Pulau Mantanani

I went diving in Pulau Mantanani recently and it was just awesome!! Pulau Mantanani is located off the coast of Kudat, a 2 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu(I want to marry a Sabahan). Anyway, accompanying me on this trip was a Frenchman and two power Japanese babes. As a hot blooded male man, I was easily distracted by them. So this post is just going to concentrate on the two Japanese girls rather than a post about diving.
Japanese babes
I'm just a man
I've made mistakes, I'm just a man
As usual, language was a barrier and I'm usually at watashiwa nihonggo skhosi skhosi ne. We made it possible to communicate by saying famous Japanese people - Ken Watanabe, Godzilla, Kimiko Date and Aum Shinri Kyo. When I said I liked the Japanese group Shojo Tai, she said " You're old". No denying that fact.

I paid RM280 for 2 dives. Pretty steep for only 2 dives but it was worth it since Mantanani is a remote island with not many tourist unlike Pulau Manukan and Pulau Gaya. Plus the fact that the there were two very skimpily dressed Japanese women and that made it all worth while. The water in Pulau Mantanani was absolutely clear. You can see for miles and miles of the underwater scenery.
That's Bruno at the right. He's my bunkmate in the backpacker's lodge we stayed in. When I asked him what he does for a living, he said "Je suis un president de la Francais banque a Singapore" Blew me away how humble he was
Getting ready to backroll
Je suis tres bien
After the two dives, we were treated with lunch and by 4pm, all of us headed back to Kota Kinabalu/
Lunch
Superb
If you want to get away from the usual diving crowd, head to Pulau Mantanani for their crystal clear waters. In summary, I had a blast because it was an awesome combination of day dives and night dives(if you know what I mean).

American Pie

I was sent to the United States Of America (USA) recently for work and extended my stay in Washington and Los Angeles.Los Angeles was my first destination, particularly Hollywood for some work and once I finished, I took some time off to do some sightseeing.
Satellite related matters
Huge crowds in Universal Studios. I reckon it would be the same for Singapore's version
Marilyn up to no good
Hung out on a beach in California
Pacing the streets of Hollywood at night

I also dropped by the San Diego Zoo, recognized as the world's best zoo after the Kuala Krai Zoo.
Entrance of San Diego Zoo
and I saw a mountain gorilla and a panda for the first time. I did not take a picture of the mountain gorilla but the moment I set my eyes on one, I froze and was in awe. Somehow, these magnificent creatures cast a spell on you. Now I know how Dian Fossey felt and why she fought for the mountain gorillas. Who has panda eyes?
I took this picture and was pleased with the outcome. Awesome shot isn't it?
Priscilla, Stephen, Amy and Jeff, I've registered your names as requested. You will be receiving a confirmation mail from the centre soon
I dropped by Washington for a bit and visited the most powerful house in the world- The White House.

White house
Ironically, there is also a White House in Kota Bharu, Kelantan and I think better and wiser decisions were made in this nasi berlauk coffee shop.
Kota Bharu's White House
National Geographic's headquarters was around the corner and I swear I thought I saw Dr Bob Ballard(He found the Titanic).
Nat Geog's HQ

I also hung around the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill and the Washington Monument. If you watch movies like National Treasure or any government agency related themes, you'll see these monuments all the time.
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Monument
Blue blue sky
To those who know me well, you all know what my basic human rights are
What a grouch!!Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary

What can I say about America? I guess America is an alright place to visit but if you like cultural surroundings, America's not the destination. What I'm trying to say here is that we have buildings in Malaysia that have existed even before America was founded, hence America does not really have an enriching culture to absorb.

Radiation Exposure

You've heard of housing areas complaining about telecommunication towers being erected nearby their humble abodes. They're afraid of electromagnetic radiation spillovers that may cause bodily harm. Think Chernobyl?
As I work in the telecommunications industry, I am pretty much exposed to radiation everyday but the dosages are not harmful according to the International Telecommunications Union(ITU).
Satellite Earth Station
Recently, I had to climb into a very large satellite antenna dish for some technical intervention and the electromagnetic waves for one of these babies is ten times higher than the telecommunications towers you see by the roadside.
Climbing
The moment I stepped inside,
<I grew another pair of hands
ITU, you need to relook into your rules and regulations about electromagnetic radiation! It's not that I'm unhappy that I grew another pair of hands, but I wished that something else grew if you know what I mean.

My Stand Up Comedy Performance

Maybe I'm going through a mid life crisis but when TimeOut KL magazine announced that they were having stand up comedy performances, I jumped at the opportunity. So, ladies and gentleman, let me tell you this. I've gone camping alone, got lost in the jungle when I lost the GPS, hung around in tiger infested areas, explored the depths of the Belum rainforest, had my BCD hose explode while I was 60metres deep and took a ride in a Nuri helicopter. All these episodes never shook me to the core of my bones but an hour before my stand up comedy was the scariest moment in my life. My palms were sweaty, I paced up and down and words cannot describe how petrified I was to try to make people laugh. So here goes :
My attempt in stand up comedy

Let me know your verdict.

Layang Layang Island Work Trip

I arrived on Layang Layang Island not for diving activities but for work actually. I was tasked to set up a satellite communications network on the island for the military base there and the only way to arrive on the island was a chartered Antonov Russian built plane. Russian Antonov plane on the landing strip
As a frugal manager, I needed to watch the budget for this site. The cost to travel all the way there is high and no mistakes can be made because if one forgets to bring even an Allen key, no work can be done on the island, thus a costing disaster. I was tres tres careful during the preparations.
Usually it takes 4 people to install,test and commission a satellite communication network. Three men to carry out the civil works(cement, cabling, wiring,etc) and one person to commission the equipment(usually me).
In order to cut cost, I decided that I was up for the civil works portion and so, my colleague and I took the flight to Layang Layang Island(RM800 each). From Kota Kinabalu's airport, the flight took at least an hour to reach Layang Layang Island it was an awesome view to see atolls and charming islands along the way.
Abundance of atolls
The moment we landed, it was work work work like removing the equipment and raw materials out from the cargo of the plane.
Removing items from the belly of plane
Assistance from the
military

After identifying the site,
Obtaining the azimuth and elevation
I started constructing the base and that's where the ordeal started. We did not bring sand for the cement base as we were on an island and sand surrounded us the whole time. Also, I needed to pay for the extra load on the chartered plane. So, there I was, with a shovel and a wheelbarrow in tow, I headed towards the beach. Shovel after shovel, I poured the sand into the wheelbarrow. Once filled, I carried it back to the site and dumped it nearby and headed back to the sandy area. I took at least 30 trips to and fro. Oh how my skin got burnt by the sizzling sun.
Sand shoveling time
Not easy as it looks especially when you have a pair of eyes looking at you. It's bordering to irritation
By the fifth trip, my shoulders were aching
Very repetitive

I've gathered enough sand now to start mixing it with the cement that I brought. I learnt this trade through watching other people and so we went on mixing and mixing.
That's right. University graduate mixing cement
I now know how an Indonesian construction worker feels
The hot sun really came down on me
Pouring the cement into the base
Not too bad eh

After 3 hours of mixing cement and pouring the cement onto the base, we left it overnight for it to dry. We continued the next day with the installation of the antenna and finally the commissioning.
Installation of antenna
Commissioning
We were scheduled to fly back to KK in 2 hours time and I took some time off so that I can visit a nearby island to watch migratory birds from Siberia nesting. Also I managed to catch an unforgettable sunset here before I left.
Migratory bird nesting
Siberian birds everywhere
Sunset on Layang Layang island
Sunset on Layang Layang island 2
Although it was a back breaking and tiring task,
Fatigue
I'm glad I completed the job with satisfactory results and more importantly, a sense of accomplishment.
Satisfied smile and look

Pulau Payar, Pulau Perhentian & Pulau Mabul In One Month

Pulau Payar

Before you guys go "Who the hell dives in Pulau Payar?", I had purchased my Langkawi ticket even before I took up my Open Water. It was supposed to be a holiday with my girlfriend but unfortunately, she became an ex girlfriend when the time came, hence I went to Langkawi alone.
Transpo from hotel to jetty
Pulau Payar
Suiting up
Semangat Diving
Just a few more seconds and I'm in the water
Or so I thought

I paid RM280 for 2 dives, boat transfer, hotel pick up, gears and lunch. I was the only one diving and had one Dive Master all to myself. I read in a dive forum that Payar has bad visibility and you know what....it's so true!! The vis was very very bad and it's not advisable for newbies like me because the bad vis experience will just put you off diving totally.
Apparently, the time that I dived was during the worst season in Payar. In fact, a Thai fishing boat had capsized recently and all the crews were missing. Plus, two tourists drowned by the beach a day before I arrived. The moment I descended, I knew I was in trouble. I couldn't see anything!! The current was strong because I could see the particles just coming directly at me. Another indication was the anemone flowing at only one direction, all bent on one side. I swam against the current and in 30 minutes, it was getting worst. My DM went near a rock to shield himself from the current and when I tried to do the same, I was swept up to the surface. As I was ascending, I tried deflating my BCD but I just kept going upwards. By that time,I had already lost sight of my DM. Panic did not sink in as I've gone through worst or similiar situations before. Imagine two jealous women I had to placate on Perhentian island..now that's a panic induced situation. Anyway,I surfaced and then I realized why it was a bad season. Huge swelling waves crashed onto me and what's scary was that I surfaced near jagged edge rocks. I then swam away from the rocks and looked for the boat. This is where I learnt a scuba diving lesson the hard way. I could see the boat but the boat could not see me due to the swell of the waves. If I had a whistle, I would have gotten the boatman's attention but without the whistle, there I was, floating on voilatile waves for about 15 minutes. At times, I swallowed sea water. So guys, bring a whistle at all times. The boatman spotted me and came over. By that time, my DM surfaced and he shook his head. We both knew why.
Dazed and confused
The second dive was no better but the only consolation was the sighting of giant groupers. These buggers were as huge as your car windscreen. Apparently, they're residential groupers there and it was a sight to behold. Other than that, it was bad viz.
I wouldn't recommend newbies to Payar as it would cloud their enthusiasm (no pun intended) for diving. Although, now I know the difference between bad viz and forever viz. Not to mention, how to stay calm when separated from your DM and last but not least- bring Mr Whistle during every dive.

Perhentian Island - Seahorse Dive Centre - Remaining Advance Open Water Course
My first underwater photo shot
I had 3 more adventure dives to obtain my AOWD. I chose Fish ID, Navigation and Night Dive. For my Fish ID adventure dive,I went to Tanjung Basi. At the boat, I was able to already view the corals from above. I descended and aw man...forever viz. What a relief after my nightmarish dive in Payar. I really needed this. Fishes were aplenty at Tanjung Basi and I was given a writing board and a pencil to identify the fishes. I place the board on my strap and 30 minutes later, I realized that the board was gone!!!! It must have slipped out while I was swimming along the rocks of Tanjung Basi. I signalled to my DM that I lost the board and he asked me where was my direction. He was accompanying an Open Water student. I just pointed to the opposite of where I swam and off we went to look for the board. I thought it was a lost cause but just ahead in the horizon, I saw a white object on top of a rock. By golly, it was the board!!! I swam towards and grabbed it with the thought that I've also executed the search and rescue adventure dive with this stunt. But this
shows that the current at Tanjung Basi was calm enough to not sweep my board away.

Next was Navigation Adventure Dive at Shark Point. I saw schools of bat fish, a baby turtle, sting ray and more. It was awesome. Anyway, navigation is super easy.

My last adventure dive was Night Dive. We did it in front of Seahorse Dive Centre and surfaced at the jetty of Lembaga Kemajuan Ikan Malaysia (LKIM) jetty. I saw groupers, rays swimming away, baby moray eel in one of the PVC tukun tiruans. I motioned to my DI to turn off his torch and I did the same. ABSOLUTE TOTAL DARKNESS. it was only for 5 seconds.
Graduation Ceremony at Sea Horse Dive Centre
With that, I obtained my AOWD but most importantly, my Perhentian dive regained my enthusiasm towards diving again with the excellent viz and amazing underwater life.

Mabul Island - Scuba Junkie, Semporna
I have a military project in Tawau and I went a day earlier to do day dives. Upon landing in Tawau, I rented a Kancil for RM100 and drove to Semporna the next morning from Tawau. If you take a cab from Tawau to Semporna, it's RM150 one way. Scuba Junkie charged 3 dives in Mabul for RM300.00 which includes boat, lunch and gears. I hooked up with Scuba Junkie and man oh man, the number of people diving off the Semporna islands were crazy.
There were at least 15 divers to Sibuan Island, 9 divers to Sipadan and 8 divers(my group) to Mabul. Semporna to Mabul took 40 minutes by boat.
My first dive was at Manta Point and I was excited because this was my first dive in the Celebes Sea. Back roll splash!!! Viz was good and something new I experienced, wall diving. There'd be corals corals corals and then, nothing else but the abyss. It was excellent. the marine life there was just superb.
Scuba Junkie office in Semporna
Boat full of divers

The moment we descended on the second dive, we saw a huge turtle resting. That was the biggest turtle I've seen and we continued on to see lion fishes, nudibranches and loads of trigger fishes. A giant moray eel was also there. It was just picture perfect. The sun's ray penetrated the water and red little fishes were just swarming over a colorful coral. Absolutely awesome.
Celebes Explorer Live On Board and Seaventures Oil Rig Turned Dive Centre Behind Me

The third dive was in front of Scuba Junkie's jetty. Guess how many turtles I saw in that stretch? Seven!!! Also, they were cuttlefishes, groupers and many more amazing underwater life. I saw a curving school of red snappers which made my jaw drop.

Celebes Sea = speechless. You don't have to spend like 4-5 days and taking leave to dive in Semporna. One can purchase Air Asia tickets to Tawau on a Friday night. Drive to Semporna the next morning. Do the 3 dives and fly back to KL on Sunday. It's doable enough to get a fix on your diving.
The island I went to for work
So there it is. My dives in 3 weekends and what do I think about it? I have to probably agree with Meatloaf that 2 dive locations out of 3 ain't bad. My last dive for the year will be at the end of September in Tioman. After that, no more dives until Febuary 2010.

Arguably The Most Dramatic Waterfall In Malaysia (Berkelah Waterfall)

Never have I seen such a beautiful, powerful and impressive waterfall in my life. I am talking about Berkelah Waterfalls. What's great about this waterfall is that it's only 2 hours from KL and a relatively easy trek. However, if it rains, I do not suggest any excursions there. That is because you need to trek on pencil thin ledges and you all know how to complete the sentence.

The beginning
Do start early because again, you all know how to complete the sentence. Don't go on weekends because it'll get crowded with hordes of people making peace signs when their pictures are taken. I'd rather listen to Andrew Ridgeley's(of Wham fame) solo album than to see that spectacle.

Anyway, the best part of the journey are the pools that you find along the way. Emerald pools like these below :
Emerald pool
Jump in
Be careful..it's deep
Perfect Pool
Arguably the best ass in Malaysia
Video Of Berkelah Fall