Sunday, June 29, 2008

LANG TENGAH

LANG TENGAH

is another hot spot for diving, with its clear emerald waters are perfect spot for diving.Many Divers prefer to Dive around here as there are m,any colourful exotic marinelife from sharks to a school of Jacks and Various types of corals infact,


The Lang Tengah is famous for its variety of Coral ,both soft and hard corals perfect for snorkeling viewing the under water galery.The island is an easy access for the perfect place for a day trip as six diffrent dive sites offering diffrent marine prolific aquatic ecosystem have been identified in the vicinity including one with a large area of ''DENDRONYPHITHYA'' and another table coral on a regular 15 meter dive amidst a school of ''JACKS'' and ''TREVALLIES'' ,''YELLOWTAILS'' and ''RAINBOW RUNNERS''.


Late afternoon, is a the best time for diving, as residents of a ''BLACKTIP SHARK'' is often sighted around or near the resort.While two large ''GROUPERS'' have established themself a home near the resort door, occasionally ''BUMPHEAD PARROT FISH'' come into the reef situated infront fo the resort.For the Micro Photographer enthusiast, there are many great ''NUDIBRANHS'' can be found around.



The best time to dive here is when the Dry Season visited from April (Before the monsoon arrive) all the way to November(it cant be very good in early November as the Monsoon still lingers around some parts of the sea, depending on the weather including around late April)


The place is accesible by the Tanjung Merang Jetty, as the boat docks there, or the Hotel,s front Beach house near the shores of the beach.

THE ISLAND OF REDANG ARCHEPELAGO.

THE ISLAND OF REDANG ARCHEPELAGO.



The Archipelago is surrounded by Crystal clear waters and sandy beaches with pearly white shores that offers many colorful array of seculars marine life.

The view of the sunset is breathtaking overlooking the horizons and the underwater conditions of the sea is beautifully diverse in its underwater life, the coral underneath the waters of Redang could be the world,s most mature Coral garden in the world.

In the northern side of Redang Island is the famous turtle Sanctuary called the Diving Point where the Turtle bay is located as a Turtle conservation center here in Kuala Terengganu for studies and research purposes.


During the nesting season, baby turtles are hatched at night and tourist could see how the babies are release towards the sea.
Educational visits and camping can be organized by writing to the organization concern.around the southeastern end of Redang island, plenty of good diving and snorkeling site is situated here around many hot spots.



Trekking in Redang island is a good idea , there is a trail that leads from Pasir Panjang to Teluk Dalaman on the other side,of island take the path at the backyard of Redang Bay Resort and follow the marked trail. If you are lucky enough you might see harmless little animals such as mouse deers and the long tailed Macaque Monkey.

DIVING
...........
The Redang Archipelago is vast and wide where 9 island are surrounded around the Archipelago
which are,Pulau Redang,Pulau Pinang,Pulau Ling, Pulau Ekor, Pulau Tebu ,Pulau Kerengga Besar,Pulau Kechil ,Pulau Paku Besar,Pulau Paku Kechil and Pulau Lima.

Once Home to a few fishing families ,it is now one of the countries newest tourist destinations and has its place in the ''World top 10 most beautiful island ''.Around the southern end of the mainm island are some small offshore isles which include these isles are ,''the Kerengga Kechil and the Kerengga Besar'' the ''Pulau Ekor Tebu and the Large Rock'' known as ''LING''.

The reefs here are shallow in depth ,perfect for snorkeling activities, from here on, Veritable forest of Mushroom coral on the south western tip of Kerengga Besar can be found and view clearly within the perfectly clear waters here. A Huge area of Porities rising over 5 meter from the sea bed is a favourite diving site amongs locals and Diving enthusiast aroun Pulau Ling while ''Staghorns Corals'' are predominant in this area.


In the Northern part of the Archepelago from the main island Pulau Paku besar, and Pulau Paku Kechil are a favourites among divers.A bit further easwards, Pulau Lima have a deep location of Coral reefs.

So . .WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?

You can expect to see plenty schools of fishes swimming around together with Jacks, Golden Trevallies, Groupers, Coral Trout, Snappers and massive groups of Barracudas.The macro Photographers should keep their eyes open for Spanish dancers -Pink- Purple - aand Orange delights.

The seabed is the place to find different types of stinrays ,including Whale sharks, Manta rays and the occasional Tigger and Hammerhead Sharks.Definitely a hotspots for divers who love
to see sharks and stingrays.
You might even see turrtles , huge lombering letherbacks often swimming around , they often come above waters towards the beaches to lay their eggs in the sandy beaches of Redang island.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Bidong Archepelago

Pulau Bidong



The Pulau Bidong archipelago consists of Pulau Yu Besar, Pulau Yu Kechil, Pulau Gelok, Pulau Karah, Batu Tengkorak and Pulau Bidong. Pulau Bidong is located about 5 miles south of Redang, a 15-20 minute speedboat ride away.

From the late 70's till 1991, Bidong was a camp for Vietnamese refugees (boat people) fleeing from Communist persecution and hardship after the fall of Vietnam. As many as a quarter of a million refugees spent some time at Bidong throughout those years. At its peak, there were as many as 40,000 people living here. Today, all the refugees have been resettled in other parts of the world or have been repatriated home. After the last Rela Home Guard members left in 1999, travel restrictions on visiting the island were lifted.

Today, all that's left are decaying and dilapidated remnants that once belonged to a community known as 'Little Saigon'. It holds many memories for those who lived and worked there and there is rising interest for tours to the island by those who once passed through its doors.

bidong map

Map of Bidong dive sites. The islands of Pulau Yu are shown inset as they are outside the scale of the Bidong map.

Snorkelling and Diving

Bidong and its surrounding islands are fairly new diving destinations since visiting restrictions were only lifted in 1999 and due to their distance from Redang, are not as easily accessible as dive sites around the Redang Archipelago. Not many dive operators will bring divers out here unless special arrangements are made.Such arrangements of course are provided by our experenced divers.

For those who've had the opportunity to dive here, word has it that there is good visibility in the deep clear waters around Pulau Yu and the submerged reefs between Pulau Yu Besar and Pulau Yu Kecil, making this one of the better dive sites providing common encounters with schooling batfish and other reef life.some evenspotted Whale shark swimmng under,

The other notable site is Batu Tengkorak with a shallow depth of around 14 metres, providing opportunities to encounter schooling trevallies and barracuda, and a wide variety of other reef life amidst dense and scattered coral formations. For snorkelling, head for Pulau Gelok with its gently sloping coral reef off the beach, providing chance encounters with black tipped reef sharks.


And check out Pulau Karaks wide range of aquatic life,with all kinds of coral from the diversifying Chirstmas tree to many more reef life. this is the best place for snorkeling with clear water and low current able to see clearly under the underwater galery.

Monday, June 9, 2008

PADI Rescue Diver Course

Challenging and rewarding best describes the PADI Rescue Diver course. This course will expand your knowledge and experience level. Rescue Divers learn to look beyond themselves and consider the safety and well being of other divers. Although this course is challenging, it is a rewarding way to build your confidence. Rescue Diver training will prepare you to prevent problems and, if necessary, manage dive emergencies. Many divers say this is the best course they’ve ever taken. You'll cover:
Self-rescue and diver stress
Emergency management and equipment
Panicked diver response
In-water rescue breathing protocols
Egress (exits)
Dive accident scenarios

Emergency First Response
Take a step toward emergency preparedness and meet PADI Rescue Diver prerequisites with Emergency First Response. As one of the foremost international CPR and first aid training companies, Emergency First Response gives you the confidence to respond to medical emergencies -- not just in the diving world, but in your every day world with your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers too.


.Emergency First Response courses encompass:
.CPR for adults, children and infants
.First aid for adults, children and infants
.Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training
.The Emergency First Response Instructor and Instructor Trainer courses

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course

Move up and experience real adventure with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. As you step beyond the PADI Open Water Diver level, you make five dives and have the opportunity to try some of diving’s most rewarding and useful specialty activities, such as deep diving, digital underwater photography, wreck diving and much more. These skills make diving much more than underwater sightseeing. Plus, the Advanced Open Water Diver course takes you one step closer to Master Scuba Diver – the ultimate non professional certification in recreational diving.

With your PADI Instructor you complete the deep and underwater navigation Adventure Dives. These dives boost your confidence as you build these foundational skills. Then, you choose three additional dives from more than 15 Adventure Dives to complete your course. You can go diving at night, check out the local wrecks in the area or even fly through the ocean on a diver propulsion vehicle – all during your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.

Must be a PADI Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another training organization) and 15 years old (12 for Junior Advanced Open Water Diver)
Number of dives: Five dives
Adventure Dive options include altitude diving, AWARE-fish identification, boat diving, deep diving, diver propulsion vehicle use, drift diving, dry suit diving, multilevel and computer diving, night diving, peak performance buoyancy, search and recovery, underwater nature study, underwater navigation, underwater photography, underwater videography and wreck diving
Each Adventure Dive in the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course may credit toward the first dive of the corresponding PADI Specialty Diver course
Materials: Adventures in Diving Crew-Pak, Adventures in Diving manual and video and logbook

PADI Open Water Diver Course Details


  1. If you’ve always wondered what lies beneath the surface, now’s the time to find out. Start the journey of a lifetime with the PADI Open Water Diver course. It will change you forever.
    In the PADI Open Water Diver course, your PADI Instructor takes you through the basics of learning how to scuba dive. You start in a pool or pool-like conditions and progress to the open water (ocean, lake, quarry, etc.) getting the background knowledge along the way.
    At your own pace, you can complete the knowledge development portion of the PADI Open Water Diver course online with PADI eLearning.

  2. Earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification is just the beginning. As a certified diver, fabulous dive destinations, exciting people, unparalleled adventure and uncommon tranquility await you. And, as you continue your adventure and gain experience through higher training levels, your opportunities expand. For more details on the PADI Open Water Diver course,


Number of Dives: Five Confined Water Dives and Four Open Water Dives
Knowledge Development: Five sessions
Prerequisites: 10 for Junior Open Water Diver and 15 for Open Water Diver. Good health, reasonable fitness and comfort in the water.
Materials You’ll Need: PADI Open Water Crew-Pak, PADI Open Water Video or DVD, Log Book.
Equipment you’ll use during the course includes: mask, fins, snorkel, tank, regulator, buoyancy compensator, submersible pressure gauge and exposure protection as required by the local environment.
Becoming a diver opens a door to a whole new world. Open yours and step through

Friday, June 6, 2008

Monday, June 2, 2008

How to Get there

GETTING THERE


GETTING TO SUTRA BEACH RESORT/SCUBASEAHOUSE LOCATION
FROM KUALA LUMPUR
BY AIR


Malaysia Airlines (MAS) ,Air Asia nad Firefly offers regular daily flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu thru the Sultan Mahmud AirPort.MAS also arrives from Singapore and Firefly form Penang.

The national carrier Malaysia Airlines ( MAS ), Air Asia Pelangi Air fly to Kuala Terengganu on daily basis.
Mas Air Fares:


MALAYSIA AIRLINES ( MAS )
Tel : 603-78463000Website : http://www.malaysiaairlines.com.my/
AIR ASIA
Tel : 603-78457777Bookings Tel : 603-76512222Penang Tel : 604-2962222Sabah Tel : 6087-438222Kelantan Tel : 609-5912222Sarawak Tel : 6082-2832222Website :

http://www.airasia.com/
PELANGI AIR
Tel : 603-21624448Tel : 603-55110557Website : Nil
BY LAND
TAXI


Budget Services Vehicles :
Proton Wira,Klass and CT CabPassenger Capacity :Max 3 pax
Note :
Taxi from Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a prepaid service. You have to purchase coupons reserved for this service at the arrival concourse on Level 3 of the Main Terminal Building. Returned fares, valid up to 6 months are also available




By Car

- From Kuala Lumpur
Head east towards Kuantan. You will be driving on the Karak Highway (Highway 2) all through to Kuantan, which takes approximately 3 - 3½ hours. Once arriving on the outskirts of Kuantan town, it can get a little tricky. Head towards the Northeast, on highway 3 (the coastal road) or Highway 14 which will lead you to Kuala Terengganu.



From Kota Baharu~
, head South for Merang. This is a seaside village just outside of Kuala Terengganu. If you're unfamiliar.Kuala Terengganu is Terengganu's capital city. Merang is really where you should be going to catch a boat to Redang but you may have a bit of problem leaving your car as there are few long-term carparks. Ask your tour agent for further information on safe park.


- At Kuala Terengganu
either park your car at a designated safe park (a daily parking rate of RM4 - 7 fee will be levied) and then hitch a ride on the connecting shuttle to Merang village .all hassle free and arranged by your travel agent . OR make your own way to Merang village and park at the seaside restaurant and resort. The only problem with this arrangement is that from here to the Merang jetty.is a pretty long way off and lugging all that dive equipment etc will put out even the most enduring, enthusiastic, hungry-for-a-holiday-holidaymaker! Unless a taxi happens to drive by on this quiet stretch of beachfront, you'll have to make it to the jetty on foot.best to take the Limo from the airport if youre from the airport, either taxi,s or buses.


MAP OF KUALA TERENGGANU



Sutra Beach Resort is located 30 minutes from the Sultan Mahmud Airport and another 10 minutes from Kuala Terengganu






MAP TO SUTRA BEACH RESORT









Sutra Beach Resort is situated amidst the rustic fishing village of Merang, Terengganu. Miles and miles of white sandy beaches and clear sparkling water fronting the islands of Redang, Perhentian, Kapas & Bidong,












Leisure Dive

Escape to a diffrent world

Scuba takes you to a different world with new colors, shapes, textures and creatures

take on a new dimension. Become a scuba diver and escape to a peaceful place to renew your energy and excite your senses


Explore new places.

Scuba diving frees you to explore the underwater world – from historic shipwrecks and pristine reefs to the mysteries of your local quarry. Become a scuba diver and explore what you’ve been missing.


Experience a connection with nature; a feeling of freedom, and a transformation. Diving connects you with nature. It immerses you in new sensations and experiences. It transforms your perception of life forever. Become a diver and transform yourself.