozen people.
That's my longtail boat in the background.

When going island hopping in Krabi
 be sure to walk on two beaches that connect three islands!

Rabbana ma khalaqta haza batila
subhanaka faqina aza bannar
"O Lord, You have not created this in vain.
Glory be to You.
Protect us from the torments of the Fire."

Fabulous February has left us. So let's march on joyfully : )