Malaysia's Cherry Blossom

6 Jul 2009

Hi! You may have noticed its Cherry blossom time in Malaysia. Tak percaya? (dont believe?). See for yourself. Dont have to go to Japan or Washington DC to catch this view, only different our trees planted abit far apart and the temperature of course. Ride Far Ride Safe.

Sewing Machine

29 June 2009

Mum! Pse dont throw away the old sewing machine. See, they still serve you well.

Sabah Travel Part 2

29 June 2009 Well, what can I say more about the adventure in Sabah Travel. From mountain climbing,jungle trekking (careful you may get lost), gravel road ride to under sea deep all in one. Or if you prefer to learn about Cocoa growing or some odds tropical forest history then this is the place. Im not selling Sabah but it just an awesome place to see. Ride Far Ride Safe.

Eastern Sabah Islands

15 June 2009

Diving, scuba dive or snorkling. If your hobby is any one of these, then come to this part of the world. Five stars or shoe-string budget. And if your budget is either one of these, you can still enjoy your hobby here. All within reach. But if you dont envy any of these, then dont waste your time comming here. If you stay in any one of the island resorts be prepare to pay around RM1000 per person per nite. I think only two category of visitors will do that; first, somebody sponsor you and second, plain idiot. The best way is to stay in Semporna, in the mainland of Sabah(many cheap cheap motels), hire a qualified divers (also part and parcel of the motel arrangement)and go for daily trip to any of the selected islands. You can stay longer this way at a very resonable price. Most visiotrs select this option. Semporna is lively too during the nite. This is where the happening, so to speak. Come and see for yourself.
Alas! Pu Sipadan is only limited for day trip and only 150 person is allowed to visit per day. Registered early.

Tawau

2 June 2009
This is Tawau. A small port but an important one in this part of Sabah. From air its just very green with patches of clearing and buildings mixed old and new ones. The Naval Base had its own stories to tell. Fresh fish and prawns from the wet market worth place to visit. You know why - cheap and fresh from the sea!

Sabah Travel

26 May 2009 (1 Jamadilakhir 1430)

Hello there! The big C130 extended military aircraft finally landed at Tawau airport at the wee hour of the evening on 19 May 09. It was raining like cat and dog. My head spins like unsettled gyro gymbal trying to find the corrected magnetic error getting set into the north south cardinal. KL to Tawau took 5 gruelling hours, what a ride!

Next day, after breakfast its a helicopter ride to Semporna. Very sunny day and I look forward for a good tour around the Sabah water limits and its surrounding islands. Preceding the island tour, was a quick briefing by the authority. Next I boarded the fast boat to our first destination, Timba island. What can I say about this short boat trip. Back like good old days in the 80s where I was patrolling this same water against any illegal entry from other countries - the usual water/land borders problems around the world. This fast boat was cruising at about 30 kts avoiding too close to coral areas and small fishing boats enroute. We arrived Timba island just in time for lunch. In fact we were slightly late as others who opted to fly from Semporna were waiting for us.



Timba island is small and surrounded by shallow water covering the beach area which is whitish turning light green colour water with a sudden drop into the deep marked by black colored water.

Travel The World

10 April 2009 (14 Rabiulakhir 1430)

Join the Navy and see the world! The famous words I used to hear from the mouth of many travellers during my younger days. I think there is truth in the saying, though many may differ. The next best way to travel the world is perhap the traditional way - by sea. How do I do that? Well, I am not talking about the Azhar Mansor type but a combination of work and travel - Merchant ship. There is a chance to do this even after my retirement. First I must register myself as a Seaman under Marine departmen, Ministry of Transport. With this I can enrol to attend modular courses to obtain the Standard of Watchkeeping, Training and Certificate 95 (SWTC 95). I wish to attend this course with PELITA AKADEMI SDN BHD, Kuala Kubu Bahru. One can also apply to take this course in other countries. Second, appilication to work with shipping companies. Easy? NO. There are various stages of the SWTC categories and its time consuming but not impossible if you really want to do. Nah! Another option to travel the world isn't it?