tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74970023322303863702024-02-08T10:22:17.707+08:00Life is a Zwitterion.Ramblings of a not-so-sciency scientist (I think).Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-13550242891406142102020-05-02T05:26:00.001+08:002020-05-02T05:26:38.885+08:00Marine Mammal Memories<a href="http://marecet.org/" target="_blank">MareCet</a>, a Malaysian NGO focused on the research and conservation of marine mammals in Malaysian waters, has recently started a series of online lectures on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marecetresearchorganization" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> with the release of weekly videos till the end of June and will only be up till July this year so go check the videos out while you can.<br />
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To date, two videos have been uploaded - the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marecetresearchorganization/videos/2890413661050078/" target="_blank">first as an introduction to marine mammals</a> and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marecetresearchorganization/videos/964704707277285/" target="_blank">latest on marine mammal tales and traditional uses in cultures across the globe</a>. I just completed the latter lecture and it certainly brought back memories of these unique organisms as seen in the wild over the past three decades of my existence on this blue planet.<br />
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(WARNING: Much digression ahead.)<br />
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My earliest memory of marine mammals is probably from when I was about 10 years old, maybe younger, on a family trip to Pulau Langkawi. I must have seen a pod of dolphins leaping in the horizon while on a boat trip around the island as my mom captured scenic images of the beautiful sea with the jumping dolphins as black dots on the photographs using a compact film camera without a zoom. I remember my mother describing the moment to my relatives using the photographs as a visual aid, "The dolphins are the 'boogers' on the photo!"<br />
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The next time I saw marine mammals in the wild was during my first semester as an undergraduate at University of Hawaii at Hilo in the fall of 2008. I volunteered for a semi-annual Hawaiian monk seal, <i>Neomonachus schauinslandi</i>, count and travelled to predetermined locations on the Big Island by car to spot this endemic pinniped (semi-aquatic carnivorous marine mammals like seals, sea lions, and walruses) for an island-wide (or was it a state-wide) study on its population size and individual migratory patterns. I got in a car with the small group I was placed in led by the super inspirational and damn cool Darren Roberts (fanboy-ing now; ask me why personally) headed north to places that I have forgotten the names of (one good reason to start journalling seriously) for this count. We finally made our one and only sighting of a Hawaiian monk seal at Kauhola Point (I only remembered this location because of the lighthouse). It was sunbathing on the rocky shoreline. I was reminded to adhere to federal laws and to maintain my distance from this animal as to not harass it and also to not get my face bit off by this strong, semi-aquatic, wild animal. It was super chill though, ignoring Darren's closer examination of the identification tag(s) on its tail for the report at the end of sighting effort. After this virgin sighting of the Hawaiian monk seal, I observed it a few more times with the most memorable sighting on a summer afternoon at Richardson's Beach Park where a huge individual made its way to a freshwater/brackish pond by the car park. Good times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighthouse that helped me figure out the name of location where I sighted my first ever pinniped in the wild, the endemic Hawaiian monk seal. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8q-itoHPg7FH88ox1W2ReEurj7UpI8Rm0A7Ddit2AaECqlEiL6KJA3-nSPQbU-4GIm1HPnPA6Y72JIp9ooZYvz5SE9Yg03Q2AIBuuOMc5Rn95n9Cg1OWjSxHFQVnpr9qlpFoP24DiR3R/s1600/10401042_32249877842_8497_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A digitally zoomed image of the Hawaiian monk seal basking on dry land.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVA7IxzocgJpvI9OkMPR-kmX_6e_GWADZJa836h0vQZIoGC_zKQwU4HgzsklOuybpTl3U5BucpBTlqSYSLbFCAHGk_uvncAC0BO6UO0fMCf3cYx4PfjJacDVtC3j2qv4m4dEVnAYJBgoS/s1600/10401042_32250027842_1063_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I zoomed in for this photograph too. Look at the orange identification tag on its tail. I think there could be more tags on its tail, maybe even flippers, because I keep remembering seeing more than one tag. Maybe this memory is of a different individual some other time after this sighting.</td></tr>
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The following semester in spring of 2009 (I think) while on a field trip out at sea for my Marine Biodiversity Laboratory class, I actually got to see and hear Humpback whales, <i>Megaptera novaeangliae</i>. This is towards the end of an annual affair of migrating from the icy cold waters of the northern seas to the warm tropical waters of the Hawaiian archipelago to mate along the way and give birth to young. I vaguely remember observing some partial breaches from a pod of a few individuals.What I do remember very well is the song of the Humpback whales captured from the hydrophone of the vessel - it was magical. Although only able to listen to a small segment before losing the signal, I remember feeling extremely calm and grateful for being able to be there with my classmates and instructor. Unfortunately, I do not have any visual (nor audio) records of this warm experience. Thanks, Humpback whales! Like the Hawaiian monk seal, I made few more sightings of these giants while in Hawaii.<div>
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<br />Fast forward to the year 2015, I made sightings of dolphins from the shores of Datai bay where I used to work at The Datai Langkawi, a five-star luxury resort as an informal educator. These are Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, <i>Sousa chinensis</i>. I have created a reputation at my former workplace for the person that all dolphin (or any other "cool") sightings must be reported to so we can contribute to MareCet's long-term research on Langkawi dolphins. I would request my then watersports colleague to take me out on the inflatable to capture images of their fins to assist MareCet in the possible identification of individuals visiting the bay but without much luck. My colleagues, resort guests, and I would get very excited to see these animals in our bay, it was always a very special treat. The "Old Guards" of the watersports pavilion at the resort always told me that the appearance of dolphins in our bay would ALWAYS usher stormy events in the very near future. Unfortunately, I never found this to be true since the islands' weather is determined by the monsoons.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHL48_EmMGSaB14cKGts3eh39kzDTlRz3-qsNyGUFwNVWNfSeqDPLPyw6_A5QDu3nLepOuw7JG6v0rPI3KB1G1WJYtWUI1H7Lq7nFq1_oPKPTYUxKGLd3PM_eLlTxFp1Wx-6glhbOfxwjb/s1600/11141387_10152980474857843_931493634898948888_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1600" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHL48_EmMGSaB14cKGts3eh39kzDTlRz3-qsNyGUFwNVWNfSeqDPLPyw6_A5QDu3nLepOuw7JG6v0rPI3KB1G1WJYtWUI1H7Lq7nFq1_oPKPTYUxKGLd3PM_eLlTxFp1Wx-6glhbOfxwjb/s640/11141387_10152980474857843_931493634898948888_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best that I can do from shore with the animal being more than 200 m away from me, a person with no prior experience commandeering an inflatable equipped with a then five-year old 200 m zoom lens.</td></tr>
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I then got to learn more about this animal and other cetaceans (fully aquatic marine mammals like dolphins, porpoises, and whales) in September of the same year when I finally got the opportunity to participate on my first MareCet fieldwork as a volunteer in a study on population density of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (and I think also the estuarine Irrawaddy dolphin, <i>Orcaella brevirostris</i>) of the coastal waters off of Matang Mangrove Forest in the state of Perak. Other than the aforementioned species of cetaceans, I also managed to observe the elusive (or is it evasive?) Indo-Pacific finless porpoise, <i>Neophocaena phocaenoides</i>, mostly reminding me of floating tyres. I got to see a group of young Malaysian "cetaceanists" (you read this here first) passionately (and patiently with a lot of discipline) go out on explorer boats with a local captain in search of cetaceans for eight days. It was an eye-opening experience. I learned a lot about the science that goes behind studying marine mammal ecology in Malaysia and also the character needed to dedicate so much of one's life in doing so. There were many profound personal experience for me throughout the eight days but the happiest, most fulfilling moment as a volunteer with MareCet over roughly four years (this is after considering the times when we buried a dolphin carcass above the high tide mark of a secluded beach along the obsolete part of Jalan Teluk Datai and sieving the guts of a dead porpoise after dinner into the early morning of the following day) would be on perhaps the third day of this particular trip when I managed to alert the team of a sighting of a Irrawaddy dolphin. This would be the first of the very few times I have alerted the group of a marine mammal sighting, an achievement that I am still very proud of myself. (It is tough since it is quite easy to mistake a white cap of a the crest of a breaking wave as a dolphin's dorsal fin. Plus I have bad eyesight....)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhygV2NyFvphNoudmfdE8bFBmTAdESKtkmZDcUPFc58c6xgrNVWz-HLpz_NQHV0VuJWC-n8DMv3SaQa9yuSIod_gahcTR3RL4swhbSuncJCC3JiY2a8BM9FKQZyJHU4M1q29WJEeGJsj4s/s1600/11707977_10153219965962843_916454300331110259_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhygV2NyFvphNoudmfdE8bFBmTAdESKtkmZDcUPFc58c6xgrNVWz-HLpz_NQHV0VuJWC-n8DMv3SaQa9yuSIod_gahcTR3RL4swhbSuncJCC3JiY2a8BM9FKQZyJHU4M1q29WJEeGJsj4s/s640/11707977_10153219965962843_916454300331110259_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, local vessel owners would allow for the temporary installment of what I call the "umpire's seat" at the bow of an explorer boat as seen in this image. This seat can accommodate two primary observers, towering perhaps four to five metres above the waters in search of swimming cetaceans. Since the primary observers have a wide angle of view to focus on, a third observer when there are sufficient individuals onboard, would stand below the the seat to look a narrow angle of view (right ahead) to catch missed observations by the primary observers as they scan through their viewing field. I was the third observer when I called out my first ever alert. It was exhilarating! Pictured here from left to right is the fearless Vivian, jovial Sandra, and amazing photog Long. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkQrOZRB8l81aedpEOB-7dBqIMUDrgoTd2T9L3ji6GvMSDaa_ZJ5jf8EEz9pZq9cUKCI10Op5TWvNN8DXA26pOOzgfpW1LNSnuYc1zELDny0wEOu-qV0rN_hSaPzlm45fIJUS_WWlsKDj/s1600/18449374_10154669585432843_1248243211151279649_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkQrOZRB8l81aedpEOB-7dBqIMUDrgoTd2T9L3ji6GvMSDaa_ZJ5jf8EEz9pZq9cUKCI10Op5TWvNN8DXA26pOOzgfpW1LNSnuYc1zELDny0wEOu-qV0rN_hSaPzlm45fIJUS_WWlsKDj/s640/18449374_10154669585432843_1248243211151279649_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pod of Indo-Pacific dolphins in the waters of Pulau Langkawi in November 2016. I think this is the first trip for Sandra's behavioural/social study on this species. Dolphin researchers like Vivian and Sandra require clear images of the dorsal fins of individual dolphins for identification. Think markings on dorsal fins as fingerprints for humans. I hear it is a tedious process trying to identify individuals like this but it has proven to be a very accurate, non-invasive way to doing so.</td></tr>
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During my time as a Masters student in the Global Field Program offered by Miami University, I had the chance to travel to parts of the world that I would not have thought of to learn about inspiring conservation work and unique biodiversity on summer field trips known as Earth Expeditions. It is during these Earth Expeditions that I manage to see foreign marine mammals in the wild. Baja California is a magical place and our Sea of Cortez leg (at Bahia de Los Angeles) of my <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.com/2016/10/so-green.html" target="_blank">2016 Earth Expeditions </a>allowed me to see my next pinniped, the California sea lion, <i>Zalophus californianus</i> swimming in shallow waters. You can view a video of this sighting <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JonMoxie99/videos/10153862763827843/" target="_blank">here</a>. I was feeling a mix of excitement and anxiousness - excited because well, it is a cool animal that I have only previously seen in captivity and anxious because there was a huge male that swam quite close to us. I thought he was going to obliterate me!<br />
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The Sea of Cortez, or more commonly known as the Gulf of Mexico, is a deep sea due it being a rift from tectonic events off the North American Plate. Upwells in this see transport nutrient-rich waters from the cold deep sea, allowing microorganisms to thrive, creating the base of a food web capable of sustaining large organisms. While the boat carrying me and my classmates were out on "swelly" waters, I manage to catch a glimpse of a whale as the boat was travelling up the crest of the swell. It could have been either a Fin, <i>Balaenoptera physalus</i>, or a Bryde's whale, <i>Balaenoptera brydei</i>, from the size of the animal but we were not close enough to see discerning features so I cannot confirm the species. On different day out at sea, the entire class was lucky enough to observe a pod of Short-finned pilot whales (technically very large dolphins), <i>Globicephala macrorhynchus</i>, swimming very gently at the surface of the water. I remember being incredibly shocked and in awe of the size of the animals in this pod. There was one, I kid you not, that was the length of the boat we were on. I did not pack my DSLR on this particular Earth Expeditions, which I regret till this day (should not have packed the extra clothes), so I only have a few scenes using my GoPro Silver 4 which you can see at the beginning of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JonMoxie99/videos/10154029097142843/" target="_blank">this</a> video of the non-Whale shark aquatic highlights of Sea of Cortez. (For the video on my first ever Whale shark experience, click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JonMoxie99/videos/10153862707172843/" target="_blank">here</a>. The Whale shark, <i>Rhincodon typus</i>, is a large, filter-feeding cartilaginous fish.)<br />
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My final Earth Expeditions was to <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.com/2017/10/cant-belize-its-finalee.html" target="_blank">Belize in 2017</a>. The class was out on the boat travelling in the calm coastal waters of Belize within the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere in search of Antillean manatees, <i>Trichechus manatus</i>, with <a href="https://www.edgeofexistence.org/blog/meet-new-manatee-fellow-jamal-galves/" target="_blank">Belize's Manateeman, Jamal Galves</a>, a local Belizean dedicated to the conservation of these gentle giants. When we approached an estuary at the mouth of a mangrove river, someone pointed out manatees in murky waters. This is perhaps the cutest marine mammal sighting yet for me. Even though I did not get the see the general form of the Antillean manatee due to murky waters, my classmates and I got to see the "snoots" of manatees coming up to to breathe dry air. Sirenians, the group of marine mammals like the Dugong and manatees, are related to elephants! The snout of the manatee poking out from the water for dry air reminds me of how elephants would use their trunks as snorkels when travelling in water! The snouts of sirenians are also prehensile like the trunks of elephants. My heart was leaping in excitement when I saw the manatees. Not what I expected to experience (think clear waters with tens of manatees surrounding the boat or clear waters where one can easily watch a manatee graze on seagrass from the surface), but a special experience nevertheless which I am grateful for.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The emerging snouts of a mother-calf pair (mom on the right, calf on the left). So cute!</td></tr>
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If you watched MareCet's first video in their online lecture series, you would have learned of the different types of marine mammals. Three were mentioned here, cetacean, pinniped, and sirenian. The other would be marine "fissiped", apparently a defunct term to refer to carnivorous mammals who are fully reliant on the ocean for sustenance and reproduction. This includes the Polar bear, <i>Ursus maritimus</i>, and "ocean" otters like the Sea otter, <i>Enhydra lutris</i>. I have yet to see these species in the wild. In addition to this, I have also never seen the Dugong nor <a href="http://marecet.org/info-room/marine-mammals-in-malaysia" target="_blank">the other cetaceans, like the Bryde's whale, present in Malaysian waters</a>. I really hope I will get the chance to observe them in their natural habitat one day.<br />
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These animals are apex predators and/or keystone species in the ecosystems they are part of. Without them, ecosystems crumble and we risk livelihoods and the survival of humans globally, whether directly or indirectly. And of course, they have the intrinsic right of being alive as a species. Therefore, we must make change and do our part in conserving and preserving these species and their habitats. I urge you to voice out against irresponsible coastal development, demand for better/more transparent supply chain of seafood (or reduce in the consumption of aquatic species), fight against pollution of waterways, do not litter/reduce the generation of solid wastes in your household, and support responsible tourism (no speeding boats, no feeding of animals, and definitely no crowding around these charismatic animals - let them dictate your experience). </div>
Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-68783757159810564582020-03-09T23:08:00.000+08:002020-03-09T23:08:36.288+08:00The CanteenToday's lunch brings us to what my boss and other colleagues call "canteen". It is a typical Chinese seafood restaurant in Klang that is always empty for lunch except for me and my colleagues. The company has been such a regular customer the past year that my colleagues were treated to a massive seafood hotpot ON THE HOUSE.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, just us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's steam fish was delicious.</td></tr>
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The company even had our Chinese New Year company lunch with a company lucky draw earlier this year! Yes, still confused.<br />
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The owner likes us so much that she serves us fruits for free after we are done with the dishes. Today, she served us the sweetest jackfruit I have had in years. I have never heard the Mandarin word for jackfruit so I inquired of my colleagues and I learned a new word today - 菠萝蜜 (Bōluómì), which apparently means "pineapple honey". After learning this new word, I thought it would be fun to surprise my Mandarin-speaking colleagues but they did not understand what I was saying. Interestingly, 菠萝 (Bōluó) means pineapple in Mandarin but here in Malaysia, pineapple is more commonly known as 黃梨 (Huáng lí), literally "yellow pear". And during CNY, "to attract prosperity". My colleagues also made me realise that 菠萝包 (Bōluó bāo), a famous sweet bun in Hong Kong I have eaten so many times before that it is called pineapple bun in English. Gosh. Mindblown. Mom, please do not reproach me for being hopeless in Mandarin.<br />
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Moving on to making fun of my friend's motivational quote sharing of the day:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Time and silence are the most luxurious things today. Good morning..:)"</blockquote>
Actually, I have no comment for this. This could be true in an age of information deluge. Wise share, friend, wise share.<br />
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<br />Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-4343152978729663312020-03-08T17:32:00.002+08:002020-03-09T22:01:57.539+08:00Change.Much has changed since my last entry. 2019 was a crazy, amazing year. I got married after a two-year engagement with my lovely, God-sent partner, Aisha in September, grown so much professionally at work through life-changing challenges throughout the year, and decided to move back to the Klang Valley to be with my wife.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was working on an artificial reef project for The Datai Langkawi and finally, after what seems like eons (one whole year), we finally got to do so on the 16th of January 2019. Momentous day for us at work, me in my professional career, a portent to many more achievements in 2019.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A professional portrait of the team I led during my second stint at The Datai Langkawi (from 2018 to 2019) in front of The Nature Centre. I am glad to have been part of this team of diverse personalities that coalesced against all hardships thrown at us in 2019. Yes, 2019 had many dark days. Picture credit <a href="https://www.destinasian.com/blog/news-briefs/revisiting-the-legendary-datai-langkawi-resort" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wedding band and us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUYAA8wDWjZQxpmMtogyzcz811IbxxLWaiNQrZ1TXXnV3Wv_hHrbUMTHeEZIMLnUq_SPV3URuhe8AnEqjlTZkLGucMMh4wTvdkzqNjGM9rAymxGnlvFqUlmHo-In6NN-R4N_Ew43eo4rP/s1600/BRY08799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUYAA8wDWjZQxpmMtogyzcz811IbxxLWaiNQrZ1TXXnV3Wv_hHrbUMTHeEZIMLnUq_SPV3URuhe8AnEqjlTZkLGucMMh4wTvdkzqNjGM9rAymxGnlvFqUlmHo-In6NN-R4N_Ew43eo4rP/s640/BRY08799.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love you, Aisha. Aisha blogged about our wedding. Go check it out <a href="http://lookitsaisha.blogspot.com/2019/10/jon-x-aisha-tropical-wedding-photoshoot.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://lookitsaisha.blogspot.com/2019/10/jon-x-aisha-budget-wedding-info.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine and Aisha's "nest".</td></tr>
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It has been four months since I have moved in with Aisha and we are definitely enjoying married life together. I started my new job in January and I am enjoying it very much, although it is in a very different industry doing nothing like what I have been doing since 2013. Funnily, my new workplace is just a five-minute drive from the house I grew up in and my permanent mailing address of 24 years!<br />
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Now that I have more free time than the past four years (graduated with my Masters degree in Fall 2018 and no more doing long hours at The Datai Langkawi), I decided I should blog more since I feel blogging helps me journal more.<br />
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But it is so tough to know what to blog about, what to journal about. Therefore, I have come up with a formula for this blogging/journal dead-end - my go-to "theme" would be:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Lunches</li>
<li>About the discussions I have at these lunches</li>
<li>New vocabulary I learn from my daily readings</li>
<li>Making fun of motivational quotes a friend shares in a group chat on WhatsApp</li>
</ul>
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How about I start this tomorrow?</div>
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<br />Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-18996382639858603712019-04-02T19:31:00.001+08:002019-04-02T19:31:25.600+08:00It’s All About the Butts - Empowering SmokersA typical rest day for me is lying down on a <i>batik sarong</i> on the soft sandy beaches of Pulau Langkawi. I pick my spot under the natural shading courtesy of <i>pokok ketapang</i>. My set-up is made complete with some natural history and Sci-fi literature. When it gets too hot, I simply walk into the sea to cool off. Floating in the emerald waters of Langkawi while looking at landscapes as old as time, I have to concur with renowned Malaysian naturalist and my mentor, Irshad Mobarak, that heaven is indeed a place on Earth, and that place is Pulau Langkawi.<br />
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<h3>
Trouble in Paradise and the Big Blue</h3>
However, not all is great in paradise. I often see litter on the beach. Litter like tissue paper, beverage tin cans, plastic bags, straws, and all kinds of food packaging decorate the sand. I pick up whatever litter I can and discard it when I get home. By far, the litter I pick up most often is the cigarette butt. I have collected up to 40 cigarette butts on a 20 metre walk on the backshore of Pantai Pasir Tengkorak, a quiet beach situated away from the busy tourist spots of Kuah town and Pantai Cenang. At Pantai Cenang, I counted the same number of cigarette butts but along just a 5 metre line of its backshore. Ridiculous! Even more frustrating is that these are just the butts that are sticking out from the sand. The gentle quartz sand is likely hiding more.<br />
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This is not a phenomenon unique to Pulau Langkawi. In fact, for the past decade, Ocean Conservancy has reported cigarette butts to be the most collected litter on their annual global coastal cleanups, with a record of 2,248,065 pieces in the year 2015. That is at least a million more than plastic bottles in the same year! Surfrider beach cleanups report that one in every five items collected is a cigarette butt.<br />
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While it might be tempting to blame beach users and tour operators, cigarette butts make their way to the coast and into the ocean via natural and man-made drainages. An improperly disposed butt from the plant boxes of KLCC Park gets a free ride to the ocean when it is washed away from the epic downpours of Kuala Lumpur. Rainwater carries the butt into drains that empty into Sungai Klang before ending up in the Straits of Malacca.That butt will then add to the cigarette butts in the ocean, currently estimated at around 4.5 trillion pieces.<br />
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<h4>
More Than Just Paper</h4>
Just what is a butt? In the wake of strong research showing that smoking causes serious diseases, filtered cigarettes became dominant in the 1960s for the alleged increase of health safety the filter provides for the smoker. This filter is made of cellulose acetate, a non-flammable polymer created by adding a chemical to cellulose, the stuff that makes up the cell walls of plants and lets them grow tall. While the squishy white filter underneath the cigarette paper appears harmless, it is not readily biodegradable and takes anywhere between 18 months to 10 years to “disappear”. Because the filter is compact and rich in chemicals, the “disappearance” of a filter only happens in extreme conditions and usually means it is broken down into tiny pieces known as microplastics and microfibers. They enter ocean food webs which humans are part of as plankton mistakenly ingest them as food. That delicious <i>ikan tiga rasa</i> you had the other day is probably laced with these micro particles. Furthermore, these persist in the environment for millennia.<br />
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<h4>
The “Cili Padi” of Litter - Small but Painful Punch</h4>
The minute spaces within the filter trap dangerous chemicals from burning cigarettes, such as nicotine, tar (no, not the hydrocarbon used to make roads, but “total aerosol residue” of toxic chemicals), carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and do not forget the many different types of carcinogens. These chemicals can leach into water and have have devastating impacts on aquatic life of all sizes - from microorganisms such as bioluminescent marine bacterium and tiny crustaceans called water fleas, to medium-sized fish in both freshwater and the sea. Cigarette butt litter can even collapse aquatic food webs in severe cases when microorganisms are wiped out due to the ingestion of “empty calories” of cigarette butt micro particles. Basically, no microorganisms, no food for the small fish; no small fish, no food for the big fish; no big fish, no seafood.<br />
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A cigarette butt, too, is the perfect size to act as a choking hazard to hungry wildlife that mistake it for food.<br />
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<h4>
Changing Mindsets and Empowering Smokers</h4>
Public service announcements to quit smoking bombard smokers in Malaysia on a daily basis. All smokers hear and read about smoking is in negative light. This repressive narrative must switch to an empowering narrative encouraging smokers to stop flicking cigarette butts into places other than the bin if we are to reduce the environmental impact of smoking.<br />
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Smokers who simply refrain from flicking their butts can do so much for the environment. It can be tough to break the flicking habit, but here are some tips for binning them butts, after you completely stub them out, of course:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Only smoke in designated areas - Smoking areas generally have proper bins with an ashtray for all your stubbing needs. Just make sure to use them and not the plant boxes. The soil and plants do not need your cigarette butts.</li>
<li>Request an ashtray - Some establishments allow smoking on/in their premises. If there is no ashtray close by, request one from the staff members.</li>
<li>Bring your own ashtray - My friend’s stylish portable ashtray intrigued me when I first saw it about three years ago. It is a metal box with a button that engages a cigarette holder when pressed. Smoke away and flick your ashes and butts into the metal box, then store it in your pocket or purse until you find a bin to discard the refuse.</li>
<li>Upcycle suitable packaging into a portable ashtray - Small metal containers for mints and glass shakers for your dried herbs and spices are great alternatives to somewhat costly portable ashtrays.</li>
<li>Encourage your fellow smokers to be responsible - Spread the word that smokers can make a difference for the betterment of the environment. Do it with passion and joy to effectively touch people on an intrinsic level.</li>
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The choice to smoke is ours, but smokers should make the choice to bin their butts. Flicking cigarette butts everywhere but the bin has profound effects on the environment. But there is still time to save the environment when smokers unite and take action!<br />
<h4>
Beyond Stopping Cigarette Butt Littering</h4>
Smokers can further help the environment by being informed and responsible consumers. Smokers can write to their favourite brands to pressure tobacco companies to be environmentally conscious. More tobacco plantations must employ sustainable practices to reduce excessive use of water and to stop the clearing of forests. How about getting tobacco companies to rethink the packaging of tobacco products? Perhaps organic-based “plastics” can substitute the current plastic wrapper enveloping brand new cigarette cartons. It is also high-time for true biodegradable filters (like “greenbutts”) to be mainstream so cigarette butts do not occupy our landfills and our natural surroundings for eons to come. All of these require the voice of the 22.8% of the Malaysian population who are smokers. Take action and make change!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I originally wrote this article for a class that was meant to be published as a Star2 article but received no bites from the editor. I blame it on the high of the general elections in 2018 but maybe my composition just sucks. Therefore, I have decided to share it on my blog. Maybe some of you readers may benefit from this.</span>Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-11446885766205061952018-02-25T23:18:00.001+08:002018-02-25T23:19:24.430+08:00Flora of Earth ExpeditionsRecently, my <a href="https://gfp.projectdragonfly.org/" target="_blank">Global Field Program</a> cohort got their <a href="https://earthexpeditions.org/" target="_blank">Earth Expeditions</a> placement for this year. It would have been my last Earth Expeditions with my classmates but I have already completed three of them after last year's trip to <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2017/10/cant-belize-its-finalee.html" target="_blank">Belize</a>. I am definitely going to miss this part of my life - travelling to a foreign place to learn about ecology and pedagogy, meeting amazing people, and experience moments that will inspire you for a very long time, if not forever!<br />
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I have observed many new things during my Earth Expeditions travels and there are many things to write about (if I had my journals with me, hah). But for this entry, I thought I could write about the plants that defined each of my Earth Expeditions. I am not a plant guy. However, having a <a href="http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/multimedia/tedxwwf/events/singapore/speakers/irshad_mobarak/" target="_blank">mentor</a> whose knowledge and passion about the natural world is so deep, I suppose the interest in plants (and birds) rubbed off on me.</div>
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For my first Earth Expeditions in 2014, I went to <a href="https://www.earthexpeditions.org/australia" target="_blank">Townsville, Australia</a> focused on coral reef ecosystems and how the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority leads the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef. I signed up for this course for the masters credits to try things out. The class brought us to different locations and habitats. I am so glad to have seen <i>Eucalyptus</i> trees in its native habitat. What took the cake is seeing Koalas in the wild on the <i>Eucalyptus</i> trees on a leisurely, guided stroll on Magnetic Island. It felt so unreal to see teddy bear-like creatures on trees in real life! Plus, the Koalas were on trees in people's yards! GUYS. KOALAS. IN PEOPLE'S YARDS. SO CUTE.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tall <i>Eucalyptus</i> tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big <i>Eucalpytus</i> trees in a <i>Eucalyptus</i> forest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boo!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8zENe9es75Y_Nd1EVyRw6e4zFUzArh4yYkLgf3etHX6FMpKxkILUb1GR5varr0niFX9AvbAa7BzKs665AC3K5ZTErRtnhWa5wBNc3bh3Fc7jzP8I-lFf7MwPbGpiCTB61wrummwI_fyP/s1600/10272578_10152318021382843_6586781097869975490_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirB9HXhIwlv9jBNX10uy7RbzNkACPhmtueaFsgub9p-VYOxfbSK2W_HNCVHsxjAdUiASzpqFq7VGd9rmCCRqQB6hz2ELVZhSFocR7mLOB0UjAsjb7kss0geDR_mH5tkvtb2UW60d_ZbPP3/s1600/1795258_10152314130987843_1433638139411243291_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirB9HXhIwlv9jBNX10uy7RbzNkACPhmtueaFsgub9p-VYOxfbSK2W_HNCVHsxjAdUiASzpqFq7VGd9rmCCRqQB6hz2ELVZhSFocR7mLOB0UjAsjb7kss0geDR_mH5tkvtb2UW60d_ZbPP3/s400/1795258_10152314130987843_1433638139411243291_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO ADORABLE!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE BABY IS LOOKING AT ME! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!</td></tr>
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Two years later, I decided to enroll into the Program and embarked on my second Earth Expeditions to <a href="https://www.earthexpeditions.org/baja" target="_blank">Baja California, Mexico</a>. I was pleasantly surprised of <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2016/10/so-green.html" target="_blank">how green the desert system in Baja California</a> is. I thought that all deserts are void of life. I am just super disappointed that nobody has come up with the name "<a href="http://archive.bio.ed.ac.uk/jdeacon/desertecology/cardon.htm" target="_blank">Cardon</a>" forest or at least cacti forest to describe the landscape of Baja California. Everything was brand new to me but my favourite plant of Baja California has got to be the <a href="http://www.sdnhm.org/oceanoasis/fieldguide/fouq-col.html" target="_blank">Cirio</a>. It is also known as the Boojum tree and its <a href="https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/347302/" target="_blank">weird growth</a> often became the subject for scary folk-esque stories. My instructor described the Cirio as being a tree with the tortured soul of an evil coloniser. (The desert at night can look very creepy. I felt like there should be some sort of myth or legend concerning the flora of the desert of Baja California.)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They grow very tall!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See. Cardon forest... Maybe Cirio forest?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creepy... and beautiful.</td></tr>
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Last year's <a href="https://www.earthexpeditions.org/belize" target="_blank">Earth Expeditions to Belize</a> introduced me to now my most favouritest symbiotic relationship of ants with <a href="http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/200300277.html" target="_blank">Bullhorn Acacia</a>. I know, I know. I loved the <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2017/10/cant-belize-its-finalee.html" target="_blank">seagrass in Belize</a> but the Bullhorn Acacia just has the most interesting story. The swollen "bullhorns" along its branches are actually hollow. On closer inspection, you can see <a href="https://i1.wp.com/science.kennesaw.edu/~jdirnber/Bio2108/Lecture/LecEcology/acacia-ants.jpg?zoom=2" target="_blank">a hole on the underside of the tip of the bullhorn</a>. This hole is used by ants as their nest. The ant colony protects its host Bullhorn Acacia from herbivores and I personally think they are super effective since I got myself bitten TWICE while carrying out an inquiry exercise on how quick their reaction is to responding to a disturbance. My ring finger was swollen for three days and it was the most painful ant bite in my life. (I wonder if our body builds up immunity to ant bites over the years. The ants in Malaysia can deliver painful bites but gosh, the ants in Belize bit like hell!) The colony of ants are attracted and "paid" by the Bullhorn Acacia with supplies of carbohydrates and proteins and lipids. There are <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/502d2cede4b0ab396711e089/t/50f47c9be4b0cfc6e7815e16/1358199965983/2%3A14%3A11+1st.jpg?format=1500w" target="_blank">glands on the underside at the base of the leaves that produce nectar</a> full of carbohydrates and <a href="https://www.mindenpictures.com/cache/pcache2/90001124.jpg" target="_blank">nodules on the tips of the leaves that are rich in protein and lipids called Beltian bodies</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sadly only have one picture of this plant. I regret not visually documenting this plant more extensively.</td></tr>
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These are just a few of the plant species I am blessed to have come across during my Earth Expeditions. While I may be done with Earth Expeditions, I think I will continue to learn more about plants in the future. There are so many species to be acquainted with locally and I hope my future travels around the world will introduce me to new plants.</div>
Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-14983432785453111082018-01-17T13:28:00.000+08:002018-01-18T13:57:53.798+08:00Diving 2017 - Pulau TenggolBefore <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2018/01/diving-2017-koh-lipe.html" target="_blank">my dive trip to Koh Lipe</a>, I dived in Pulau Tenggol, Terengganu, Malaysia in May 2017. I never heard of this island before 2017, when I started seeing pictures from friends/acquaintances on my Facebook feed. Also, a good friend had this really rewarding internship position with a dive resort on the island where at the end of seven months, she would have gotten her Divemaster certification with all the necessary prerequisites. How cool is that?!<br />
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I thought of making this my YOLO trip to kick start my one-month "vacation" of my first job transition in the year by diving in Pulau Tenggol. I got in touch with my good friend, got her to make the booking for my stay in the dorms with five dives. The original financial damage was around RM900 with gear rental but in the last moments before leaving on a speedboat from<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/A'king+Jetty/@4.7848298,103.4179916,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x31c805bc68ba2081:0x8850d1918cb6e56f!8m2!3d4.7848245!4d103.4201803" target="_blank"> A'King Jetty</a> to the island, I decided to get a room so that my parents who dropped me off at the jetty can also chill with me on the island for the next three days. I think everything cost around RM1,600, I think. I YOLO-ed x 2 for this trip! (My parents enjoyed this spontaneous trip but would have preferred time to prepare for the trip, mainly to bring all the snacks they can to the island, for everything is limited on the island.)<br />
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After an hour journey on quite a calm day, we arrived on Pulau Tenggol. The view was dramatic. One moment we travelling in deep blue waters and then it became shallow, evident of a drop just about 100m from shore of the main bay on Pulau Tenggol. (A visitor brought his drone along and captured the aerial view of the island. The drop is reminiscent of a waterfall! I am no exaggerating, though I cannot find any good drone videos on YouTube to show it to you how unreal the view is.) We stayed with Tenggol Coral Beach Resort and I dived with their dive centre. The room was incredibly basic but my parents and I found it to be comfortable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first thing you see when disembarking the speedboat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad chillaxin' like a villain. (I have another picture of this but with more light on my father. Unfortunately, this removed the details from the background.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A YOLO family.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view was great. The clouds were welcomed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv06e-Ab4rULk1TISfchrVOhH62PqgyQHHxxLkHO5LUhfb05B0Ct9VwgraWILx888xLz8sjoiCznkyIW4srhPGt-HNkicRZbHjPU7RbdOrv5Bad4STeAVkSaT7oLrkBhsWJDaEiAzsEfvK/s1600/IMG_20170510_135455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv06e-Ab4rULk1TISfchrVOhH62PqgyQHHxxLkHO5LUhfb05B0Ct9VwgraWILx888xLz8sjoiCznkyIW4srhPGt-HNkicRZbHjPU7RbdOrv5Bad4STeAVkSaT7oLrkBhsWJDaEiAzsEfvK/s400/IMG_20170510_135455.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents, Shakira, and I. Shakira was interning with the dive centre.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6qe5KSqprDNB9a9r8CthF_O2_iQc3ePKQNAUmVNJr9fNyl94Z0mj5wFGhjtxs632vP_megVho34X1NOHcAXvU8kd47v4Z9LQ-0ZhIR74WWF182DAWu7IMymTZ5DC8oN8s9XeI677pMow/s1600/IMG_20170510_135713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6qe5KSqprDNB9a9r8CthF_O2_iQc3ePKQNAUmVNJr9fNyl94Z0mj5wFGhjtxs632vP_megVho34X1NOHcAXvU8kd47v4Z9LQ-0ZhIR74WWF182DAWu7IMymTZ5DC8oN8s9XeI677pMow/s400/IMG_20170510_135713.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heyo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_OHZlzaVS6GJmVC6Ux_VF5WV3yk1lps7tV6349NfvBN2k0vDLn3_3SZ6oW9ccl4jXkJNAhxf8CH3DxUrFuaVlLiDju9B3Z-TLGV2xcoYjw1_1knYFgiWFx0eK6H_qwHC_uEBZaVaHtOU/s1600/PANO_20170509_131800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="1600" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_OHZlzaVS6GJmVC6Ux_VF5WV3yk1lps7tV6349NfvBN2k0vDLn3_3SZ6oW9ccl4jXkJNAhxf8CH3DxUrFuaVlLiDju9B3Z-TLGV2xcoYjw1_1knYFgiWFx0eK6H_qwHC_uEBZaVaHtOU/s640/PANO_20170509_131800.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes Google Camera takes perfect panoramas, sometimes not. Sigh.</td></tr>
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For the five dives that I paid for, I went on two dives in the afternoon on the first day (The Edge and Tanjung Api) and three dives on the second day, two in the morning (Teluk Rajawali and Moonwracker) and one in the afternoon (Sri Nahkoda). The dives were incredible! The underwater landscape has got to be the prettiest I have ever seen in my life! I am a huge fan of seeing coral cascades and the bottom of all the dive sites were pretty much full of life! The benthos were mainly living hard corals! I was begging for some red light but found none 20m underwater. :(<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAlwCoGgxF5TjW3yiJBqCfMuSJrqUDvBi7MHpBb-B_E0cN7DRsA3KdPWYqPdayYQlo4w4dqfHtEjqtU5yqeQaF2Vukfglux86u5VhSTdOVK8LdZn0g1BwpXW7SWbVcbu-8ykQw39NHai_/s1600/18423264_10154678719587843_1185848367374595301_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAlwCoGgxF5TjW3yiJBqCfMuSJrqUDvBi7MHpBb-B_E0cN7DRsA3KdPWYqPdayYQlo4w4dqfHtEjqtU5yqeQaF2Vukfglux86u5VhSTdOVK8LdZn0g1BwpXW7SWbVcbu-8ykQw39NHai_/s400/18423264_10154678719587843_1185848367374595301_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSwxAPI2KxlWQYioisD6nAzrvttrwEjbRwQMgiRqdofnQQHtu-bobpjvpVurdNmeT9ao5ToOX38BxDqqHa0HQzdT_bZhyphenhyphenWULytzTZXwkSuKZzson1C8DVB3uRvnM4Xr5wRYwtt4HHUdvF/s1600/18491460_10154678717872843_2647215141405300285_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSwxAPI2KxlWQYioisD6nAzrvttrwEjbRwQMgiRqdofnQQHtu-bobpjvpVurdNmeT9ao5ToOX38BxDqqHa0HQzdT_bZhyphenhyphenWULytzTZXwkSuKZzson1C8DVB3uRvnM4Xr5wRYwtt4HHUdvF/s400/18491460_10154678717872843_2647215141405300285_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfw8UL8OX2o1_W12Y0ITTPhZcgXILhOHh75iQnNiv3oylANQDFrYBc9fzXByaDWQ8GuCjIydwACrEF3gVdFBF32ifvlbvtZjYG74M-oq3Pb8HU_C5gnL81iV3XkEwhQvFyUxcgsgx4hdN/s1600/18451665_10154678719182843_1482176444405876355_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfw8UL8OX2o1_W12Y0ITTPhZcgXILhOHh75iQnNiv3oylANQDFrYBc9fzXByaDWQ8GuCjIydwACrEF3gVdFBF32ifvlbvtZjYG74M-oq3Pb8HU_C5gnL81iV3XkEwhQvFyUxcgsgx4hdN/s400/18451665_10154678719182843_1482176444405876355_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bYPq2MJnWgzFrVSKwZm_K0Bg66FBNmTCzfnetA38xk5p9tiigIwahEQD_Mc_Pwwo3DzQ3jOQ_N4m5bElc7a0QVZ1olgv-_sr7GZiiimkJiV6xWYcieUQm64dTQ_ElZeQqPhGpOiGN7Vl/s1600/18527065_10154678715657843_3516195736115273539_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bYPq2MJnWgzFrVSKwZm_K0Bg66FBNmTCzfnetA38xk5p9tiigIwahEQD_Mc_Pwwo3DzQ3jOQ_N4m5bElc7a0QVZ1olgv-_sr7GZiiimkJiV6xWYcieUQm64dTQ_ElZeQqPhGpOiGN7Vl/s400/18527065_10154678715657843_3516195736115273539_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, a living seafloor!</td></tr>
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What made me fall in love with this place even more is the fact that nudibranchs are EVERYWHERE! I got to see nudibranchs on all of my dives! I always miss nudibranchs on my dives because of how tough it is to spot them when your dive group is being hurried around a dive site per standard practices of dive centres in Malaysia (from my experience, at least) and me lacking the eye to spot these small animals. So I really enjoyed seeing nudibranchs left, right, and centre so easily around Pulau Tenggol. (People like to call nudibranchs "sea slugs" but they are not sea slugs. This <a href="https://morefundiving.com/nudibranch-or-sea-slug/" target="_blank">article by an avid diver</a> explains it simply the differences/similarities of "nudibranchs" and "sea slugs". They are all marine <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastropoda" target="_blank">gastropods</a> and sometimes the defining feature for me to tell apart nudibranchs from the generic sea slug would be the their <a href="https://www.calacademy.org/blogs/project-lab/nudibranch-imposters" target="_blank">bushy gills and sensory organs called rhinophores</a>, keyword being SOMETIMES.)<br />
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(I saw many nudibranchs and took a picture of a few of them to help me figure out what species they are. Many still remained ID-less to me because the guidebook for nudibranchs of Malaysia is in my previous/future workplace in Langkawi. So, I shall ID them later, I hope? :D)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_iYQdlGJs1cRa6fsH2tNJcvAAUKvMJqfytHUmFzkoeqLkUzHk3zhyphenhyphenIxJLGuoQThzASqxoW9asRBm2hr7r5B_bb8HQS5lG2GNQl1sb1Pm-O75dPElPkjIE03NE610Z4CEZf3ToxmW5hOZ/s1600/18423182_10154678610387843_4682106421694344629_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_iYQdlGJs1cRa6fsH2tNJcvAAUKvMJqfytHUmFzkoeqLkUzHk3zhyphenhyphenIxJLGuoQThzASqxoW9asRBm2hr7r5B_bb8HQS5lG2GNQl1sb1Pm-O75dPElPkjIE03NE610Z4CEZf3ToxmW5hOZ/s400/18423182_10154678610387843_4682106421694344629_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A blur picture of a few <i>Phyllidia varicosa</i> hanging out. Probably an <a href="http://www.asnailsodyssey.com/LEARNABOUT/NUDIBRANCH/nudiRepr.php" target="_blank">orgy</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WNPyQDM9GGyYI3b16na-xjKlNfSiCI7CCLBKRw92pjthAsd05P7qYU1ox7JIACMZthedmtlpO7iwR4bheu8sTBAnmZOduRm3o_7z6tnFBgnFjahZ6nQoiChU-Z5eekMd59dfHiJOrAl3/s1600/18423252_10154678717617843_6829310296257122771_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WNPyQDM9GGyYI3b16na-xjKlNfSiCI7CCLBKRw92pjthAsd05P7qYU1ox7JIACMZthedmtlpO7iwR4bheu8sTBAnmZOduRm3o_7z6tnFBgnFjahZ6nQoiChU-Z5eekMd59dfHiJOrAl3/s400/18423252_10154678717617843_6829310296257122771_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nudibranch under the bright light (sorry) is apparently a Blue dragon, <i>Pteraeolidia ianthina</i>. You can spot another <i>Phyllidia varicosa</i> on the right. Heh. Thanks, Quek, for the ID help!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0lN54l0AQVGdDLrcnDkd0P_SBf33CFZ7bu-0agzgDUH1RaquJfhEJbgOraA0sorwA0YwtwteO5fCLqTY3pfqa0nRFIc8roo8zzmN8T4lNnYhifKTk-zsaiOvWeH87-K2fRH6guaUQ8uG/s1600/18449584_10154678605892843_1487444863575618250_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="1600" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0lN54l0AQVGdDLrcnDkd0P_SBf33CFZ7bu-0agzgDUH1RaquJfhEJbgOraA0sorwA0YwtwteO5fCLqTY3pfqa0nRFIc8roo8zzmN8T4lNnYhifKTk-zsaiOvWeH87-K2fRH6guaUQ8uG/s400/18449584_10154678605892843_1487444863575618250_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no ID for this guy yet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fvT8haoPn8_BTgA4FKhBBop6Cuk1lDUMl3qgo_otHWK_svy2UTex6Heww22Gw1uMTlZ5IyNGf-4jjy7S43fw2K25TdT_CJ0ILWXBJdpWpwyPunkYTk0HzFvVr7bB15hZQPWlou14DgAv/s1600/18451388_10154678606252843_6125308304590076941_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1600" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fvT8haoPn8_BTgA4FKhBBop6Cuk1lDUMl3qgo_otHWK_svy2UTex6Heww22Gw1uMTlZ5IyNGf-4jjy7S43fw2K25TdT_CJ0ILWXBJdpWpwyPunkYTk0HzFvVr7bB15hZQPWlou14DgAv/s400/18451388_10154678606252843_6125308304590076941_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another <i>Phyllidia varicosa</i>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk02C4h5zCvyUidsFta4UAG4oicwEBjf0-6nbAgrQY0UZVe3dctu0Ya_JnSfIGi-u0rVyaSFpSEd8wHpbGGS9vaATpXg8z5RVZTRllSrgsueA80wQTi0DoUurcfUyxYWVkAPg7FrVA_zT/s1600/18451488_10154678718057843_1300095702386694666_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk02C4h5zCvyUidsFta4UAG4oicwEBjf0-6nbAgrQY0UZVe3dctu0Ya_JnSfIGi-u0rVyaSFpSEd8wHpbGGS9vaATpXg8z5RVZTRllSrgsueA80wQTi0DoUurcfUyxYWVkAPg7FrVA_zT/s400/18451488_10154678718057843_1300095702386694666_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An egg ribbon of a nudibranch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM23wBMeLq7CEaxEcf55mc1C7S0o0FPAk9gN6quIVoNdRnPcisdGtOq9p1ZSgYo0E-ZnrOnoEYjvchd_en4jieHRN1A_omfQ6C3RsL8tLfk3Unjo54dUxYfSErqbkgqCHQeMaYc12Mjj0A/s1600/18489558_10154678714627843_7402714101954741394_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="1600" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM23wBMeLq7CEaxEcf55mc1C7S0o0FPAk9gN6quIVoNdRnPcisdGtOq9p1ZSgYo0E-ZnrOnoEYjvchd_en4jieHRN1A_omfQ6C3RsL8tLfk3Unjo54dUxYfSErqbkgqCHQeMaYc12Mjj0A/s400/18489558_10154678714627843_7402714101954741394_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No ID yet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm0jc4v_b-jDUY4VOHbXpQdqReKUl2EcV3LnCQhEF9HQiV7st3hwVpj-T47z-fU-Y6Pzo5N0weYjsNK1prvPp6L8ai5jIH8ohofTWKG8e1YpZCW4qla2xgRzvY2c98uVTnxVZ38BEspTU/s1600/18489636_10154678714732843_4885425541814100097_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="1600" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm0jc4v_b-jDUY4VOHbXpQdqReKUl2EcV3LnCQhEF9HQiV7st3hwVpj-T47z-fU-Y6Pzo5N0weYjsNK1prvPp6L8ai5jIH8ohofTWKG8e1YpZCW4qla2xgRzvY2c98uVTnxVZ38BEspTU/s400/18489636_10154678714732843_4885425541814100097_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, no ID yet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsHNF61JN6gN0sTpVVDVyU8vF7oYDfXP4qN5BP1g3gSjI-zD8x4n6KhBzyBXNfnGnVvC4kvrk162jkfNyQL-WJhINK33Ct7EwCPJ8OC_EdZzkvpo-bYhkWnjshPY_WYSjrNoQXFJz3Rpq/s1600/18527246_10154678715867843_1838553399837340277_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsHNF61JN6gN0sTpVVDVyU8vF7oYDfXP4qN5BP1g3gSjI-zD8x4n6KhBzyBXNfnGnVvC4kvrk162jkfNyQL-WJhINK33Ct7EwCPJ8OC_EdZzkvpo-bYhkWnjshPY_WYSjrNoQXFJz3Rpq/s400/18527246_10154678715867843_1838553399837340277_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Phyllidia nigra</i>. Thanks, Quek, for the ID help!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OtlnO7RbQjMbcqoxD-K1NzaYuZSLFdUGqo6UXN0zn7gGZ5wJoUGUMA32G2C4ZzT3fdzNqu0rrZVkdMzluPL5UBGPuIwUd66jfAxC_59sopsLBAR-o6DkeMeNN8AaiGfj9RcXHAsHGq36/s1600/18518244_10154678610062843_2160699464336032107_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OtlnO7RbQjMbcqoxD-K1NzaYuZSLFdUGqo6UXN0zn7gGZ5wJoUGUMA32G2C4ZzT3fdzNqu0rrZVkdMzluPL5UBGPuIwUd66jfAxC_59sopsLBAR-o6DkeMeNN8AaiGfj9RcXHAsHGq36/s400/18518244_10154678610062843_2160699464336032107_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another ID help needed please.</td></tr>
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I did not get to see many reef fishes during my dives. I was expecting large schools of fish but the fishes remained low-key for all of my dives. However, I did get to see a couple of butterflyfish species that I do not remember seeing, so I am glad for that. Nothing big during my dives. Many people expect to catch the <a href="http://surfaceintervals.blogspot.my/2009/09/whaleshark-in-pulau-tenggol-aug09.html" target="_blank">gigantic Whale sharks</a> and <a href="http://www.wegodive.com/tenggol-island" target="_blank">cool-looking relatives</a> in Pulau Tenggol. This just means I really HAVE to return to Pulau Tenggol to dive!<br />
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The next time I visit Pulau Tenggol, I will opt to stay and go with a dive operator on the mainland (Kuala Dungun). I heard it is cheaper to do so and is something I must research about. My stay with Tenggol Coral Beach Resort was not that good. When asked how to work the water heater, the resort staff did not explain nor demonstrate how to use the heater (it was an old school heater that needed us to switch on the gas line, ignite the gas, and then the fire heats the water). There was a huge group of divers whom all the tea time snacks were kept for (my mother would head towards the eating area ten minutes after tea time started and all food was gone just to observe a new batch of snacks coming out from the kitchen for this group; the group may be special but it does leave a bad impression for us not-so-special guests). I felt that the dive team could have emphasised more on safety and turn down a notch on the horsing around (I only really enjoyed diving with ONE Divemaster). While I returned back to land safe and sound on all of my dives (which I am thankful for), there is always that fear that something bad may happen due to human error rather than the usual risk of being in the ocean.</center>
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For those of you who are planning to visit Pulau Tenggol, I would like to state that this is a very SCUBA diving-centric location. #eatsleepdiverepeat basically sums up what Pulau Tenggol is all about and I am glad I had that experience. The snorkelling is better than most places I have been to. Pack some snacks and bring a book. Pulau Tenggol is truly a beautiful place to visit!</center>
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(You can check out my other photos <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154678605647843.1073741943.752787842&type=1&l=f31b49db71" target="_blank">here</a>.)</center>
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So glad I went on these dive trips in 2017. Perhaps I will dive more this year. Fingers crossed!</center>
Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-3802168496135625502018-01-16T02:05:00.002+08:002018-01-16T02:05:55.311+08:00Diving 2017 - Koh LipeMany people may think I dive all the time because of the nature of my job(s) but I consider myself to be lucky to even go on a single dive in a year. I would like to dive more but I usually come up with excuses (mostly monetary) to not dive. So when I was counting my 2017 blessings, getting to go on TWO dive trips was one of them. While these two dive trips were only possible because I switched jobs twice last year (it was a bumpy ride for me), I am extremely thankful that I did go on these dive trips with no major regrets.<br />
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I visited Pulau Tenggol, Terengganu, Malaysia in May and then Koh Lipe, Thailand in December. Originally, I was just going to include experiences from both these dive trips into an entry but decided perhaps I should separate them. So here is an entry of my most recent dive trip to Koh Lipe! (Inspiration to finally write this entry is <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2018/01/foodstalgia-thai-street-food-with-ample.html" target="_blank">Thai food that reminded me of Koh Lipe food</a>. I know, very odd inspiration.)<br />
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My visit in December was not my first visit to Koh Lipe. I went on a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154322686167843.1073741939.752787842&type=1&l=90109d1206" target="_blank">day trip</a> with a bunch of crazy cetacean scientists in November 2016. Getting to Koh Lipe is easy for Malaysians and/or anybody who is already on Pulau Langkawi in the months of November till April (months may differ every year as direct ferry services to Koh Lipe from Pulau Langkawi is subject to weather conditions; November till April/May are generally the calmer months of the year). I purchased return ferry tickets from <a href="https://tropicalcharters.com.my/ferry/" target="_blank">Tropical Charters</a> for both my visits to Koh Lipe. (Not sure if this promotion is still on, but for my November 2016 visit, the cetacean scientists and I purchased tickets directly from the Tropical Charters office in Pantai Tengah and we got a RM20 discount each for our return tickets. This promotion is only applicable if you visit their office. Original price is RM220 for return tickets, which is what I paid for the December 2017 trip since we just got them from the website.) We embarked the ferry at the jetty in Kuah and took us about an hour and a half to get to Koh Lipe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgZW8VlvZ0ps1hjxf2FLwpTDiUn09E2FdGJc2N2C8qdcNPxKFdXXdDYqDL7idDyiQx46RK_aAdhuS2l2kk8dMYxt5lAwJfqQIzHMuE9hJNt0MPYonqjCsl_iMntW3DYZNHi_i9z2jGZA2/s1600/15936474_10154322686302843_766744102613369762_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgZW8VlvZ0ps1hjxf2FLwpTDiUn09E2FdGJc2N2C8qdcNPxKFdXXdDYqDL7idDyiQx46RK_aAdhuS2l2kk8dMYxt5lAwJfqQIzHMuE9hJNt0MPYonqjCsl_iMntW3DYZNHi_i9z2jGZA2/s400/15936474_10154322686302843_766744102613369762_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shameless wefie with cetacean scientists, Vivian, Adrelia, Sandra, and Saliza, in November 2016. I shall call them "cetaceanist". Sounds a little bit like "satanist". Heh.</td></tr>
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Since Koh Lipe is small island surrounded by shallow coral reefs, passengers will have to disembark the large ferries and get aboard long-tail boats. I remained dry the entire five-minute transfer on the long-tail boat but you may want to take into account some splashing onto your stuff so pack wisely. Once you get closer to Koh Lipe, you should already be able to see the coral reef at the bottom of the water. The shallow waters of Koh Lipe are generally crystal clear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8EldnLeLV9QwRhELjeKghnev4cl69B9eA6Nhj7q-6JQa1CBhUH9WCZouDeXPGIUWWTbQ0Sto237ybHnDPRYxUG4ni_8TBzMR2iwb-jwaMx5fzkmB4rxl7Mpf_Dilrc_FAI3CX4rnqk-U/s1600/15972767_10154322688237843_6629774834051639761_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8EldnLeLV9QwRhELjeKghnev4cl69B9eA6Nhj7q-6JQa1CBhUH9WCZouDeXPGIUWWTbQ0Sto237ybHnDPRYxUG4ni_8TBzMR2iwb-jwaMx5fzkmB4rxl7Mpf_Dilrc_FAI3CX4rnqk-U/s400/15972767_10154322688237843_6629774834051639761_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the long-tail boat in November 2016. I did not take too many selfies this past trip. My bad.</td></tr>
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When you reach the shore, you must head towards the immigration counter. There is no way for you to skip this process because your passport will be kept by the ferry operator during the transit and will be passed on to the immigration officers. Once you have gotten the stamp, you must approach a non-office station (just a table and a sign) where you must pay a national park entrance fee. (Sorry, did not get a picture of this station.) I forgot how much I paid, I think it could have been <a href="https://www.thainationalparks.com/tarutao-national-marine-park" target="_blank">200 baht</a>. If nobody approaches you to do so, please seek out the right officers to make the payment. This is a very ridiculous rule but apparently all travellers into Thailand must have at least 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family. I do not think many visitors will be checked for this, hence many enter the country with not having to have too much currency. But I suggest if you are staying at least three nights in Thailand, you should have at least 10,000 baht with you. You do not want to end up like <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/some-tourist-visa-holders-asked-to-show-20-000-baht-in-cash-9041162" target="_blank">these folks</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkH8c0yPNx8wz3M6rlFjBcyGLRCZQK512REgjvcutkBF7HQMPuypelmaomlfsMrcRg0crEvronplqFZgVxLC1oTDMoYlrAYABMbRu10PK9zg-ofqz7qsn9Kua6IpJxWrZvfpeEkuxkgMa/s1600/15874906_10154322687212843_689516515422212487_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkH8c0yPNx8wz3M6rlFjBcyGLRCZQK512REgjvcutkBF7HQMPuypelmaomlfsMrcRg0crEvronplqFZgVxLC1oTDMoYlrAYABMbRu10PK9zg-ofqz7qsn9Kua6IpJxWrZvfpeEkuxkgMa/s400/15874906_10154322687212843_689516515422212487_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The immigration counter. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lack of shade. So you should already have some sunscreen on you before disembarking the large ferry. The line may be long, so just enjoy the view. (I meant the landscape. Not the booty at the bottom right. I just realised the stranger resting on the bar in this picture, which I captured in 2016!)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS55LHIUluDJTZsu3_0o8NzhLHeP9Uc-ok-1MCNe3QQ78eY_2o4UhHrWuxEZvqd5wbHq-gfBwHgekBhU1TNbd3ubDjYKbEVhNUbN1GxhpaYQM6WwuaEFk6QY_XI1lw4P8R5XHaeC55ElEF/s1600/15895973_10154322687302843_7731224721357885691_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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After clearing immigration, you can then move to your accommodation. Depending on where you have booked to stay, transportation in small vans or sidecars of motorcycles may be provided. If you are on a budget like me and my buddies, you can walk to your accommodation. If you are staying along Pattaya Beach, walk along Pattaya Beach. If you are staying elsewhere (like Sunset or Sunrise Beaches), make sure you use Walking Street and do not simply take a back lane easily accessible on the right side of the immigration office.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YWkLSDM7f9UhO0Yjw2C9Hj1gED96TJP60DY2ro_K3JwTqoMNivwcFvOnPuBZ1Q6LzukMifbhC1y3JZKCH-Q_yMTykAT2lyBKuiqrs0XXmHRr-esGMA2qks5Z8j9ckVTNcC6B-TRsjsNM/s1600/15875350_10154322688167843_4705771575945628092_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YWkLSDM7f9UhO0Yjw2C9Hj1gED96TJP60DY2ro_K3JwTqoMNivwcFvOnPuBZ1Q6LzukMifbhC1y3JZKCH-Q_yMTykAT2lyBKuiqrs0XXmHRr-esGMA2qks5Z8j9ckVTNcC6B-TRsjsNM/s400/15875350_10154322688167843_4705771575945628092_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cetacean scientists and I thought we were taking the quickest route to Sunrise Beach in November 2016 via the back lane. We ended up getting lost but thankfully, the island is small. So we finally found a street linking to the main pathway of the island.</td></tr>
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For my most recent trip, my friends and I stayed and dived with <a href="http://www.djlhotelkohlipe.com/" target="_blank">Davey Jones Locker</a> (DJL), an establishment that provides free lodging (dormitory style) for people who dive with them. Getting to DJL was a little bit challenging because it is located towards the extreme western end of Pattaya Beach. I have no problem with walking but walking under the sun with no shade? Quite tough.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFT21z_pi9hsRCwTNJJRG-_j-ACvSuDVy9vi6Ncge_-w92IE73Ml66ozOXN3e76fB7Fk5h8957mtln2lF7cNu2VO2hZAtbVjmcc-49Vtf0IHrfpi7lmad59FXo-uJUs7u1zkrnrUeQlXy/s1600/IMG_20171209_105114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFT21z_pi9hsRCwTNJJRG-_j-ACvSuDVy9vi6Ncge_-w92IE73Ml66ozOXN3e76fB7Fk5h8957mtln2lF7cNu2VO2hZAtbVjmcc-49Vtf0IHrfpi7lmad59FXo-uJUs7u1zkrnrUeQlXy/s400/IMG_20171209_105114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking Street - the street that connects you to any part of the island. And the street to lead you to delicious Thai food! You will be spending a good amount of time along this street. Clinics, convenient stores, restaurants, cafes, massage parlours, and etc. are all located along this street. Do not be afraid to take a "risky" turn. Quite difficult to get lost along this street.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRvTIYgfo0wPyjIGagLSd-dln7cESXvxdRcwYJRkXxRknFFdeKOXYvwA-PaE2sabnVfhbGEpqKvDG6Oh8sYBtmXyMv0U2dyycI119RU7RFT36SyAQQR-xY-3ph5MpEpeu91b61GShzcui/s1600/IMG_20171209_110813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRvTIYgfo0wPyjIGagLSd-dln7cESXvxdRcwYJRkXxRknFFdeKOXYvwA-PaE2sabnVfhbGEpqKvDG6Oh8sYBtmXyMv0U2dyycI119RU7RFT36SyAQQR-xY-3ph5MpEpeu91b61GShzcui/s400/IMG_20171209_110813.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very nice path to walk on. I saw many people walking barefooted here. Totally fine. But just be reminded that there could be much hazards like sharp objects. It is after all a very busy street.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkRDKd_1yrEv8uTULXfgff2RDhLi1luMt6eU_0s19cu-KaIwHLdnvGl3vKPXPE9elbn7ME9UrOQYrF5Sxpk2-HwXCc6skFUhxqipv_IjcrjSN26DLTqBEPNiOWLAmo68KiHSstzktduq1/s1600/IMG_20171210_181515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkRDKd_1yrEv8uTULXfgff2RDhLi1luMt6eU_0s19cu-KaIwHLdnvGl3vKPXPE9elbn7ME9UrOQYrF5Sxpk2-HwXCc6skFUhxqipv_IjcrjSN26DLTqBEPNiOWLAmo68KiHSstzktduq1/s400/IMG_20171210_181515.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the zero mile marker. Behind me is the post office, if I am not mistaken.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmYiSaFDkVIzlgXX2t4bL1Ci3WKjipUwn2WMc8an2Qj_naqn-HgVWpcatRghU2e68STfmFADeEywa7VhX7VYi3GNlpNm8_O7jOsymW9A7L92y45HKavoMWuWPWEK3aFJy2bKqWl2wULyu/s1600/IMG_20171209_105605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmYiSaFDkVIzlgXX2t4bL1Ci3WKjipUwn2WMc8an2Qj_naqn-HgVWpcatRghU2e68STfmFADeEywa7VhX7VYi3GNlpNm8_O7jOsymW9A7L92y45HKavoMWuWPWEK3aFJy2bKqWl2wULyu/s400/IMG_20171209_105605.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are many cool looking establishments along the street. This is my favourite building. I do not know what it is. Just looks nice from the outside.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtAQnri1a9jBfQi6sVodbyo0P4pxCWsGleQFUEv1PGI7hToVv0I6nBS4TjhH0bnciVt8SYmITIbYZxMxx9RZgOykl6vM6EC7Niuyx3_rmj_8gGx7adbmfW7vVCTyFXjo7yyAQo8b12vd-/s1600/IMG_20171209_122138.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtAQnri1a9jBfQi6sVodbyo0P4pxCWsGleQFUEv1PGI7hToVv0I6nBS4TjhH0bnciVt8SYmITIbYZxMxx9RZgOykl6vM6EC7Niuyx3_rmj_8gGx7adbmfW7vVCTyFXjo7yyAQo8b12vd-/s400/IMG_20171209_122138.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqfY3w_WyEGe1WLRNh-9HAoZC5x7_ElOufSVrEyv5ul_uCOOxwhi3fb9NBBpqQOPbk8nvxgQSQwLCqK2NwswENp9wA8Ndjf945je9WYzfz7Fu422cNy6pQAGnLuYhZGCHC-3k9Mi-5UxY/s1600/IMG_20171209_122229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqfY3w_WyEGe1WLRNh-9HAoZC5x7_ElOufSVrEyv5ul_uCOOxwhi3fb9NBBpqQOPbk8nvxgQSQwLCqK2NwswENp9wA8Ndjf945je9WYzfz7Fu422cNy6pQAGnLuYhZGCHC-3k9Mi-5UxY/s400/IMG_20171209_122229.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enroute to DJL.</td></tr>
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We finally arrived at DJL after 10 to 15 minutes of walking on the beach. It is a very lowkey place with a nice sea hibiscus tree at the front. We paid our dive fees which included an additional national park diving fee of an amount I forgot. Yes, you will have to pay two national park fees when diving in and around Koh Lipe. You have been warned, so do not be surprised when the dive centre requests for this payment. The dorms are simple - no hot water for shower and no electricity during certain hours of the day. I found the sleeping arrangement comfortable, even without the air conditioner. (The AC was broken during our entire stay.) Most importantly, the place was clean.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtg1zOWsG8FRF8R_k6rxHFQ1dMf69YCl5OQpEIfJQGXCqZErufc3K7vYy83tcGbA1Eu7UDTlourbkesza2mffv6rv9j98WGD1pY2GKpy-VXDDoMLhu9Teugz6tIKy5Ph0Z0NdI6-qyhWZt/s1600/IMG_20171209_165929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtg1zOWsG8FRF8R_k6rxHFQ1dMf69YCl5OQpEIfJQGXCqZErufc3K7vYy83tcGbA1Eu7UDTlourbkesza2mffv6rv9j98WGD1pY2GKpy-VXDDoMLhu9Teugz6tIKy5Ph0Z0NdI6-qyhWZt/s400/IMG_20171209_165929.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embarrassingly, I did not take a picture of the front of DJL. This is the only picture of the front of DJL I have. The sea hibiscus tree is the only shade provider of this establishment's veranda. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3uVW3U0SmfdZbXG89E4bldRwi2TR2lrLAS3kw6dQcsIstIQPXriwsqoOfBq2F7khG-94ahpd_ofBdv21OyiP1NVy9psyH4A-3RVsri2opvxtZYvfm4QL4IEwzcZznCOQyY0exWw4EKIL/s1600/IMG_20171209_103631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3uVW3U0SmfdZbXG89E4bldRwi2TR2lrLAS3kw6dQcsIstIQPXriwsqoOfBq2F7khG-94ahpd_ofBdv21OyiP1NVy9psyH4A-3RVsri2opvxtZYvfm4QL4IEwzcZznCOQyY0exWw4EKIL/s400/IMG_20171209_103631.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The common area. You can use the refrigerator and there is plenty of drinking water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidon_YukWXoxCqV6UKRjHO8XEvMZOEg-PuGYMBZpjhOSRQCwmpJBA9Rs4RIrynHWWXfobJ651QUdvI1zTqMP6QivXQaXTSSdt_oheHu4eSTJlKtBgcPoOa2YMZfY_ytJR6fSu68q6k3C25/s1600/IMG_20171209_103715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidon_YukWXoxCqV6UKRjHO8XEvMZOEg-PuGYMBZpjhOSRQCwmpJBA9Rs4RIrynHWWXfobJ651QUdvI1zTqMP6QivXQaXTSSdt_oheHu4eSTJlKtBgcPoOa2YMZfY_ytJR6fSu68q6k3C25/s400/IMG_20171209_103715.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bunk beds we slept in. Nicole is on the left and Shion is on the right, my travel companions to Koh Lipe in December 2017.</td></tr>
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I paid about 7,500 baht for six dives. This fee included the dives, full gear rental (I got to use a dive computer for the first time in my life, wheee!), boat rental, guide, "refreshments" (just cold water, which was very much enjoyed by me), and lodging. Only Shion and I dived. We did one dive during the first day in the afternoon (east of Koh Talak), three dives the next day (Koh Talu, Koh Adang, and Stone Hedge), and then two dives the day after (east of Koh Talak and Pattaya Corner). I thought the dive service was great. Our guide, Ed, did a good job in briefing us for our dives and helped us to put on our gears. Unfortunately, dive conditions were terrible. The surface waves and underwater currents were strong during our first dive and the visibility throughout our stay was shit. The changing weather pattern has screwed up temporal dive conditions. Anyway, I got to see many amazing creatures. I was so glad to see many species in the wild that I have only seen in captivity!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn6ue-fD-7Qr1Z1pV3x2g-qzQgtpWxiYEk3SahzCFIxjtDf3M0kY2_phZib3EWnThrV-Acjqy2h2vF4dCJ1VwXOTTfnyl1HuS6rgYyx1jRhQJrDAyp3Zfk44N7FA2ieowpbLkxSPXaPCC/s1600/GOPR8004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn6ue-fD-7Qr1Z1pV3x2g-qzQgtpWxiYEk3SahzCFIxjtDf3M0kY2_phZib3EWnThrV-Acjqy2h2vF4dCJ1VwXOTTfnyl1HuS6rgYyx1jRhQJrDAyp3Zfk44N7FA2ieowpbLkxSPXaPCC/s400/GOPR8004.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shion, Nicole, and I hiding from the hot sun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLlQnbFBkVlbjSCG7p8GQOtzp6-Ympo_Wv3MDX7_CPl57Yxd4A1TlYWMJfRYVnRVcUW2YwU29XtSEmTW-r5xYrjBadYFpUCersyD8mf_9ct7CkliK6vlNprY6wAaohPI8y-UDpxlezFbM/s1600/GOPR8012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLlQnbFBkVlbjSCG7p8GQOtzp6-Ympo_Wv3MDX7_CPl57Yxd4A1TlYWMJfRYVnRVcUW2YwU29XtSEmTW-r5xYrjBadYFpUCersyD8mf_9ct7CkliK6vlNprY6wAaohPI8y-UDpxlezFbM/s400/GOPR8012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide, Ed, at the bow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yyB8_hKoVfVlUdHKwjfTiWXyJktKaM5ZmzfhyphenhyphenvyM39J_gkGjhoAvW9Z45vlVvRVHC7rxdDhYMsFKXRjbPmOwPHOpWahrWRxdDPmOcfu3T6LXCTylbdiXLrxjsRx96qkuw_Nv_bt_Olxi/s1600/GOPR8078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yyB8_hKoVfVlUdHKwjfTiWXyJktKaM5ZmzfhyphenhyphenvyM39J_gkGjhoAvW9Z45vlVvRVHC7rxdDhYMsFKXRjbPmOwPHOpWahrWRxdDPmOcfu3T6LXCTylbdiXLrxjsRx96qkuw_Nv_bt_Olxi/s400/GOPR8078.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ed warned us about keeping as close as possible to the bottom to avoid being caught in strong underwater currents. He also warned us about sea urchins. We were caught in between a moving body of water and a sharp bed of sea urchins.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDqcG-gLa25w7y6KdmkgHgrEeon84MMeQArPRR_2kdgXLGwp6LIqFJutL6NyTBRYBBp-Wb4noz5GaPA2nUMS5uFar5uuOHPUGX5EcyZIWpnlvN4c5aaD4-8j6pdKQW7wLbrBAkLdO5pAT/s1600/GOPR8085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDqcG-gLa25w7y6KdmkgHgrEeon84MMeQArPRR_2kdgXLGwp6LIqFJutL6NyTBRYBBp-Wb4noz5GaPA2nUMS5uFar5uuOHPUGX5EcyZIWpnlvN4c5aaD4-8j6pdKQW7wLbrBAkLdO5pAT/s400/GOPR8085.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a common sea cucumber but I have yet to learn its name. Many people think that the black stuff coming out at the front are feet of the sea cucumber. I think it is the body part used for feeding rather than movement. Someone correct and inform me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithDiezAtzXR0D5EkZOwtu2c71N2Wec-ZxZqL8Orh7hJ2h_PEsTrDr96kZwF-P7vocC8EeRnD_WIEnGsyxwcSG8q3e1pz_MHP3HCJ8Ajo4eU1X4Jwkuhvq26epSN762NPnwEgA8gg1wgWC/s1600/GOPR8111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithDiezAtzXR0D5EkZOwtu2c71N2Wec-ZxZqL8Orh7hJ2h_PEsTrDr96kZwF-P7vocC8EeRnD_WIEnGsyxwcSG8q3e1pz_MHP3HCJ8Ajo4eU1X4Jwkuhvq26epSN762NPnwEgA8gg1wgWC/s400/GOPR8111.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lionfish. I do not know which species this is. <i>Pterois antennata</i> or <i>Pterois volitans</i>? They all look the same to me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrmuO04Qg9oowpgikeYmI2KVL7OFBNsHUcxWVo3oVtD-YND1tOE-02IgwUDv0fIzjK-KVDQENWf8gUmUb9Lqt8V5DBuU9DA5fg_8OIgNMM7iG9mrq0EDyZ_q8Lv9XOseay4lOPoZnC8Ix/s1600/GOPR8128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="1600" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrmuO04Qg9oowpgikeYmI2KVL7OFBNsHUcxWVo3oVtD-YND1tOE-02IgwUDv0fIzjK-KVDQENWf8gUmUb9Lqt8V5DBuU9DA5fg_8OIgNMM7iG9mrq0EDyZ_q8Lv9XOseay4lOPoZnC8Ix/s400/GOPR8128.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And what are you suppose to be? A black <i>Pterois volitans</i>?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHO4L2HifjXmECFrcClog3L35UGCdTBzCz05qfF4BfmTXjGTCmdGGZfnJHhcC4UjQAlczFdaBExEhfTkAbh5TikRvbuV16ZFQwaZtjDYNgYzdZAkLkUkWYF6XiJiN8sIGLeHA3S0sJ93e/s1600/GOPR8161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHO4L2HifjXmECFrcClog3L35UGCdTBzCz05qfF4BfmTXjGTCmdGGZfnJHhcC4UjQAlczFdaBExEhfTkAbh5TikRvbuV16ZFQwaZtjDYNgYzdZAkLkUkWYF6XiJiN8sIGLeHA3S0sJ93e/s400/GOPR8161.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shion goofing around.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7onMoxg2spzk8DVtN-DzrSXRvJN6SGSDZpVcWUsY0QDRW4Ut-klWovi1wCgismou9r3-Hfw7jA15yRkO6Fzbc2egof0LD63NDnqfAkE2VLoXyOlWw5RfCtY6pRvwvWcrGs3WYpjnUbmFJ/s1600/GOPR8184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7onMoxg2spzk8DVtN-DzrSXRvJN6SGSDZpVcWUsY0QDRW4Ut-klWovi1wCgismou9r3-Hfw7jA15yRkO6Fzbc2egof0LD63NDnqfAkE2VLoXyOlWw5RfCtY6pRvwvWcrGs3WYpjnUbmFJ/s400/GOPR8184.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Christmas tree worms, Spirobranchus giganteus. It is a polychaete worm, many-haired worm. The "many hairs" on its "crown" contains cilia to filter food in the water column.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMXtSHGGS1mNGrvzuyeJSz38ueh-YQBSn3L8w-VNbFRMzA1tVhAsjmLilgNRQebz2wPwpouZRVCC5YghyphenhyphenjQrDAAkOBfx3WE00WT5mrHRWhewehx6ydJMd7SFfdy4P82iReDKp7W_sTU2r/s1600/GOPR8201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMXtSHGGS1mNGrvzuyeJSz38ueh-YQBSn3L8w-VNbFRMzA1tVhAsjmLilgNRQebz2wPwpouZRVCC5YghyphenhyphenjQrDAAkOBfx3WE00WT5mrHRWhewehx6ydJMd7SFfdy4P82iReDKp7W_sTU2r/s400/GOPR8201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted rock spiny lobster, <i>Panilurus versicolor</i>. I have seen this in captivity and a former colleague found a perfect moult on the beach before. I was really excited to have seen this living specimen in its natural habitat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfoCl41ckDsFrStCHewIwW3Yy2LAJcFoDjX-NWbpdDZrzj9uaDtOdyUEF5fhwkTLA3BKr1X7Z9CxZCi3oNGtciI1FMk1VMqYMHJockOEAgExQ43LzuErvMajp7aWqmK1CYeCpaafYm7Su/s1600/GOPR8217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfoCl41ckDsFrStCHewIwW3Yy2LAJcFoDjX-NWbpdDZrzj9uaDtOdyUEF5fhwkTLA3BKr1X7Z9CxZCi3oNGtciI1FMk1VMqYMHJockOEAgExQ43LzuErvMajp7aWqmK1CYeCpaafYm7Su/s400/GOPR8217.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white stuff are apparently <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/holothuroidea/synsponge.htm" target="_blank">Synaptid sea cucumbers</a>. I need help identifying the small black fish that seems to inhabit the sponge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuL5uPSU2Y2altfzLwhlt2T494L9CQGgT4LPTi0oG7HjFzodhuYnyYkhlNiRd6v5DL1IK3V4ocwe_TMzNDnHUGo9PNklx7cM2j2xvvDmDqU5VecsO4JJAZARP2u7Jh1n8ugw_8U7XbMoRl/s1600/GOPR8274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="1600" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuL5uPSU2Y2altfzLwhlt2T494L9CQGgT4LPTi0oG7HjFzodhuYnyYkhlNiRd6v5DL1IK3V4ocwe_TMzNDnHUGo9PNklx7cM2j2xvvDmDqU5VecsO4JJAZARP2u7Jh1n8ugw_8U7XbMoRl/s400/GOPR8274.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very well camouflaged scorpionfish, Scorpaenidae. Like the lionfish, the scorpionfish is extremely venomous. So it made sense when Ed told us to watch before we held on the bottom if we experienced exertion and needed to rest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SG8rp-wJZvTnwxztKUG8w8idByG7cvM7K0nf-UYpApHHyC5pzJw8wbVf65ctzyu4DPKF9Jfrvhd4AAqh09BIzALCsMA1V_UcbNB47Krx4Mze6AHs_4ZtoFCwXSHTO531zt5-kDqUdqbk/s1600/GOPR8280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SG8rp-wJZvTnwxztKUG8w8idByG7cvM7K0nf-UYpApHHyC5pzJw8wbVf65ctzyu4DPKF9Jfrvhd4AAqh09BIzALCsMA1V_UcbNB47Krx4Mze6AHs_4ZtoFCwXSHTO531zt5-kDqUdqbk/s400/GOPR8280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You may have to squint your eyes and spot tiny shrimps floating about the spines of the sea urchin. I think these shrimps are Harlequin shrimp, <i>Hymenocera picta</i>. A "lifer" for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxBz8LhQ4EmWaT8cE-flRF1inNB67rA0OWkfE6ryUupBtEGHLGFzKrXCAb7jbllWd3nngp9h7P2cOli4xhz3_IUK-wbY7-Q4a7sEb4iTGpaeFRi7cngORrgF8HsTY3zeGaBMaeTgfRgSf/s1600/GOPR8299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxBz8LhQ4EmWaT8cE-flRF1inNB67rA0OWkfE6ryUupBtEGHLGFzKrXCAb7jbllWd3nngp9h7P2cOli4xhz3_IUK-wbY7-Q4a7sEb4iTGpaeFRi7cngORrgF8HsTY3zeGaBMaeTgfRgSf/s400/GOPR8299.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some cool looking nudibranchs (the purplish and orangish stuff). I will have to identify them in the future when I can get my hands on a nudibranch guide book.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmFVywtRssG_C9APn4sGFK1GF9GD3hEKG2bX2Axd38af6ljKheE-3-qZeVCqotYX_UO5O1M2d0A5Edc1lErReyx3c55XzEaNbR0SqFvoQejNHYRWsW1dZV81F5qETKj0zIkFCXAByPC4_/s1600/GOPR8304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmFVywtRssG_C9APn4sGFK1GF9GD3hEKG2bX2Axd38af6ljKheE-3-qZeVCqotYX_UO5O1M2d0A5Edc1lErReyx3c55XzEaNbR0SqFvoQejNHYRWsW1dZV81F5qETKj0zIkFCXAByPC4_/s400/GOPR8304.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very beautiful clam. No idea what the name is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcPs141HoQM0Rrd24MUs3KBrla9YXI_yFCkvEbrGpghsv3eaynL2uHFGisGis4AMwLxOgSAp5jYp0f1G4JWiz1ztlyWODbFod9mBqeKM2_hbtRopkn_bu0p0KfDJdVDwg7oJceAQc3xFV/s1600/GOPR8307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcPs141HoQM0Rrd24MUs3KBrla9YXI_yFCkvEbrGpghsv3eaynL2uHFGisGis4AMwLxOgSAp5jYp0f1G4JWiz1ztlyWODbFod9mBqeKM2_hbtRopkn_bu0p0KfDJdVDwg7oJceAQc3xFV/s400/GOPR8307.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very large grouper. I think it was the size of my entire upper body!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_hoMg9ahw__ndTancO2fpF4SlbtK1om4dVrgPAdJG_-CXQKhSEfwkjC1Q7BjSfJO86E9u2-0Bo2WvAtwKvXgmR6BtsHmbV6dByXuvRWux27VrUXvhfbT4kYvBwYWMrCzrwaioNJMk02Q/s1600/GOPR8437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="1600" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_hoMg9ahw__ndTancO2fpF4SlbtK1om4dVrgPAdJG_-CXQKhSEfwkjC1Q7BjSfJO86E9u2-0Bo2WvAtwKvXgmR6BtsHmbV6dByXuvRWux27VrUXvhfbT4kYvBwYWMrCzrwaioNJMk02Q/s400/GOPR8437.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This is a Dogface puffer, <i>Arothron nigropunctatus</i>. This is perhaps my most favourite pufferfish in the world! Its face resembles that of a dog and all dogs remind me of my good boy Tiny!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDFnWZW7Rmezc7XZwgWOA_CoHhcfRQGn9sv73vK88Y-R2MLAp5S4g-b2Nn5BJFo5cxd-gxITO4ENHEWtvQaPGqbkxAQR6brf-_Ue7f5j7oC-NVCNfKIVwF9Bk9bxS2j8NDIOKGDtPnrfG/s1600/GOPR8346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDFnWZW7Rmezc7XZwgWOA_CoHhcfRQGn9sv73vK88Y-R2MLAp5S4g-b2Nn5BJFo5cxd-gxITO4ENHEWtvQaPGqbkxAQR6brf-_Ue7f5j7oC-NVCNfKIVwF9Bk9bxS2j8NDIOKGDtPnrfG/s400/GOPR8346.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A school of Moorish idols <i>Zanclus cornutus</i>.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZowcZqtqiLnglEt66VPZsQgbvifayveKmIlPP5mfhzn5TwvOM9R1FnRXv9PYcth-uvIhwT3bZOqxA5xWG2Z4osWcOCzHAliMJQFyjYpbQ7sWLeYHPDrY7ANW7D9t6v9YqaYdRhO9YNBLr/s1600/GOPR8352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="1600" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZowcZqtqiLnglEt66VPZsQgbvifayveKmIlPP5mfhzn5TwvOM9R1FnRXv9PYcth-uvIhwT3bZOqxA5xWG2Z4osWcOCzHAliMJQFyjYpbQ7sWLeYHPDrY7ANW7D9t6v9YqaYdRhO9YNBLr/s400/GOPR8352.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another beautiful nudibranch whose name I do not know.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcW02sIV0a8dzqBCAxsvjBpUc8DbDxNev0TFwCOEn4LmR4aheY1_VJT-Zyk8ev7APNLkbgyzTGkMKfAQa4xQU9X-N0YP3StOU8LOgQq2nj3CE-kETCalRvXoZf9BxExq-8aYmmaDke185L/s1600/GOPR8365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1600" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcW02sIV0a8dzqBCAxsvjBpUc8DbDxNev0TFwCOEn4LmR4aheY1_VJT-Zyk8ev7APNLkbgyzTGkMKfAQa4xQU9X-N0YP3StOU8LOgQq2nj3CE-kETCalRvXoZf9BxExq-8aYmmaDke185L/s400/GOPR8365.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which lionfish are you?!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdz3b1WO9BbV4Q5pmc7qeZUYz0MPTxSNcRjW2qxRxGSxs5R-xBb_wq0kJcTsN4gCFUKCa7MnPtblrV4oe6VaFAyauDp_qQdqoDxj9Xv1ujWYSPqbxt3SjbWsvIJK_gmGYie15dup6Czmm/s1600/GOPR8368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdz3b1WO9BbV4Q5pmc7qeZUYz0MPTxSNcRjW2qxRxGSxs5R-xBb_wq0kJcTsN4gCFUKCa7MnPtblrV4oe6VaFAyauDp_qQdqoDxj9Xv1ujWYSPqbxt3SjbWsvIJK_gmGYie15dup6Czmm/s400/GOPR8368.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Giant moray eel, <i>Gymnothorax javanicus</i>, was a common feature on all of my dives. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L9FmI-wL41k5W_2Pdt2ad_sv-MHqTYgr5hCTXELGvcsIPQyNslZXifvSa941AtlArpduVAxov_3cuaKQwqtqUfAaKwldtBj6lAm2VB20Uyi4Hec872i-sKFJWkXHIeBinuzVXzMHbOIB/s1600/GOPR8371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L9FmI-wL41k5W_2Pdt2ad_sv-MHqTYgr5hCTXELGvcsIPQyNslZXifvSa941AtlArpduVAxov_3cuaKQwqtqUfAaKwldtBj6lAm2VB20Uyi4Hec872i-sKFJWkXHIeBinuzVXzMHbOIB/s400/GOPR8371.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My action pose.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueSGy4merPO53NnFUQ99roYy4tVyzzX-eqTlGsjXoCFJhFlhy7xLrFY816FdFL76N1CVOisnbQPSNbTj-uQvegd-mWJ9JdmAaL0jgQ1irmWGtqXwQDQzEJ__rCSCDhfIX23DiaCizJ7ie/s1600/GOPR8377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueSGy4merPO53NnFUQ99roYy4tVyzzX-eqTlGsjXoCFJhFlhy7xLrFY816FdFL76N1CVOisnbQPSNbTj-uQvegd-mWJ9JdmAaL0jgQ1irmWGtqXwQDQzEJ__rCSCDhfIX23DiaCizJ7ie/s400/GOPR8377.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long-tail boat we used to get to our dive sites. Diving off of these guys are an experience of its own.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2Anq-Z_96bJVGfC0h-3Byenl6IeJTartVy53p0_7rdeVYvx0w5HOv1_kRveZQjtfQAwVWnlZdfDA2ryp7K-Q3ISGdROXQf1ni3BXf-v7KhJF4mWBY0hj3mhEepiCKwcxYVJQWHDFlOPL/s1600/GOPR8378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2Anq-Z_96bJVGfC0h-3Byenl6IeJTartVy53p0_7rdeVYvx0w5HOv1_kRveZQjtfQAwVWnlZdfDA2ryp7K-Q3ISGdROXQf1ni3BXf-v7KhJF4mWBY0hj3mhEepiCKwcxYVJQWHDFlOPL/s400/GOPR8378.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for my turn to climb aboard the boat after my last dive at Pattaya Corner.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpOWnq-L5OhL_Oo_1kyKNYljS4gVnaxH2WpDdqLIZh5U-FcOLWYqT04aP0wZxu5zWPJCakv6F7uLdeHY7p1hyphenhyphenP4v-uGJLlVlmTNtuS4ivJDA6xPTFkUkmVGSthJvVj9uIZw0_QH4mohet/s1600/GOPR8396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpOWnq-L5OhL_Oo_1kyKNYljS4gVnaxH2WpDdqLIZh5U-FcOLWYqT04aP0wZxu5zWPJCakv6F7uLdeHY7p1hyphenhyphenP4v-uGJLlVlmTNtuS4ivJDA6xPTFkUkmVGSthJvVj9uIZw0_QH4mohet/s400/GOPR8396.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forced myself to bring my "dome" this trip to Koh Lipe. I remembered snorkelling with the girls in November 2016 and how clear the water was in the shallow reefs. Regretted not bringing the "dome" back then.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pzXwjB-3SAGdVDdke8lT7Kqb2w9bQsAXivYjO8n486VGPo7k2FSPRzkHLJsXskxfiUSG8L4DndCdS_BNQg7RAqEFh2pkuB-3sQyUyTCRCc406yOKmLhWitkq2Jp7Cs1Q9CJ7jSdf5QJi/s1600/GOPR8402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pzXwjB-3SAGdVDdke8lT7Kqb2w9bQsAXivYjO8n486VGPo7k2FSPRzkHLJsXskxfiUSG8L4DndCdS_BNQg7RAqEFh2pkuB-3sQyUyTCRCc406yOKmLhWitkq2Jp7Cs1Q9CJ7jSdf5QJi/s400/GOPR8402.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole diving in for me to shoot. She could not dive with us because of a life changing event. I am so glad she got to join us on this trip.</td></tr>
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I was hoping to see more and I missed a lot of small stuff another diver got to see (like Sexy shrimp and pipefishes). Below is a compilation of the scenes I captured. Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3_FB82ANk_0?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></center>
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<center style="text-align: left;">
During our downtime, we lazed a lot on the beach and in the water. We walked to other areas on the island, like Sunset and Sunrise Beaches. These two beaches are aptly named because you can actually check out the sunset and sunrise from the respective beaches. Enjoy eating the incredible Thai food along Walking Street and in restaurants. I wrote a little bit on the food I ate while in Koh Lipe in my previous <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2018/01/foodstalgia-thai-street-food-with-ample.html" target="_blank">entry</a>.</center>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9HpzmpVIZ2Vry9DCU2AptnFJQrLiMIpBOXQmQc6ksJQOf5qcEtmtXaKaq1o_Rhn3tTQ1b0HScAqrHEGtZPd_mqlaPQaJGEP1L9rPqsficvNRCr24GVCmqzcNIpkEUWVrTAbtTlVK9vKQ/s1600/IMG_20171209_112625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9HpzmpVIZ2Vry9DCU2AptnFJQrLiMIpBOXQmQc6ksJQOf5qcEtmtXaKaq1o_Rhn3tTQ1b0HScAqrHEGtZPd_mqlaPQaJGEP1L9rPqsficvNRCr24GVCmqzcNIpkEUWVrTAbtTlVK9vKQ/s400/IMG_20171209_112625.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh coconut with no straw! I drank it out of the shell. Coconut water comes in a natural goblet!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvWi4YWHg5rn31l4KujCkVGyWaLTNelMBXXvjmzHfBT5hDTxeGmLLx6ZQeu7DIVrUOC8MRJGZfX1fRjH4rh4vEA-aDa7kyp_ESv37lCPHfHcO3jW7K0BLPoquWjKqzc3oj1LI82gWrRGD/s1600/IMG_20171209_180446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvWi4YWHg5rn31l4KujCkVGyWaLTNelMBXXvjmzHfBT5hDTxeGmLLx6ZQeu7DIVrUOC8MRJGZfX1fRjH4rh4vEA-aDa7kyp_ESv37lCPHfHcO3jW7K0BLPoquWjKqzc3oj1LI82gWrRGD/s400/IMG_20171209_180446.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsB-6uA5xk8Ux-gdIsRI4xVJsLDj26IPjhkmjHjU9qt3ob_aWcoEZc5IA09VUu-LbhlFwZVPSDG1eD6WLs72Mt9LN99Jt0IvyUydR7N2CGtT2QuUp79qhe1MY6zQWzgD26cAYFa-GJhLn/s1600/IMG_20171209_181128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsB-6uA5xk8Ux-gdIsRI4xVJsLDj26IPjhkmjHjU9qt3ob_aWcoEZc5IA09VUu-LbhlFwZVPSDG1eD6WLs72Mt9LN99Jt0IvyUydR7N2CGtT2QuUp79qhe1MY6zQWzgD26cAYFa-GJhLn/s400/IMG_20171209_181128.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the sunset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJqt2uEizbSXc3BuzP0LKbMbByQxpDNzY8tJG_7BhYKTVgnOQJNEBJYBiQipHXj4YKA6VcxLevwF-Sg0hU2Bj6oaov-h_WbJB4AoOxu-RznuLIcfWUrcvOaH2Ltal0CN53lak8JNBYnFm/s1600/IMG_20171210_071548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJqt2uEizbSXc3BuzP0LKbMbByQxpDNzY8tJG_7BhYKTVgnOQJNEBJYBiQipHXj4YKA6VcxLevwF-Sg0hU2Bj6oaov-h_WbJB4AoOxu-RznuLIcfWUrcvOaH2Ltal0CN53lak8JNBYnFm/s400/IMG_20171210_071548.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the morning at Pattaya Beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa2nzXReXHQodWBDydRXWI-PZM3fUw8vdN9JlvBsUero7HujuVKGi8TZANfMWAk5Q1aej45p_inAQApSPhJKjpw3z5PQC78NXCTgbV-Nk2SqyuG7Wydxt0UqfCGUnIx_uuEF9nzHhIups/s1600/IMG_20171210_072634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa2nzXReXHQodWBDydRXWI-PZM3fUw8vdN9JlvBsUero7HujuVKGi8TZANfMWAk5Q1aej45p_inAQApSPhJKjpw3z5PQC78NXCTgbV-Nk2SqyuG7Wydxt0UqfCGUnIx_uuEF9nzHhIups/s400/IMG_20171210_072634.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bar next to DJL. I had toast for breakfast on the first morning before diving. Spot the cetacean vertebrae.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dG0fxDEpZnPrhK6kGPoHOFB_wlf9Yi2VkGC5uOphuxEIFv7l9gWOe2AIzyGFKjyn_tApbeVowPmNeMZHqb8WeV4ix-1_Lb3AGbvlSmrFryTrqlBFVe8lT7HtiW97ANPOU6LwwfYGei57/s1600/IMG_20171210_192005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dG0fxDEpZnPrhK6kGPoHOFB_wlf9Yi2VkGC5uOphuxEIFv7l9gWOe2AIzyGFKjyn_tApbeVowPmNeMZHqb8WeV4ix-1_Lb3AGbvlSmrFryTrqlBFVe8lT7HtiW97ANPOU6LwwfYGei57/s400/IMG_20171210_192005.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy coconut ice cream!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRIoaqcpplLAGHk-ovBIRHLk6YRZ2ytZQZznbFczLnxlwxTLwvZTowoZxSDaZv9SWKfThnjfzWCfFP35CgoDO3iC_3Z-iFarNVZzLig62eDQck6bTxWJA4UFE_y-jfRJXji9bpu-OVNka/s1600/IMG_20171210_192024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRIoaqcpplLAGHk-ovBIRHLk6YRZ2ytZQZznbFczLnxlwxTLwvZTowoZxSDaZv9SWKfThnjfzWCfFP35CgoDO3iC_3Z-iFarNVZzLig62eDQck6bTxWJA4UFE_y-jfRJXji9bpu-OVNka/s400/IMG_20171210_192024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We get to put any toppings on our coconut ice cream! I chose not to taint the ice cream with chocolate syrup and added cornflakes and peanut toppings for a crispy texture instead. Sadly, the spoon was disposable.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1UBxwneXaU1_SWc45FjpQv2UVLtN5pJDrFGhU_wMFTQ095JdeukfMCxQxjp8OTIuNzuIn6uFlW1GCMdl4CeG4t_tewspYDOzWmbB8kmerZjn5maYZMxW3tfhwWNZ_SUVZ2Ls5Vx4lWVs/s1600/IMG_20171212_111253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1UBxwneXaU1_SWc45FjpQv2UVLtN5pJDrFGhU_wMFTQ095JdeukfMCxQxjp8OTIuNzuIn6uFlW1GCMdl4CeG4t_tewspYDOzWmbB8kmerZjn5maYZMxW3tfhwWNZ_SUVZ2Ls5Vx4lWVs/s400/IMG_20171212_111253.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had this "Thai pancake" for breakfast on the last morning in Koh Lipe. It is basically banana stuffed roti canai with cinnamon powder and condensed milk. Artery clogging goodness right here!</td></tr>
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I refrained from alcohol during the beginning of the trip. My strategy was to save as much money as possible and maybe get a couple of drinks on the last night. There are many amazing bars along the Street and the beach. I spent most nights sleeping while Nicole and Shion enjoyed the nightlife. Nicole found out that one of our dormmates is a singer when she visited a bar on the beach with a huge Peace sign at the entrance on the second last night. Nicole convinced <a href="https://soundcloud.com/hillaryfitz" target="_blank">Hillary</a>, to play again on our last night. And wow, she sings and plays the guitar really well! She's also a passionate soul in greening urban areas. Wonderful. If I do not return to Koh Lipe for diving, I may return to Koh Lipe to hangout at this beautiful bar, whose name I never learned!</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadgiiw-EPJOjgH7CRVD1MBmd-bnwAr341aUEfyGkIV5NgR6WwaTPwxqffNEIK32UPfQ-SRTxWyNvBhnMK5s4r0XJ7696zGp6fyLM6s6H390yX615rOwXZ3cozz_ldtviJOx_XJUP7iACT/s1600/IMG_20171209_185146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadgiiw-EPJOjgH7CRVD1MBmd-bnwAr341aUEfyGkIV5NgR6WwaTPwxqffNEIK32UPfQ-SRTxWyNvBhnMK5s4r0XJ7696zGp6fyLM6s6H390yX615rOwXZ3cozz_ldtviJOx_XJUP7iACT/s400/IMG_20171209_185146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbNS1AKI6nQokZ_pzBVtBgBFbB-52zvMIeTdDqpPqvfJNyg-apZpoQnS4sOsslelohbBQbGP0uVKJBFY_jXs4MBx2ybPQlRc5Xjr0zVQEWMr7DxBmcrk8xwb9Qf1POPNIPk71GBpoks9m/s1600/IMG_20171209_185201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbNS1AKI6nQokZ_pzBVtBgBFbB-52zvMIeTdDqpPqvfJNyg-apZpoQnS4sOsslelohbBQbGP0uVKJBFY_jXs4MBx2ybPQlRc5Xjr0zVQEWMr7DxBmcrk8xwb9Qf1POPNIPk71GBpoks9m/s400/IMG_20171209_185201.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like these art fixtures a restaurant placed on the beach. A very attractive string art!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNesPVUAyNi6N4QDQK96LAG4CsLlq_4FlyUR7pyBsrmEwrZcPMzT6sribYdPRd92Gmh5PGIcqDGW_UzoZXJxcUVMSfMw6WmJg8VGmfmCkJnEYbWFInWmkOxyF951J4C_cackwEZ-S4bto/s1600/IMG_20171211_223014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNesPVUAyNi6N4QDQK96LAG4CsLlq_4FlyUR7pyBsrmEwrZcPMzT6sribYdPRd92Gmh5PGIcqDGW_UzoZXJxcUVMSfMw6WmJg8VGmfmCkJnEYbWFInWmkOxyF951J4C_cackwEZ-S4bto/s400/IMG_20171211_223014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of the cool beach bar we went to on the last night. I like how the entire building is made with a lot of wood and have no flooring so you can actually still enjoy the beach even when inside the premises! SMART!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRF4h8ihxjoMxgjyTL-vOk0hegMBqM-1QuSQ_ZPj30SKw7MPWWmCIm0wKkEP_y5Qce8wvAb-QKCFsq2OGaqFG9hn_th3yT1xsDxvak2_OUBJ1XIuo8ySVH6gasz2FXyoBH23zMPrpyRPR/s1600/GOPR8436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRF4h8ihxjoMxgjyTL-vOk0hegMBqM-1QuSQ_ZPj30SKw7MPWWmCIm0wKkEP_y5Qce8wvAb-QKCFsq2OGaqFG9hn_th3yT1xsDxvak2_OUBJ1XIuo8ySVH6gasz2FXyoBH23zMPrpyRPR/s400/GOPR8436.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "tipsy" night sky picture using my GoPro. Someone really has to teach me how to capture the night sky using the GoPro.</td></tr>
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<center style="text-align: left;">
If you do not SCUBA dive, try <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154322686167843.1073741939.752787842&type=1&l=90109d1206" target="_blank">snorkelling</a>! The visibility is way better than diving but you see less stuff, though. Just be careful when you go out snorkelling. Always have your orange life vest on and be alert for speeding long-tail boats! There is little to no designated safe snorkelling sites around the island. </center>
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The diving may not have been great but thinking of Koh Lipe makes me smile because of the wonderful experiences with amazing people. Thanks, friends, for making Koh Lipe amazing! </center>
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PS: I just remembered that the day before we left Langkawi for Koh Lipe, I had a fever that rendered me very weak. I thought I was going to have to flake the trip to Koh Lipe and just buy an expensive flight ticket to go home. Thank God I recovered almost immediately the next day and managed to visit Koh Lipe again and dive. </center>
Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-88101071260615474642018-01-15T13:41:00.001+08:002018-01-16T02:06:28.868+08:00Foodstalgia - Thai Street Food (With Ample Digression)<div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(This is not a review. A recommendation, possibly. With a hint of <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2018/01/diving-2017-koh-lipe.html" target="_blank">segue to my next entry</a>. I cannot do reviews. I am bad at it.)</span></div>
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Spending quality time with Aisha conveniently is going to get a whole lot difficult when I move back to Langkawi. (Wait, move BACK to Langkawi? Yes. I moved back to the Klang Valley and now moving back to Langkawi. Want to know the details? It will only cost you <a href="http://lobakmerah.com/5-nasi-ayam-goreng-kunyit-terbaik-di-kuala-lumpur-yang-anda-perlu-cuba/" target="_blank">a plate of <i>nasi ayam goreng kunyit</i></a>.) So I am letting her choose where we go on dates for the remainder of my stay in the Klang Valley. OK. I confess. Maybe I let her choose 50% of the time. (Is it really "let" when she cannot make up her mind? Discuss in the comment section!)<br />
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She chose <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Restaurant_Review-g298313-d7621453-Reviews-Go_Thai-Petaling_Jaya_Petaling_District_Selangor.html" target="_blank">Go Thai in SS2, Petaling Jaya</a>, a restaurant she wanted to bring me to eons ago but never gotten the chance till last Friday night. I am not sure how the crowd is during any other time but there were not too many people at the establishment when we arrived around 8:00PM, perhaps five other couples. I did not expect Go Thai to be serving food popular to tourists in Thailand. All Thai food places I have been to prior to my visit to Go Thai does sharing, ala carte meals rather than the individual meals one might find in a tourist hot spot in Thailand. (Actually, who am I to write about tourism in Thailand? I have only REALLY travelled to a Thai destination ONCE in my life, yet. The "not really" travel to Thailand was with my parents... about 15 years ago when I used to wear football jerseys. Naturally, I forgot almost everything about that trip.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyR8LoXyaQBXsrRZiXy9_LoCFJzZb3YX2O3F9vwllkUvHcpp2nlZNAOiy91f8AMqQrJfA_DmCxryEk0Zf31ejILj2cincmUjPIcfFubnjG6fbzT61Cgn_Hm1KmhMeJCA9noHIUAI2E8ll/s1600/IMG_20171209_193125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyR8LoXyaQBXsrRZiXy9_LoCFJzZb3YX2O3F9vwllkUvHcpp2nlZNAOiy91f8AMqQrJfA_DmCxryEk0Zf31ejILj2cincmUjPIcfFubnjG6fbzT61Cgn_Hm1KmhMeJCA9noHIUAI2E8ll/s400/IMG_20171209_193125.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ordering dishes to be shared like in this picture is usually the mode of serving in the Thai restaurants I have been to in Malaysia. This picture was taken when I was in Koh Lipe with a couple of my friends. The Malaysian in us decided to order sharing dishes on our first night. We had pork belly with basil, masaman chicken curry, seafood tom yam, and stir fried mixed vegetables, with of course a plate of white rice.</td></tr>
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I looked at their menu and I was confused at first since I am not used to Thai restaurants in Malaysia serving food like this. (Writing this a second time makes me wonder why am I making this such a BIG deal?) I got myself the pad thai (I asked for very spicy) and a glass of iced Thai tea with no straw. Aisha got some sort of minced basil pork meal that came with white rice and a fried egg. Forgot what it is called. And she got this refreshing pandan lemongrass drink with no straw. Yes, "with no straw" is an important part of beverage orders because that is how I am going to gauge what food places to recommend on this blog (if anybody really cares). You bring me straw when I told you not to? No recommendation! (My recommendation does not matter.) In addition to our own meals, we ordered some pork-on-a-stick (a plate of three sticks). The "sticked" pork were charcoal grilled.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNvWbCEfN-hPgjZaw5Bi-YTZwe9da-QC1fLUQTQM9KUT8yJxc0bG-wyb-OWlRUGNdX_nRRf4W-SkeLkjQZKb2zGzHCw69WoNP92WLT1lpS-TClT7kqRpZHFFNT4SFSzaYwzxu73sj4Np-/s1600/IMG_20180112_210226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNvWbCEfN-hPgjZaw5Bi-YTZwe9da-QC1fLUQTQM9KUT8yJxc0bG-wyb-OWlRUGNdX_nRRf4W-SkeLkjQZKb2zGzHCw69WoNP92WLT1lpS-TClT7kqRpZHFFNT4SFSzaYwzxu73sj4Np-/s400/IMG_20180112_210226.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Go Thai restaurant. Super clean with very simple decor. Note how the couples were seated. The lady always facing the entrance. Originally, Aisha and I were sitting in opposite arrangements, then we decided to "conform". Haha. No picture of the outside and entrance. Again, this is not a review.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45U5WMQzoLhzRpGXLzG0VtuqaA35dbOv9P457-sJ3IEeiqSVbExTcfZoomZmFB6SYpj6LGJwwVD88c62-bM5hxooGxReEFz7pLKl0n78C2a4O-jLLtxlzqgJPl5z1ME1G-hXjzYLCf2s8/s1600/IMG_20180112_210217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45U5WMQzoLhzRpGXLzG0VtuqaA35dbOv9P457-sJ3IEeiqSVbExTcfZoomZmFB6SYpj6LGJwwVD88c62-bM5hxooGxReEFz7pLKl0n78C2a4O-jLLtxlzqgJPl5z1ME1G-hXjzYLCf2s8/s400/IMG_20180112_210217.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My yummy pad thai.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUZ1EvCmYuqovS4WDgHSBZrF6TmOXmtlB5RUiOmTctmUcxcv2uZuDEG89SNFo7F_BfNmkPFthy3bxtk7JXUX2ma2tqWNYHG5AgK377qv3NUtlm22l3FgVIA8GD9KbgXnaN8QOWXzDjDwF/s1600/IMG_20180112_205919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUZ1EvCmYuqovS4WDgHSBZrF6TmOXmtlB5RUiOmTctmUcxcv2uZuDEG89SNFo7F_BfNmkPFthy3bxtk7JXUX2ma2tqWNYHG5AgK377qv3NUtlm22l3FgVIA8GD9KbgXnaN8QOWXzDjDwF/s400/IMG_20180112_205919.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aisha's comfort food basil minced pork meal. The minced pork may look dry in this picture but once you put a spoonful in your mouth you can taste the salty juices from the seasoning and the pork. I know it is just a fried egg but I feel like people do not pay attention to much on how a fried egg is served to a customer in a restaurant. Go Thai fried this egg perfectly: not burnt sides, all whites were fully cooked, and the yolk just half cooked. Perfect.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PgOPu9Rai7wPZ5DHkcne7blirlrG4WPbR3tSpKqyTgKLAjdoCqouulHbPHQBtqC6uhX3sTig6eA3Jos6Pyflp7fF1ap2O5Ud_9MVqhUv6P_8YWz9MYjsLfM5WeayOmGFvRQOE4SvYXgB/s1600/IMG_20180112_205914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6PgOPu9Rai7wPZ5DHkcne7blirlrG4WPbR3tSpKqyTgKLAjdoCqouulHbPHQBtqC6uhX3sTig6eA3Jos6Pyflp7fF1ap2O5Ud_9MVqhUv6P_8YWz9MYjsLfM5WeayOmGFvRQOE4SvYXgB/s400/IMG_20180112_205914.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby girl with my Thai iced tea and her pandan lemongrass drink WITHOUT STRAWS. Tasty and refreshing drinks, no single-use plastics used, and gorgeous wench equals WIN.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Psww1Y3uZGNz_DrcgR97-ujexG1adztp3F08mWQSgKT_iM23fCJHY6Ua6fWXLpOSG5Nkpfz8-nlQFKlftMQb540FvrHYZsoOgjmTabz6KbxV338DPKBfhWjLJS_S_p2LA_Az1ErPT4PE/s1600/IMG_20180112_210938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Psww1Y3uZGNz_DrcgR97-ujexG1adztp3F08mWQSgKT_iM23fCJHY6Ua6fWXLpOSG5Nkpfz8-nlQFKlftMQb540FvrHYZsoOgjmTabz6KbxV338DPKBfhWjLJS_S_p2LA_Az1ErPT4PE/s400/IMG_20180112_210938.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork-on-a-stick, or known to me as "pork butter" from my trip to Koh Lipe. Haha.</td></tr>
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The meal was very tasty! My pad thai was... pad thai. I thought it tasted, smelled, and looked authentic. (I had to add more chili powder/flakes to turn up the heat.) It had chicken meat with thinly sliced read onions and even some crushed peanuts. Most importantly, it tasted like pad thai (because some Thai places in Klang just cannot get it right)! The best way for me to describe Aisha's meal would be that it is comfort food. I had minced pork growing up when I visited my grandparents' place over the weekends and it tasted similar. But Go Thai's minced pork had the extra dimension of basil in it. Very delicious. The iced cold Thai tea was delicious, very standard really. Aisha's pandan lemongrass thing was... refreshing. Both drinks, to me, were not that sweet. And the pork-on-a-stick tasted amazing! You could taste the charcoal smoke in the meat. I thought the cook used liquid smoke but they actually started a charcoal flame in their kitchen to grill the pork! Love the taste of pork glazed with sweet and salty marinade. YUMZ.</div>
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Other than tasting exactly the same, the foods and beverages costed almost the same as when I was in Koh Lipe last month! What a coincidence! The two main dishes we ordered cost about RM12 which is about 100 bahts with the current exchange rate! The only pricing "anomaly" would be the pork-on-a-stick, which is funnily labelled as "pork butter" in Koh Lipe. I paid RM2.50 a stick (20 baht) so three sticks would make it RM7.50 but Go Thai charged about RM12. So while I was spending some quality time with my Love and consuming delicious food, these similarities reminded me of my Koh Lipe experiences. I felt joy, romance, and satisfaction. 'Twas a beautiful night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY2nPif8z0q54Vz2dp9os8pgWGvr7l59zh_xHwJvtwrE3ychT7D6osTR-G85atTB7yOblbQEt0o4aNk-jIJjQ-K1EpaWTssXxpBdcsCMOtGf9IalA3Sdvy_R7vyjTWzlp7m6uT5s07meW/s1600/IMG_20171209_113232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY2nPif8z0q54Vz2dp9os8pgWGvr7l59zh_xHwJvtwrE3ychT7D6osTR-G85atTB7yOblbQEt0o4aNk-jIJjQ-K1EpaWTssXxpBdcsCMOtGf9IalA3Sdvy_R7vyjTWzlp7m6uT5s07meW/s400/IMG_20171209_113232.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pad thai I had in Koh Lipe last month. Interestingly, I also had pad thai from the same restaurant in Koh Lipe the year before! Mighty tasty! The Koh Lipe pad thai had larger and more peanuts compared to Go Thai's. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oY7F7BRiyxYjfuCQ_ZhYwqD1XHimmvid-Hz6J-OC8LoXZKOtINKDhwckWSF_DDwGxjQG1Rm82DIVaN4hYzGGIyEVvdjS0Nzt2eAZrVwutnhRlSLO6xQTzTag48xI7uwyg5c2ZxOJl0g5/s1600/IMG_20171211_180610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oY7F7BRiyxYjfuCQ_ZhYwqD1XHimmvid-Hz6J-OC8LoXZKOtINKDhwckWSF_DDwGxjQG1Rm82DIVaN4hYzGGIyEVvdjS0Nzt2eAZrVwutnhRlSLO6xQTzTag48xI7uwyg5c2ZxOJl0g5/s400/IMG_20171211_180610.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pork butter" for 20 baht. We frequented this joint opposite Siam International Clinic along Walking Street in Koh Lipe. We frequented this stall multiple times everyday we were there and I always got "pork butter". It is seriously very tasty. And Go Thai's "pork butter" (it goes by a different name in Go Thai) tasted very similar to the ones I had in Koh Lipe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZfJyHdwkBhwwjun14scB2kxbJZuKEYpSuGNwDMys1fFSIGnit42-dXjPlP9U1eEgq1mvZju_Qjdoj__fFALBD1-4RCdRvu_ATa6WcaW2QdekvruNk9Q4av4bybwfPSLUXEzv5qEuBUzP/s1600/IMG_20171211_180622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZfJyHdwkBhwwjun14scB2kxbJZuKEYpSuGNwDMys1fFSIGnit42-dXjPlP9U1eEgq1mvZju_Qjdoj__fFALBD1-4RCdRvu_ATa6WcaW2QdekvruNk9Q4av4bybwfPSLUXEzv5qEuBUzP/s400/IMG_20171211_180622.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pork butters" flanking a sourish, Thai pork sausage.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdshCMR6Cx8Co5lzSjBEfxcsQDPv1bcnqsCDyYX-tSzrLp5jgsorEBGLa_BaWm0yJLAPYPvY_evAtri-JXf5KdhnJ-mRfXj0fmWGnKUr_5yOJ9LkvwAzgq0ERF_fMvw_G9Y7O3ePzK2iyU/s1600/IMG_20171212_103428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdshCMR6Cx8Co5lzSjBEfxcsQDPv1bcnqsCDyYX-tSzrLp5jgsorEBGLa_BaWm0yJLAPYPvY_evAtri-JXf5KdhnJ-mRfXj0fmWGnKUr_5yOJ9LkvwAzgq0ERF_fMvw_G9Y7O3ePzK2iyU/s400/IMG_20171212_103428.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited everyday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GpaXhd3R25lg810NtMU4DIBtyC90SvvFryJbJIJJr-AZleEONHkVz6aX_NcJMvkP7nmB-QgVN-qW8D7sXkrv98ClA_v-RP5ctdNx4oslWFUxy7mxROmMIkSSANoZhFpq6YpXnZOHF-SA/s1600/IMG_20171212_142233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GpaXhd3R25lg810NtMU4DIBtyC90SvvFryJbJIJJr-AZleEONHkVz6aX_NcJMvkP7nmB-QgVN-qW8D7sXkrv98ClA_v-RP5ctdNx4oslWFUxy7mxROmMIkSSANoZhFpq6YpXnZOHF-SA/s400/IMG_20171212_142233.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like seriously everyday.</td></tr>
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Go Thai SS2 is a very clean restaurant with extremely friendly staff members that cook up very authentic Thai "tourist" foods (foods that I think are conveniently eaten by tourists in Thailand, tourists like me) at a reasonable price. In addition to this, they obliged to our instructions of not presenting our drinks with plastic straws. A very nice place for a date and for get-togethers without having to decide what sharing dishes to get. Food and beverage selections may be small compared to the other Thai restaurants but I bet the rest of the dishes would taste as amazing as our orders. </div>
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Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-31501362279840065822017-10-07T12:11:00.001+08:002017-10-07T12:11:33.487+08:00Can't Belize it's the FinalEEGet it? Get it? I cannot Belize (believe) it is the finalEE (portmanteau of "final" and "EE" to spell "finale"; "EE" is the acronym of Earth Expeditions). Okay, okay. I tried too hard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkarayZrnm6dr7_YwtxRw5TN2pgSsyv2ANdZVK30ncRgm6sjd_HM296ZAHXDbubgXeR6mu-qeAgdl1XmU5J71f1uj1ZI4edPOcNj3CRF9sMqhFcxDjLQIY7vI11AWywIWbTc5BkaDWaMo/s1600/jokeyoumeme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="425" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkarayZrnm6dr7_YwtxRw5TN2pgSsyv2ANdZVK30ncRgm6sjd_HM296ZAHXDbubgXeR6mu-qeAgdl1XmU5J71f1uj1ZI4edPOcNj3CRF9sMqhFcxDjLQIY7vI11AWywIWbTc5BkaDWaMo/s320/jokeyoumeme.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You guys right now. Meme <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/whoosh-you-missed-the-joke" target="_blank">credit</a>.</td></tr>
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I really need to start blogging more consistently. I keep saying this. In fact, I mentioned it in my entry about <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2016/10/so-green.html" target="_blank">my Baja Earth Expeditions almost a year ago</a>. Heh.<br />
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This year has been weird and confusing. I left my awesome job in Langkawi and moved back to the Klang Valley to be closer to my girlfriend, family, and <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2016/06/a-tiny-little-haiku.html" target="_blank">Tiny</a> and started working for a place I thought would kick-start my career in Malaysia at after graduating and moving back to Malaysia about five years ago. The last couple of months in Langkawi drained my usual motivation and passion I have in life. I do not know why, maybe it is the packing, maybe it is the uncertainty feeling you get after making a major life decision... Whatever it is, I have become lazy and pessimistic. I was not even looking forward for my last ever EE in July. No more close-to-ideal job, no more clear roads (traffic in the Klang Valley is legendary), no more cheap booze, and how can Belize EE top last year's super amazing, mind-blowing Baja EE!<br />
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I shall dedicate some time in writing about my entire Belize journey in detail in the months to come but the conclusion is that my field trip to Belize was very uplifting, eventful, and memorable. All that negativity that defined me since the beginning of the year started to melt away at the "beginning" of the course when I met a couple of my classmates in Dallas Fort Worth airport waiting for our flight to Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, Belize. I knew from then on that it was going to be a fulfilling time in Belize. And it actually turned out to be so!<br />
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There are plenty of things to write about my Belize EE; the wonderful classmates and field partners, the uniqueness of Belize Zoo, me being introduced to yet another natural habitat called the "tropical pine savanna", the diversity of peoples in Belize, the community-based initiative to conserve riparian forests and "baboons" and my foster family, the Mayan ruins and culture, Baird's tapir shit, Vermilion flycatcher and other beautiful birds and wildlife, amazing Belizean food, and the coconut-falling-but-it-missed incident. I am tearing up recapping the trip.<br />
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There are two significant and memorable incidences during this EE: looking at extensive seagrass meadows for the first time in my life and snorkelling outside of a massive barrier reef. These moments left me dumbfounded in awe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzIIWY6PI9g0g8faeu8rjTYS1VVjV16KxzufbRs95g8wtXmAu-whMESyLXErmY7NltrrrEaCIkPLIRHP9vzn_JwxxRdTLunllNHNQk6s7CjkcpTOE_CkDFBI0DV-xnCSQiLMvHkfqAmXU/s1600/GOPR7815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzIIWY6PI9g0g8faeu8rjTYS1VVjV16KxzufbRs95g8wtXmAu-whMESyLXErmY7NltrrrEaCIkPLIRHP9vzn_JwxxRdTLunllNHNQk6s7CjkcpTOE_CkDFBI0DV-xnCSQiLMvHkfqAmXU/s400/GOPR7815.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to respectfully and responsibly lay on the seagrass and just enjoy the blueness of Earth.</td></tr>
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<br />In both situations I felt peace. I can truly admit that all the worries I had of uncertainties, sadness from the dying of an artist who is part of my biggest musical inspiration, tiredness, regretfulness, all disappeared during these incidents. The blades of seagrass stood still, sometimes waving to the gentle currents. I wow-ed countless of times underwater in the presence of the magnificent spur and groove formations of the largest barrier reef of the western hemisphere, formations shaped from the movement of water for thousands of years. It is akin to a patient artist sculpturing his/her very own Le Penseur. All I want to do is just float in the water, be still, and enjoy these natural phenomena.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me trying to be part of something great.</td></tr>
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Many of the past EE participants will mention that these field trips will help you discover yourself. I believe I have finally discovered myself or refueled the passion in me, experiences that are so relevant to me for this current period of my life. <b>It is moments like being inches away from the blades of the seagrass and floating over a barrier reef that make me want to be a better environmental steward and inspire the people around me to care for the natural environment that also keeps us as a species alive!</b> I am also reminded how important and valuable the people are in saving the things I love. They are after all part of the things I love.<br />
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The next few months after the publishing of this entry will resonate with what I have learned, felt, wanted during my final EE. I have revert to my former self of being afraid and excited at the same time, a feeling that I know has brought out the best of me in the past.<br />
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I am missing the cultural and natural heritage of Belize, Chester Bennington, and my classmates, instructors, and field partners.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctbfILumJ8g4RrtJN6iwFvkwz3FI3bn-EOqzEc4CxNIY19rj169dAs2B7loxYvAg51uRkHud4XyAz7wi1zsyS8H_rEvsZ-WbG8do8cuvTk-wIv_ouV1y7PFe6wzFGsz9I17_r98KBl61W/s1600/DSC_0564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctbfILumJ8g4RrtJN6iwFvkwz3FI3bn-EOqzEc4CxNIY19rj169dAs2B7loxYvAg51uRkHud4XyAz7wi1zsyS8H_rEvsZ-WbG8do8cuvTk-wIv_ouV1y7PFe6wzFGsz9I17_r98KBl61W/s400/DSC_0564.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Till we meet again, friends!</td></tr>
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Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-86224125255609106762017-01-22T22:55:00.002+08:002018-01-05T16:24:53.048+08:00"K-Pop" ChickenI remember Shakira telling me last year about a new eatery in <a href="http://www.langkawi-parade.com/about.html" target="_blank">Langkawi Parade</a> - K Chicken. K Chicken, or referred to as K-Pop Chicken by Shakira, is a Korean fried chicken place serving a fried chicken "Korean" style with limited selection of Korean dishes like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimbap" target="_blank">kimbap</a>, <a href="http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/gimgaru-jumeokbap" target="_blank">jumeokbap</a> (just the rice ball), and kimchi (of course). It took me five months before deciding to try this place out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9r-RYwGwQbBS8Uo_GmSOxjFpaiTT6RIct348YaWU4j1V-MnNZgYUj5mo9ln8xQ4o7YKdBUezGLXcuEquHv_nmYLh-10cU_U8DRMfOceHE-vTlQ31w62upisjDvpPa7Te3yK7vy0-wXnZ4/s1600/IMG_20160626_143929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9r-RYwGwQbBS8Uo_GmSOxjFpaiTT6RIct348YaWU4j1V-MnNZgYUj5mo9ln8xQ4o7YKdBUezGLXcuEquHv_nmYLh-10cU_U8DRMfOceHE-vTlQ31w62upisjDvpPa7Te3yK7vy0-wXnZ4/s400/IMG_20160626_143929.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outside of K Chicken - Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So one fine Monday afternoon (used to be my rest day), I walked up to the third floor of Langkawi Parade and ordered myself a plate of six pieces of "spicy" Korean friend chicken and a plate of kimbap. The kimbap tasted alright (like how all kimbaps taste).<br />
<br />
The chicken, on the other hand, was surprisingly very tasty. I was not expecting crispiness from glazed fried chicken, but it was slightly crispy. The spicy glaze, which was applied very generously but the right amount, is like what their tagline says - sweet and spicy. What made the sauce taste special is the small bits of fried garlic sprinkled on the top of the chicken. Very nice touch, K Chicken. You know the chicken is deep fried to perfection when you bite into it and feel the juices envelope your tongue... Mmmm. That is what you get when you eat K Chicken's star dish!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4XNc1DR_gqBg9vJANC7q9HeOSbaN-bVTyzs-0XYfrhvRjoXPSkNGDaLr3BTMBArN5Gf_pU91n-DFj9QpGi-QP_Q1wpBdAaq-KFBFtXJWjoRo-BFoJlsHcVM4jQ7RYOOyaTCpH7ApvL-5/s1600/IMG_20160626_145523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4XNc1DR_gqBg9vJANC7q9HeOSbaN-bVTyzs-0XYfrhvRjoXPSkNGDaLr3BTMBArN5Gf_pU91n-DFj9QpGi-QP_Q1wpBdAaq-KFBFtXJWjoRo-BFoJlsHcVM4jQ7RYOOyaTCpH7ApvL-5/s640/IMG_20160626_145523.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture from my first visit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMDomxV92Bic5YYsL4pkjgB4x5t9l3dnqk-7Mx1A0eF23wHZ__Y4znmS_66Q1JsrS3kkXHa_zwrP4CRIDS1qH_Q6tdvUlN1wukEP703jseVEoNRHv0IEIuC0oUjyCUcHoW-oX4dUXFwH1/s1600/IMG_20161209_172046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMDomxV92Bic5YYsL4pkjgB4x5t9l3dnqk-7Mx1A0eF23wHZ__Y4znmS_66Q1JsrS3kkXHa_zwrP4CRIDS1qH_Q6tdvUlN1wukEP703jseVEoNRHv0IEIuC0oUjyCUcHoW-oX4dUXFwH1/s400/IMG_20161209_172046.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture from my <i>n</i>th visit. Yes, I always order the same thing... Six pieces of spicy Korean fried chicken and kimbap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Therefore, if you want a good meal in a clean place with A/C, you should definitely give K Chicken a try. (My usual order costs RM28; RM19 for the six pieces of chicken and RM9 for the kimbap. You can check out their menu on their <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Restaurant_Review-g298283-d4754012-Reviews-K_Chicken-Langkawi_Langkawi_District_Kedah.html" target="_blank">Tripadvisor page</a>, though their prices have changed. Six pieces of chicken is too much for one person, so maybe you should share it with someone else. I eat for two - first tummy and second tummy.)<br />
<br />
While writing this entry, I realised that I never visited K Chicken with Shakira. Next time when you visit, Kira!<br />
<br />
<u>Epilogue</u><br />
I do not know why the Korean fried chicken in Malaysia is glazed. I understand why Korean chicken made in Hawaii is called Korean chicken (it is because the fried chicken is dipped into "Korean sauce"), but I have eaten friend chicken in Seoul and they do not serve it in any sauce. It is just simple crispy and juicy chicken served with cold beer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t6R8LLhTnAv6meRuzQlFVhVAFBPjq1ce3FU717OSk1yt839QCE6atGDl1_7nJJDzRHvR6GZnBzMRmo7xcEmaeU58sN_1HejXdLr6Tg1_bKTeaUxa96ejTviju_6_wxQSKk2QXznU9uZp/s1600/10532719_10152234247942843_2486307616425985568_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t6R8LLhTnAv6meRuzQlFVhVAFBPjq1ce3FU717OSk1yt839QCE6atGDl1_7nJJDzRHvR6GZnBzMRmo7xcEmaeU58sN_1HejXdLr6Tg1_bKTeaUxa96ejTviju_6_wxQSKk2QXznU9uZp/s400/10532719_10152234247942843_2486307616425985568_o.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forgot where I ate these yumminess in South Korea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Although, I have come to a conclusion that I enjoy all preparations of fried chicken I have tried so far. As long as the chicken is fried properly, of course.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-5170278827289727282016-12-18T14:31:00.001+08:002018-01-05T18:03:04.126+08:00"Non-controversial" Recreational Places to Visit in Pulau Langkawi<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">About a week ago, there was a very
bitter story circulating around local groups on Facebook about how my
workplace stops “locals” from enjoying a beautiful and private swimming area from visiting this secluded
creek</span>, only allowing foreigners (the accuser specifically mentioned Caucasians, “<i>mat salleh</i>”). I shall refrain from commenting on this over-sensationalised issue
because my opinion will upset both the accusers and the accused.</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
supporters of this story also mentioned that there is now NO other pristine and
private recreational spots for them to go to because all of them are being “owned”
by big companies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I DISAGREE very much. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is my list of “non-controversial”,
public accessible recreational places, that are similar in experience to the aforementioned "secret" creek, to visit in Pulau Langkawi (in
no particular order or ranking):<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells)<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3965.126710693961!2d99.67180221744384!3d6.377640000000017!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x304c76e12707f111%3A0x8ee86a0a876d71b7!2sAir+Terjun+Telaga+Tujuh!5e0!3m2!1sen!2smy!4v1482037516492" style="border-style: initial; border-width: 0px;" width="600"></iframe>
</div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Drive to the end of the road, pass the turn
into the <a href="http://www.orientalvillage.my/" target="_blank">Oriental Village</a> and <a href="http://www.panoramalangkawi.com/" target="_blank">cable car place</a> and you will find the entrance to
the Seven Wells. Park your car, pay that parking ticket of RM2 for cars (RM1
for motorcycles), and start climbing up the stairs. Whoa! Climb UP stairs?! But
Jon, I am on holiday, bro!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(I am not your bro, pal!) </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Trust me, it is
worth it. You will come across a restroom halfway walking up the
stairs. Turn left to check out one of the most epic-looking waterfall on the
island. The first time I saw this from a cable car I thought it was man-made. It
is water falling over a large sandstone face of about 30 to 40 metres high! This
view is dramatic.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis6tE2wLXlaYq9YMHBOUDIA8JA9xFHZ8WdFJrjRdFrVeYSNX5GbSK2p1HE8oOh7iEg-YoUDePz5hPIM-01Ioho_lMsna1FsDwNHdHEE_UvcfOoMu20WGQEjTgFNys0O0NFZxBBckJHjR7/s1600/11120916_10152989799837843_1376803466653737023_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis6tE2wLXlaYq9YMHBOUDIA8JA9xFHZ8WdFJrjRdFrVeYSNX5GbSK2p1HE8oOh7iEg-YoUDePz5hPIM-01Ioho_lMsna1FsDwNHdHEE_UvcfOoMu20WGQEjTgFNys0O0NFZxBBckJHjR7/s400/11120916_10152989799837843_1376803466653737023_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My baby girl by the large waterfall at the first stop last year in June.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Tvlar-JWQS1HeXTTXd6yncqtgVwu0d3Py99CagSRaWJUoYLbuevK9hT2bSYjb-rOTJkWDnuyPexL3erOdKlmNRQZCyfpk1P4lTPV7Axmetac_k5vw7IfLqydtjR9F87D-IY3u8a0tY_N/s1600/10682331_10152989853627843_8323298253096418152_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Tvlar-JWQS1HeXTTXd6yncqtgVwu0d3Py99CagSRaWJUoYLbuevK9hT2bSYjb-rOTJkWDnuyPexL3erOdKlmNRQZCyfpk1P4lTPV7Axmetac_k5vw7IfLqydtjR9F87D-IY3u8a0tY_N/s400/10682331_10152989853627843_8323298253096418152_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me dorking out with my girlfriend same time last year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8w5PV4XpBTknxRiE1wX4VmHVK8KR2UYdNgCPtCOyLZXt-A_b4M9i6lxIP30tpTjbP-JRSI8UuNb4hqye9QNzvTPkzFmdmonnjRDDPXszbl2HvURHtDuMqBeukSwXoylw8n6ByoF1UTdT/s1600/GOPR6694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8w5PV4XpBTknxRiE1wX4VmHVK8KR2UYdNgCPtCOyLZXt-A_b4M9i6lxIP30tpTjbP-JRSI8UuNb4hqye9QNzvTPkzFmdmonnjRDDPXszbl2HvURHtDuMqBeukSwXoylw8n6ByoF1UTdT/s400/GOPR6694.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me dorking out in October this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are a couple of swimming pools as the
water cascades down slowly and gradually. This place can be extremely busy
because it is one of the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g298283-d1454088-Reviews-Telaga_Tujuh_Waterfalls-Langkawi_Langkawi_District_Kedah.html" target="_blank">major tourist attraction</a> on the island. So, I suggest
you walk back to the staircase (without drying yourself off), and continue to
walk up that stairs. Jon, what is wrong with you?!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6je2kMfiK0TtBnAdtpLgAf82QyODmjkqw8b10qS9Da3fGE_64yfe2HlnstrCbDV_UDxh7y3D6lmgAYLGDYyTHUheCfdKaZh5wkLdG0lSJXFWrRVWyWAgyWvPQYj5sl4BsFg3_C8cscvK/s1600/12091407_10153283980667843_5674499237971033477_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6je2kMfiK0TtBnAdtpLgAf82QyODmjkqw8b10qS9Da3fGE_64yfe2HlnstrCbDV_UDxh7y3D6lmgAYLGDYyTHUheCfdKaZh5wkLdG0lSJXFWrRVWyWAgyWvPQYj5sl4BsFg3_C8cscvK/s400/12091407_10153283980667843_5674499237971033477_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some pools for swimming at the waterfall. This picture was taken last year in October when my bestie, Kenneth, came to visit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you reach the top there are a few more
“wells” to swim in, including a lookout spot for some beautiful pictures of the
waterfall to be taken. It is at this area that you can learn the <a href="http://mumbojumbolangkawi.blogspot.my/p/myth.html" target="_blank">legends of the Seven Wells</a>. This area too can be crowded. You can lose the crowd by walking
towards the end of this area. You will come across a hiking trail on your left,
and on your right, some peaceful pools of water. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So many choices in one place! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are some complications though. The
waterfall at the first spot does not always gush with water, common during the
dry months. This past year, water flowed down (“trickled” when compared to the
wet months) from early February to about early May. You can still swim, but
manage your expectations during the dry months.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have seen <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_hornbill" target="_blank">Great hornbills</a> (<i>Buceros bicornis</i>) flying about at
the waterfall. A delightful sight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Suggested
itinerary</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Enjoy the sights and experience of the
SkyCab cable car and <a href="http://www.panoramalangkawi.com/skybridge/" target="_blank">SkyBridge</a> before heading to Telaga Tujuh. Or you can do
the Matchinchang hiking trail (which I have yet to do) and then go swimming.
Apparently, the trail open to the public is quite easy. Another option is going on a <a href="http://www.ziplinelangkawi.com/" target="_blank">zipline adventure at Telaga Tujuh</a> itself before swimming at the waterfall. This zipline adventure has a zipline ABOVE the waterfall you swim in after! You could have lunch at
the Oriental Village (the general area where the SkyCab is located), or you
could have lunch in one of the local shops at the base of Telaga Tujuh. (I
never tried any of the eateries in these areas because I prefer to do
everything, and drive to the Datai junction, “Simpang Datai” for some <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2015/06/kafe-simpang-datai-datai-junction-cafe.html" target="_blank">delicious homecooked Malay food</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="423" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJonMoxie99%2Fvideos%2Fvb.752787842%2F10154154703397843%2F%3Ftype%3D3&show_text=1&width=560" style="border-style: none; border-width: initial; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Be
careful of </span></b><span lang="EN-US">Monkeys. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crab-eating_macaque" target="_blank">Long-tailed macaques</a> (<i>Macaca fascicularis</i>) are
like how the <a href="http://qz.com/720456/the-myth-of-millennial-entitlement-was-created-to-hide-their-parents-mistakes/" target="_blank">baby boomers label millennials – entitled</a>. They are so entitled
that they will snatch your plastics bags or even rummage through your
unattended bags. They do like to hangout along the stairs too, usually where
the restrooms are situated in the halfway point of the staircase. So, take into
account the safety of yourself and/or your group if you see a troop loitering
on the staircase on your way up to the hiking trail. (Whose fault is this?
Idiots that like feeding wildlife. I shall elaborate more on this irresponsible
and uncivil act by humans in another entry.) The steps are quite steep, so
prepare yourselves accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Temurun Waterfall<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3964.6889935518043!2d99.7060433139051!3d6.433979995345056!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x304c708e3ddf0d5d%3A0x6b7e106a66289f03!2sHutan+Lipur+Air+Terjun+Temurun+%2F+Temurun+waterfall!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1482039209631" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The entrance of this waterfall is along the
Datai road (<i>Jalan Teluk Datai</i>). You
cannot miss it. If you miss it, you will be punished by having to look at the
<a href="http://www.langkawipoint.com/langkawi-waterfalls/langkawi-waterfall-man-made" target="_blank">waste-of-money man-made tunnel</a> just after the waterfall. There is ample parking
on the opposite of the waterfall entrance. It has been awhile since I have
visited this waterfall, so I am not sure if people have started collecting
money for parking. (They should, if it will ensure that all trash is picked up
from the road and the parking lot.)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgALd7NxzSKLe-BliL6pCaHz009QAHVF9fllfH_hMdZ7cEyaTnUQk9bTk-KeRMpQTwWuX1a7fRUgjaHVUkUR2dQWLQfg0WcgwhuGo4Tipm8FcNFNW_kkPNX3OWnIGigRmjhQ5QkZrh7_a/s1600/11336862_10152976108432843_2287893347692226663_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgALd7NxzSKLe-BliL6pCaHz009QAHVF9fllfH_hMdZ7cEyaTnUQk9bTk-KeRMpQTwWuX1a7fRUgjaHVUkUR2dQWLQfg0WcgwhuGo4Tipm8FcNFNW_kkPNX3OWnIGigRmjhQ5QkZrh7_a/s400/11336862_10152976108432843_2287893347692226663_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the waterfall. Look at the mother macaque begging food from another visitor. This macaque's troop raided the lady's group's food at the waterfall about 30 minutes later, ruining the experience for me and other visitors. Irresponsible humans.</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You will have to hike about 200 to 300
metres on concrete pathways with stairs to cross the bumpy terrain to the
waterfall. Once you are there, you will see quite a large pool of water and a beautiful waterfall. The rock face is not as tall as Telaga Tujuh, but
it has a more rugged texture. If you find this “main pool” to be too crowded,
you could swim in the smaller pools you see on your way to the main pool.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Cf96mr9oW0c9KiCzIEqDpCaaHNYxFEn4gcSfI_EThcU0_g3Yw_jQfRhSp4X9iVYw1kjEY_d7xpc4W9pxyp5jCk7Qifn8KSKL4ZLHcLnq2HGyL_y8vyplDiRbkkNKloMOYigdTINeMeJT/s1600/10604428_10152976111097843_1579847058718965126_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Cf96mr9oW0c9KiCzIEqDpCaaHNYxFEn4gcSfI_EThcU0_g3Yw_jQfRhSp4X9iVYw1kjEY_d7xpc4W9pxyp5jCk7Qifn8KSKL4ZLHcLnq2HGyL_y8vyplDiRbkkNKloMOYigdTINeMeJT/s400/10604428_10152976111097843_1579847058718965126_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The concrete stairs long the path.</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like Telaga Tujuh, this waterfall can dry
up during the dry months. The pools of water do become quite shallow but there
are always some pools with water. I think you should definitely find a
different spot to visit during the dry months. The experience during the wet
months is magnificent over here.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1kjbCkqoFeeZ8KiEPY2YMNc6y2ZE2tPlMzFiPWn3RxzrR0duNli0erxfe47UCMKgEYqS111nH-CQDFjhvA1D8aEDnqoEPrsG5bmFSyz0PJTn-Cif3pwwZOu2Tq_I8LMggywrtQs3zaZk/s1600/11411724_10152976111017843_2746700082696458842_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1kjbCkqoFeeZ8KiEPY2YMNc6y2ZE2tPlMzFiPWn3RxzrR0duNli0erxfe47UCMKgEYqS111nH-CQDFjhvA1D8aEDnqoEPrsG5bmFSyz0PJTn-Cif3pwwZOu2Tq_I8LMggywrtQs3zaZk/s400/11411724_10152976111017843_2746700082696458842_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smaller pools along the pathway before reaching the waterfall. This picture was taken in June last year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rZWwJiFhzTgAm-kUJzKR6SK13RRclGIF9ML669JvP7GQAtBYGJ9Ma5n2m4KwGt1LW0ifI5pGWsKmsg_SCSI6wroFsQs8ZUj9mh3XeQYUac4kD_P_s4yME20moTOg8WKEDo8o49f-9yXI/s1600/11415565_10152976111952843_2412756114409664344_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rZWwJiFhzTgAm-kUJzKR6SK13RRclGIF9ML669JvP7GQAtBYGJ9Ma5n2m4KwGt1LW0ifI5pGWsKmsg_SCSI6wroFsQs8ZUj9mh3XeQYUac4kD_P_s4yME20moTOg8WKEDo8o49f-9yXI/s400/11415565_10152976111952843_2412756114409664344_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waterfall at Temurun. This photo is taken last year in June. This was just the beginning of the rainy season last year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKv7c3pFV9PTtEz7IM0JO3yT9vUhTLGYp-sZiCDlrB0QLGtE1kZK70sd6uho38XTEs1eKfjsoL0WdvZhJr-gBGQKxwtI4Q4og0GJgd_5qdjiEJ53LRCfHWOOfkCWVP9bo3QoMTdPU9tKx/s1600/11101634_10152976117917843_3507470555878022325_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKv7c3pFV9PTtEz7IM0JO3yT9vUhTLGYp-sZiCDlrB0QLGtE1kZK70sd6uho38XTEs1eKfjsoL0WdvZhJr-gBGQKxwtI4Q4og0GJgd_5qdjiEJ53LRCfHWOOfkCWVP9bo3QoMTdPU9tKx/s400/11101634_10152976117917843_3507470555878022325_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shameless selfie underneath the waterfall last year in June.</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">Suggested
itinerary</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"> Spend a good amount of time at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_465650521"></span>Pasir Tengkorak<span id="goog_465650522"></span></a> (Skull sand) beach before
cooling off at Temurun Waterfall. This beach is located on the right side of
the road on your way up the Datai road. It is a very beautiful beach with ample
parking space. I find swimming in this small bay to be safe. If you find this
beach to be crowded, you can walk towards the right side of the bay, climb some
rocks, and get on some concrete stairs/pathway to walk about 200 metres. At the
end of this pathway is a very secluded cove and a nice beach. There could be
some flotsam and jetsam on this beach but it is usually empty. This cove is
best experienced when the tide is low. You may not have a beach to relax on
during high tides.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6O7NDgXHbwXeV1lzQYlFo5_Lt0tjxHYzO7tDVcXgNM6l_fROskfoL7UpN8JE4Jt8yCC7ATvmkkf9Ue7OWF0LMcRbs92SpcfVxw5bvvonzsccGdb2Hi74jMK3oi3v-EbO9u7mjbxUS-Hw/s1600/GOPR4785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6O7NDgXHbwXeV1lzQYlFo5_Lt0tjxHYzO7tDVcXgNM6l_fROskfoL7UpN8JE4Jt8yCC7ATvmkkf9Ue7OWF0LMcRbs92SpcfVxw5bvvonzsccGdb2Hi74jMK3oi3v-EbO9u7mjbxUS-Hw/s400/GOPR4785.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Pasir Tengkorak Beach from the mainroad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_onA8lBhYS2Fm2-NgQFavHTg6qk3GRzMeHe2BoV2uTfg7vIy2_ONmoqzOFK7v6NZBtwJ4SIGpWd3irbqX1WpgizRQdMCTcjqvXtwzSAwtSDYs8wSIP1alWfLcxqyxEqKEQr2YM-tulYj/s1600/GOPR4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_onA8lBhYS2Fm2-NgQFavHTg6qk3GRzMeHe2BoV2uTfg7vIy2_ONmoqzOFK7v6NZBtwJ4SIGpWd3irbqX1WpgizRQdMCTcjqvXtwzSAwtSDYs8wSIP1alWfLcxqyxEqKEQr2YM-tulYj/s400/GOPR4808.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shameless selfie taken in June this year while swimming with my floating, waterproof Pelican case gotten for me by Kenneth. Thanks, bud.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQZ4rcZlu6yQg7KaXd97QXvF6n33VJn_K_eAMbqCvS-Q6_iFsVC9BgjT1X_tiiwy-zVH1uS5X4cvn6KB0FMbD8669Zi3pn1qQ0vZZKAQhRvdKTrA5SxCi-9UKsymLd1Xfg4tNQRhQN39M/s1600/GOPR4814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQZ4rcZlu6yQg7KaXd97QXvF6n33VJn_K_eAMbqCvS-Q6_iFsVC9BgjT1X_tiiwy-zVH1uS5X4cvn6KB0FMbD8669Zi3pn1qQ0vZZKAQhRvdKTrA5SxCi-9UKsymLd1Xfg4tNQRhQN39M/s400/GOPR4814.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasir Tengkorak beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw6gC1gIif14_jMzw0MNbk5f0LSqVvs-u39WYfF08Awulkja5orY1Y1yxpvOjujVcf_rCniZz17HTCMMtUD4ZerzGCxkKSTmtmFPP7Wv9Q5HSRK1pEjw5P6kdXjyfdmCl9oM1UUgvj6D6/s1600/GOPR4817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw6gC1gIif14_jMzw0MNbk5f0LSqVvs-u39WYfF08Awulkja5orY1Y1yxpvOjujVcf_rCniZz17HTCMMtUD4ZerzGCxkKSTmtmFPP7Wv9Q5HSRK1pEjw5P6kdXjyfdmCl9oM1UUgvj6D6/s400/GOPR4817.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path to the secluded cove.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSRqHQeBl__GdCSzgFZEjNOs9WnRKuphEetrwUWBx5Fd3NLkXvVzXHlhqf8ONNJHAhyphenhyphenmR_6dONS-QHv07eo8nTiZZySqF_RFm8H9AsK2vgiRJrKLpGK8so3AOvSZyYs9YdcIhtjWB_WtP/s1600/GOPR4830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSRqHQeBl__GdCSzgFZEjNOs9WnRKuphEetrwUWBx5Fd3NLkXvVzXHlhqf8ONNJHAhyphenhyphenmR_6dONS-QHv07eo8nTiZZySqF_RFm8H9AsK2vgiRJrKLpGK8so3AOvSZyYs9YdcIhtjWB_WtP/s400/GOPR4830.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mind your steps, please.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YEgbAUruSqrJY6SXoAgjEjPJi8BySOBM19hUFGMTVoQrvfDpcyS28CQdho3lbOfQwb96EZg4GdLI2wXIlCgtyjr_Pqe34Qd84p0G-lpyKEDRCJ0e3MCvQvZoXN5wsRCnqqFd4A6Xevma/s1600/GOPR4834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YEgbAUruSqrJY6SXoAgjEjPJi8BySOBM19hUFGMTVoQrvfDpcyS28CQdho3lbOfQwb96EZg4GdLI2wXIlCgtyjr_Pqe34Qd84p0G-lpyKEDRCJ0e3MCvQvZoXN5wsRCnqqFd4A6Xevma/s400/GOPR4834.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila! You have reached a secluded beach. Do not thrash it. Please clean up the beach. It is your civic duty!</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">Be
careful of</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>Monkeys</b>, again. Monkeys will frigging
stalk you from the entrance if you are carrying plastic bags of food. Also, the
pathway to the secluded cove at Pasir Tengkorak beach can be dangerous as part
of the pathway is without handrails.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Durian Perangin Waterfall<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3964.9372399844265!2d99.81752011390488!3d6.402087995367742!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x304c7c03b9a0d3b9%3A0x840adc28f7d5cc31!2sDurian+Perangin+Waterfall!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1482039257249" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Compared to the other waterfalls on the
island, I visit Durian Perangin the most. Plenty of parking spaces by the
entrance with shade. Nobody collecting money for parking. (Again, I think they
should if it helps with the cleanup of the parking area and road).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMPv1eAfPJoAbKvJyED3Qjd6cMJH0BzUOQ1BgqZYpugKF1EEMwgV2_AwGJUPbjEtOsc-NaRMD_heFgYaWHu7_RMOdkSGuN-1i8zlKjZgj8dPqzVR4_SLEVUkMO19HolUdnIMO-1Puiesj/s1600/11216600_10152989656902843_3258830652602181900_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMPv1eAfPJoAbKvJyED3Qjd6cMJH0BzUOQ1BgqZYpugKF1EEMwgV2_AwGJUPbjEtOsc-NaRMD_heFgYaWHu7_RMOdkSGuN-1i8zlKjZgj8dPqzVR4_SLEVUkMO19HolUdnIMO-1Puiesj/s400/11216600_10152989656902843_3258830652602181900_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parking lot. That is my apartment-mate and colleague, Desmond.</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are more man-made aesthetics compared to
the other waterfalls, but they do blend in quite well. There are many pools of
water to swim in along the concrete pathway. These pools are amazing for
children. Continue walking up the stairs and you will find the first waterfall.
There is no clear entry into this pool of water but just climb down slowly
(about four metres down) and you will be treated with an amazing pool to cool
off in. (You can sometimes see big groups of butterflies lapping on the sandy
banks of this pool.)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYN8Zam9wmFbRc2OE01cqmz_xmRms6vHmBOEQ9BJ73FQKCIeHXJFhUfl4vaFG0TyEK8R3hkZ90SdMic9apcRIrArEYx4NpvzYEkb5AF9lP-VOLna4DF7fdyv53p9T39BDIOUen69Bf7nk/s1600/11539025_10152989656982843_3298105199930426809_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYN8Zam9wmFbRc2OE01cqmz_xmRms6vHmBOEQ9BJ73FQKCIeHXJFhUfl4vaFG0TyEK8R3hkZ90SdMic9apcRIrArEYx4NpvzYEkb5AF9lP-VOLna4DF7fdyv53p9T39BDIOUen69Bf7nk/s400/11539025_10152989656982843_3298105199930426809_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLjmQPdDCpdf2zcAYcj65j3oH0BG99qlkG843Yz6yBExCNX5luajWOPq5coTDvzucEFYUvmRNavuOKIXL3sWGb4kxnI0_I7-NVi3_XhdMd1toiVMtvUciH7gsj30_uVhorW0hhrBY_zgx/s1600/10838232_10152989674717843_7352802463744372129_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLjmQPdDCpdf2zcAYcj65j3oH0BG99qlkG843Yz6yBExCNX5luajWOPq5coTDvzucEFYUvmRNavuOKIXL3sWGb4kxnI0_I7-NVi3_XhdMd1toiVMtvUciH7gsj30_uVhorW0hhrBY_zgx/s400/10838232_10152989674717843_7352802463744372129_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe path to walk to different pools and waterfalls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kzZR10KJHBs8ZQif-3WHUKAixwQinEnSH9quq2w4PJ0OL_fWzKYBD3CIIFe6xVIn0QAhwBcZZ_qkHf8ZfmJSNIpEb8wg5VptqGP7zLymOJm1K3_F9stWs9PagDZ27P0RHmoh4UZ_7vkz/s1600/10915062_10152989673112843_6902373154759161739_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kzZR10KJHBs8ZQif-3WHUKAixwQinEnSH9quq2w4PJ0OL_fWzKYBD3CIIFe6xVIn0QAhwBcZZ_qkHf8ZfmJSNIpEb8wg5VptqGP7zLymOJm1K3_F9stWs9PagDZ27P0RHmoh4UZ_7vkz/s400/10915062_10152989673112843_6902373154759161739_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first waterfall along the path. This photo was taken last year in June.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many people are satisfied here because
there are some picnic places for them to rest in and the concrete bridge across
the pool allows for people to take some beautiful picture of the place. I like
to continue walking up the stairs to the second waterfall. The pool here is not
as deep as the first one, but there is usually less people swimming here. This
is also where you can experience the waterfall, having water gush down instead
of flowing down slowly like in the first waterfall.</span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_HSm-2q4b37Y90HuNhqZS4kDAsjV-M-bjaU96N0ruU4IckbbMxZ35jlufvcWCgAmoNToJakhnTN28vwYhBAukyUXi-mNQsR8p6F3D1ASTkEog1Z6-UEfThs5F6XoETtklWUpwZcyyUV2/s1600/10333801_10152989692427843_7730876380770214667_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_HSm-2q4b37Y90HuNhqZS4kDAsjV-M-bjaU96N0ruU4IckbbMxZ35jlufvcWCgAmoNToJakhnTN28vwYhBAukyUXi-mNQsR8p6F3D1ASTkEog1Z6-UEfThs5F6XoETtklWUpwZcyyUV2/s400/10333801_10152989692427843_7730876380770214667_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Tg3CXcbPJ_ZOF2Z2Zs7UIozmz8322OcPuJXnh4rKJ88QuJ2UF9D3HfBznZ9trgqPGGaIZcwXMdxHCfplwopc_DlzpGP-Tl1CZnlf0oQ7WiKVyP2N0mWpRI1bGVG_zEsFM_kh6nlY-xZc/s1600/11406440_10152989683522843_6534417867559393540_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Tg3CXcbPJ_ZOF2Z2Zs7UIozmz8322OcPuJXnh4rKJ88QuJ2UF9D3HfBznZ9trgqPGGaIZcwXMdxHCfplwopc_DlzpGP-Tl1CZnlf0oQ7WiKVyP2N0mWpRI1bGVG_zEsFM_kh6nlY-xZc/s400/11406440_10152989683522843_6534417867559393540_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shameless selfie at the top waterfall. Also taken last year in June.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Water still flows during the dry season,
albeit less intense than usual. The top pool can be shallower too, but still
the most “reliable” waterfall to visit during the dry months.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out my Durian Perangin waterfall <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152989655532843.1073741892.752787842&type=1&l=6c115c9341" target="_blank">album</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have seen <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_fairy-bluebird" target="_blank">Asian fairy-bluebirds</a> (<i>Irena puella</i>) hanging out
on electric wires above the bridges across the swimming areas. Very beautiful
bird with a <a href="http://www.xeno-canto.org/species/Irena-puella" target="_blank">sweet call</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Suggested
itinerary</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Visit this waterfall after a nice
mangrove cruise at Kilim Geoforest Park or after some beach time by Tanjung Rhu
Beach. You could drive to <a href="http://www.junglewalla.com/" target="_blank">Tanjung Rhu jetty to get on a mangrove cruise</a> and
then hang out on the beach close to this jetty. Or you can go on a mangrove
cruise from the Kilim jetty. I prefer the Tanjung Rhu area because I get to do
the mangrove cruise and hang out on the beach right after without having to drive to get to the beach.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYlIDNybehDDLFSJ0MFL5ioHlzjvUfqRu73t3WwO8Xmsh6uW1y1VNj91BlMi_jdQNrg90-iLDuvTEdazeX5C9B_4zAAjWh9WeTi3fY_qDrjqghN7RYcJUniNW_L2rQfh0XGs1rTh7_Yoh/s1600/11202871_10152989717672843_9196118740378471482_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYlIDNybehDDLFSJ0MFL5ioHlzjvUfqRu73t3WwO8Xmsh6uW1y1VNj91BlMi_jdQNrg90-iLDuvTEdazeX5C9B_4zAAjWh9WeTi3fY_qDrjqghN7RYcJUniNW_L2rQfh0XGs1rTh7_Yoh/s400/11202871_10152989717672843_9196118740378471482_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakira and Desmond swimming in the sea by Tanjung Rhu beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1flntJVjghpAopp5lQpX74xJuRtcwxrL6Em7uRtPjHLn78jhdjvUIp8K-y7BaV9cfzXO4B1XoxRy8KUiXbWP84mf4rFwphk2rP6EybsqDvM7LySM9hUAKfyJpbjCTS9BPZGCeiBPYhif/s1600/1511987_10152989725397843_8086927740900463941_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1flntJVjghpAopp5lQpX74xJuRtcwxrL6Em7uRtPjHLn78jhdjvUIp8K-y7BaV9cfzXO4B1XoxRy8KUiXbWP84mf4rFwphk2rP6EybsqDvM7LySM9hUAKfyJpbjCTS9BPZGCeiBPYhif/s400/1511987_10152989725397843_8086927740900463941_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanjung Rhu beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br />Be
careful of</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"> Steep staircase to the top waterfall.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<h1>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lubuk Semilang<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d31723.228960110093!2d99.80722896279651!3d6.341740706277535!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x304c79224096c5a3%3A0x5502992a7e886348!2sTaman+Rekreasi+Lubuk+Semilang!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1482042625113" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is not really a waterfall, but pools
have been made for the river to cascade down slowly. This is
another perfect spot for families to visit. There is ample parking space and
the pathway to these pools are not too steep. There are shaded picnic areas for
you to keep your things while you go for a nice dip into the cool waters of
Mount Raya.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXZZpF9dcFujdwlyjYJRwQxh2_wxLktpKKWRWrTPXeOjb7JQUdcuxgPNMVSLW5YHMU6THo4Fzt947NUzcbVjGgFsiNBQenzhbCuheB-G2NFWIuABoKmZIjxx8TuO8ehJuBq22RBIYkWJz/s1600/12487079_10153402861082843_3656538092647956174_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXZZpF9dcFujdwlyjYJRwQxh2_wxLktpKKWRWrTPXeOjb7JQUdcuxgPNMVSLW5YHMU6THo4Fzt947NUzcbVjGgFsiNBQenzhbCuheB-G2NFWIuABoKmZIjxx8TuO8ehJuBq22RBIYkWJz/s400/12487079_10153402861082843_3656538092647956174_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water flowing slowly. Picture taken sometime in January this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have never really seen a huge crowd here.
Maybe because I only visited during the low tourism season. Heh. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">But really, I do
not think there will be a huge crowd here.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This place is a good place to visit during
the dry months because there will always be water flowing as the pools are
made to slow the flow of the river.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1z5M5b-_MjcbNwQe9N0UiDowRN-FnUDks3rF7-h3ppn6wd6eN079ImuXXpBqAXKZIwXtbfET73bPy4X1RQ2VbljBm1ttV6FLRb7zTTXYbhclg6hxgPmEIq9ILLtr6WheKm7pQa28Mbyr/s1600/858741_10153402860662843_1703595524042772173_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1z5M5b-_MjcbNwQe9N0UiDowRN-FnUDks3rF7-h3ppn6wd6eN079ImuXXpBqAXKZIwXtbfET73bPy4X1RQ2VbljBm1ttV6FLRb7zTTXYbhclg6hxgPmEIq9ILLtr6WheKm7pQa28Mbyr/s400/858741_10153402860662843_1703595524042772173_o.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know, not a good photo of the swimming spot. But this photo was taken during the dry month of January earlier this year. I do not know why I did not take a photo of the pool we were swimming in. Fail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">Suggested
itinerary</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2016/06/stairway-to-granite-heaven.html" target="_blank">Climb up the staircase to go up Mount Raya, before climbing down for a swim in Lubuk Semilang</a>. This staircase is just
next to the swimming area. What is wrong with you, Jon?! Why are you always
climbing up staircases?! Trust me, it is worth the climb. You get to see many
beautiful trees, many of them are primary trees that grow up to 40 metres high!
I have seen cool animals along the staircase. Occasionally, you will not only
hear the Great hornbills calling, but a couple of them may fly ABOVE you! (It
will sound like helicopters flying above you.) Flying lizards are quite easy to
spot along this hike. Once you reach the top parts of the staircase, you can
even find some large butterflies that look like paper fluttering! (These
butterflies are called the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idea_(genus)" target="_blank">Tree nymph</a>.) The lookout point up here is nice too. This hike will take you roughly three
to four hours, both ways. Just make sure you have eaten prior to the hike and
have extra water and snacks along with you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Be
careful of</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Monkeys by the swimming area, not on the
staircase up Mount Raya.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><u>My Rant</u></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So you see, there are actually many places
you can visit on Pulau Langkawi that are easily accessible by the public. And
many of these places are free (or cost little if parking is collected) to
visit! (If you do not go on a mangrove cruise and the zipline adventure at Telaga Tujuh.)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The locals who are upset that they cannot freely
access the “secret” creek, are also upset that they cannot access this “clean”
and “natural” place. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The places I have listed in this entry are made unnatural
and dirty because visitors, both locals and foreigners, have thrashed them! I
have observed many visitors bringing in food to these places and littering
everywhere. I have seen visitors feeding the monkeys, causing the distribution
of rubbish deep into the jungle where no humans ever visit. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am not just
talking about plastics, but even food items. It is not okay to leave your food
waste on the barbecue pit or have your <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/sep/24/bananas-litter-hikers-mountains-scotland" target="_blank">fruit peels</a> thrown into the jungle or
the water. <a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-warns-of-leptospirosis-risk-at-natural-water-spots" target="_blank">Food scraps invite pests that can be health hazards to other humans</a>! (And please do not throw flour at your friends in the water!) </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How
about irresponsible smokers? Your <a href="http://www.mima.gov.my/mima/wp-content/uploads/kaur-cheryl-rita_a-bakar-jaafar_umtas_marinelitter_1may20091.pdf" target="_blank">cigarette buds are littered EVERYWHERE</a>, even
in that “secret” creek that you visit!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="background-color: cyan; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where is the locals’ rant or uproar on the
gradual destruction of their natural heritage done by not only the “outsiders”,
but also by themselves? </span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: cyan;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monkey Tips</span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before I end this entry, if you are going
to bring food along to these places, you MUST hide them in your backpack. It is
unwise to carry them in plastic bags. The monkeys will grab any plastics
because they have been “conditioned” to expect food from plastic bags over the
years. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make sure you are not carrying anything in your hands and wear your
backpack at all times. Invest in a waterproof bag so that you can place your
bag close to you while you are in the water, not only to avoid monkeys
rummaging your stuff, but also their cousins, the thieving humans. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Remember,
the monkeys will always be where they are because YOU are visiting their home. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As humans, manage situations properly. Anything you do that can
cause the monkeys to attack you will result in the entire troop of monkeys to
be killed, even though you are the true instigator. (Another consequence of
feeding wild monkeys.) <b>So be mindful of your actions</b>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-14002877249880816672016-12-11T23:20:00.001+08:002017-02-06T20:37:56.304+08:00Recycling in LangkawiIt has been a wonderful Fall semester for me with the Global Field Program. The two classes I had to take this Fall required me to connect with the local community. (I suppose one of the communities in Pulau Langkawi. I am still not sure what the "true" definition of "community" or "local community" is, thanks to a very interesting discussion at the <a href="https://www.vermilionseainstitute.org/" target="_blank">Vermilion Sea Field Station</a> during the summer field trip of the Program.)<br />
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Since the theme of my master plan revolves around living sustainably in a <a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/unesco-global-geoparks/" target="_blank">UNESCO Geopark</a>, a designation and commitment (obligation to some) that extends to the entire <a href="https://www.lada.gov.my/index.php/en/about-us/product/langkawi-unesco-global-geopark" target="_blank">Langkawi archipelago</a>, I thought it would be a good idea to investigate how solid waste is managed on the most inhabited island of the archipelago, Pulau Langkawi.<br />
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Basically, everything goes into a landfill next to a non-functioning incinerator. (At the posting of this blog entry, the incinerator has yet to be in operation since the publication of <a href="http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1617641" target="_blank">this news article</a>.) Sometime in August this year, some people were sharing videos of a famous tourist attraction, Sungai (means 'river' in Bahasa Malaysia) Kilim, flowing black. Not sure if this is conclusive or not, but authorities started checking out the good ol' landfill and determined, from rapid water quality testings and visual observations (of how mismanaged the landfill is), that the cause is from the <a href="http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?cat=nt&id=1277614" target="_blank">direct pollution from the landfill</a>, or specifically an illegal extension of the landfill onto the river banks. (It still boggles me how Langkawi's member of Parliament deducted with confidence that prolonged point-source pollution has no effect on the aquatic/marine life just after maybe a couple of weeks of investigation.)<br />
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This one incident sparked the <a href="http://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/busuk-kotor-dan-tercemar-apa-sudah-jadi-dengan-langkawi-115124" target="_blank">exposé of how poor the management of solid wastes</a> (news article is in Bahasa Malaysia, please use Google's translation service) is on the island that is marketed as "<a href="http://naturallylangkawi.my/" target="_blank">Naturally Langkawi</a>". And whatever happening in Pulau Langkawi is a microcosm of how solid waste is treated in the country.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSblXFWXe9mJD0oBldeTTywi27Z1_ilryFcIPwW3B6VEZSdCF9CEgt2jZU81PnTJVlRZnGnv7CWFQ16LjHM3fSPIAmQl9VAhgJ2AHu4SL9TW6j_V_JmK6HuZMxkHz2rMlwKzSVT7OZv4B/s1600/61472139461_freesize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSblXFWXe9mJD0oBldeTTywi27Z1_ilryFcIPwW3B6VEZSdCF9CEgt2jZU81PnTJVlRZnGnv7CWFQ16LjHM3fSPIAmQl9VAhgJ2AHu4SL9TW6j_V_JmK6HuZMxkHz2rMlwKzSVT7OZv4B/s400/61472139461_freesize.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shot featured on the exposé mentioned above of Pulau Langkawi's landfill. What is not shown here is the piling up of rubbish right NEXT to the incinerator that is not in operation, a visual metaphorical middle finger from the local government to tax-paying Malaysians all over the country (or maybe just the state of Kedah). The picture in <a href="http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/2016/08/26/sungai-di-langkawi-jijik-projek-lupus-sampah%E2%80%8E-rm187-juta-gagal/" target="_blank">this article</a> is a mash between two photos. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHXwQUE_Phi1PJm6MQWQza3PXYtpZ-O0bTB7oAXPYUMK_AYzPpaldPH_LMm-Atx2DzaogRf5PO33j9oNndSBU61_4iqvRfUnhN9HiYJMsQ8DSSoDxtBEbYPeqOCBTX3o8wTdn51dW9j7s/s1600/IMG_20170103_151610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHXwQUE_Phi1PJm6MQWQza3PXYtpZ-O0bTB7oAXPYUMK_AYzPpaldPH_LMm-Atx2DzaogRf5PO33j9oNndSBU61_4iqvRfUnhN9HiYJMsQ8DSSoDxtBEbYPeqOCBTX3o8wTdn51dW9j7s/s400/IMG_20170103_151610.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And do not forget about the litterbug habit of the majority of Malaysians and <a href="http://www.ipohecho.com.my/v3/photo/zoom/701_20140531231637_rlqtm.jpg" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">their fascination of dumping their rubbish UNDER "no dumping rubbish here" signboards</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> throughout the country, creating many, many illegal mini "landfills". This picture, although without the "no dumping rubbish here" signboard, is a forest cleared along a main road on Pulau Langkawi for NO REASON and have been turned into an illegal landfill. Good job, Langkawi, good frigging job.</span></td></tr>
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So how now brown cow? <a href="http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/reduce.html" target="_blank">Reducing the amount of rubbish you generate</a> is the best way to not contribute to the filling up of landfills. Another way is to redirect the rubbish we have created from being disposed into landfills by recycling. Unfortunately, Malaysia is very behind in the recycling game, only recently <a href="http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/waste-segregation-enforcement-starts-today" target="_blank">making separation of the solid waste we make at home</a> (some of you may be thinking your fecal matter is solid waste, that is considered to be sewage-<i>lah</i>) <a href="http://www.kpkt.gov.my/separationatsource/en/" target="_blank">MANDATORY</a>. In response to this mandate, Pulau Langkawi has started kerbside recycling - basically having a separate pick up time for the recyclables collected in households from the usual rubbish kerbside collection.<br />
Unfortunately, this kerbside collection of recyclables is only available to about 16.5% of the households in the Langkawi Archipelago (about 3,250 households in Kuah town of Pulau Langkawi).<br />
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The rest of the archipelago, if wanting to do our civic duty to not continue to ruin our natural surroundings, have to proactively separate our wastes at home, collect enough, and then send them to recycling facilities. But try googling your hearts out and you will never find good directions to or reliable information on the recycling facilities on Pulau Langkawi. Which is why I decided to focus my Inquiry Action Project (IAP) and Community Engagement Lab (CEL) on recycling in Langkawi.<br />
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For this to happen, I got in contact with <a href="http://www.idamanonline.com/" target="_blank">E-Idaman</a>, the company in charge of collecting the solid waste in the municipality of Pulau Langkawi. It was a very pleasant learning experience. For my IAP, I decided to investigate the response of the 16.5% that HAVE to carry out separation at source at home. For my CEL, since searching for recycling facilities on the island is very troublesome (no reliable results on search engines), I decided to identify the different recycling facilities present on the island and mapped their locations to create an online resource for the public to use. (This map is also one of the "action" components resulted from the findings of my IAP. You can find the map <a href="https://goo.gl/wQdfrG" target="_blank">here</a>. Click on the different pins to learn more about the different recycling facilities.)<br />
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To summarise: I found a significant reduction in the weight of recyclables collected from the kerbside collection five months after "mandatory" separation at source began; a really minute number of households actually practice separation at source and the weight of recyclables collected is (not statistically) insignificant to the weight of solid wastes produced on the island (~ 50 kg of recyclables a month compared to ~ 120,000 kg in a day); though a small number of residents were interviewed, a majority of them told me that we have to recycle for the good of the environment and the biggest demotivator to recycle is "not having any waste that can be recycled"; the recycling facilities on the island is very concentrated towards the southern part, most of them in Kuah town, while no recycling facilities (nor kerbside collection program) exist in other parts of the island. You can find full details of my inquiry from my final reports (<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2j9G-9bFb_QTXBDSEx4bzdpTDg/view" target="_blank">IAP</a>, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2j9G-9bFb_QcnRDaDlpVGpNY1k/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">CEL</a>). (After submitting them, I feel that my reports were poorly written, like this entry. I am sorry.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFA09GNr8d1WYuJH6imo5UZzlV5KDEr1jZ7vy7Kj4sOCr02Uki16-IEAtcuF_AziR9aMoGVUHCmRwKrZcOtpsEH7j96AAoPofr-_FVhxK0qGv49PcTI11ofpkRsJHzC7K0abAJhAWvPX-/s1600/Recycling+Facilities1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFA09GNr8d1WYuJH6imo5UZzlV5KDEr1jZ7vy7Kj4sOCr02Uki16-IEAtcuF_AziR9aMoGVUHCmRwKrZcOtpsEH7j96AAoPofr-_FVhxK0qGv49PcTI11ofpkRsJHzC7K0abAJhAWvPX-/s400/Recycling+Facilities1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A screenshot of the map I created for my class, which I now use to find the closest recycling facility in my vicinity.</td></tr>
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An E-Idaman representative and I suspect that the interviewees that said they are not recycling (practicing separation at source) because they do not generate solid waste that are recyclable may not actually know what are considered to be recyclables, or what are collected to be recycled on the island. So with the help of my bestie, I decided to come up with a localised infograph of the solid waste that are to be recycled. (Another reason to do this, which I did not share in my final reports, is that not all of the recyclables listed on the government's <a href="http://www.kpkt.gov.my/separationatsource/en/" target="_blank">website to get Malaysians to separate their waste at source</a> are collected to be recycled on the island.)
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOb9BEFrrgDnexnsOiEemtqyisLfNlKAHv_BQCjqWFxQJi0TO78sW5JzQCeJ_b06iwWJkOtLmuhjtMl0W67Z_rJeHnbdF3Gnf8b-KZexKqf0ooUDEMxRuhQEQwT_wWSrByspx39CDlFIqM/s1600/Recycling+Brochure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOb9BEFrrgDnexnsOiEemtqyisLfNlKAHv_BQCjqWFxQJi0TO78sW5JzQCeJ_b06iwWJkOtLmuhjtMl0W67Z_rJeHnbdF3Gnf8b-KZexKqf0ooUDEMxRuhQEQwT_wWSrByspx39CDlFIqM/s640/Recycling+Brochure.jpg" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langkawi only accepts paper, plastic, and metal. The rest are not accepted at all, what a shame. I am still very disappointed when I found out that glass is NOT accepted at any recycling facilities, nor the kerbside collection service. What a waste, since the island produces quite a lot of glass waste being a duty free island (cheap liquor).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenneth's super awesome creation to help residents of Langkawi sort their rubbish properly to be recycled!</td></tr>
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It is a shame that the government is not enforcing this mandatory separation at source in its entirety, as there are no plans to do this in the other households/parts of Langkawi and not warning nor fining any offenders of this law. (Households can be warned three times before getting fined by the relevant authorities which can reach up to RM1,000.00 for repeated offenders!) I think the enforcement of this mandate is a failure from the start because everything seemed really rush and the announcement was not "grand". And I believe it did not reach many Malaysians. (Only one news article in late <a href="http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/11/15/waste-sorting-mandatory-sept-2015/" target="_blank">2014</a>, separation at source started out in <a href="http://www.malaysiandigest.com/news/568784-how-malaysians-are-coping-with-the-waste-separation-programme-a-week-after-implementation.html" target="_blank">September 2015</a> with many Malaysians still not knowing what to do because of the lack of awareness campaigns, and not having a proper framework to monitor this practice even after almost <a href="http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/waste-segregation-enforcement-starts-today" target="_blank">two years</a> before "enforcement".)<br />
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The bad planning and the (federal, state, local, whatever) government's inability to execute this law properly, make me question how on earth are law enforcers going to know which household is practicing separation at source and which is not? What if a household only practices separation at source once a month (sounds efficient)? So many shortcomings of a wonderful law to help battle the use of landfills to safeguard out natural resources. (Unless these leaders of state decide to sell forest land to businesses. Ugh, greedy people.)<br />
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I know the findings of my inquiry and mapping exercise are quite demotivating, but I hope the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2j9G-9bFb_QbjlnXzduc19CU0E/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">infograph</a> and the <a href="https://goo.gl/wQdfrG" target="_blank">map</a> created for my assignments will be useful to anybody interested in recycling on Pulau Langkawi. I truly believe that we can live sustainably on Pulau Langkawi, and it can be as simple as sending your plastic bottles to be recycled.Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-38905694186408059402016-10-09T23:23:00.001+08:002016-10-09T23:23:43.985+08:00Gorillaz Live at Glastonbury (HD) - Clint Eastwood (With Snoop Dogg)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HKdhbp_JHcI" width="480"></iframe><br />
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I have been listening to a lot of Gorillaz lately. I never knew their live performances are like this. I also never knew that there are music groups called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_band" target="_blank">virtual bands</a> 0.0Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-68503353251284029292016-10-09T23:05:00.000+08:002018-01-10T10:54:22.921+08:00So Green.<span style="font-size: x-small;">I have been meaning to write an entry about my Earth Expeditions trip to Baja California, Mexico in July but have managed to procrastinate writing about one of my best life/travel experience for THREE MONTHS! I know, I be lazy. I also blame less than favourable internet connection speed and longevity and <a href="http://thedatailangkawi.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">having to actually blog for work</a>; basically typical master procrastinator excuses.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I learned a lot from my experience on the Australia EE in 2014; from learning about Great Barrier Reef ecology to the clouded rainforest of Paluma Range National Park, and being exposed for the first time to community-based conservation and inquiry-based learning. I think my favourite part of the trip was learning about and from the Nywaigi people of Australia at </span><a href="http://www.mungallaaboriginaltours.com.au/" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">Mungalla Station</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">. This picture is of the wetland restoration project the Cassady family has done at Mungalla Station.</span></td></tr>
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Earlier this year, I got accepted and enrolled myself into a Masters program with Miami University called the <a href="https://gfp.projectdragonfly.org/" target="_blank">Global Field Program</a> (GFP), a program very suitable (but not limited) for educators of all fields (schools, museums, zoos, aquaria, and etc.) interested in conservation and inquiry-based learning. The major attraction of the GFP is its summer <a href="http://earthexpeditions.org/" target="_blank">Earth Expeditions</a> (EE); a way to travel and earn credits for your graduate studies, for personal development for potential career advancement, or personal development for simply your own personal development.<br />
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Not wanting to commit fully to pursuing a Masters degree previously, I enrolled into the <a href="http://earthexpeditions.org/australia" target="_blank">Australia EE</a> in 2014 as a standalone class just for the seven graduate credits after reading about EE courses sent to the University of Hawaii at Hilo Marine Science Department's listserv (which I still check once in awhile for any career or graduate studies opportunities). Needless to say, I had a wonderful time and somewhat enjoyed the lessons then. (Evidence of me enjoying my Australia EE trip: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152314099932843.1073741836.752787842&type=1&l=ea90edafbe" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152314175792843.1073741837.752787842&type=1&l=92f0fe8b5e" target="_blank">2</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152318020752843.1073741838.752787842&type=1&l=ef9442a876" target="_blank">3</a>.)<br />
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Since leaving my job at a milk packing facility in the end of 2014 and starting my amazing job in Pulau Langkawi, why not do graduate school while working? The GFP is very compatible to my current job in education and outreach and conservation science. So I gave it a go.<br />
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My first GFP class is a summer EE to <a href="http://earthexpeditions.org/baja" target="_blank">Baja California</a>. Initially, I was slightly disappointed in being placed into this EE. Because even though learning and experiencing the pelagic ecosystem of the Sea of Cortez would be amazing, I was not too keen to learn about the desert of Baja California. Why should I learn about the desert when I live and work in a tropical rainforest?! Even the text I had to read about the desert flora of Baja California is a boring and dry read. (Pun intended; I will show myself out.)<br />
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It was not until the long (but fun) drive (it turned out to be a roadtrip) into the desert on our way to <a href="https://www.vermilionseainstitute.org/rancho-san-gregorio/" target="_blank">Rancho San Gregorio</a> did I realise how alive the desert of Baja California can be. I was seeing GREEN along <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_Federal_Highway_1" target="_blank">Highway 1</a>, a sight I would never have expected in a desert, even after reading about it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Thorn_Tree_Sossusvlei_Namib_Desert_Namibia_Luca_Galuzzi_2004a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Thorn_Tree_Sossusvlei_Namib_Desert_Namibia_Luca_Galuzzi_2004a.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I expected the desert to be more like this. Photo <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert" target="_blank">credit</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instead, I got views of lushness like this. Photo taken close to Catavina Town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9omq1U3pqpCvfzF-aw1AW_8GloPoY6iN1y2qOK_x3-V-Vta0YB3Quw-frDgVQqzTskf4-eAUj532N48AYsJELSnEVy5Rf0OjWX3ThMciiEPbJ19Gq8KJkAY4aCLv46_V7FQBjX0E68hb/s1600/13662327_10153860876457843_1263752242442220173_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9omq1U3pqpCvfzF-aw1AW_8GloPoY6iN1y2qOK_x3-V-Vta0YB3Quw-frDgVQqzTskf4-eAUj532N48AYsJELSnEVy5Rf0OjWX3ThMciiEPbJ19Gq8KJkAY4aCLv46_V7FQBjX0E68hb/s400/13662327_10153860876457843_1263752242442220173_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this. Just look at how green the valley is! There are even visible green patches on the hill. Shameless selfie taken on a hike to view <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochim%C3%AD_people" target="_blank">Cochimi</a> cave paintings.</td></tr>
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I am also glad to have classmates who know a lot about desert flora, pointing out the different types of plants we come across. I especially enjoyed learning about the desert from Rafael Villavicencio, the "chief" of Rancho San Gregorio. (Rafael is a computer guy turned traditional healer. He reminds me very much of <a href="http://herbwalk-langkawi.com.my/thewalk.html" target="_blank">Dr. Ghani</a>, medical doctor practicing traditional Malay medicine in Langkawi.) Life is tough in the desert of Baja California but it provides for the survival of many generations of people and animals. It provides enough.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOAOC3Wk7tlMgUKyXRMTes3nqDsD51_G-u6I2NWS15Q-zzE8OIOFUngS_eczjoDYXws5XXq8rUTE47ciVX2QeYmApVa-NxmCak8S285aMkpMk2H7khWzXVnewkmTZKvG8KNZCSA-3UQBS/s1600/13653348_10153860854287843_4990279369068453165_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOAOC3Wk7tlMgUKyXRMTes3nqDsD51_G-u6I2NWS15Q-zzE8OIOFUngS_eczjoDYXws5XXq8rUTE47ciVX2QeYmApVa-NxmCak8S285aMkpMk2H7khWzXVnewkmTZKvG8KNZCSA-3UQBS/s400/13653348_10153860854287843_4990279369068453165_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafael conducting an ethnobotany walk for the class. In this picture, I think Rafael was explaining about the <i>palo verde</i> tree, which is a source of food for horses and branches can be used to make tea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafael explaining how the Villavicencio family has farmed in the desert for a long time. Behind him is a grape vine he or one of his relatives planted. The family has also planted date palm trees!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruits of the <i>nopal</i> (<i>Opuntia</i> cactus), also known as the "prickly pear". This is just one of the few examples of the sustenance provided by the desert. This fruit is surprisingly juicy, an apt snack after a walk in a 48 degrees Celsius desert with little to no clouds. The other parts of the <i>nopal</i> can also be eaten. We had a <i>nopal </i>salad on a couple of meals. Guys, I ate CACTUS.</td></tr>
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I am still in awe of how alive a desert can look.<br />
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Another surprisingly place to have green is on a mostly barren volcanic island about 800km away from Rancho San Gregorio in the Sea of Cortez. The class got to check out the cutest mangrove forest ever here. The craziest part of it all is that there is no freshwater visible on the island, with little rainfall too, and then BOOM! (insert "Surprise mutha..." Dexter meme) A thriving mangrove forest relying on saltwater.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uoFFssKpczkgiFy-O9aA6U0VBp7ZC1Ha2CV-PIIyvKPYBs94CwL9JpE7K88lfjvgCpId6o4IijtimzRWbY5MyBDPH-eTqNAuZKwqYYoyX_mdPM1VD1IZuYURuTK78lTdJZKN8GE9CQf9/s1600/13662271_10153860878192843_6244809773834021727_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uoFFssKpczkgiFy-O9aA6U0VBp7ZC1Ha2CV-PIIyvKPYBs94CwL9JpE7K88lfjvgCpId6o4IijtimzRWbY5MyBDPH-eTqNAuZKwqYYoyX_mdPM1VD1IZuYURuTK78lTdJZKN8GE9CQf9/s400/13662271_10153860878192843_6244809773834021727_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how cute these stunted mangroves look? It looks like a species of <i>Rhizophora</i>. I think the mangroves here are short because a lot of their energy are being used to desalinate the saltwater for freshwater for survival instead of growth in height. If this is true, what an amazing adaptability!</td></tr>
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My Baja EE definitely reminded me that nature, or life, will find a way to survive and then thrive in the future. It is an inspiration to me as I continue being involved in conservation work in Malaysia.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is just one of the few entries I am going to be writing about this EE. I am not sure when the next entry will be, but stay tuned? There are plenty yet to be shared. </span>Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-67860066930525982122016-06-23T12:03:00.002+08:002016-07-05T10:14:22.063+08:00Zwitterion Watermark.On the photos I take on my camera, I usually have the <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/p/photo-slides.html" target="_blank">JonChan watermark</a> on them. I would like to think that my JonChan photos are some sort of "semi-pro" level.<br />
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For the "less-pro" or candid type of shots, I have created a watermark to go with the photos I choose to publish on this blog. Since the blog's name is <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Life is a Zwitterion</a>, I thought of making a zwitterionic molecule as my watermark.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/L-Aspartic-acid-zwitterion-3D-balls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/L-Aspartic-acid-zwitterion-3D-balls.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3-D model of aspartic acid, also known as aspartame, from Wikipedia. Credit link in body text. The white represents hydrogen, red oxygen, blue nitrogen, and black carbon. Around pH 2.8, the right side of the molecule is negatively charged while the nitrogen part of the molecule is positively charged.</td></tr>
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I found a really nice <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspartic_acid" target="_blank">3-D model of aspartame on Wikipedia</a> and used <a href="https://inkscape.org/en/" target="_blank">Inkscape</a> (for the first time) to draw a 2-D of this zwitterionic molecule. Check out the most childish watermark you have ever seen in your life:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfNigyKeWQzsCpfLLFW8Pdx5spPnXvoJHwjYb8_MWHP54QNoPnBAbzRp5nWOq4fVfU6WguhPm1HphPUuaF3oT-8a0RS4fjuj8UAgKvdOFUskMXaemlLXhdGKeiUbqDDn9sf8yaslGL3I6/s1600/ZwitterionWatermark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfNigyKeWQzsCpfLLFW8Pdx5spPnXvoJHwjYb8_MWHP54QNoPnBAbzRp5nWOq4fVfU6WguhPm1HphPUuaF3oT-8a0RS4fjuj8UAgKvdOFUskMXaemlLXhdGKeiUbqDDn9sf8yaslGL3I6/s400/ZwitterionWatermark.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will see the debut of this watermark on some of my photos I shared in <a href="http://lifeisazwitterion.blogspot.my/2016/06/stairway-to-granite-heaven.html" target="_blank">my previous blog entry about Gunung Raya</a>.</td></tr>
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I did ask my super talented best bud, Kenneth, to help me with this. I bet it will be nicer and I may choose to use his instead of mine. Haha. (<a href="http://recyclemys.wix.com/recyclemalaysia" target="_blank">Check out what he helped me made for a project</a>.)<br />
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EDIT:</h2>
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Kenneth showed me his version of his 2-D rendering of the aspartic acid and wow, way more sleek than mine.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3E59zsd99-zs52S55i5iACBsuLtqVCiq2BqYnZQyCGurqfwZPx3q2w81sNFeIElXHT71PaE4BrfQgRoiTNMgsPgVaohONEh4S6PRnQGR3zn2YobnLa0OuVHnEsYdY8SO9ZyBmBn24vPn/s1600/lifeisazwittrion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3E59zsd99-zs52S55i5iACBsuLtqVCiq2BqYnZQyCGurqfwZPx3q2w81sNFeIElXHT71PaE4BrfQgRoiTNMgsPgVaohONEh4S6PRnQGR3zn2YobnLa0OuVHnEsYdY8SO9ZyBmBn24vPn/s400/lifeisazwittrion.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy got skills. Thanks, Kenneth!</td></tr>
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I like so much that I think I will be using this watermark for my "candid" shots from my cellphone.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenneth's Life Is A Zwitterion watermark on a photo of a relatively small Tokay gecko (<i>Gekko gecko</i>) chilling outside the boardroom at work. Ain't it a beautiful lizard? I wanted to place a coin or a pen for scale but I was afraid it will bite my finger. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWwUvoIX7sc" target="_blank">They have sharp teeth</a>! </td></tr>
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If you think Kenneth should start a blog to show off his creative designs, leave positive comments in the comment section. Come on, Kenneth. Embrace your creative side!</div>
Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-49553678345079929382016-06-23T11:39:00.002+08:002016-06-23T11:45:50.313+08:00Stairway to Granite Heaven.Standing 881m above sea level, with visible radio towers sticking out on its peak from below, is Gunung ("mountain") Raya, the tallest mountain on Pulau Langkawi, I think the tallest also in the Langkawi archipelago. This is a granite mountain, and its intrusion in the late Triassic pushed Langkawi out of the water to become an island (I could be wrong about this, please correct me if I am wrong). Pulau Langkawi has a rich <a href="http://www.globalgeopark.org/articles/6337.htm" target="_blank">geological history</a> and is a <a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/unesco-global-geoparks/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-a-unesco-global-geopark/" target="_blank">UNESCO Global Geopark</a>, though not known to the majority, this<a href="http://www.lada.gov.my/v2/en/product/geopark.html" target="_blank"> designation actually covers the ENTIRE Langkawi archipelago</a>, hence the reason why some people may now refer to this group of 99 islands (annoying ones will tell you it is 104 when the tide is low) as Langkawi Geopark.<br />
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Anyway, I used to live at the foothill of this mountain near a granite quarry (naturally) and have been to the top of Gunung Raya a handful of times as it is easily accessible by car since there is a really nice paved road (one lane for each direction) up to the peak where the radio towers sit with an old, but newly reopened tea house on top. The last time I drove up to the peak it was free, but a friend who visited Pulau Langkawi last week told me he had to pay a fee to drive up the mountain and he got a cup of tea at the tea house. So I am not sure if you can choose to not pay the fee or not.<br />
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It is a slight windy road and has little road hazards during the day, but night time please be extra careful. There are nocturnal creatures running and gliding about, like some species of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civet" target="_blank">civet "cats"</a> which I ALMOST ran over a couple of times while travelling up and down the mountain at night. (I was not speeding, I promise!) Plus someone's herd of cows roaming along the road can be quite a fright while driving in the dark. During the day, you will be able to see different species of birds, which is a very big reason why birdwatchers and "twitchers" (the photographers of birds) love to visit Gunung Raya (duh!).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of Gunung Mat Cinchang (sometimes "Chincang", sometimes "Chinchang", sometimes "Cincang"), another peak on Pulau Langkawi where the cable car sits. I think this is Mat Cinchang, someone correct me if I am wrong, please.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSZCBGnr0rGNZGqC0UM5u4CXS_kXUjD7AH_ccm3r6dAAFC-gj3jA9lxwD4PC0C2RDhXnp2jRT643ww1iDM8pxUVZbuRhzryVkmR8KN0g-mgQSOca8YBABLaOL_44saoQRFSerlPx8lkWy/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSZCBGnr0rGNZGqC0UM5u4CXS_kXUjD7AH_ccm3r6dAAFC-gj3jA9lxwD4PC0C2RDhXnp2jRT643ww1iDM8pxUVZbuRhzryVkmR8KN0g-mgQSOca8YBABLaOL_44saoQRFSerlPx8lkWy/s400/DSC_0156.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beware for wild pigs too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsTCk_S9BmgIzuKgpozNY50FTW3EMlFjoJQItWBpD3fOCpzY_Uu2y2v2td_FE1KqlSXs0eyx3vadovoyTuZ5860rV-pbwqTeUc_G5ZRj6vXPRWSsVIUbp4RZZRJWebz7B9ZUf1jvVTprL/s1600/DSC_0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsTCk_S9BmgIzuKgpozNY50FTW3EMlFjoJQItWBpD3fOCpzY_Uu2y2v2td_FE1KqlSXs0eyx3vadovoyTuZ5860rV-pbwqTeUc_G5ZRj6vXPRWSsVIUbp4RZZRJWebz7B9ZUf1jvVTprL/s400/DSC_0184.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is Sungai (River) Kilim by Tanjung Rhu side in the background and me being a tourist in the foreground.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm0Db04oZAiklEfSb6AYZeIbNCfJZ6rHvjayVlm0eF4H8cRd_Th7ZGY0a-K7DPSmGmW22eeJ_PmrCNG4OjqmxtjB3qTkkphLqiSCMagVHBwXO_H-h_QRLWHkZYQHfjh2KxoNEizV9Mhrb/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm0Db04oZAiklEfSb6AYZeIbNCfJZ6rHvjayVlm0eF4H8cRd_Th7ZGY0a-K7DPSmGmW22eeJ_PmrCNG4OjqmxtjB3qTkkphLqiSCMagVHBwXO_H-h_QRLWHkZYQHfjh2KxoNEizV9Mhrb/s400/DSC_0004.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of Pantai Cenang or Kuah, I cannot make it out from Gunung Raya at night. Not much stargazing on Gunung Raya because of the orange streetlamps by the tea house and radio tower.</td></tr>
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I personally like to go up Gunung Raya to enjoy the view and look at the hornbills. There are three species of hornbills on Pulau Langkawi, the Great hornbill (<i>Buceros bicornis</i>), the Oriental-pied hornbill (<i>Anthracoceros albirotris</i>), and the Wreathed hornbill (<i>Rhyticeros undalatus</i>), and you can find all three of them on Gunung Raya. I get to see the Great and Oriental-pied hornbills at my workplace, but not the Wreathed. And for a very long time, possibly only after 14 months of living on the island, I finally managed to catch a glimpse of a pair of Wreathed hornbills. When I took this photograph, it after I <a href="http://www.xeno-canto.org/species/Rhyticeros-undulatus" target="_blank">heard them "bark"</a> in while driving down the mountain with my windows closed. Wish I had a larger lens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBaeNyxdby4ZB0UrxioUKkUBB0mVmlsVpfwABHar37wBbNUkgCWYnjQukI1_CuYbdUoGNsHJbNITt07nor_yr5WTeguZOvjMyyHrOcEtTermNgjXnPd-uz1ZC9FNccKfc47W_KyO0kFoP/s1600/DSC_0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBaeNyxdby4ZB0UrxioUKkUBB0mVmlsVpfwABHar37wBbNUkgCWYnjQukI1_CuYbdUoGNsHJbNITt07nor_yr5WTeguZOvjMyyHrOcEtTermNgjXnPd-uz1ZC9FNccKfc47W_KyO0kFoP/s400/DSC_0192.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flying Great hornbill on Gunung Raya.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BAghcwbGnEEUFn6laANixkr3oWtg03gXal0dPvsawGcVYsq-uWDdFGkf2ko6N6t0q1nd_frRkbPOgXte0loRh9CdlPEg9Y5oE3W7Nw-ArXJcrnmB00Uz1lO-1NaX-Nc47hlrGhFZtXcg/s1600/DSC_0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BAghcwbGnEEUFn6laANixkr3oWtg03gXal0dPvsawGcVYsq-uWDdFGkf2ko6N6t0q1nd_frRkbPOgXte0loRh9CdlPEg9Y5oE3W7Nw-ArXJcrnmB00Uz1lO-1NaX-Nc47hlrGhFZtXcg/s400/DSC_0108.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to stop in the middle of the road when I heard the call of the Wreathed hornbill to take this photo. This pair was wayyyyy up high so forgive me for the blur picture. The husband has a yellow gular pouch, while the wife has a blue one. Check out better photos in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreathed_hornbill" target="_blank">Wikipedia entry</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPbaNCx073bQq3S4Mr8PHehDt2y_H7cdB6crKsaxudhvAYO2XO8Sw0bgYf4KfdaPduFGZ8f3-KPcm3BoJcPP-_KeRYE96mgo7VxW9cxVcDqmNx0U4lR912ErvWgotr7n6W-psqIpXZyZM/s1600/DSC_0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPbaNCx073bQq3S4Mr8PHehDt2y_H7cdB6crKsaxudhvAYO2XO8Sw0bgYf4KfdaPduFGZ8f3-KPcm3BoJcPP-_KeRYE96mgo7VxW9cxVcDqmNx0U4lR912ErvWgotr7n6W-psqIpXZyZM/s400/DSC_0227.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male Oriental-pied hornbill eating a fig from a strangler fig tree at workplace.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_RhO2aHsBZpka1xMuP5qk3AYnpD4RkF0AhENqYGk7UQJWzbEw57FYSEQHKyOSpkVb1sUr_8xeM5ErN4ifZ74wF2acw_dvNHy_qJGv5eq4bOSfu_SdhkEOT9KuctO6Lvx0QoAFjdVuTwL/s1600/DSC_0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_RhO2aHsBZpka1xMuP5qk3AYnpD4RkF0AhENqYGk7UQJWzbEw57FYSEQHKyOSpkVb1sUr_8xeM5ErN4ifZ74wF2acw_dvNHy_qJGv5eq4bOSfu_SdhkEOT9KuctO6Lvx0QoAFjdVuTwL/s400/DSC_0238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8u9YIZyimK5t3vRX6mF4MZxDcIhdQ3OlH-VjjrMGV7bE_Itlr8EqRi9j-wT6GYAOA_HoFWt_vTVfLA_Wm9gQkzPcP1SAX5OiN32CRvuqyAfmXpK0C1Z3G757qIdOmTF3XhuY7Bzf7oFI/s1600/DSC_0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8u9YIZyimK5t3vRX6mF4MZxDcIhdQ3OlH-VjjrMGV7bE_Itlr8EqRi9j-wT6GYAOA_HoFWt_vTVfLA_Wm9gQkzPcP1SAX5OiN32CRvuqyAfmXpK0C1Z3G757qIdOmTF3XhuY7Bzf7oFI/s400/DSC_0278.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The resident Giant hornbill pair at my workplace on the same strangler fig tree as the Oriental-pied hornbill. The wife is in the top photo, while the husband is in the bottom photo. Beautiful pair!</td></tr>
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Another more challenging way to get up the mountain is by walking. Yes, you read that right, WALKING. There is a staircase of 4,287 steps up to a viewing point, and then a few hundred more metres of walking on paved road to the peak from there. This staircase is called Tangga Helang Seribu Kenagan, in terrible direct translation would be "a thousand memories/experiences of eagle staircase" and the start of this staircase is located at Lubuk Semilang, "catfish hole" in another terrible Jonathan direct translation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBtKhYYydNHjecl9QFK9BvwbTQdcQRVxlRNl_PD_7jRctB9TKbxQH5nT_o1yCLQysuq5o_5s2USXgHBx0Ue0jAwVX4o54VErP75cmdrsGoNfUEFwPo6iTVErbGytosCMZ6CYuu-07vySZ/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBtKhYYydNHjecl9QFK9BvwbTQdcQRVxlRNl_PD_7jRctB9TKbxQH5nT_o1yCLQysuq5o_5s2USXgHBx0Ue0jAwVX4o54VErP75cmdrsGoNfUEFwPo6iTVErbGytosCMZ6CYuu-07vySZ/s400/DSC_0032.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A part of the staircase to the top. Forgot which part. Haha.</td></tr>
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The walk is amazing because the staircase is built to lead you to the top through the rainforest and the flora there is beautiful! Large dipterocarp trees and lianas. Some of the trees are labeled with common names, probably the good work done by legendary traditional Malay medicine practitioner, <a href="http://herbwalk-langkawi.com.my/thewalk.html" target="_blank">Dr. Ghani</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj557p-NPDLvtmDH0tFTKrQ88uAckEDQ_6FaqS6o7FEWOjWhmZzRlJhVIdxmV83NrKZYvotvS-m3-nGzg_4ara32XMkBgBeBPvbDwwX89wydph0aWvNQsLZrSTul5MHOvX-G8MB_G3ZqpA-/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj557p-NPDLvtmDH0tFTKrQ88uAckEDQ_6FaqS6o7FEWOjWhmZzRlJhVIdxmV83NrKZYvotvS-m3-nGzg_4ara32XMkBgBeBPvbDwwX89wydph0aWvNQsLZrSTul5MHOvX-G8MB_G3ZqpA-/s400/DSC_0027.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what tree is this in English. Sorry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJz412WnYq82q9lphnAEUH8B32V4CQuXaJD7OunhFTLBePScCj3uCwtitvR9-PFtVLnDZH4ZvPXQm7sT8tOfD-qT7oTo3yNuYbi8ZkcgPx3pA8giOCCDZHpNxzDk9ma-PPSTNiU7XD0-8o/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJz412WnYq82q9lphnAEUH8B32V4CQuXaJD7OunhFTLBePScCj3uCwtitvR9-PFtVLnDZH4ZvPXQm7sT8tOfD-qT7oTo3yNuYbi8ZkcgPx3pA8giOCCDZHpNxzDk9ma-PPSTNiU7XD0-8o/s400/DSC_0033.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possibly a type of meranti tree (<i>Shorea sp.</i>). Super tall and large!</td></tr>
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Not much wildlife to see while walking along the staircase but I have seen some "flying" lizards (<i>Draco sp.</i>) resting well camouflaged on the tree trunks, some butterflies like the Malayan tree nymph (<i><a href="http://www.phuketnaturetours.com/Pages/THUMBNAILPOPUP.PHP?z=http://www.phuketnaturetours.com/Images/Butterflies%20500/Malayan%20Tree%20Nymph%2002%20-%20Khao%20Pra-Bang%20Khram%20WS.jpg&width=500&height=375&title=Malayan%20Tree%20Nymph%20%20-%20Khao%20Pra-Bang%20Khram%20WS" target="_blank">Idea hypermnestra</a></i>) that looks like paper fluttering in the air, Great hornbills, and Jumping spiders (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumping_spider" target="_blank">Salticidae</a>). And if you are a fan of mushrooms, you will be able to see plenty of this fabulous fungi about. (Check out my Gunung Raya Staircase album <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153402806622843.1073741917.752787842&type=1&l=1431da1110" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo_cEfCuP-s8y_m5DUpwa1c0NC350Vc7U9geFGbeuhwoMQI4-LxLzX7dMhu5AXwQ2W8vqs8bcedqn0D-dnWuYGint-JLiyHXV_CpPW4nzuFKUQ78Ej59p5mIGp-m5FFd6_-6BjnoqBzNJ/s1600/DSC_0101+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo_cEfCuP-s8y_m5DUpwa1c0NC350Vc7U9geFGbeuhwoMQI4-LxLzX7dMhu5AXwQ2W8vqs8bcedqn0D-dnWuYGint-JLiyHXV_CpPW4nzuFKUQ78Ej59p5mIGp-m5FFd6_-6BjnoqBzNJ/s400/DSC_0101+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another well camouflaged animal, the flying lizard (<i>Draco sp.</i>). So many camouflaged animals! It is as if they do not want to be found! Oh... Right...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBe70z5dNbkCtv-5uZQpQJx8e241tamI-EIEuJ0Zt0Ey6z9Oh760Yen877ZGR4DoOIJLoxjCKtKgeYiTQEqfbpTSCBRlw6-Jm4vPsCP6OVX8cPfv4ysruTAzKPVN96y8COQnZHwoQeHwp/s1600/DSC_0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBe70z5dNbkCtv-5uZQpQJx8e241tamI-EIEuJ0Zt0Ey6z9Oh760Yen877ZGR4DoOIJLoxjCKtKgeYiTQEqfbpTSCBRlw6-Jm4vPsCP6OVX8cPfv4ysruTAzKPVN96y8COQnZHwoQeHwp/s400/DSC_0064.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camouflaged fungi.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLhEjzi246NBmkH261_kGDlolwZW0wgJFlPgKp_x4_36ynHpDsqBgdc5TSXZJJWVKa7_RXJt5ObU3x1mv_63Zc9MXFBBp1FddIedxdX0VPEfF8P8M0so0oh-Plm768e-Oe658qgc-RIXf/s1600/DSC_0106+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLhEjzi246NBmkH261_kGDlolwZW0wgJFlPgKp_x4_36ynHpDsqBgdc5TSXZJJWVKa7_RXJt5ObU3x1mv_63Zc9MXFBBp1FddIedxdX0VPEfF8P8M0so0oh-Plm768e-Oe658qgc-RIXf/s400/DSC_0106+%25282%2529.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a type of Lantern bug (<i>Pyrops sp.</i>). Very beautiful.</td></tr>
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The first time I did this was with two friends. We walked up and down, then went for a nice dip in the creek/river at Lubuk Semilang at the end. It was quite scary because one of them almost fainted because of the lack of calories in the morning. (I asked them if they wanted to consume anything before but they declined. Noobs. Love them still.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DSsyNoW7SVliOpAkZAw2WI7eSaxkK-76UP8Vg4Q_0JebeNUYJX6AOZSiQrBEgdkNX0EzAFKcy3bVCq3Mg1MkADP0vMSXaAU4phMe5Wx7xY7VVfi7rq02J5DkZvQCe7E_WMnG0uQb2fS9/s1600/DSC_0114+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DSsyNoW7SVliOpAkZAw2WI7eSaxkK-76UP8Vg4Q_0JebeNUYJX6AOZSiQrBEgdkNX0EzAFKcy3bVCq3Mg1MkADP0vMSXaAU4phMe5Wx7xY7VVfi7rq02J5DkZvQCe7E_WMnG0uQb2fS9/s400/DSC_0114+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sebastian and I. We completed the walk up and down in about three hours.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaVjtC-cUc011IYRr7SatCwfqSHlGRINYstq9Q6zAtrKPp61F_CBg_vWmWHstnsjx-bcwe23mw6aIE1s_2qrcYNZnFHqSSvHiY_8iOzb2eznh6PrUxHYtwGcspH7_p1W2JmyHuTRS0N7p/s1600/DSC_0126+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaVjtC-cUc011IYRr7SatCwfqSHlGRINYstq9Q6zAtrKPp61F_CBg_vWmWHstnsjx-bcwe23mw6aIE1s_2qrcYNZnFHqSSvHiY_8iOzb2eznh6PrUxHYtwGcspH7_p1W2JmyHuTRS0N7p/s400/DSC_0126+%25282%2529.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The creek at Lubuk Semilang. There are deeper spots to swim in, where we swam.</td></tr>
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The second time I went up the staircase was for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bdbtriplechallenge2016/" target="_blank">BDB's Triple Challenge</a> Climb and Run event. I never joined a run before because I thought it is such a waste of money to pay to run on trails that you can normally do for free. But wow, my colleague who joined me on the run was right; once I start I am sure to do it again. I suppose it is because of the feeling of achievement at the end. But I digress...<br />
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The <a href="https://home.hooha.asia/BDBLangkawiClimbRun.aspx" target="_blank">Climb and Run</a> track started from Lubuk Semilang, then a run up the Eagle Staircase of Sweet Memories, before running down the mountain on the road, then a run on the main road back to Lubuk Semilang. I enjoyed this event. I thought it was well run (no pun intended). I had no problems going up the stairs (done in roughly 52 minutes) but the run down, gosh, painful. No problem on the run on the main road. I finished the event in two hours and 39 minutes, not bad for a newbie. (You can find the results of the event <a href="http://championchip.com.my/2016/BDB%20Langkawi%202016.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZBRJMfNmKNZObb4F7R-VTMGXDIBuSWcBMhzKCyIT2s-yOFmWP3F1enHpwTtKMOdpvI3DVTRpae6YIfs92M8E5HPN7zbnpTzV6QzoYLShULW2gCjTVEMBCmgmY6TyxLriQ7SiPpMZRfEP/s1600/IMG_20160604_100310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZBRJMfNmKNZObb4F7R-VTMGXDIBuSWcBMhzKCyIT2s-yOFmWP3F1enHpwTtKMOdpvI3DVTRpae6YIfs92M8E5HPN7zbnpTzV6QzoYLShULW2gCjTVEMBCmgmY6TyxLriQ7SiPpMZRfEP/s400/IMG_20160604_100310.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the end waiting for my colleague. Selfie taken using my Nexus 6P.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Other than battling the pain from running downhill, I had to do some last moment maneuvers to evade funky looking caterpillars descending using their silk from the trees above the road! Not sure what lepidopteran this is yet, but my boss tells me it is a type of moth. I am still awaiting the answer from one of the authors of the photo guide book on Butterflies of Langkawi.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7ld4IimvyU7Cz2t2C0DBNrbot2wamCTpG0tRU5j004Eu-ea-i3_cSK0VTQY4EwIIiyuJlSqUnGPt4gHELvOBqnVsgaiE-5V8srGCeHw0JxwcHTjOMxeLom_4nen3UeWJLds8rBKrmLz3/s1600/IMG_20160604_105950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7ld4IimvyU7Cz2t2C0DBNrbot2wamCTpG0tRU5j004Eu-ea-i3_cSK0VTQY4EwIIiyuJlSqUnGPt4gHELvOBqnVsgaiE-5V8srGCeHw0JxwcHTjOMxeLom_4nen3UeWJLds8rBKrmLz3/s400/IMG_20160604_105950.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg947GztTaBdD8dRFCELdVXbf2NLP-iB7h1QHlq6xeG3exSsmlOI_7CuB3ZTTIMT0lODA0z2JY1bjaWhKwl-akJs-T3VsWYuikJbaExoJAgVB64DCxLR2aDSu9JqcgkNgz7jEdH6zUiWXvT/s1600/IMG_20160604_110001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg947GztTaBdD8dRFCELdVXbf2NLP-iB7h1QHlq6xeG3exSsmlOI_7CuB3ZTTIMT0lODA0z2JY1bjaWhKwl-akJs-T3VsWYuikJbaExoJAgVB64DCxLR2aDSu9JqcgkNgz7jEdH6zUiWXvT/s400/IMG_20160604_110001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the funky looking caterpillar. Some people are calling it "Trump" for its uncanny resemblance to Donald Trump's <a href="http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2015_33/724776/donald-trump-today-150810-08_39b93f74c6eaa824caa74f78fc9d72c8.today-inline-large.jpg" target="_blank">hairstyle</a>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyway, if you do visit Langkawi, check out this magnificent granite of a mountain to enjoy the rainforest and the view.Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-82502380557556012042016-06-17T10:39:00.002+08:002016-06-17T10:40:10.326+08:00A Tiny Little Haiku.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6vZbsDp3EOUNdpUbFH0i6sy8cPjlOudnBEln4H-QinyUo_Ghiq3MkjgPM1jWJ9xPFDcvPL7sdAyF8GO3sor7hm95L4qb8h3jZOj01u8laAvte-yU6xrT69rDIcq-BOHOguA-Zg7FxGkk/s1600/DSC_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6vZbsDp3EOUNdpUbFH0i6sy8cPjlOudnBEln4H-QinyUo_Ghiq3MkjgPM1jWJ9xPFDcvPL7sdAyF8GO3sor7hm95L4qb8h3jZOj01u8laAvte-yU6xrT69rDIcq-BOHOguA-Zg7FxGkk/s400/DSC_0086.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny (Sir Tiny Tinyton), and I. See you in a month!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Tiny Bean Curd Boy,<br />Tiny Little Bean Bean Boy,<br />Tine Tine Bean Bean Boy.</h3>
<br />
A haiku of affectionate names of Sir Tiny Tinyton.Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-58733830206392730382016-06-17T08:51:00.002+08:002016-06-17T10:44:40.639+08:00A TIMID Public Service Announcement.Man, I am awful at this blog updating thing. Anyway...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Angus
was in love with Fay. Fay left and married another man. Devastated, Angus went
to an island trying to forget everything. Angus met Beth. Fell in Love. And the
rest is written in this book.</span></i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I was heading to the departure hall to
catch my flight back to Langkawi after an awesome time in Penang and then at
home. I walked pass a <b><a href="https://lejen.my/" target="_blank">Lejen Press</a></b>
bookstore that sells books written by local authors. I remember reading a
collection of shorts written by local authors compiled in a book called <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KLNoir/" target="_blank">KL Noir</a> </b>(it is a series of books with four installments after checking out the Facebook page, I read the first installment, Red) and thought I could find
something as good as KL Noir to pass time while waiting to board my flight. I made
a short u-turn and entered the bookstore, hoping to support the creative minds
of Malaysia. Being woken up by a silly dream of me being not ready for my SPM
Bahasa Malaysia exam in the morning, I asked the storekeep to point out an English novel to me. Dutifully, he showed me the only two books written in
English, by author A.B. Hashim.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span lang="EN-US">A.B.
Hashim was born in Alor Setar, Kedah on February 15, 1979… briefly attended
Universiti Malaya before dropping out… publishing his short stories and poems
online… from a small room in the town of Tronoh, Perak… moved to another small
room he rented in Damansara… mixes up … about young women and booze… dishing
out truths in ways unexpected… this writer is most sober when drunk… randombabblingsfromtronoh…</span></i></blockquote>
<i><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span lang="EN-US">To
women of my life, booze and sexy legs.</span></i></blockquote>
<i><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">After reading the description of the book
and the author’s short introduction of himself, then the super badass
dedication, I started <b><a href="https://lejen.my/produk/timid" target="_blank">Timid</a></b> with
some expectations that it was going to be an entertaining indie novel. I
read the first few pages and I was like YES! First person point of view, the
story is going to be engaging!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Angus, a writer who loves to drink and have
one night stands frequently, on an island trying to write a book so that he can
earn enough money to live his simple, alcohol fueled life. But he meets this
drunk lady, Beth, who is on the island to attend her cousin’s wedding. They had
a good night, had fun together the next few days, fell in love, blah blah blah,
made him forget about his ex-partner who he loved but broke his heart by
leaving him to be with another man.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Angus never fails to remind me that he is
in love with Beth, and foreshadowed a new life with Beth when he moves back to
the city. After Beth left the island and before Angus moved back to the city,
he sleeps with this Hilda lady. Then he moves back to the city and sleeps with
cougar Rita and never called Beth until after sleeping with Rita. He calls
Beth, lovey dovey, then sex (of course). While Beth is working, his former
sex-for-hire friend, Sara, comes to visit and sleeps with him after little to
no seduction. Angus wins the lottery twice, once while still on the island and
once in the city. Anyway, he starts a new life with Beth. And then in the end,
Angus "<i>began to write this story</i>". The
end.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">That's it?</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">:O<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Facepalm.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">OTL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">I bet I know how Beth would have felt if
she found out about Angus’ promiscuity. She would have been confused, betrayed,
disappointed, upset, sad, and angry. I know this not because of experience, but
because when I closed the book, I realised I have been cheated of my RM20.00 and my time (I
could have read a Sir David Attenborough book my baby girl bought me instead).
I am <u>confused</u> because the preamp to this book was so good, <u>betrayed</u> because I
thought publishers would sieve out terrible stories, like Timid, before
agreeing to publish them, <u>disappointed</u> because A.B. Hashim has stopped me from
wanting to spend my own money on other Lejen Press books, <u>upset</u> because I actually
finished this book and did not stop halfway, <u>sad</u> because I wasted RM20.00 on
this, and <u>angry</u> because of the wasted resources in printing this turd.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This book had no conflict, no climax
(though Angus did multiple times in Timid, so no pun intended?), no message, nothing. It reminded me of
yesteryears when I had to construct sentences using words given to me by my
teacher - they were just sentences. This book is just a collection of this sort of sentences. And I am not a grammar nazi but gosh, I became one while reading this
piece of shallowness.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The sex scenes… even the sex scenes are
terribly described! You would think that an author who dedicates a novel to
women and sexy legs would be able to transcribe hot sex fantasies but
nooooooooooo. A.B. Hashim failed at that horribly, like Angus failing horribly
to keep his member in his <i>pant </i>(yes,
a published novel had this small typo in it, <i>pant</i>)<i> </i>every single time a
woman walks up and speaks to him.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To conclude my one and only book review, DO
NOT BUY THIS BOOK. If you really think I am shitting you, I shall loan you
Timid. Consider this blog entry as a PSA to NOT purchase or read this book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Part of me wants to check out this guy’s
blog to gauge who he really is, to understand how and why would he write
something this bad, but I fear reliving the experience of Timid.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">PS: If somehow I am missing something important like this book being written as a satire, let me know.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">PPS: Turns out that the reading of Timid is not a total negative. I have decided to try creative writing and poems and to be courageous enough to share them on the interwebs. Because if something like Timid can be used to earn money, I am damn sure it is alright for me to delve into the realm of simple creative writing and poems. This is going to be fun.</span></div>
Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-4237764936358013002016-03-13T16:07:00.002+08:002016-06-23T14:02:23.957+08:00Corals and Coral ReefsI have recently launched a new interpretative walk at my workplace at the reef flat accessible by foot via the beach. So in preparation of the walk, I have done much reviewing on corals and coral reefs, and even learned new things along the way. And to help gather my thoughts for this reef flat walk, I thought I should share what corals and coral reefs are on this blog. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Coral_polyp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Coral_polyp.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyp">The anatomy of a coral polyp</a>. This form of polyp is<br />
known as a stationary polyp.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A reef is simply something located beneath the water's surface. A reef can be abiotic (not a living thing) ie. a ridge of rocks, submerged sandbanks, and shipwrecks, or biotic (living organism) ie. coral reefs. As the name suggests, coral reefs are made up of... CORALS! And yes, corals are living organisms.<br />
<br />
Corals are marine invertebrates of the phylum Cnidaria, which sea jellies and sea anemones are part of too. Being cnidarians, corals also have stinging cells for feeding and defense purposes.<br />
<br />
The coral head, which is what we see and enjoy on our snorkeling and SCUBA diving trips, and what creates a coral reef, is the colony/colonies of Scleractinian corals - corals that form calcium carbonate exoskeleton (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aragonite">aragonite</a>) for protection. (And since the calcium carbonate exoskeleton is hard and sturdy, Scleractinians are commonly known as hard or stony corals.) Inside the coral exoskeleton are genetically identical individual coral polyps, the coral animal itself.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>In Bahasa Malaysia, corals are known as Batu Karang, and "batu" means "rock/stone". I think some exclusive Bahasa Malaysia speakers may just think that corals are really just rocks and will definitely treat coral reefs differently compared to those who know the difference. Just something that conservationists should have in mind when working with local communities.</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i></i>There are two types of hard corals: hermatypic corals and ahermatypic corals. Hermatypic corals are reef builders, the one that we are all most familiar with (and the corals focused in this entry), and ahermatypic corals are hard corals that do not form reefs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2erjq_l12E8g3R8p-oftsv7KtJQ119Nq6xciriAlLs_iSeW-cwzKO6SM31e_FCW1y4C2_sveA_ggXTa1SOpfiEmdBCXIAWxJgNTHavPhhiu6tK-ake1pyM9vvg0jb6C-ZhKL5bBvbzjC/s1600/GOPR1646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2erjq_l12E8g3R8p-oftsv7KtJQ119Nq6xciriAlLs_iSeW-cwzKO6SM31e_FCW1y4C2_sveA_ggXTa1SOpfiEmdBCXIAWxJgNTHavPhhiu6tK-ake1pyM9vvg0jb6C-ZhKL5bBvbzjC/s320/GOPR1646.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v-BY1118L_hO4ynDPjp_amQkxeQYKsOrkpRnoP2LrlzdZAY03I4zj_04XDwHKPtywspm7Si68VImqD1WAje32QTlINqLz0SLgatM-IkacrYvYdc8y0G3iTh9goKpATMGHfnX0QrBSu42/s1600/GOPR1599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v-BY1118L_hO4ynDPjp_amQkxeQYKsOrkpRnoP2LrlzdZAY03I4zj_04XDwHKPtywspm7Si68VImqD1WAje32QTlINqLz0SLgatM-IkacrYvYdc8y0G3iTh9goKpATMGHfnX0QrBSu42/s320/GOPR1599.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Some hermatypic brain corals (Mussidae?) and hump corals (<i>Porites sp.</i>?). Bottom: Some ahermatypic solitary mushroom corals (Fungiidae). Both photos taken in Datai bay, Langkawi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Another significant difference between hermatypic and ahermatypic corals are the presence of photosynthetic single-celled dinoflagellates, known as zooxanthellae, in hermatypic corals. The zooxanthellae (</span><i style="text-align: center;">Symbiodinium</i><span style="text-align: center;">) and corals have a mutualistic relationship (benefiting both parties) with each other, whereby corals play host and protect the zooxanthellae within the coral polyps and exoskeleton while excess food created from photosynthesis get transferred into the coral polyps' cells for metabolism, growth, and reproduction. And since the corals respire to produce carbon dioxide and water, the zooxanthellae also benefit from easy access of inorganic carbon and a reducing agent for photosynthesis (visit </span><a href="http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/corals/media/supp_coral02bc.html" style="text-align: center;">this</a><span style="text-align: center;"> page for an animation to easier understand what you just read and </span><a href="http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/5/corals" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">this</a><span style="text-align: center;"> and <a href="http://www.marine.usf.edu/reefslab/documents/evol_ecol2007/Muller-Parker%26DeliaCh5_rev.pdf" target="_blank">this</a> pages to learn how corals acquire zooxanthellae). (Acquiring food from their endosymbionts are not the only way corals get food. Being cnidarians like sea jellies, corals have nematocysts as seen in the anatomy figure above, which can be used to stun their prey, like tiny fish, and digest them. But since the synergy between the corals and zooxanthellae is so efficient in most reefs, it is probably just easier for the corals to get food from their microalgae buddies.)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_818817206"></span></div>
<div>
<br />
Since the photosynthetic zooxanthellae require sunlight, coral reefs are found mostly in clear shallow waters and in tropical warm waters where sunlight is available all (or almost) year round. That is why recreational divers do not actually have to go super deep on their coral reef dives. (And zooxanthellae are responsible for the colourful submarine landscape!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coral-reef-info.com/image-files/world-reef-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.coral-reef-info.com/image-files/world-reef-map.gif" height="110" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://www.coral-reef-info.com/where-are-coral-reefs-located.html">Global distribution of coral reefs</a>. You can also check out <a href="http://data.unep-wcmc.org/" target="_blank">this really cool Ocean Data Viewer</a> on the global distribution of coral reefs. Both maps show that coral reefs are situated within the tropics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Importance of Coral Reefs</u><br />
Other than being great tourist attractions, coral reefs are home to a myriad of organisms (which is also a tourist attraction, heh) that is of importance to our livelihood, especially to coastal areas. Coral reefs are home to high biodiversity and high abundance of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, sponges, sharks and rays, echinoderms, planktons, macroalgae and etc. (apparently 25% of the ocean's biodiversity can be found in coral reefs)!<br />
<br />
We can harvest/use these coral reef organisms for seafood (<a href="http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/coasts/coral_reefs/coral_facts/">15 tonnes of seafood per km each year</a> from properly managed coral reef), production or in production of many things (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/14/9-incredible-uses-for-sea_n_526746.html#s77906title=Food_Additives">uses of seaweed</a>), medical research (<a href="http://evols.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10524/19259">antibacterial activity in marine sponges</a>), and they are tremendous carbon sinks, just like rainforests!<br />
<br />
Coral reefs are important carbon sinks because they trap a lot of atmospheric carbon dioxide by creating their aragonite calcium carbonate exoskeleton. Atmospheric carbon dioxide enters the ocean everyday to form carbonic acid, which is made of a bicarbonate anion and a "free" hydrogen cation. The corals will use the bicarbonate anions and <a href="http://www.mbari.org/chemsensor/ca/calcium.html" target="_blank">abundant calcium cations in seawater</a> to form their calcium carbonate exoskeletons, which will then house all the other living things that we benefit from.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 15.68px; text-align: left;">CO</span><sub style="line-height: 15.68px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">2 + </sub><span style="line-height: 15.68px; text-align: left;">H</span><sub style="line-height: 15.68px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">2</sub><span style="line-height: 15.68px; text-align: left;">O </span><span style="line-height: 15.68px; text-align: left;">↔</span><span style="line-height: 15.68px; text-align: left;"> H</span><sub style="line-height: 15.68px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">2</sub><span style="line-height: 15.68px; text-align: left;">CO</span><sub style="line-height: 15.68px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">3</sub></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Ca<sup>2+</sup> + 2HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>- </sup></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: helvetica, arial, freesans, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">--> </span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">CaCO<sub>3</sub> + CO<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top: Chemical equation of atmospheric carbon dioxide reacting with seawater to form carbonic acid. Bottom: Chemical equation of the combination of calcium cations with the bicarbonate anions from the carbonic acid resulted from the reaction between atmospheric carbon dioxide and seawater.</span></div>
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<u>Ocean Acidification on the Corals' Exoskeleton</u></div>
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You may think that the increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide (ie. from the combustion of fossil fuels) will benefit the corals and the other biota in the coral reef ecosystem because there will be more carbon dioxide available for the creation of calcium carbonate exoskeleton. The increase of carbon dioxide levels in seawater will decrease its pH (becomes more acidic, but not <7 acidic, just higher concentration of hydrogen cations), which can actually hinder the coral calcification process to build reefs; corals must then use more energy to form their exoskeleton. (Read <a href="http://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/ocean-acidification-25822734" target="_blank">this</a> article for more in depth explanation with plenty of chemical oceanography jargon.)<br />
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Nevertheless, coral reefs remain an important carbon sink for now, and hopefully for many years to come.<br />
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There is still much to write about coral reefs, especially the threats they face in a period of increase human development and climate change. (The example on how the increase in acidity of seawater affects the calcification of corals is just one of the many, many threats faced by corals.) I guess I will just have to save that topic for another time.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this entry. And like all the other entries in this blog, please let me know how I can improve in any way possible.<br />
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Enjoy the ocean responsibly! </div>
Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-80618696896542558082016-03-10T13:07:00.000+08:002016-12-18T13:20:42.072+08:00Kafe Simpang Datai (Datai Junction Cafe)The cafeteria food at my workplace can be... boring. It is edible, sometimes tasty, but sometimes nasty. Mr. Irshad (my boss) says the food at the cafeteria are prepared with no love, and I agree.<br />
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This place, Kafe Simpang Datai, is the opposite. They prepare delicious, home-cooked Malay dishes. When I am hungry in Langkawi, I think about this place. But they are only opened during the day, and is closed whenever I am really hungry and have free time, which is usually night time. (I think they are closed on Fridays.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILabkKl-Q9ioionbc79shcONVeuDTXTeSNype6Aq1IH2nzCk-TnB0U5Vfj6vA4Sxd2VOf72BmAOWgP2m8pPt_v6cVW9iIZiRtkw_48fahvOjLWScNFr_BDbfzkuwJqdKTMLGZ5W-QU96Q/s1600/IMG_20150528_121151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILabkKl-Q9ioionbc79shcONVeuDTXTeSNype6Aq1IH2nzCk-TnB0U5Vfj6vA4Sxd2VOf72BmAOWgP2m8pPt_v6cVW9iIZiRtkw_48fahvOjLWScNFr_BDbfzkuwJqdKTMLGZ5W-QU96Q/s400/IMG_20150528_121151.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good signage so you do not miss them while driving pass.</td></tr>
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Located at the Jalan Datai junction (hence the name), this "cafe" is known for the <i>nasi campur</i> (mixed rice) in the afternoon. They have a wide variety of foods; chicken, beef, mutton, seafood; grilled, curry, <i>sambal</i>; and most importantly, they have a few vegetable servings, which is the big reason why I like this place a lot. (Getting a dish with vegetables in Langkawi can be inconvenient and expensive. So this "mixed rice" meal concept at a place that prepares good vegetable dishes like this is just right for me.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOk-QSgIubvudyi3xRPEDauprfsH-NfREL2TuuqYdzK5wUHRU626Kai2mbBoMZOojdo5WFq6V5VwswVat-k_OH4HzFZ-v8R1nKzU1PlNhg9QdTf0SVzzmU9pFqmLDpfxhLAxD8ra8wLKpb/s1600/IMG_20150528_115547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOk-QSgIubvudyi3xRPEDauprfsH-NfREL2TuuqYdzK5wUHRU626Kai2mbBoMZOojdo5WFq6V5VwswVat-k_OH4HzFZ-v8R1nKzU1PlNhg9QdTf0SVzzmU9pFqmLDpfxhLAxD8ra8wLKpb/s400/IMG_20150528_115547.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yumz. Good variety of food.</td></tr>
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All mixed rice dishes prepared seem to be fresh. They also serve single, <i>goreng-goreng</i> dishes like fried rice and noodles, but I have yet to try those dishes. To be honest, I have no intentions of trying those other dishes. Come on, look at the mixed rice spread. YUMMY!<br />
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The place is clean too, and there is a restroom at the back. The only beef I have about this place is the inconsistency of the cost of your meal. Having this mixed rice meal concept can make pricing difficult and confusing for both the owner and patrons. But I always feel like the man charges my place of food according to his mood. Anyway, pricing is somewhat reasonable. (Although sometimes you can be charged KL prices for your meal.) One tip: Let the ladies do the counting. They tend to charge you on the lower end of the pricing spectrum. Hehe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHE0pFF8eKSr_XqGLVMga4lwU0iQEIWqSD-jSF_wepcOgQGuIE3j9Fyz0Eo3plerQnFNVRLBaov1bkof_V4PhrTRdjgZ5aU001KxGODogl416xjzQ1UWrXmMKxTHHco6plnp7LqWQ0VRg/s1600/IMG_20150528_115558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHE0pFF8eKSr_XqGLVMga4lwU0iQEIWqSD-jSF_wepcOgQGuIE3j9Fyz0Eo3plerQnFNVRLBaov1bkof_V4PhrTRdjgZ5aU001KxGODogl416xjzQ1UWrXmMKxTHHco6plnp7LqWQ0VRg/s400/IMG_20150528_115558.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is Mr. Irshad sitting down while the owner prices our meals. Clean and good lighting.</td></tr>
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Planned Trip Suggestion: Go up to Temurun Waterfall (Langkawi Falls to some), along Jalan Datai, in the morning around 10AM to enjoy a nice hike and a dip in cold water. Come down during lunch time around 12PM and eat at Kafe Simpang Datai. If you are visiting Langkawi during the early months of the year (January to March), try their squid dishes. Super fresh and tasty. For vegetables, pick long beans cooked in tumeric and some eggs or the <i>kangkung belacan</i> (water spinach with spicy shrimp paste). Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt8o36YNqocY6DqbMrUe0kPcI0CyyJ9iUoB1zqhq9sQQSY5TjeRaOgIBykdXC512m6qPcSKODSBA6clCJOda7aKGwTgMqnljIy0LHEqTuF79ZsauOK_iwPYbwllkfDiP-OZLYIAn9i2JO/s1600/IMG_20150528_115534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt8o36YNqocY6DqbMrUe0kPcI0CyyJ9iUoB1zqhq9sQQSY5TjeRaOgIBykdXC512m6qPcSKODSBA6clCJOda7aKGwTgMqnljIy0LHEqTuF79ZsauOK_iwPYbwllkfDiP-OZLYIAn9i2JO/s640/IMG_20150528_115534.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For my previous visit, I had the long beans cooked with tumeric and eggs, grilled spicy stingray, white rice, and some <i>sambal</i> (spicy sauce). Super tasty. </td></tr>
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Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497002332230386370.post-75045398727857452012016-03-09T18:48:00.003+08:002016-03-10T08:43:17.607+08:00First Post.This is maybe the second or third First Post on this blog. I have been lazy the past year and decided for a fresh start, well almost a fresh start. I am dedicated in investing my time and effort to make this blog thing work for a long period of time, instead of the usual four months. Hah.<br />
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All previous postings have been reverted back to Draft, so you will not be able to view them. I only plan to re-post some in the near future, after some editing of course.<br />
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For this edition of Life is a Zwitterion, I will include more labels as my vision for this blog is to not have a particular theme, but to write/journal about a wide variety of subjects. (I suppose this falls under the "Personal Blog" theme.) Some labels I have thought about are:<br />
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<ul>
<li><u>Daily</u> - for my everyday bleh entries</li>
<li><u>Nature</u> - basically anything I write about nature, may have some "serious" entries and some photo or video sharing</li>
<li><u>Food</u> - I enjoy eating and would like to try out reviewing some food and maybe restaurants</li>
<li><u>Travel</u> - some reviews and tips for when you decide to travel to the places I have been</li>
<li><u>Entertainment</u> - discussions and reviews of music, movies, TV shows, games, and etc.</li>
<li><u>Opinion</u> - my serious "two cents" about a particular topic</li>
<li><u>Faith</u> - I am Christian and would like to share my walk with God, from blessings to personal struggles</li>
<li><u>Langkawi</u> - since I am currently working in Pulau Langkawi, I think it is apt for me to write a little bit about this mystical island, maybe even the other 103 surrounding islands</li>
<li>Or a combination of multiple labels on relevant entries</li>
</ul>
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So yes, I think this will be enjoyable experience for me. It will definitely make my rest days more productive. Wish me the best, guys!</div>
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Similar to the previous First Post post on this blog, I will share a cover of Aphex Twin's Flim, my favourite track out of the entire discography of Richard David James:</div>
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(Since the previous First Post post, I have indeed listened to almost all of Aphex Twin's music. The majority of tracks is a little bit too weird, with all of those ambiance and repetitive trance tracks, for my liking, but Flim and Girl/Boy song are my favourite.)</div>
Jonathan Chandrasakaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00219519802140241230noreply@blogger.com2