My Family.. My Pride..

It's June already, and looking back at my blog, huh, only a few write ups in a month!!! Oh my english.. hahahhaa so bad.. but thank you to those that leave your comments in here because it does means a lot.. and to my sister too, who always support me in blogging.. I do love to write, but it does took lots of time to really think what to write..

 Ok, if you read my previous post, you know that I love Perhentian Island a lot .. yup, this place is like a second hometown for me .. i could just pack my bag and live there for a month or two, being jobless (provided i have enough money to go for diving and place rental though).. ahhahaaa

So, my family decided to go to the place I always went to experience the joy that I always, always talk about everytime I went to Perhentian.. the decision was made in February, and I booked 6 rooms at Fauna Beach Resort during my trip in February, for end of May .. and finally the date arrived and all of us convoyed to the location by cars from Gerik, Perak.

Just arrived .. Greens Attack!!!

The journey start from my hometown to Alor Setar, Kedah for my cousin's wedding. Then, all 4 cars straight to Gerik, Perak and spent the night there. Early morning the next day (really early like 2am), we starts our car and straight to Kuala Besut, Terengganu (the Jetty). The journey is about 4 hours in the total darkness .. but it was not bad provided that we talked all the way during the journey, thanks to the walkie-talkie technology.. so in total participants joined this trip are - 12 adults, 6 kids and 3 babies (below 3 yrs old). It was such a fun experience.. i'm so glad my family loved the place as much as I do .. although Fauna Beach Resort is not really a place for me and my friends to hang out, but it's a great place for family!!! I still prefer Perhentian Kecil or Seahorse at Perhentian Besar for my diving activities, but Fauna gave us a really good deal for family vacation due to its private beach and friendly staff .. and furthermore, we cooked all the meals ourselves due to cost saving.. breakfast: bread and canned sardine, lunch: rice and canned sardine, dinner: maggi mee (instant noodle) .. hahahaa ... simple but enough to feed the whole family.. only once in a while we ate at the small shops by the beach for tea or late supper, while the kids busy playing with water, or busy sleeping..

Good Bye time.. sob sob sob

Sincerely, I would encourage family to do family trip at least once a year, to take you out from your busy schedule and get to know your family.. for our family, we lived in different state, like myself and 2 of my sisters live nearby, so I'm closed to their kids, but others who lived in different state, sometimes I felt guilty not to know them close enough.. they will grow up not being closed to me.. but in the end, nothing much I can do .. so I used this time to get to know them, and to let them know that I love them as much as the others.. although I only saw them once or twice a year..

the Kids really enjoying the boat ride to snorkeling area

Hello Mr Turtle..

Cooking Session

They always at the beach or in the water .. the only time they are not in the water was during sleeping time

Heaven on Earth continue...

I promise in my previous blog  to continue about my previous journey to the place that I like to call "Heaven on Earth" ..

Before I start, I just want to keep my memory in this blog, about my recent update..   I just got my Master Degree in Computer Science.. another life KPI checked.. did the study just to fill up my time and learn new things.. now I start thinking of taking certification in Law, as my current work requires me to look into Malaysian Law from time to time..  

Wuhuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu... done it!!!

Ok.. back to my journey to Semporna Islands... after we left Mabul Island, we stayed at Semporna Town for another 2 days.. we then went for Islands Hopping.. visit one island to another.. the first island was Bohey Dulang... derived from bohi (bohey) meaning water and dulong or dulang meaning plate-like water vessel. This refers either to the series of pools on the slopes of the island, or to the main saltwater lagoon (Piper, 1981; Guntavid & Galaip, 1998).

There's a legend about a beautiful Princess named Salamia who occupied the place until now.. but luckily when we went there, we didn't find her.. but the place is breathtaking.. if you get the chance to go there, please take the 30 mins climb to the hill to view the beautiful islands around it.. your agent should arrange the permit to get into the island.. there will be a guide to bring you to the top of the hill.. it's for your safety as there's no one live on the island..

breathtaking view...

Next, we stopped at another island - Mantabuan Island.. again, I'm in heavennnnn (^_^) ... no one live on this island either.. but there were few sea Bajau people live around the island.. they live on  boat and move around from island to island.. because of the islands are really close to each other, the ocean is shallow with lots of corals .. you need a permit to come here as it's a preserve area.. it's so clean and the water is so clear.. we take our time to adore the beautiful scenery in front of us, and enjoying the time snorkelling and taking photos.. no one else were there, we got the whole island to ourselves... lovely!!!!

I wrote this quote when I'm in the boat to another island:

"Life is awesome.. if you stop running , everything around you will start to look and feel beautiful .. so stop.. take a moment, look around you.. the people around you .. the lovely sun rise.. feel the joy .. and you'll agree with what I said" ..

Magai Island is the next destination .. this small island has around 50-100 population of Bajau people (sea people) .. some of them build their house on the water, and some on the beach.. we brought some food, clothes and cookies for the people, and they were so excited to get it.

Magai Island

My camera is out of battery at this time... arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh .. it was such a wasteeeee.. so I have to kidnap some photos from my friend's camera..

Distributing donations on a boat.. a wonderful experience (Picture credit to Padil Othman - a professional photographer)

"They might not have what we have .. but they must not forget, they are gifted with this beautiful life given by the sea .. They might not have any gadget, not even electricity, but the heavenly ocean view with lots of heavenly islands .. is the greatest gift of all" ..

I wish I can do more...


The place was also shown in this video clip by Stacy:

Heaven on Earth..

I took a medical leave today because my body has this itchy rashes .. not sure what allergy, or reason, but it sure made my hand busy scracthing.. took a medicine this morning, and been sleeping for few hours ..

So, where my journey this month??

I went to the most beautiful place I ever been .. the islands in Semporna.. it was so superb, I don't have to do anything but just admiring the beautiful beaches and scenary..

I love the beach, ocean and the creatures inside it.. by this time, you must've realized the journey i've been mostly to the island.. Perhentian Island, Redang, Lang Tengah are located in Terengganu (been to all of it) .. thinking to visit Tioman Island (will be there one day) .. and Sabah Islands..This time, the journey was more towards spending time with friends ... only did one dive this time, but the snorkeling and hanging out with friends were enough to keep me smiling until now ..

Semporna is located about one hour journey from Tawau (where your flight will land if you come from KL) .. it's a small town but busy with lots of sea activities.. it's more likely a fisherman town, so do expect smelly environment of fish.. but once you're on the boat to any of its island, you'll be amazed on how blue the skies is, white clouds and clear ocean .. it's really really clear it makes lots of colors, light blue, dark blue, turqoise .. beautiful ..

Ok, let's talk a bit about  the journey .. we went in a big group, but just enough to fit in 1 boat to travel with the kids .. really nice and funny people to be around, I would go anywhere with this group over and over again .. they are also one of the reason why the journey was such a memorable one ..

We took the 7am flight from LCCT (Air Asia) straight to Tawau .. reached Tawau around 9.30am, transportation was arranged earlier to take us to Semporna .. oh ya, forgot to mention, this journey was arranged by Rina (local people and friend of us) and Padil Othman (another friend who always traveled to Semporna for work) ... so THANK YOU so MUCH to them for the arrangement.. back to the journey .. about 1 hour in the car, we reached Semporna, and straight away had our lunch at the local restaurant..

We were surprised by a group of kids asking for food .. asking for my left-over fried fish that I'm about to throw away .. I don't know how to feel, and so does my friends.. so we end up buying them food, giving them what ever food we can provide and we can see from their face how happy they are.. they are just small kids and hungry..

Bajau kids eating our left-over lunch

But then we move on.. sad that we couldn't do much for them.. I did wish I can take one and bring back home with me .. put him/her in to school and give proper life.. but again, who am I to say that my life is better than them?? who am I to say that I'm happier than them.. these innocent children probably happier in their own way.. they smile and run everywhere without any problem.. They will be ok as long as they stay here in this small town .. don't go out in this crazy world.. sometimes simple life is better than our hectic life.. I'm not complaining about my current life, i love how my life is set by Allah.. What I'm trying to say is that, happiness is in your heart, not your pocket, your car, your bank etc.. you have to be happy, because life is too complicated not too.. ;) anyway .. i don't expect you to think like me though.. hehehheee..

After few arrangements with the travel agency.. signing few papers, money exchange hands .. we took a boat to Mabul Island, the first island we going to stay for the day..

Mabul Island

The place that we stayed more like a squatters area where local Bajau people stayed.. Mabul is widely known for its expensive places to stay .. they have few beautiful places to stay that were built on the water that can cost up to RM1000 per night per head.. we stayed at Seahorse Sipadan, like a backpackers lodge that probably cost us around RM100 per night.. it includes breakfast , lunch and dinner.. not bad, and I don't mind staying like a backpacker .. I slept in worst places, so this is ok.. :)

The water is so clear although there's lots of trash in it.. you'll feel like staying in someone else backyard, so what do you expect.. trashes all over the place.. I didn't go to the toilet in the morning to do my ritual business due to that.. hahahahaaa .. but again, I'm not complaining because I used to it.. and the people here are local people .. they don't have TV, hardly have electricity ... so if you didn't pay RM1000 per night, don't expect too much from the place .. BUT .. I can assure you that the snorkelling was worth it.. they'll bring you to nice places where you can see turtle and other creatures.. it was awesome!!!!

First Snorkeling - Kapalai Resort

2nd Snorkeling - Lobster Wall

Mabul and Semporna Islands also known as divers' heaven .. the climax place of course Sipadan Island.. didn't go there this time.. maybe next diver's trip .. this trip is more like an introduction to the place.. getting to know the people and fishes.. ;)

I did one dive with friends taking the Discovery Dive (for beginners) .. and one dive with other divers.. not really the best experience but it was lots of fun to see my friends trying this sport .. they probably will be a real diver soon.. hopefully :D

That's it.. our short journey to Mabul.. but the whole journey didn't end yet.. this is only the first 2 days.. 2 more beautiful days to continue.. will write again in the next blog..

Good Bye Mabul.. We'll meet again!!!!!

Jepun.. Eh Japan ...

We have been tought about the history of Japan invading Malaysia through Thailand by bicycle in 1941 .. it has been planted in our mind on how cruel and inhuman the Japanese towards the local people... I never  experienced Japan at this time (not born yet) but there were few times when I was young, my elders were talking about it .. the suffering they've been through, no food, no rice, eats potato everyday,  and fear of beheading ..my neighbour told me that they need to bury the body using straw mat if someone died at that time.. it was like hell for them .. I'm glad that we don't have to be in that position and I really believe that violence only happened in the past (as we can't change it) and should never ever happen now, anywhere in this world .. I still can't believe why certain human like to kill other people just for power and money.. we will die too one day .. money and power won't give us anything once we're dead .. so why must we make that as our main goal .. huishhhhh (eh terbebel plak) .. hehehee .. jauhi rasuah, insya Allah tenang jiwa.. aminnnnn.. (saying this as a guide to myself) ..

ok .. now is the real story .. the history is over and Japan has changed tremendously after the World war II .. they don't even have soldiers anymore (or that's what I heard) .. I finally got a chance to visit Japan, last year in Dec 2011.. no snow yet at the time ... saddddddd face but that's ok..

.. I always love this view everytime on a plane..

Reached Japan in the morning, I was so surprise with the attitude of their workers.. we heard about how serious they are in term of working, but never seen it myself.. it started with the people who work with the bus company .. they really respect the customer, help me with the bags and bow to give respect .. I really didn't deserve that, pleasee .. don't do that .. I almost want to say that!! I immediately felt welcome and amazed on how friendly they are .. 

I went to Japan 1 day early before my conference start .. I want to take the chance going places, and I got the best experience ever.. hahahaha .. lost in Shinjuku Train Station.. the station is big and confusing and busy and lots more .. too much for a new beginner like me to start with.. and with the writing and symbols that I don't understand, I forgive myself for being lost.. hahahaa .. we have to be stupid first in order to be good, right?

It was raining heavily when I arrived .. in a bus from the airport to Shinjuku

Japan is a place where you can see men wearing suits (suitttt uppppp - barney stinson) .. and the ladies wearing short skirts (in the cold weather.. OMG!!!) .. it's like a fashion place with cute men and women.. 

Shinjuku Stattion -.. hahahaha try to understand that!!!

The automatic toilet - all use a wave of hand and the seat was warm .. nice feeling while doing business.. hahahahaa

My first stop after leaving my bags in Shinjuku station, is Shibuya.. looking for Hachiko and the Shibuya crossing.. the busiest crossing ever .. 

walking around in the rain .. observing my surrounding

me, Maya and Hachiko on the last day in Japan .. see the cute girl behind me .. she looks like an anime character..

After really, really tired walking and observing people and enjoying the moment .. it's time to go to Kak Niza's house (my sister's friend who studied in Japan) .. lost for almost an hour looking for my bag in Shinjuku (again!!!!) ..hahahaha after lots of asking around, headache and almost really tired, I finally find it.. yeehaaaaaa ... took a train to Kak Niza's house in Gyotoku and Kak Niza & Abg Nizam already waited for me there.. Abg Nizam is my schoolmate's brother (Budiman Hamidi, for those who knew him) .. they are like a family friend as our whole family knew his family and we're from the same village .. i really appreciate the food Kak Niza brought for me once I'm in their car.. she knew that I'd probably very hungry and I was actually.. hahahahaaa ..

I really enjoyed the time spent at Kak Niza's house .. I learnt to make sushi.. yahooooo .. now I know how and have made it a few times after coming back to Malaysia .. it's easy and yummy and you can really put basically anything in it..

My first sushi in the making ... Awesommmmmmmmeeeeeee ... thanks Kak Niza!!!

Me and Kak Niza with the BMW .. hahahaha  took the chance to cycle around .. really a journey to remember

Oh my... it's almost 2pm.. need to pick up Adam from school .. got to go .. more photos on the way!!!!

April Blues ...

This is what happen when I have a blog .. lazy updating it.. muahahahah .. always find reasonnsssssss not to write.. finally today I decided to write something for April ..but April is just 2 weeks, I might write another blog before end of this month..

Lets start with today .. 11 April 2012 .. at 5pm (or somewhere that time) .. I was taking a nap with Hud when my sister (Kak Ti) called from kampung (my hometown) and said that earthquake is happening at that time .. when she called, she can still feel the shaking.. so the chaos and panic start .. we waited for the news in the internet .. fear that the disaster in 2004 will happen again.. at the moment (9.33pm) nothing happen yet.. but everyone is still in alert mode.. preparing for the worst..

what else happened this few weeks ..

I went to Cranberries Concert.. although not many songs I remembered, but at least I know how to sing Zombie.. hahahaha .. also they sang Linger, Ridiculous and a few more that I know (the chorus).. ahhahahaa so I can still sing along.. I got a free ticket given by my sister's boyfriend who works in NTV7 .. so he normally got a free ticket .. I think, I can ask from Telco for the ticket, but I realized that it's not a right thing to do.. and my sister's boyfriend need to be nice to me, in order to date my sister.. hahahahahaha (it's not related actually, I just made it up).. hahaha ..

some nice photos I took because I got a nice spot during the concert.. Thank You Yusri!!! next time bagi lagi ye.

My free ticket - Rock Zone RM0.00

Dolores ... from Cranberries

My friends ...

It's not our group if no photos..  :D

At the end of the show.. love it!!!!

Opppsss I forgot something.. before we went to the show, we stop by at Pavilion to celebrate Mashimaro's birthday .. (ok.. her real name is Mashitah .. but we like to call her in many names) .. hehehehee ampunnnn ye Mash..

And of course, the camwhoring session starts there ..lots and lots of laughter!!!

few of the crazy photos.. hahahaha

Oooooo before I forgot.. I got the key to my new house!!! finally!!!! after waiting since January, I finally have my house.. OMG!! its such a lovely feelings.. it still is until now..  but the excitement of decorating my house has to be in slowmode due to financial issue .. but it's not really a problem.. i just have to take it slowly .. at the moment, still haven't made my mind on the kitchen and grill .. just finish installing the lights and fan.. I'm happy with the result and my choice on the lightings.. :D

some photos on my new apartment:

next building is still under construction

view from my house

the kids playing at the show unit..

That's long enough .. will write more later .. (can't promise when .. hehehehe ) ...

Cheers,
Fyda Black