The location of Castella Café is about 10km from the edge of the Gerik town, This is in Kampong Padang Stang, within the Mukim of Kerunai, Gerik. As we were new to that location and the country side very rural, driving that 10 kilometers stretch seems to be for ages. I collected pictures of the alien road signs, as souvenirs.

Upon arrival, there was huge independent building on the left of the deserted country road and the stream passing by under the road. The compound of the lot encompassed the entire river bend. It was a short slope down to the river itself from the compound. Benches and seats were neatly set up within the whole river bend. Maybe 10 benches. Across the road from the building was a big empty parking lot about half hectares

The idea and concept of having a dining area inside and on the river bed was the brainchild of Mohd Isa bin Mohd Ramli, more commonly known as Tok Janggut . He was originally from Sungei Air Beruk. The project started and has being running since 2014.

The water in the stream was clear and the area appeared pristine though the restaurant had crowds coming for so many years, the area of the stream of river still had that "far away from the hustle and bustle of city".

 Of course, the novelty would be a new ambience, instead of having meals in the wilderness of a tropical forest, had it once seated inside a stream, and still in forest surrounding

There enjoying the delicious food with the leg soaked in cool running water. Must be an unique and first experiences for many. You may even feel the tingles of tiny fishes perking your skin? Tempting you to bend down and scoop them up. Water level varies with the season. When we were there, it was ankle deep, where the tables were, and shin deep where the main water ways was. Don't be too conscious of getting your pants wet. Be prepared with a change,

For those, who has no where else to adjourn to after the meal. You could choose to stay behind in Sungai Air Beruk. Sit back and relax inside another restaurant on land with a cuppa in hand as you waited for the sunset and another meal. It is a long drive for most people as I am assume that most patrons could not be from the nearby town of Gerik or Kroh. Must have made special effort from far away places to check out the place like us. Stay over night and enjoy the kampong style of living though you may not be soaking you legs in the river the whole duration.

1. Road sign out of the north of Grik

 Along the East-West Highway heading towards Pengkalan Hulu or Kroh, the old name

2. The new sign board

The compact road sign replacing the bulky type old style

3. Very lonely stretch and deserted road

4 Very near to turn Off

Down to only 35 km from Kroh, Pengkalan Hulu

5 Junction ahead

6. Road and direction signs at Junction

7. On the dedicated road to destination

Kampong road, at the area of junction -few houses. After that neglected rubber estates and belukars

8. The spacious car Park

On the right the car park! Imagine the contingency to cater for weekend crowd

9. Big & Small signage for Cafe

On the left, the restaurant, Cafe and reception area park

10. The Dining area

11. One for Souvenir

12. More shots

13. Yeah more!

Most of the food offered in the menu are Barbecued style.

The concept of dining in the stream could also be seen in Kuala Lumpur. In Kemensah, going in by a road behind Zoo Negara. I understand, the place much smaller, only with a couple of tables and opened for weekend guests