Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu

Issskk....liat btul rasa nk update blog bile masa terhad n mood swing. Hmmm...apapn, kena share gak experience aku dgn sume2. Well, this was my 2nd time to Perhentian. The 1st was in 2006 with Irah, Azrin n Azrin's dad. And this time, I went there with my hunny, Maniza n her hunny jugak..ehehe..We went to Besut using the East West hiway...xdelaa hiway mane pn sbb jln kiri kanan hutan....If u r lucky enough, u'll see the wild jumbos crossing the roads. But we weren't able to meet one. The journey to Besut jetty from Tronoh took about 6 hours. We arrived at 3 am and we slept in the car...not sleeping at all due to attack by the mosquitoes..except for Remy. He didn't really care about the presence of the blood suckers.
14th July, we went to Perhentian by a speed boat at 7 am. The water was quite choppy though it was still early of the day. About 30 minutes, we arrived Perhentian Kechil and headed to Chempaka chalet. Rm30 per night..very cheap but those who couldn't withstand the conditions of that 'shrieking shack', it's better not to book this kind of accomodation. We rested, while waiting for our rooms to be cleaned up, at Spice Divers. We were lucky to get the early check-in. Straight away changed our attire and prepared for our divings. We were briefed by Madeleine, a young Germany girl, who is actually a SCUBA instructor. 1st dive would be at Tabir Batu or in English, Rock Curtain. This site is nice and the water visibility is good. As usual, all typical n popular marine fishes were seen. Corals are damn colorful and beautiful. I was looking for nudes and sluts..I mean, the nudibranches and the seaslugs, but couldn't find any. I think there were many nudibranches and slugs at Rock Curtain, but it was just that my mask lense kept on fogging. I really got mad because I have applied a thick layer of anti-fog.At this site, I manage to see Blue-spot stingray, Nemo,brown-marbled groupers, yelow-tailed barracudas, big-eyed snappers, batfishes, blue-ringed angelfishes and Red-breasted fishes. I couldn't bring my digicam as we dived to the depth of 16 meters.
For the 2nd dive, we went to Terumbu Tiga, or Three Reefs. While on the boat, I could see that this place would give me some problems. I felt like vomiting..almost having nausea. No idea why but I still wanted to do the diving. Upon descending, of course I had to deflate my BCD...until all air was out from the BCD, I realized that I couldn't descend. I forced my self to swim down but remembering that would create painful sensation to my ears, I tried to control breathing. It was no use because I still couldn't descend. En. Zainal, our divemaster, pulled me and then he gave me a weight. Struggling to descend itself caused me to use up 50 bar of pressure. The problem was, I didn't put enough weight and that caused me positively buoyant instead of neutrally buoyant. And the worst thing ever happened to me was, I couldn't do diving that well because of the strong current down there. I couldn't see the current, but I could feel it. Thank God I have that Atomic fins which helped me a lot to face the strong current. At that point of time, I made up my mind that I would try not to dive at a strong current site. For those who love thrill, drift diving is very fun, but can be very dangerous, or fatal sometimes, if u have the inability to use the drifting skills. But if next time I happen to dive in strong current, I'll just try to get out from the current. Actually, more varietie of marine creatures we can see when there's current, and the water visibility is much better. At last, I could see nudibranch and I just love looking them.The fun was only for a short while when current was getting stronger and I was running out of air. Before out of air, it's better to ascend. En. Zainal brought me to the surface, swim to the boat, detach all equipments and got onto the boat. I was too tired and headache and felt like vomiting. Drank a lot of water to replenish all the water loss. Do't ever think that when u r diving, you won't get dehydrated. It was quite a tiring day but it was worth with all those experiences facing the current and increased glycolytic rate in my body.
15th July 2007, our 2nd day started with diving at Temple of the Sea, a.k.a Tokong Laut. The boat ride from Perhentian Kechil to Tokong Laut took quite a some time. Along the ride, I kinda worried if I had to face another strong current like the day before. But tried to possess positive thinking by telling myself, just do it!! After 20-25 minutes, we arrived Tokong Laut. All I can say, Masya Allah...the water is very clear that we can almost see the bottom surface and that was 12 meters deep. Wowww....baby jellyfishes were numerous, as if welcoming us to Tokong Laut..or perhaps, welcome to taste my stings...:p...I wasn't worry too much because those lil squishies were still young and their sthings wouldn't harm at all, unless those who has very sensitive skin. While descending, I had this strange feeling...a feeling of happiness eternally...yaikksss...There were so many things to see..Moray eel, lionfish, turtle, seaslug, pufferfishes, nudibranches, big Blue-ringed angelfishes, a shark,...just name it. I was soooo happy to see a green turtle. It was alone looking for food beneath the corals. Remy pulled my hand to approach the turtle but I didn't want to touch or approach it because it would run away if I do so. And at that point of time, I cursed myself for not bringing the digicam along. No housing, no photograph for more than 10 meters. Visibility was excellent, in addition to the wise-thing-to-do-to-change-the-mask. Before that, I saw a shark, but not a complete one, as I able to see only a part of it's body and tail..but not its face. It was hiding wihtin the corals. A shy type I guess. And that lionfish, it was a small one. Where was its friends? And I saw this one small seaslug, blue in color and taking the pattern of batik. I hoped to see more colorful nudes and sluts..oppss..I meant nudibranches and seaslugs. Blue-ringed angelfishes were 5 times larger than my palm and they moved like 4 in group. And they seem didn't bother our presence and enjoyed their meals on the reefs.
In the evening, we dived at D'lagoon. Vis not that good, nothing much to see but there were several attractions, larger-than-me giant stingray, nudibranches, shrimps and beautiful coral garden. It was the worst dive for me because I got stung by a type of sea plant (or maybe a type coral). Looks can be deceiving. Well...while looking at those shrimps, I placed my hand near that organism just to let the shrimps approach my palm. Unfortunately, I forgot to put on my glove. And when my two fingers touched that plan, I felt a burning sensation..or maybe, it was like somebody poured concentrated acid on my fingers. I pulled my fingers away from that thing. It was very painful and I have to hold on it until ascend.
16th July, last day in Perhentian. We dived at Iron Cape..well not much to see but they have more triggers and sweetlips as compared to other places. Sadly, many dead and damaged corals over there. Something must be done to preserve and conserve them.

Pulau Kapas, Terengganu

23-24 June 2007
It was a sunny morning when we arrived Kapas. Check-in time is a t 2 pm but since we had to wait for several hours, we changed our attire and enjoy snorkeling. There was almost nothing we could see except a few half alive corals & some fishes..& 'oysters'..This was because, we went to the wrong site for snorkeling...hehe...Didn't feel disappointed though because we believed there would be nice sites to explore in Kapas.
After a few minutes of snorkeling, we changed and had our lunch...then check in... Changed again to proper attire and got prepared to dive. At 2.55, we started our 1st diving at Southern Tip of Pulau Kapas. Unfortunately, it started to rain and it was not really a pleasant diving because it affected the visibility of environment underneath. I had problem to descend because I used less weight than I supposed to use. But of course, our divemaster, En. Azam, helped us a lot. Hmm...almost panic because the starting depth is like 10m...so nothing I could see..even the bottom. Descend slowly, at last I saw the bottom surface & started to get excited. Yippieee...there are lots of hard corals and typical marine fishes like parrot fishes and that rainbow fishes...My buddy snapped some pictures but we didn't really satisfy with most of the pictures..but it was ok for beginners like us.
There were so many anemones where Nemoss live. Tried to look for nudibranches as well but I couldn't see any because of my cheap mask...it fogged easily though I applied anti-fog to it. My buddy told me he saw Morray eel but I couldn't see that cute and unique creature. Hoping that I could see a sea-turtle but..again...no turtle...Really loved the moment where a group of fishes surrounded us but suddenly I got headache. We dived for 35 minutes & ascend to the surface...Dark clouds and tears dropped while we hoped on the boat.
Back to our chalet & rest...I got headache and it was because I tried to constraint my breathing and caused air spaces in my body. I should have breathed normally..shooossshhh....what a big mistake!! But there is cure when someone happened to face this, go back to the water, snorkel, dive, bath...or whatever...then he/she will feel better. That's the healing power of the sea. So, my buddy suggested that we go for snorkeling. This time, we walked along the beaches and asked people the locations of nice snorkeling site. We almost fail to find a good spot but to avoid disappointment, we simply got into water, with our fins on, swimmed blindly and thank God, we found it. There are beautiful corals...alive & dead...and oucchhh...sea-urchins...why was that thing appear when we tried to appreciate the beauty? I admit...I'm afraid of sea-urchins...it's like a Booby trap and I just didn't want to suffer because of that black, thorny creature. But remembering that is heir place, so I tried my best not to hate them too much by saying 'hello mate!!'..hehe.. There were also clownfishes but not the same as Nemo...we call it Tomato clownfish because the color is just like a tomato. And our luck, we spotted a Blue-spot ray looking for food at the dead corals...How lovely it was...

The next day, went for diving at Coral Garden. Descended at 5m deep and explored that place. Marvellous...beautiful...butterfly fishes, damsels, clownfishes, pufferfishes, tubeworms and other creatures were present. Captured videos at this site and I just loved to look for more corals and fishes. I thought I could never see any barracuda, but our way up, several barracudas pass through our group. Unfortunately, they passed through just to say 'hello!'..huhu...Almost forgot, I realized that I can control buoyancy better and this time,on my own..Always remember, once u r possessed by beauty of the sea, u'll tend to forget everything...so, to be safe, I always look for my diving buddies and divemaster should I feel I'm away from the group.
When it starts, the end must come. So...gotta say bye2 to Kapas island and the crews of Dive Terengganu...but it's not the end because, one day, we will come again to explore other dive sites in Kapas Island...so long..Cotton Island

Pulau Tenggol, Terengganu, Malaysia (PADI Open Water Course)

25th May 2006,
Nothing much..we departed to Dungun at 10.30 pm

26th May 2007,

We arrived Dungun and relaxed at D Molek Inn and had breakfast there. We met out instructor, Mr. Bryan Knight...like Bryan McKnight ehh...then, at 10.30, we hoped in to a boat to Tenggol Island. It took 1 1/2 hour to arrive. I got that so-called 'tanning' while on the boat..sat at the deck along the trip and exposed myself under the UV light just to avoid inhaling excessive carbon monoxide from the boat exhaust.
At noon, we arrived and checked-in at Tenggol Aqua Resort. We changed to swimming attire. We were given a briefing about SCUBA by Bryan and learnt to setup the SCUBA equipment. Then we got into the water and dive to a depth of 3 meters...Wow...I love those corals and fishes...with the sunlight penetrating and everything looks lively. We dived 2 times and the problem with me was, difficult to establish neutral buoyancy..Luckily I didn't really damage the corals though I landed on the coral beds twice or thrice.


27th May 2007,

We went to the turtle point but couldn't find any turtle. But it didn't matter so much because the beauty underneath has unshaded the disappointment of not being able to observe a turtle. Fishes were so beautiful. I found several anemone with Nemos at several spots. The Nemos are just like the clowns..ahakkss...looked friendly but actually they were saying 'Go away..don't disturb us'..I just loved to see the colorful of the corals, tubeworms, nudibranch and other rarely seen coral fishes. And definitely I didn't expect to see any shark.
28th May 2007,
Today, I improved my diving skills and I was in the water for almost 45 minutes..and then my tank was running out of air. This time was the real diving where the beauty of Tenggol underwater was much much more revealed.We dived at the turtle point again. This time, we got the chance to touch the 'touchable' marine life such as a species of sea-cucumber, tube worms, soft corals, anemones, again...Nemos..and others. There were even purple corals...damn i didn't bring my digicam along to get a few snaps of pictures. Nevermind, Tenggol is a worth place to go and dive again. And we planned to go to Tenggol again, next month.
29th May 2007,
We woke up, had our breakfast and exam. We planned to dive one more before we check-out but time didn't permit us to do so and it was quite disappointing.Thought of extending another night but it was not a good option because somewhat expensive. Well, about the exam, we passed the exam and we were given temporary license. At 12.45, we went off and it was very unpleasant to leave Tenggol island. Gonna miss Bryan, pakcik Jamil, Salim, Vaza and the rest.

Pulau Pangkor, Perak, Malaysia

Tadaaa....this was my 2nd time 2 Pangkor. The 1st time was like 3 years back. The difference was, I camped at Pangkor instead of staying in the hotel. I went with him. Only for 2 days 1 night because the holiday was damn short..during Labor Day and Wesak Day.
I have not been for camping for years...too long. The last when I was in my 1st degree year...And last few days, I managed to go camping. It was quite funny when we didn't bring all the essential equipments such as insect repellant, blades, mugs and sunscreen...pheww...just look at me!!I'm tooo dark...not tan..but dark...huhu...I need to consult the beautician and do the facial thingy...arrgghhh...We asked the taxi cum van driver to take us to the camping site. Then we set up the tent and unloaded our stuff. I cooked Maggi for lunch because we haven't had anything since morning..Damn..the pan iss too small...and I forgot to buy eggs..Taste would be better when you cook Maggi with eggs. Then we went for bathing..no such thing as sunbathing for both of us because we are 'tan' enough for that...ahakkss...Then, at 4.30 pm, we hired a motorcycle and around the Pangkor island we went. To the Dutch Fort, Historical Rock and other places. The main purpose hiring that motorcycle was too find the gas oil as fuel for our lamp but we couldn't find any. I decided to sit and have 'power' laksa while viewing the sunset but unfortunately, it was sold out...huhu..unlucky me. At night, I cooked 'jemput-jemput express ADABI'..ehehehe....obbviously...masakan org malas nk masak..what to expect more when things are not planned properly? But as long as we can eat...it should be ok.
The next day, we went for snorkeling. At first, I almost give-up with the water condition in the 1st snorkel area but then we went to another place and found that the 2nd place is much better. Muahahaaha....bye bye to those who snorkel at the crowded people. Nothing they could see and the fishes are 'reluctantly' feed their breads. As compared to Perhentian island, the corals in Pangkor are more beautiful and bigger even less than 2 metres from the shore but the the clarity of water is tenfold times clearer and more beautiful in Perhentian. And compared to Mamutik island, corals in Pangkor a bit 'alive', however in Mamutik, the fishes are more friendly :p and and the water is clearer...minimal turbidity. I didn't go to the deeper snorkel area but he went and he told me he can see many soft corals...and he even said there are purple corals as well...huwaaaa...
I can feel the stinging sensation and I wonder why. Then I realize this one Mat Salleh was telling her friend she got stung by jellyfishes..not the adult jellyfish but the 'baby' jellyfishes. I can see baby jellyfishes...they are transparent that you can barely see them. Suddenly I recalled what was said by Dory (Finding Nemo)...lil squishy..ahakkss...I couldn't stand the stinging so I went off to the shallow area and fed the fishes again. After snorkeling, we returned to the main shore. Wihout bathing 1st, we had laksa which was not so delicious as compared to the place that I initially wanted to have laksa. Just to suppress hunger, we just eat. Again, we went around Pangkor island, riding our 'bike' and this time we went south. Returned to campsite and we rest before having freshwater bath and packed our stuff. At about 3.30..we returned to Pangkor Jetty and went back to Lumut.Sadly, the environment in Pangkor is no longer preserved because it is not the same like the past 3 years. However, there are certain things that affect the environment. 1st, there were toooo many people coming to Pangkor...2nd,the beaches and snorkeling area became too crowded. I went snorkeling and I was too upset with the cloudy water and some filth. People are allowed to feed the fishies with bread but these 'sort of jerks' people fed them excessively where the pieces of breads 'scattered' and floating. I bet most people would feel uncomfortable to swim at that area and play with the fishes. 3rdly, about the safety in the snorkeling area. It is too dangerous when this area is the port for the boats to drop the passengers. Some people would prefer to snorkel without life jacket. What would happen if the boat operators do not realize there were snorkellers along their way? It is not a wise thing to allow boats to pass through the snorkeling area if they want to preserve the corals under and lives under it. Well, it's up to the locals to think what is the best for the island.

Bandung, Indonesia

Oppss...almost forgot to update my blog. Ermm..this time..about my visit to Bandung. Before I start, I jump into conclusion about Bandung; shopping : awesome,shopping paradise, attractive places: awesome, food: nice, facilities: good and effective overall: OK....
Hmm..well, the 1st day, we (I, cici and cici's friend) landed at Hussin Sastranegara Airport at about 8.30 WIB time. Her cousin (Utal) picked us from the airport with his famous Kijang (it's actually Toyota (like Unser) but they call it Kijang).
We surveyed for several hotels and managed to get a good one...Utari Hotel..situated at Jln Dago..where nightlife is damn happening...that was what she said but I wasn't sure because night time is the time for me to zzzzzz...hehe... After checked-in, we went to Bandung Supermall and had our lunch there...I chose typical western food because I wasn't prepared for Indonesian food. Then, we headed to Pasar Baru...Before that...ohhh my Goddddd....it was really making me crazy because they have very lots of nice stuff over there...telekung, tudung, blouses and various textiles where the prices are much much cheaper than in KL...I spent quite a lot of money buying this and that...Bargaining wisely would be better. Since I am still new in this bargaining thingy..I couldn't get the lowest price for each item bought...Damn...I should go with Kak Ruhani next time..so that I can shop like crazy..haha...I bought a set of white brocade...for my wedding day maybe...hehe..Then, met Utal's friends..Sara, Firman and..erkk...forgot his name.

On the 2nd day...went to Tangkuban Parahu with Utal and friends...volcanic mountain actually..love the environment up there..cooling..but turn freezing because it was raining when we arrived there...so many cheap things I bought over there..even a new pink-colored jacket..hehe..luckily there was no purple jacket..huhu..

Up there..I had Batagor..a mixture of beancurd and fish...really yummy!! There was one item I bought..Kayu Batik...really looks like Batik and really unique to me..Cannot get it from anywhere else.

After to Tangkuban Parahu, we went downhill to Kebun Strawberry..well..I was so excited to pluck the strawberries, but unfortunately, most of the strawberries were too small and rotten. Just not our day..Then we return to the city for dinner. I had Nasi Timbel Komplit...hehe..what the hell is that, rite? It is actually rice wrapped in banana leave supplemented with ulam2, fried tempe, salted fish and sayur asam..also sambal belacan...wowww!!!really nice because u couldn't get this kind of cooking in Malaysia..But it's simple though.

3rd day..F.O operation...(factory outlet operation)..hehe..there were many F.Os...and i felt almost crazy..luckily i didn't bring that much money.
4th dat...again F.O operation..
5th day...return to KL..yippiee..miss my room..

KotaKinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Ouchh...it looks like I have a lot of things to jot here. 27th till 30th March..a wonderful trip to KK with my dearly, my siblings, my niece and my cousin. Jumped-in in Air Asia flight at 7.15pm from KL and arrived KK at 9.45pm...2 hrs and 30 minutes..a long domestic journey but didn't feel so because we had our lil Lulu together...she kept on changing seats with Raha and Mak Titi..ahakkss...I thought she would have vomited but she looked relax and happy along the journey. That was actually the 1st experience travelling on aeroplane for him, Amy, Mak Titi and Lulu.
Nothing much I can write on our arrival to KK, but when we reached there, Tatim's friend, Thomas, waited for us at KK Airport. We got a van, prepared by the Borneo Global Backpackers (BGB) to pick us up from the airport to BGB. I purposely booked the hostel, instead of a hotel so that we can spend more on food, shopppings and other activities. And one of the reason going to KK was to do some survey about KK before
my next trip around September...Insya Allah

2nd day, got up quite early..at 6 am...really shocked when I looked through the window and it was like 8 am in Peninsular..kinda forgotten that Borneo is 1 hour ahead of Peninsular...ngeee...Got our breakfast at 9..we made our own breakfast.
Our 2nd day plan was to go to Kinabalu Park...Thomas told u s that he managed to get a transport for us. There we went!! Heading to KK city..pass by KK Waterfront, Philipino Market as well as Handicraft Market...hmm...pasar ikan masin pn ada jugak...and travel along the seashore..my owh my...beautiful scenery....blue sea...oil traces were not insight even at the harbour. So far, I couldn't see such environment in Peninsular...no wonder why mat sallehs scattered in Sabah (I dunno about other parts in Sabah).Some islands belonging to the Tunku Abd Rahman Park were observable and the biggest is Pulau Gaya. The journey to Kinabalu Park took about 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hours...1st 40km, we travelled on smooth road..but after that..we started to 'climb' the road. The road is ok and at least it's not winding like we have all the way to Fraser's Hill..pheww...nobody vomited..hehe...such an excellent achievement for infrequent travellers like us. Again, my lil Lulu x reti duduk diam..and my dearly, he managed to record the attractions in his videocam. Thank god we have a cameraman with us..but not paparazzi...hehe.

Before reaching Kinabalau Park, we stopped for a few minutes at Pekan Nabalu...actually to empty the bladder but took the chance to shop some handcrafts..

Continued the journey and at last, we reached Kinabalu Park at Kundasang...here, Thomas told us everything about Mt. Kinabalu..he knows lots of things because he had been to the peak several times...It's not easy to arrange the climbing bcoz bookings need to be made at least 3 months before. There are two gates where the climbers can choose to start the climbing...the Mesilau gate and Timpohon gate...but the one which is in the park itself is the Timpohon gate. It was very cooling and foggy that we couldn't see the peak of Kinabalu though it was 3.30 pm already. It's ok...not our luck to see the summit clearly. The best time to see the summit is around 11-1 pm...however..rain may almost ruin everything.
After 1/2 n hour, we proceed to Kundasang War Memorial. Nice place..they have 3 gardens representing the countries that helped Jesselton (or KK) from Japanese colonization at that time..Ausralia, England and New Zealand. The environment in Kundasang is almost similar to Cameron Highland where we could see the plantations of cold climate vegetables..cabbage, cauliflower..blablabla. Plan to go to Poring Hot Spring but as time didn't permit us to do so, it was canceled.


After spending half an hour at Kundasang War Memorial War, we returned to KK..and this time, we headed to Tanjung Aru beach just to see the sunset. Again, couldn't see the sun but the sky was dim orange-red and beautiful...After wandering around the 1st beach of Tg Aru for a few minutes, we went to Waterfront to fill in our tummy...we had BBQ dinner..all kind of seafood..After dinner, back to Karamunsing and...zzzzzz....damn exhausted but it was worthwhile when we managed to complete the day with many activities..thanx to Thomas for helping us.

3rd day...the happiest, sweetest and exciting moment..we went to Mamutik island..the smallest island among the 5 islands that make up Tunku Abd Rahman Park...Gaya, Sulu, Sapi Manukan and Mamutik.Initially, we planned to go to Manukan, but we were recommended by a friend to go to Mamutik. Well...it didn't matter at all as long as we can spend our time at the beach..We took a boat to Mamutik island from Jesselton point..this place is nice..having the design of the colonial countries..but one thing..I hate the staff working at the souvenir shop and cafe..they were very unfriendly..they hardly smile except 1 or 2 of them. And the souvenir price..damn expensive!! Maybe they know we're from Peninsular, they purposely put a very unreasonble price..just imagine a sumpit, priced at RM 65 by right I got for only RM25 at the handicraft market..well...no biggy because I didn't want to spoil the trip to Mamutik by thinking too much about this kind of 'no gut' people. It was scorching heat because it was almost noon..15 minutes later, we arrived Mamutik...yippiiieeee...I was thinking of jumping into the sea..but Lulu was there and i shouldn't do that in front of a kid.And the best time was when we fed the colorful fishes and took snaps of pictures underwater.......wowww....Our lil Lulu didn't have any problems to be in the water...she fed the fishes too...ngee...sunburn?well...nothing much we cn do about that...at 5 pm..return to Jesselton Point..ohh boyyy....it was fun..really fun!!





Last day...went to Handicraft market and Philipino market...shoppingg!!...The day was very short..our return flight to KL was at 2...so..there we went..to the KKIA T2..tata Sabah...see u again..