Tioman Trip 2013

This Tioman trip is quite different than my previous 3 trips. For one, we started our journey at 5 a.m. instead of late at night since the ferry only departs at 9 a.m. which means we have to be there by 8. We depart from MLK, hubby and I reached MLK on Monday around 4 pm. There were not that many people as compared to all the previous time I went to Tioman. Despite the school holiday, it being on Tuesday instead of weekend probably makes the difference. The journey was also very fast since we reached Tioman in less than 3 hours. I still remember our 5-hours journey to Salang last time. The first incident during the trip was the lost luggage incident. We disembarked at Tekek but one of our luggage was not on the ferry. Thankfully the captain promised to look for it on his way back to Mersing and he found it left at the first stop i.e. Genting jetty. We got the news at 1 p.m. but have to wait till about 6 to get it since he has to follow the ferry schedule.

The ferry we're on

Second day were island hopping time. We waited for quite a bit since the tide is low but started our journey around 9 am. First stop is the beach near Batu Malang with monitor lizards around. We didn't stay long as there were not much to see under the water. Then we went very near to Batu Malang and the view was breathtaking. We have dived here before. Makes me want to dive here again but diving is not in our itinerary this time. We spent quite some time here and I got tired swimming trying to go around the big rock. By the time everybody were on board, I was still paddling in the water. Energy level almost zero that hubby threw rope at me and he pulled me near the boat.

Third stop is at Salang for early lunch and much needed bathroom break and rest. Then off to Monkey Bay with white sand underwater sans a single coral, followed by Marine Park.

Some fish at the Marine Park

Steam fish, BBQ, sweet sour... nyummm... looks delicious.

Last stop was Rengis which I remember for its beautiful coral and colorful fishes but the current was very strong. Even the boys who are strong swimmer said so. I wanted to just be in the water near the platform and hold on to the rope but the moment I was in the water, all attempt to get nearer to the platform and hold on to the rope failed and I got swept away further and further from the platform and our boat. Reached hubby and he tried pulling my vest to the platform but got tired doing so. All ideas of underwater photography disappeared from my mind. The water was very high too. Last time I remember sometimes my feet can touch the coral. But this time, it looked very deep. The coral seemed far. So hubby and I hold on to a buoy till out boat came to the rescue. We reached the beach and I immediately return to our chalet to take a bath and rest while the rest went to the pool. I have no more energy left. Later, I went to one of the beach chair to relax till dinner time. 

The beach nearest to our chalet and my favorite spot somewhere there.

Third day was relaxing day while hubby and the big boys went kayaking to Rengis island. This time the current wasn't as strong as yesterday so they managed to take some nice pics. Still deep though. Sis and the lil boys played at the pool. I was all by myself lounging under the shade while the mat salleh and minah salleh stayed under the sun getting baked, looking like lobster already. Hubby disappeared around our early dinner time and the Azan Maghrib. I went looking for him at the beach and saw him at the beach chair looking at the almost non-existent sunset and no stars either. We waited and chit chat for a while till the light totally disappears from the sky before returning to the chalet and I took my dinner. Hubby was still full from late lunch so he took a late dinner instead

He ate instant noodle, bread and biscuits for lunch because by the time sis and I reached the place where we normally eat at 2.30, not much food choice available and they only started cooking again at 3pm. So we ordered and I ate some rice with chicken curry. By this time hubby already reached the chalet from kayaking with the boys and famished.

Fourth day, packed first so it'll be easier to check out later. Spend time at the pool for a while and then the beach. We checked out after 1 p.m. and the receptionist said the bus to Tekek just left about 10 minutes ago. Sigh! So we have to wait for the 3 pm. bus and ate biscuit for lunch. By the time we reached Tekek, nothing much were available at the stalls either. I bought fried rice while the rest have burgers. We have just enough time for prayers after meal and then waited for the ferry that was supposed to be there by 4.30 but reached the jetty at 5 p.m.

At Mersing, quickly went to the washroom and for $0.30 the toilet were very clean as compared to Tekek which I also paid $0.30. A quick shopping, nothing really new and outstanding to buy though coz we've been here a few times. Bought myself and hubby a t-shirt. Heard the Azan and quickly performed our jamak prayer. We stopped at our normal place for dinner and reached MLK by midnight. So that sums up our journey this time.

For my record, on a 4d3n journey I can probably survive wearing the blouse and pants on my coming journey, swimming attire plus two more sets of clothes. I can wash the clothes on my first day and wear it on our return trip with no problem. But I brought extra clothes. I have a pants and tudung that I didn't wear and a blouse that I can live without but wear it since it's already packed. I also wore a fresh blouse and tudung for return journey. I have too many clothes for MLK stay too. I have plans but too tired to go about and just relax. Hence, not required to change often. Just day clothes and kaftan for the night. I'm preparing for eventualities of day clothes, night clothes, nighties for 2 days but ended up wearing day clothes and nighties only. Both nights I fell asleep at 10 pm.

We reached home Monday morning and hubby immediately went to work. I can stay home and relax this week, preparing material for next week training.