Night Dive

AOW in Redang | Trip Expenses | Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive | Night Dive | Deep Dive | Fish ID Dive | Underwater Navigation Dive | Random Photos

Diving at night... going to the sea at night when everything is dark... doesn't that sound scary?

But a lot of people have told me... night dive is fun!!!

This is because nocturnal animals such as lobsters in salt water or catfish in fresh, become active. Animals that are difficult to approach by day, including many fish, let you get close at night.

Our night dive started at about 7:30pm. Prior to that, we took a light dinner at 7pm.

After we geared up, Mr Lee briefed us on some items to take note during night dive.

Honestly, I was a bit worried, but I told myself, it's same, just that we need to use a torch light.

If you ask me, how did I feel with the dive?

I think I'd answer... not so enjoyable. That was my first experience anyway. Throughout the dive, what I did the most was to stick my eyes on Mr Lee, with the help from the torch light I held.

Pretty useless, right? Okay, I admit so.

In addition, after I could overcome equalization problem with my left ear, my right ear started to have pain. I was hoping to end the dive as soon as possible.

Finally... I finished.

Look at the dark sea.

Mr Lee and I. Not sure whose hands are those.

I could not remember what was I laughing about.

Ivy was also smiling.

In fact I'm not sure if I am looking forward to the next night dive.

I have not started to enjoy and love it, coz I didn't really see much underwater, due to being too busy dealing with the torch light, finding and following my instructor :P

Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive

AOW in Redang | Trip Expenses | Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive | Night Dive | Deep Dive | Fish ID Dive | Underwater Navigation Dive | Random Photos

For the Advanced Open Water (AOW) Diver certification, we need to complete the Underwater Navigation, Deep Dive and 3 other adventure dives.

This round, I did 5 dives in the following sequence:
1. Peak Performance Buoyancy
2. Night Dive
3. Deep Dive
4. Fish Identification
5. Underwater Navigation

This was the first dive after my 1 year away from the sea. My instructor is Mr Lee Boon Leong from Dolphin Sport Adventure. This was also the center I did my Open Water (OW) certification last year.

During OW, each person is tested one-by-one by the instructor. Others kneel down and wait for his turn.

We were supposed to read some related chapters from the "Adventures in Diving" manual, as Mr Lee said. However, due to lack of time, I really could not read much before diving. The diving instructor in my company, Jackie, told me, if I could not finish reading all, it's okay. Therefore I tried to worry less :)

This dive was basically about revision on buoyancy, such as doing fin pivot and hovering underwater. Good buoyancy skills are very important to observing marine life and not coming into contact with the creatures, hence ensuring no damage is done during observation.

During OW, fin pivot was something I took quite some time to achieve. For hovering, seems like it's easier to achieve in deep sea instead of pool.

Hovering.

Furthermore, Mr Lee also required us to swim through a hoop without touching it. This is a test on streamlining, I believe.

Despite doing the abovementioned skills, I personally encountered some "general" difficulties, such as having sore eyes due to the salt water, kept having equalization problems with my left ear.

This is me, getting myself ready for the test.

Here I go.

I felt the dive was actually almost similar or worse than my first OW dive last year. During OW, I already mastered all skills during pool session, just had to repeat them in the sea. For this AOW, I was lack of practice.

Anyway, I already expected that the first dive would not be so excellent. I believe I'd get better in subsequent dives.

To adapt to the environment, apart from courage and determination, a little of time is also needed.

Bad Day 20090728

This morning, I woke up at 6am. Didn't know why, but felt hard to sleep anymore. So I spent time writing a blog post, thinking to publish it tonight.

Around 7:55am, I received a SMS from my housemate, Jean. She asked me what happened to my car? What happened? I also didn't know. But sure there was something not right, else she wouldn't ask that. I quickly took my keys down.

From the kitchen, I saw that nothing was wrong. When I opened the gate and went to the other side, wow... it was truly damaged.


I didn't know who did that, how, and why. No idea at all.

Jean's younger brother, Fai, later sent me to police station to lodge a police report. I'm quite lucky coz usually, I'm the last one to leave home. All of them go to work earlier than me.



Every time when I see our police, I'd feel very pissed. They are slow, inefficient and full of shit. The one I met this morning, when attending to me, still wanted to act smart to give comment on the other person's case (who sit beside, dealing with another officer). He took my Identity Card and driving license, spent so much time to fill in the details.

Okay, next, he asked me to write the report by myself. He just turned the monitor screen over and passed me the keyboard. Writing is not a problem for me, but writing in Malay... it's a bit challenging. Some more he emphasized, need to have all words in capital letters.

(click on the image for clearer words)

Later, I was supposed to meet with the Sarjan. It also took me quite some time to wait. This is the quality of Malaysia Boleh.

Jean called the security guard at the residential area. Unexpectedly, they knew about the incident. The Indian guard told us over the phone that he saw someone banging into my car at around 3:35am in the morning. The Indian talked to me in Malay via the phone. I could hardly hear him and get what he meant.

When meeting with the Sarjan, I had to repeat what I told the previous officer, explain why I did not know the road name where I parked my car (the road name in address refers to the road in front of house, not the road at the back), draw the map around my house etc. They were really wasting my time!!!



Fai and I came back to the security guard house near our place. Met with the Indian security guard, Siva. He informed me the name, contact number and address of the drunken person banging into my car. He said the person (Steven) even asked him to "close his eyes", but he felt both of us are his customers, and it's not nice to be unfair to me.

Siva tried to call Steven, but no answer. So Fai and I went to Steven's house and pressed on the door bell. Two ladies came out, should be Steven's mother and wife, we guessed. Steven was not at home, so I told them what had happened and they promised to pass my phone number to Steven.

Fai then sent me to office. He had to go to work only around noon. Steven called me, saying he's willing to bear the expenses to repair my car. But few hours later, he said, he decided to lodge police report and claim insurance.


At night, after taking dinner with TT, Surface and Sam (today is TT's birthday), I went to the police station again (accompanied by Jean) to ensure Steven made a correct police report. Also, to let the hopeless police take a photo of my car. Every time I see them, I'd feel my blood inside is boiling.

Around 11pm, finally we could go home. Now, need to wait to see the list of authorized workshop that I can send the car to, then get the car repaired (hope it can still be cured).

Today, seems like I'm extremely unlucky, yet quite lucky too. You know, when I arrived at office, the laptop got infected by trojan horse, and I could not do much in the office (backup my files and format the machine).

You see, my bear which was originally on the right, dropped to the left side of the car.

The lucky parts are (1) Jean notified me earlier, I didn't discover it only before going to work (2) I could find Steven (3) Fai did not go to work early (4) TT, who stays in Sungai Buluh, sent me back to Seri Kembangan at night.

Andrew Wong said, I woke up so early today, coz I've too much "things" (thought? question? problem? unhappiness?) in my brain. After today, I know I still have a lot to confront and settle.

Wish me luck!

Diving Trip Expenses

AOW in Redang | Trip Expenses | Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive | Night Dive | Deep Dive | Fish ID Dive | Underwater Navigation Dive | Random Photos

The title of this post seems to indicate that I'm very money-minded :P

Tonight, I was supposed to write a post regarding diving in Redang. However, I was too busy processing the selected photos from a few sources. When I finished, it's already late (after 12am).

Wish to sleep early as I feel I'm still pretty worn out.


Due to the fact that the photos are not taken by me this time, perhaps I will not create an album in Facebook. Instead, will be sharing the photos with you here. I will leave the photo owners to upload by themselves.

I've spent RM1435.05 for this trip. In short, it's about RM1450. The breakdown is as follows:

• AOW course and trip to Redang: RM 1,199
  
• Wetsuit rental: RM 20 (RM 10 per day)
  
• Bus (Sani Express) from Shah Alam to Kuala Terengganu: RM 42.90
  
• Bus (Adik-Beradik) from Kuala Terengganu to Putra Station: RM 41.50
  
• Transfer between KT bus station and Redang Bay: RM 20
  
• Taxi: RM29.50
  
• Souvenirs (T-shirts): RM 48.90
  
• Misc food: RM 33.25

During July last year, I also took Sani Express to and back from Kuala Terengganu. The bus ticket that time was only RM 32 (inclusive of RM2 charge due to online booking).

This year, the price has increased by 43%. Truly scary.

Will write more about the trip soon, just not today :)

Scuba-Dived in Redang

AOW in Redang | Trip Expenses | Peak Performance Bouyancy Dive | Night Dive | Deep Dive | Fish ID Dive | Underwater Navigation Dive | Random Photos

I've been missing for awhile.

Had a short but satisfying weekend retreat at the Redang Island. No Internet, no work... life was perfect!


I brought along my baby but it shot no photo at all. However, the SD card was used to save photos from the other people. When going through the photos just now, I still felt next time I should not be so lazy.

Each of the photos is at least 3M. I'm gonna faint. Deleted a lot. Nonetheless, I believe tomorrow I should be able to save some good yet smaller in size ones from Andrew.

After a year, I went back to Redang Bay, for the same purpose again - scuba diving. This year, my target is to get my Advanced Open Water certification. To be honest, diving is something that practices value more than a paper certificate.


On the first day, I did 2 shore dives. I could feel my performance was not satisfactory. After being away from the sea for a year, I physically could not adapt to the sea. Eyes were sore due to the salt water, kept having equalization problems underwater hence being bombarded with continuous uncomfortableness.

On the second day, I set the alarm to wake up at 7am, because our first dive would be at 8:30am. Woke up so unwillingly due to extreme tiredness. Luckily, my performance on the day improved a lot. Did 2 boat dives and 1 shore dive and accomplished the certification.


This round, there was no chance for additional leisure dive. It was okay, I was feeling tired too and could not wait to shower, wash my hair and got myself dry.

I've to congratulate my colleague, Andrew for accomplishing his Open Water certification. His wife, Ivy, did her Advanced Open Water together with me.

We had a fun and good trip.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Bali

After Taman Ayun Temple, we headed to Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, which is located at Bedugul.

It was almost lunch time. Tourists will usually be brought to restaurant to have buffet lunch. Due to the fact that we actually did not wish to stuff ourselves with too much food, yet spending "unnecessary money", we asked the driver to stop at Warung Sedaap.

People recommended this place in forum, saying the food is cheap yet nice.

You see this at Warung Sedaap. The name is the same as an instant noodle brand.

It's on the way to Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.

A simple place to eat. You sit on the floor.

Nice green view from the warung.

The ordered fried rice, fried noodle and pork ball soup.

We actually ordered more since the above shown could not make us full. The lunch for 3 only cost 43,500 Rp (appx USD 3.4 or RM15). However, please take note that they never fry the "mee goreng". It's just a the dried instant noodle, where you cook only the noodle and add in the seasoning.

It was drizzling when we reached Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. After buying the admission ticket (10,000 Rupiah or USD 1 per pax), we went in by bringing along our umbrellas.

Heard that raining is the the "usual weather" there.

I love seeing big Banyan trees.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Goddess of the Water and Bratan Lake. The Temple was found in the 17th century. It is the focus of numerous ceremonies and pilgrimages to ensure the supplies of water for the south part of the island.

Ulun Danu Temple has classical Hindu thatched roof (multi-roofed shrine) called Meru, and it sits on the shore of the Bratan lake.

Despite the drizzle, we could still capture nice photo.

However, just after a few seconds, the surrounding became increasingly misty.

This was already awhile later, after the drizzle and mist went away.

It's very picturesque...

... making me unable to stop pressing the shutter.

The temple is surrounded by immaculate garden with trumpet-flower trees and gladiolus.

Wooi Yee did not lose her spirit to photograph flowers even the weather was not good.

The weather at Ulun Danu Bratan is usually cool and fresh, bringing the calmness of nature close to the mind.

This temple might be the most beautiful temple in Bali. Its mesmerizing garden, especially during the sunrise, makes the temple a masterpiece of traditional Balinese architecture.

Taman Ayun Temple, Bali

Taman Ayun basically means "beautiful garden".

As one of Bali's most picturesque temples, it is situated at the village of Mengwi, 18 km west of Denpasar. This temple is usually visited by tourist after Tanah Lot.

Constructed around 1740, it once functioned as the home of the king of Mengwi, who surrounded his palace with wonderful spacious gardens and waterways. The complex is set above a huge river, giving it a fresh, natural appeal. Many smaller shrines with tiered roofs lie within the premises.

Its stately proportioned courtyards and large surrounding moat were built in the year 1634 by the king of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Anom.

Don't ask me why. This is their "culture". Just try not going to Bali during menstrual period.

Containing both the royal family's ancestral shrines and the storeyed Meru Shrines to the major deities, Taman Ayun became the main temple for the ancient kingdom of Mengwi.

Every 210 days, on Tuesday Kliwon Medangsia (according to the traditional Icaka Calendar), the entire local population gathers at the temple to worship, celebrating the temple's anniversary.

A photo before going up.

Going up. The steps are small.

Up there already. Nice scenery indeed.

The Pura Taman Ayun complex is divided into four distinct areas. Each is higher than the another.


The first of these courtyards is known as the Jaba. It is just across the moat, and must be reached via the one and only bridge. There is a small shrine, protecting the entrance to the temple. Cock fights are held here on ceremonial days.

There is a path leading through the first courtyard, and then passes up through an elevated split gate. At the east side, there is a small complex of shrines known as Pura Luhuring Purnama. Opposite that, you could see a large open resting hall and a small pond with fountains on all sides.

There are the shrines with tiered roofs.

I'd say these are quite common in Bali.

The third area, or the second inner court, is even higher. It must be reached through another split gate. Here stands a particularly striking building, which is decorated on all sides by images of the nine deities of all the worldly directions. There is also a small complex of shrines known as Pura Dalem Bekak.

The fourth courtyard is the highest, and is the innermost sanctuary of the temple. The large gate that leads in is opened only during festivals for the passing of the deities, whilst a smaller gate at the side is used as a day-to-day thoroughfare. You can see rows of shrines in the many different shapes and sizes to the complete Hindu Dharma pantheon.



The 3 main courtyards represent the three cosmological levels - from the earthly domain of humans, to the dwelling place of the spirits, and then up to the heavenly home of the Gods.


Seen from a distance, Taman Ayun Temple seems to be afloat, just like an island of serenity. Its majestic pagodas, stately ways and expansive ground speak of the days gone by. On the other hand, the colorful royal pageantry is an intrinsic part of Bali's culture.

This is not taken at Taman Ayun Temple... but do you see the piggies?

See here for another nice write-up about Taman Ayun. Last but not least, the admission fee is 3,000 Rupiah per person.