Diving in Malaysia
Trip Start
May 08, 2007
1
13
28
Trip End
Nov 06, 2007
Tioman Island, Malaysia
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
We flew from Mumbai to Singapore last Monday and stopped overnight in Singapore which was just enough time to try out the local delicacies at the hawker market. We wisely avoided the turtle soup - a good job because we've seen so many turtles diving this week we'd be gutted if we'd accidentally ate one.
Early the next morning we had to run for the bus. We'd bought pre allocated tickets and arrived half hour early (yes even Mikey arrived early) but the bus had started to drive off. According to the bus driver we were late - by our account we weren't. It was two days later when we were late for our diving trip that we realised we were 1/2 hour out thrown by the fact that India is the only place in the world that has a 1/2 hour time difference.
Clearing customs into Malaysia we were warned to "be aware of the swing flipper" referring to the little automatic gate in the custom area. This made us giggle long into the bus journey. After three hours we arrived in Mersing and caught a two hour speed boat to Salang Bay in Tioman. We won't bore you with the view as we're sure you can image the clear crystal waters, white sandy beaches, and the rain forest backdrop. It is truly a beautiful island.
We've spent the week diving and managed to get 10 dives in - we've seen quite a few turtles (even snorkeling off the beach) and the usual sea life inc sting rays, Nudibranchs, bat fish, angel fish, bird wrasse and so much more. On our third day diving we missed a whale shark by about 30 seconds. It's a really rare sighting in Tioman but the beginner divers who descended just before us were lucky enough to spot a 5 meter whale shark just as we were entering the water. Obviously we're a little disappointed that we missed it but the diving was so fantastic we can't really complain.
Even though Salang is the busiest resort on the island it is very quiet with only four dinner options to choose from. All of which consist of bbq'd fish on the beach. Katie found the fish absolutely delicious, Mikey, since learning to dive, doesn't eat fish anymore but he loved the prawns and squid - which doesn't count apparently.
We also made a few buddy's this week. Anna Caterina on holiday from Lisbon and Karl and Moosh on a weekend break from Singapore. We'd decided to have an early night and stopped off for a brief visit at the only bar on the island. Four glasses of wine, a couple of beers and a cocktail or two later, Katie was drinking beer through a snorkel and mask (being forced by the diving instructor) and Mike was buying everyone drinks as usual. The upshot was a good night out, a few new friends and we got to see our new friend Moosh doing the Moosh (his very own dance move)....
We got back to Singapore last night and met up with our new friends inc Anna Caterina who's back in Singapore to fly home. A wonderful night was had by all. Karl treated us to cocktails at Clarke Key followed by Chili crab on the harbor. Today we've been stocking up on a few essentials (they have an M&S yes, yes, yes,) and tonight we're going to a local food market to taste the chicken rice but I think this time it's our turn to pay.
Beach paradise pictures to follow. - Katie dropped the camera and phone into a toilet. Both are ruined and we've had to buy new ones. We need to charge the batteries before we can upload. Will be added soon....
Next stop Shanghai. Leaving tomorrow - Thursday.
Lots of love. Mike & Katie. xxxxxx
Comments
Hi Guys
Your obviously both having a great time in the sun as no blog since reaching your island gettaway .....
The weather hear has been abismall flooding up north and even Tonbridge wells! The weather here seems to be holding for the softball though and we need a win!
Miss you K.P as SS although Accident prone Dominic isnt tooo bad .
Everyone is having fun though. Enjoy yer travels and hope to see you soon x
p.s any more photo (surfing bear beach babe etc...)
Keith