My Very First Blog

Continued from Part 2

Continued from Part 1

It was my first time snorkeling. We had to rent the mask and snorkel equipment for RM20 and life jacket for RM10 per person. I definitely need the life jacket as I do not know how to swim!

Being a first timer in snorkeling, I had absolutely no idea how to use the snorkeling equipment which consists of a simple tube with a mouthpiece at one end and attached to a mask. While we gathered at the waiting area together with other tourists, I received a quick lesson from Jam on how to breathe using the snorkeling equipment. My fear was that I would end up swallowing the sea water or worse, unable to breathe!

What I learnt from Jam was just basically 'theory'. I had no chance to practise it in the water. I was not even sure if I had grasped the technique correctly when we were directed to our boat by the snorkeling instructors.

Soon we were out in the open sea. Honestly, I was quite nervous. The boat stopped at one spot and we were asked to jump into the sea. What? Are they crazy?!

Obviously not, as people were starting to jump off the boat. Some just dived into the sea while others slowly descended the steps at the edge of the boat and lowered themselves into the water. I chose the latter of course, but it didn't quite happen.

I had quickly put on the mask and made sure it was securely fixed on my face. Jam and his friend descended down the steps and I followed closely behind. Except that I ended up jumping into the water halfway. What the hell I did that for? But that's what I did!

The next thing I knew I was fully submerged inside the sea water. I struggled to keep myself afloat. Help!! I was frantically clawing in the water trying to reach out at Jam wherever he was! I knew I was wearing a life jacket and I would not drown, but my feet! Heaven forbid, but my feet could not touch anything!! Where's the ground? HELP!!!

I did not know if Jam knew I panicked or anyone saw me panicked. It was the scariest moment of my life! Those of you who know how to swim or have been been regularly snorkeling must be laughing your ass off at my story right now, but seriously, it was no laughing matter to me.

Somehow, I managed to regain my composure and told myself to relax. I was wearing a life jacket for goodness sake! It took me some time, but I finally straightened myself up in the water. I saw Jam and his friend near me and pretended nothing happened. LOL!

The next challenge was the snorkeling mask and tube. Water kept entering my mask and I kept drinking sea water. Dammit! My eyes were feeling the sting of the salty sea water. I had to adjust my mask a few times and practise breathing using the snorkeling tube while trying to sit up straight in the water.

Soon I got the hang of it. Jam told me to look down. I submerged my face into the water .... and gasped. No, it was not the beautiful corals. It was the fact that the sea bed was so far below, so deep down I almost panicked again. For the very first time, I was swimming in the open sea far away from dry land! I should really be proud of my achievement!

I followed Jam and his friend as they swam towards another spot. As I do not really know how to swim, I was obviously moving at a much slower rate than them. I had to work double hard to catch up. It was quite tiring but worth it.

We came to a spot that was more shallow and had more beautiful corals and fishes. I enjoyed looking at them. Somehow, I felt a sense of calm floating on the water with my face submerged and simply looking at the beautiful corals below. There was nothing to do except looking and enjoying the beautiful sights - it was almost therapeutic.

Jam had rented a waterproof camera earlier and he managed to take some photos. You can see some of the photos in his blog HERE.

Soon it was time to get back onto the boat. But before that, something scary happened. It appeared that while we were away snorkeling, there was another boat which came and stopped next to our boat. When we were about to get back to our boat, this other boat started to move.

Jam and I were still in the water trapped between the two boats! Oh my God, can't they see we are still in the water? The boat was moving dangerously close to us. Someone from our boat shouted at us to swim away. I panicked. I could almost feel that I was being sucked by the boat's spinning propeller. I swam with all my might and thank God, managed to climb up my boat. Phew!

Jam was already on the boat when I climbed up. I am not sure who is in the wrong, but both Jam and I were angry. We could have been seriously injured or killed! From that moment on, I knew I had to stay clear of boats whenever I snorkel. You just have to take care of yourself and stay safe because no one else will value your life more than you yourself.

Sitting in the boat heading back to Redang Pelangi Resort, I felt a little nauseous. Jam even thought I was looking a little unhappy. I had to tell him I was not feeling very well. Probably I panicked too many times that afternoon! And coupled with lack of sleep the night before. LOL!

But I was good. It had been an adventure - and sometimes these adventures are just the things needed to make my holidays that much more memorable.



Saw the above during our night strolling along the beach. You can replace "DIVING" with "SNORKELING" if you like. Haha!

Coming up in Part 3 : Searching For Blue Sand At Redang Island

It was my first time to Redang Island. Right after our holidays in Cambodia, Jam, his friend and I stayed one night at Tune Hotel KLIA-LCCT before flying off to Kuala Terengganu the next morning.

Our flight was at 7am but we had to wake up at 4am to get ready. We took the bus which transferred passengers from Tune Hotel to LCCT terminal. At first I thought it was a free service, but later realized I had to pay RM1 for the short distance.

As soon as we landed at Kuala Terengganu Sultan Mahmud Airport, we were transferred to Merang Jetty by bus. At the jetty, which is about 30km from the airport, there is a scheduled daily boat transfer to Redang Island at about 9am. We had to make sure we reach the jetty on time or we would miss the boat! In which case, we would have to fork out RM50 per person for ferry transfer!

Fortunately, we made it on time. Luckily too, there were no delay in the AirAsia flight! We had purchased this snorkeling package with Redang Pelangi Resort which includes the bus transfer from the Sultan Mahmud Airport and boat transfers from Merang Jetty to Redang Island and back.

Soon our boat arrived and we got onto it.



The boats at Merang Jetty.



The wooden walkway to the boat.



Our boat has 2 decks. We chose the upper deck for a better view.



Soon, our journey to Redang Island began.



We were out in the open sea in no time, but the journey was rather long. About one hour and 45 minutes long, if not mistaken.



Since I only slept about 1 hour the night before, I felt really sleepy but it was quite impossible to sleep in the rocking boat.

Look! I was not the only one sleeping! Haha!



Soon, the island came into sight. We landed at Pasir Panjang Beach, which is the largest beach on the eastern side of Redang Island.



I always love the view when approaching an island.



Love the clear green water!



Surprisingly, I did not take many pictures during my Redang trip. Perhaps because I spent most of the time either snorkeling or eating. Taking along the camera would be such a hassle!



There were many resorts along Pasir Panjang Beach (possibly close to a dozen!) - some more luxurious than others. We chose Redang Pelangi Resort because their snorkeling package is the most affordable, according to Jam. Well, he was the one who did the research, not me! LOL!



The package which costs RM300 per person, includes 3-day 2-night stay at the resort, plus 3 snorkeling trips (2 at open sea and 1 at Redang Marine Park), and 4 meals per day. I thought the price was pretty reasonable.

I have to say I enjoyed eating the food there whether it's breakfast, lunch, tea or dinner! Unfortunately, I did not take any photos! Usually it was eating right after snorkeling or playing by the beach and I was all wet, so how to carry a camera? Too much of a hassle if you ask me!

However, I did not like staying in the Redang Pelangi Resort. I guess my main complaint was the low water pressure. We were only staying on the first floor, but the water from the pipes was so small we could hardly wash ourselves after our snorkeling trips! So yes, I would never ever stay in this resort again!

By the way, in case you are not aware, I do not know how to swim. Neither do I have the talent for it. And I have never snorkeled in my life before. So I was hoping that Jam would teach me some basics about snorkeling and maybe I could practise in the shallow waters near the beach before going out to sea.

It was not to be. Right after we checked into the resort, we were asked to get ready for our snorkeling trip out in the open sea. It was scary. Would I jump into the deep sea not knowing how to swim? Would I survive my first snorkeling experience?

To be continued ....