Redang – Underwater Paradise

Caught a last-minute trip to Redang with a a group of strangers bar 1 couple of weeks back. Was invited by my colleague W to join her bro’s diving trip since one from the group chickened out at the 11th hour.

I was eager as much as nervous for this trip since my last dive was back in Jan 06. I admit i've even forgotten how to fix the equipment. I wouldn’t want to be a butt-joke to this group of strangers if when I struggled underwater yet I craving to see those fishes and creatures hiding amongst corals. Classic case of lust triumphing over ego.

Another added incentive was to try out the underwater casing I got from the Canon warehouse few months back. Typical me, a good bargain is what I savor most. What i had was just a tiny dagger in comparison to the extensive weaponry the rest carried.

At the end of the day I’m happy with few excellent shots of Nemo though the best shots were taken by my dive buddy, SS.

Shots from SS's bigger "weapon":

The highlight of this trip was going for my first night dive and also deep dive. Since SS and E was taking their advance diving course, got a chance to tag along for these dives usually not permitted for Open-Water diver like myself.

The down side was that I didn’t have a chance to see any REAL mermaids. Only this. Bummer.

Redang - A bleak picture

My last and only previous visit to Redang was back in 2001. Naturally am quite eager to return to this island and see has it been destroyed by us humans.

There’s vast difference from my trip in 01 and 07. Firstly, back in 01 it a trip with a thousand close hometown friends, drinking imported liquor was a luxury and our staple was maggi mee. Now, since I have a few million bucks stash away in an offshore account (I wish), food is something I can complain about.

Redang has changed quite a bit since then. Picture this.... an island escapade far away from the noise of the city, white sandy beaches with clear blue water, not a single human being within sight. Unfortunately I have to burst your bubble; that’s not what I experienced.

Yes, the beach is still beautiful – picture perfect! At any one time you can see at least 50 people within your sight. You should expect shouts from kids or teenagers during a beach volleyball game, but prepare for post-dinner karaoke sessions – in the open! Phew..at least the karaoke ends at 10pm…. But it’s then converted into a beachside disco!! Holy cow… I did not join any snorkeling trip organized by the resort, but what my friend W told me is that basically he sees more human than fishes in the water! Good for those who seeks cheap thrills underwater – bikinis anyone? ;)

The more popular the island gets, tourists will flock there. Redang is trying very hard to maintain its status as one of Malaysia’s best. It is still a beautiful island as of now. The mushrooming chalets with architecture like a public school definitely do not help its course. Dead coral’ washing up ashore is an indication the threat humans post to these underwater beauties.

Selling a piece of your childhood

Remember when you were a kid and you get pressie when you do well in exams, during Christmas, birthdays or a surprise from your rich aunt? When J told me he got this as a gift in the 80's i could have imagined how he must have ripped off the packaging with much eager and excitement. Without fail, ripping off the toy's packaging thrills every kid till this day. As adults, we do enjoy ripping off "packaging" as well (*grin*), but am sure it's not the packaging of toys.

20 years down the road, we look at our childhood belongings with great sense of nostalgia, but as we grow and understand the value of money, when the price is right its goodbye to that piece of your childhood.

Its new owner beckons but with much to do still... cause it look like crap now.

So the process of purifying-old-crap is carried out. Here are the instructions:

1. Dismantle the set and steal borrow your housemates/ brother/ sister/ wife/ gf's (as long as its not your own) toothbrush.

2. Soak it into hydrochloric acid (preferably neat).

3. Brush every single piece with force.

4. Rinse it with pure water.

4. Dry it with your housemate/ brother/ sister/ wife/ gf's (keyword: not yours) bath towel and remember to ask permission first.

5. Re-fix it using your imagination (This might take hours or years depending on IQ) Voila! As good as new.

6. Say goodbye to your friend's childhood.