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29 August 2012
Above: With no underwater camera, all we can capture is a surface photo of the crystal-clear water. We toyed with the idea of doing more whale-swims. But no one could take us; they’re all full. It’s probably better that way as our companions told us our experience yesterday was unbeatable compared to the other days […]
28 August 2012
We walked down to Dolphin Pacific’s office with a large wad of cash at 0830 for our whale-swim adventure. There were 8 guests including ourselves (with 2 of them picked up at a resort rather than setting out with us). The rules require a max of 4 pax in the water plus the guide. Some […]
27 August 2012
We landed on time at Tongatapu shortly after 1100. Our connection to Vava’u was in less than three hours which would be enough time on a good day (and touch-and-go in case of a delay). As it turned out, we got through immigration and customs very quickly as we had no checked luggage. We shuttled […]
27 August 2012
While the flight to Tongatapu wasn’t super-early, we still had to wake up before 0500. I had tried flying out on a day with an afternoon flight but those don’t connect on to Vava’u very well. Further, going on those days would require a stay in Tonga on a Sunday – which is an unproductive […]
24 August 2012
I arrived back into Auckland today after 12 weeks away. The 12 week journey cost me a total of NZD7400 made up as follows: Accommodation and Expenses: NZD5500. Airfares (17 flights): NZD1900. Accommodation costs reflects 13 nights spent in free accommodation (friend’s place and own holiday home). Expenses include four dives, 2 in Seychelles and another […]
23 August 2012
It was an early (but not obscene) start in Kuching to catch the Malaysia Airlines direct flight from Kuching to Hong Kong (via Kota Kinabalu). FYI, direct means same plane (in airline lingo); it doesn’t mean non-stop. It was 1h30 plus 2h55 with a fairly long turnaround at Kota Kinabalu of 1h05 (unlike AirAsia’s 25 […]
23 August 2012
Historically known for showcasing the best of local cuisine, Malaysia Airlines descended to new lows in their domestic… Posted by Alex Chan on Sunday, September 7, 2014
14 August 2012
It was decidedly cool and unhumid in Kota Bharu this morning as we walked out of the hotel. I thought Malaysia was tropical but obviously I was wrong. I had the famous Nasi Kerabu (Kelantan specialty) for breakfast again before packing and heading out to the airport. The flight to KL was delayed for […]
13 August 2012
I started the day by walking out of bed into the sea; it was lovely at high tide at Teluk Dalam where we were staying. We followed with breakfast and checked out at 1100. Our boat back to Kuala Besut left soon after 1200. It was a smaller boat and the journey was about half […]
12 August 2012
We were meant to do two dives with Alu Alu Dive Centre but after a delayed start due to weather, the boat broke down. We searched for another dive centre and ended up diving with Arwana Perhentian Dive Centre. We enjoyed the experience far better due to a more vigilant dive master who also took […]