30th Apr 2010 (1930hrs) Everyone was gathered at the shop and eagerly making friends. Advance Divers were the privileged ones this time as the Open Water Diver Trainees got into the Combi while the rest got into our zippy two MPVs.
Sprits were dampened when we got near the causeway as traffic was quite heavy due to the ‘Mayday’ holiday. We were snailing along for about an hour before we could got through the Singapore Customs, and we breezed through the Malaysian Customs.
Traffic was slowed through Kota Tinggi and clear after that. We got to Mersing at about 12 midnight with a funny encounter in one of the MPV’s. (Hahaha Andy)
A couple of us went for a quick supper and a quick drink while the rest arriving almost at 1am was bushed and went straight into bed.
1st May 2010 (0730hrs) Awake after a good night’s rest, all was eager to get into Pulau Tioman after their breakfast buffet spread in Timotel.
Fishermen Dive Explorer was at the Jetty waiting for us, and we left without any delay.
1st dive of the day was at Bahara Rock, which the advance diver trainees went to 80ft, for their training. Everyone had fun and was excited to work out their SCR.
The rest of the dives were great with visibility of up to 15-20meters.
Then follow was the night dive for the Advance Diver Trainees and the Leisure divers Jonathan & Julian. It was a great first time experience for the trainees as a sea turtle greeted them during their descent.
Everyone had fun and we headed back to the chalet to wash up and had a wonderful dinner. (Thank you guys)
2nd May 2010 (0730hrs) After a very sound and peaceful sleep, everyone woke up refreshed. It was Julian’s Birthday!
Our first dive was at Chebeh and everyone (Advance + Leisure) headed down to 100ft upon leaving the surface. The advance diver trainees had worked out their SCR and was busy keeping track of their gauge reading while the Open Water divers were busy looking around and enjoying their swim.
Final dive of the trip, everyone ended up in Soyak while the Advance Diver Trainees headed closer to the beach in Salang Bay. There we did our navigation training and Search and recovery drills.
Lunch was on the island with a sumptuous spread, and our boat ride back was a smooth one. Everyone (AOW + OW) passed their tests!!
By the time we were back in Mersing, it was already 5.45pm, we then had dinner at Mersing Seafood, craving for their famous ‘Salted Egg Sotong’, but unfortunately it had sold out. We can only make do with ‘Sotong without the salted egg’ dish. But it was still delicious, as was the rest of the dishes we have ordered. Tummy filled, stomachs rubbed, we hopped onto our MPVs and drove back, prepared for the worst traffic jam.
It was jammed up as predicted as it started somewhere in Kota Tinggi (again), and stretched until we were in Taman Sentosa. Surprisingly the traffic at both causeways were smooth! Everyone got home happy!
It was a great weekend and many friends were made. We hope to see you again really soon!
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