Friday, July 25, 2008

Sipadan Island - Part I

Sorry for not updating for a long time. I was kinda busy and when I have the time, photos were not resized yet. By the time I finished resizing one by one, it reaches bed time. Hehhe you might be thinking "Why lar give so many reasons.."..hahha!

Sipadan was awesome! Must visit, people!

Best still if you have your scuba diving license, because that place is known as one of the best scuba diving spots in Asia. I only have the chance for snorkeling instead of diving. Did not managed to go for scuba diving lesson. Perhaps I will take it anytime before my next trip to Sipadan.

Just in case some of you might not know where's Sipadan. Sipadan is located in the east of Tawau, Sabah and it was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop. In the past, the Abu Sayyaf terrorists gang kidnapped some tourists and workers at the island. So now the Malaysian military are protecting tourists against possible terrorists attacks . The government do not allow any visitors to stay in the island anymore, and you got the apply for permission before entering into the island.

We took an early flight to Tawau and the hotel management arranged us the transport to Semporna jetty before getting to our chalet, Sipadan-Mabul Resort.



Something happened to our flight there. The flight was ready for take off and the pilot had started accelerating. Before the take off, the plane went on an emergency brake! Everyone in the plane was panic. Almost take off and goes with an emergency brake? What's wrong? One of the computer system shut down in a sudden, and the pilot could not take off. He made an emergency brake and then make a U-turn back to the terminal. My heart almost jumped out. Luckily the computer system did not shut off after the take off or when we're on the sky.

We waited for almost 2 hours before transferring to another plane. Our schedule was delayed.

And look at this cute lil girl..



Carrying her baby all time on her back.

The journey from Tawau airport to Semporna took about an hour plus. Reached jetty around 1pm and we gotta rushed to check in our chalet and get ready to go Sipadan. Our permit to Sipadan is on the first day itself. If we were late, then we might miss the chance to Sipadan. And luckily we reached our chalet quite early, around 2pm.















Had our lunch at the resort and check in around 3pm. We took a quick lunch because all of us were excited to go Sipadan island instead of filling up our stomach. If we eat a lot, we might ended up with seasick or whatever..lol!




Gathered at the lobby at 3pm and get ready for Sipadan! Woohoo..The sky was blue and no sign of rain. Good good.



I camwhored before getting wet. I know I wont look pretty when I'm wet..hahha! Unlike those swimwear model, I dont have potential at all! Hhahaha..





We got more excited when we reached the island. It was really beautiful. Especially the corals and fishes. Oh let me tell you..the fishes there aint mini! They are big..huge fishes! Same goes to the turtles that we saw. My dad saw a group of sharks as well, but they're the tame ones. I didnt follow him to the other side of the island, so no sharks seeing for me.

And this is the proof that I've landed in Sipadan..hahha! The only signboard that is available in the island.









We have to sign few forms to agree on the rules and regulations of entering into Sipadan island. I dont have the photos of the corals and beautiful fishes. Perhaps I will add in when I got the photos from my friends' camera.

We spent 2 hours at Sipadan Island before leaving back to our resort. I was reluctant to leave the island but no choice, it was getting late. According to a friend, the day gets dark kinda early at the east coast. Around 6 something it's all dark.



I love our resort. A relaxing place to chill. Unfortunately we only stayed for a night there before it is too costly. USD400 per night. But this time we got discount because AhHwa got the government staff rate.

Is my photography skills improving? Hehhe I should've asked Eugene where is my level. ;)











Drinking session at night. AhHwa brought bacardi lemon and sprite. And I dont understand how bananas goes with liquor?!



Hahha!

More to photo blogging today. I have no time for more words because I need to sleep early tonight. Have an early appointment tomorrow.

To be continued..


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