Picnic by the Bendang

Yesterday, a group of colleagues organised a trip away from the bustling metropolis known as Kangar (mm-hmm) to nearby Pokok Sena for a picnic in the sticks. By sticks, I mean the beautiful, recently-launched Loqsakri Agro Farm.

First we rendezvoused near Arau along the road to Jitra. Then we formed a convoy towards Jitra, then Alor Setar for brunch at a local kopitiam. After picking up Faten, Zaki led the way towards Loqsakri.

The agro farm was welcoming, beautiful and was not even finished yet. There were bamboo huts constructed beside a little canal that separated the landscaped guests’ area and the bendang (the rice field). Although the sun was blazing above, the wind was a cooling, soothing force to be reckoned with.

We appeared to have visited just as the padi was at the most vibrant shade of green. The owner of Loqsakri is a cordial, welcoming person who regaled us with tales of his adventures, his future plans for the farm and his horses. Besides that, there are also rabbits, ducks and chickens that children could pet and play with.

I think I saw some cats too.

I did not know what to expect but we had a great day with friends at the agro park. Not to mention the delicious Thai food that the owner had prepared for us. (We also brought our own stash of food, pot luck style.) Check out the gallery below for some photos and captions.

In the future, when family or friends visit us we will see if we can take them to Loqsakri for some rest and relaxation out in the country.

Ain and HishamBrunch in Alor Setar

The Picnic PartyConvening at the Kopitiam

Ain and a horseThere was a welcoming party

There's also a fish-filled canalAt the bendang

Ain and FatenThis hut is our base camp

Zaki preps the landingFood to be served and to be barbecued

Padi plantsWe got here at the right shade of green

LandscapeThere is a fish pond on the far end of the compound

Jelly coconutsThe staff here cooled the coconuts for us

Some of the food get together for a photoThe Thai-style food here is delicious

Ain performing zuhur prayersAfter I returned from Jumaat, and before lunch

This is a delicious fish dishThe sour minty sauce takes it to the next level

Marinated lamb in the houseBrought by Yana

Barbecue by the bendangRIP chickens and goats

Wan attempts to apprehend some fishThere were many of them in the water

There is shrimp in that coconutThe shrimp were boiled in the sweet coconut water

Our little hut by the canalLunch is winding down and I was full

Ain tries out the hammockThankfully she didn't roll the other way

Zaki and Yana burning stuff for foodThese were well-marinated

A cermai treeI've never seen so many berries on this berry tree

The cermai is also known as the Otaheite gooseberryDon't look at me; I didn't name it that

This time it's just a normal coconut drinkWinding down for the evening, the owner of the park also served us black coffee

Low angle shot by Zaki on our hutFrom the other side of the little canal

Group selfie by FatenStanding by to head home

A group shot at the hutThe sun is getting low

Ain and I sit at the couple's chairsWe're just posing

Wish we could stay a bit longerCheck out that cloudscape in the distance

One more group photo before we leaveThe expeditionary team to the agro farm

One more FINAL group photo before we leaveAnti-clockwise: Me, Ain, Yana-RMC, Faten, Zaki, Wan, Asliza, Juliana (centre), Zuhairah, Sareepa and Yana-Registrar

Loqsakri in January

The day we went for a picnic near Pokok Sena