Under The Sea

2010-05-26T11:47:00.013+08:00

Another enjoyable diving trip to our second home.. Pu Tioman..

Traffic was the usual jam through the causeways, but smooth flowing all the way to our first stop at Kota Tinggi for Supper/Dinner.

We headed back to Soyak for our last dive and all trainees did their 'Graduation Jump'

Great diving in Soyak too!

Arrived in Mersing at 1.30am and it was bustling with people and divers all awaiting to get onto their ferry.

All groups were assigned to their diving vessel and we arrived in Pu Tioman at around 5.30am.

Everyone manage to snatch another few hours of sleep and our dives started at 9am.

Manage to see a turtle during our first dives, amazing luck!!

We did our second dive in Marine Park. Manage to feed some fishes and see the infamous wrecks.

Third dive at Renggis was an experience filled one, as the waves & Tidal conditions built up.

We had a great dinner as usual, and everyone was off to a deep and sound sleep.

We woke up at 6+ and was onboard by 7am. We had Nasi Lemak and some malay kampong kuays for breakfast and first dive was at Chebeh. Visibility was amazing during our descent.

We then headed back to Soyak and did the Graduation Jump for all trainees.

Follow by our last dive in Soyak. AMAZING!!

All filled their stomachs and we headed back to Singapore.

Another joyous weekend with many friends made, many stories to tell and experiences for their lifetime.

Thank you everyone, and hope to see you soon again! :)

Great evening at the pool.

2010-05-19T12:48:00.003+08:00

On a wet cool night..
Cool wind in our hair...
Warm smell of Chlorine...
Rising up through the air...
Up ahead at the pool...
Our divers are getting ready for their pool session.. ;)

2010-05-16T18:20:00.004+08:00

It was very bright and sunny day, turning out to be a scorching day at the pool. With 5 students today, everyone went through the drills smoothly.

Wait patiently for this week's diving photos! :)

2010-05-11T12:52:00.007+08:00

A wonderful diving trip to Tioman again~

Traffic was unusually packed again, but we manage to get to Timotel at around 12 midnight. Rooms were still great as before. Breakfast was served at 5am as we need to leave the jetty by 6am.

Boat ride to the island was without a hitch, and we got to start our first dive in Bahara Rock at around 8.30am. Weather and water was great! Turtles and Morals were spotted by the leisure group while the Open Water and Advance group concentrated in their training. Water visibility was 15 - 20 meters.

We then proceeded to Labas as had all the time this weekend. Dives went smoothly, everyone had fun and enjoyed themselves.

Third dive site was at Malang Rock, where the advance group did their first open water Circular search. 

Night dive for the Advance group was done in Soyak and everyone was busy looking at the new underwater world in a totally different light~ Their first experience of night diving.

We then adjourned back to the island for our sumptuous dinner.

Day broke and all was up and getting ready for their first dive at Chebeh after their tasty breakfast onboard. Sun is up and water is calm. Another perfect day for diving. The Advance trainees headed off into deep waters while the rest of the divers loiter around the shallower depths. Towards the end of the dive, a small green turtle greeted the divers.

Last dive was done in Soyak / Salang Beach.

Another great weekend with spectacular weather, great friends, super dives and a beautiful memory.

See you soon!!

Losing a diving legend..

2010-05-11T09:52:00.003+08:00

A VETERAN dive instructor died on a recreational dive at a wreck off the South China Sea last Saturday.

Mr Khoo Soo Seng, 68, suffered a heart attack while on a recreational dive at the Seven Skies wreck - a popular dive site off Pulau Aur on Malaysia's east coast.

His family told The Straits Times that Mr Khoo was familiar with the popular dive spot. He lost consciousness while surfacing from his dive and was surfaced by his dive buddy.

He was resuscitated on the dive boat. His breathing and pulse resumed for a while but eventually faded away. Mr Khoo was declared dead at Mersing Hospital.

Mr Khoo was well-known as a pioneer and veteran of the diving industry. He was a former president of the Singapore Underwater Federation. Since the late 1970s, he had been promoting ecological awareness and educational programmes for divers here and in the region, said his family in a statement.

His projects included conducting an archaeological and scientific expedition with Russian divers in 2004 on one of Russia's famous wrecks, the Cheluskin, which sank in 1934.

Mayday Tioman 30th Apr 2010 - 2nd May 2010

2010-05-03T12:37:00.006+08:00

Another amazing weekend in Tioman with our group of Advance Open Water Diver Trainees (Cindy, Andy, Big Ann, Small Ann, Augustine), Open Water Diver Trainees (Mr and Mrs Choi, Mr Wong & Ellyane, Hali and Sharon) and Leisure (Danny + Jonathan & Julian).

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!

2010-04-27T22:58:00.013+08:00

16 Apr 2010 (2030hrs): High in spirits! Here we are, gathered at our FishermenScuba’s office. Everyone is so excited! The leisure divers were chatting happily among themselves, and the open water trainees had their one last check on their equipments and gears. My shoulders were still aching from the pool session 2 nights ago. Gosh, I really should seriously consider hitting the gym soon the build my physical. This trip is my first for the year 2010. Let me tell you this, I simply miss the taste of compressed air! I can’t wait to leap into the clear blue waters and enjoy the tranquility under the sea!

The group of 8 breezed through Woodlands Checkpoint without a hitch in two luxurious MPVs. With the stamp on our passports, we begin our two hour journey to Mersing! For those who dive Tioman before, you probably will be wondering, how blessed we were, to have private cars chauffeuring the group. Well, we were just too pampered (and lucky) this time..
0000HRS: We have arrived safely at Timotel, Mersing! Thanks to the drivers for the trip, Jo and Aaron! Let’s see at how our little comfy hotel room looks like (Please pardon the messiness).

Nothing beats a comfortable and restful night.. (And of cause, a hot shower *wink*)
Sleep is indeed important, so does our growling tummy! Aaron, our instructor wanted to take us to this Chinese food stall for supper. Unfortunately, they were closed. So we had prata instead, which was not too bad. After devouring our delicious supper, we headed back to our hotel and sweet dreams, here we come!!

17 Apr 2010 (0700HRS): Rise and shine! We gathered at the hotel café to begin our day with some tasty breakfast!

Ok. Next, our boat ride to Tioman! First dive site, Bahara Rock. Weather was great and waters were calm. Breezy wind blows, stroking our faces as the warm morning sun beams in delight.. The alluring sound of waves, repeating in rhythm, as the Reef Explorer glides gracefully on the turquoise blue water. All the tension and stress I had, instantly melted away..

First leap into the warm tropical water of 30 degress celcius! Our open water trainees' first open sea dive! And exciting moment to treasure! Visibily was increadible! I didn't manage to take any photo for this first dive, as my main piority was to take good care of the trainees and make sure everyone (including myself) is safe and comfortable. Thank God we had an experience, responsible and patient instructor, Aaron, whom made this memorable first dive for our trainees, a pleasant one.

Lunch break. Venue: Genting Village. Everyone was famished! And gosh the goreng pisah were good!!

We ended our day with another 2 dives at Renggis and Soyak. For the trainees, the 3 dives were probably more for practising their drills. This photo shows the share air drill..

Okay, I seriously super over ate at dinner! I had a Ramly burger, horfun, roast chicken and ice-cream! Now I know why I had to reduce the number of weights I need to carry for diving! *faints* (look, I'm just kidding. How much you weight or eat do not determine the number of weights you need for diving)

18 Apr 2010 (0700hrs): RAINING!! Sunday morning began with a passing shower.. But that didn't dampen any spirits! We were all ready to hit the bottom once again! My diving kakis probably have heard this complain of mine before.. I've never seen a turtle before! Weird right? It's one of the most common creature you would witness. But guess what? This time I saw, not one, but TWO at the Labas site! By the way, I'll like to show off my best shot for the trip. Nudibranch!!

We head back to our resort, Salang Indah, for lunch after 2 dives. At 1300hrs, we departed from Tioman and cruise for Mersing Jetty. And yes, I had another Ramly burger before we left Mersing. Hahah!!

As Aaron steer his Honda Crossroad through the winding roads of Malaysia towards the Checkpoint, passing by endless patch of palm tree plantation, Suzanna, one of the trainees, slept soundly. I really enjoyed this trip very much! So what if life can be down and out at times? I am so in love with the ocean and its life that diving is almost like going for a recharge session. I'm grateful to all the people I've met and will meet in the future. Thank you my dear team and new friends! You guys rock! For those who are reading our blogs, we want you to join us at our next trip! Hope to see you being part of our future adventures!

Pulau Tioman 16 - 18 Apr 2010

2010-04-27T15:40:00.004+08:00

It was one of the better trips as our divers we chauffeured to Mersing in our MPVs.

Together with us for this trip, besides the Instructor is:

Claudio & Suzanna, our open water trainees, and together with them is the Dive Control Specialist Trainee, Cindy.

A disappointment because the chinese foodstall that we usually have our supper at was closed. But we had our other favorite Malay food stall.

As usual, we had our breakfast after a peaceful night sleep at Timotel, and proceeded to Mersing Jetty, greeting us is The Reef Explorer.

After a gentle cruise of about 2½ hours, we arrived at Bahara Rock, where we did the first dive. Adventurous first dive for our divers with spectacular visibility.

Lunch followed at Genting Village.

We had our second and third dives at Renggis and Soyak respectively after that.

Amazing dive as visibility was amazing.

Some pictures:

Settled in Salang Indah Resort for the night after dinner.

Following morning, after a passing shower, we did our dives in Labas followed by Soyak island again.

More photos:

Happy Divers

A wonderful trip with our happy divers..

The new blog for Fishermen Scuba

2010-04-27T15:19:00.001+08:00

Started this blog for Fishermen Scuba. Will update it weekly with dive trip reports and pictures!

Do check on us weekly!!