Monday, April 20, 2009

ENCHANTING ISLAND






ENCHANTING TIOMAN ISLAND

(edited july 09)


Pic courtesy from Wee Liem


Me with my new phone camera. My exact similar model but in orange skin was robbed just a week ago.. :(

I was more upset that it didn't come in orange more than anything else. Why stopped producing that? Why does everything have to change so quickly?? Just as i am comfortable with something, they tell me, it's OUTDATED!! But i guess i like familiarity. I remember buying the earlier phone because i liked the colour. Now i am getting the same one because i am familiar with the functions and features, so i like it that way.

Does that sound like old age or what?




Anyway, I had just returned from an island hopping trip, snorkeling for the last few days and jungle trekking with a bunch of the coolest people from the Nature Society- exhausting but totally awesome!


My first day here..what a view!



I am never much of an outdoor kind of a person. So when i read in the e mails that was circulated just days before the trip concerning leeches and poisonous leaves in the jungle..er, that didn't thrill me too much. Blood sucking leeches? Yiiiikes!


Another serious consideration for me to pull out was the need to find my way to meet the other fellow members of the Nature Society at the City Centre Bus Terminal just half an hour before midnight was undoubtedly the greatest challenge for me. Especially not when i had comments from other friends who called me and said "This isn't the airport, you know that.. so you can't like, get there early and browse around safely.."


Apart from the recent trauma of being robbed right in the open alfresco-like setting in full view of many other people around me while i was having dinner with my boys one evening recently had left me extremely nervous whenever strangers would walk up to me ever since or whenever i hear faster paced steps near me in public places. You might ask, "What? No one came to your rescue?" Steven Seagal was not there, unfortunately.. so, no. And the Bus Terminal did sound like a pretty scary place to be especially at that hour. And when was the last time since i had boarded a bus? Nevermind.


I almost didn't make it for this trip if it hadn't been for my sister. I would have otherwise missed out on one of the most enjoyable times of my life and meeting so many good and wonderful people all in one place.



Pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye


The marine fishes and coral reefs, the rough waters (just intermittenly fortunately) and boat rides, the jungle, the fruit bats and even saw a bright green long snake just crossing my path... had been such an experience!




Waking up early to catch the sunrise..

I also enjoyed getting up early to catch the sunrise and watching the sunset.. just so..oooooo sooo awesome of seeing the watercolours of God's art masterpieces in the skies unfolding before my eyes !!!!




























Watching the "watercolour art of God's masterpieces" unfolding..











There were always a bunch of serious photographers clicking away.. while me- quite a joke huh? Nevertheless, my convenient Sony Ericson K770 i handphone camera didn't do too badly for me, really. Just can't do too much cool stuff of detailed close shot pictures though.




Serious Photographer at work

(most of the pics used were borrowed from this very kind and generous pro-photographer's work. It was amazing to see what he has captured through his lens/eyes. His work is National Geographic Magazine material. He is certainly one gifted mortal. Need i say more? )


Aside from the fun and experiencing nature at its best in all the adventure activities, there was also a "Beach Cleaning Up" activity slotted in. It was to create awareness that we should all do our little part in preserving our environment for our future generations so that they too will be able to enjoy what we have now.


Most of all, i admire the Spirit that i see in the participants of this trip. No matter what their ages were, they were always so enthusiastic, so ready to live life and willing to give anything a go in the name of fun!









Same spot, different time of the day






*The waters were so beautiful!


Notice the dark shadows beneath? A fellow member had earlier told me that she had observed it for some time from the pier and was convinced that it was definitely not some huge rocks or boulders but was some huge monster fish as it had moved to several different spots in the water.

When she told me that, i thought to myself, "No way am I getting in there! A fish as huge as that would gobble me up for snack in no time at all!!" Not a pretty way to go unless it's a quick big chomp and a quick gulp down and poof* (vanishes).

After much persuasion by other fellow members of coaxing me into the waters with them, (i didn't tell them about the fish tale i had heard earlier.. the expressions on my face says enough already ). I finally gave in only because i was lured by the very cool looking colorful gears they had donned on. And, am i glad to get in there with them! Oh my, it was simply glorious down there! It felt like a different world down there- a different dimension, a world so mysterious, another plateau altogether.

And the dark shadows? I found that they really are just large schools of tiny little fishes together! (Eyes rolling up. )





Pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye









Some of the members singing along to some familiar folk songs..





Rocking movement and motor engine running.. not hard to see why anyone can easily drift off into a sweet restful slumber..






The twin Peaks, simply spectacular!


Pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye


Pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye





Pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye
My first attempt at Snorkeling. There were always many willing and helpful fellow members and friends closeby to help .

The part i might actually miss doing :
spitting into the goggles.



..also, i think of Nemo when i see myself here !


A pic always inspires differently for different people..

i think of cold chilled beer running down one's dry throat on a hot summer's day when i see this pic of the waves breaking on the shores.. (even though i'm no ardent fan for beers ;)








At the jetty. I took a walk up to the jetty each morning i was there. The whole experience felt quite spiritual.. maybe it's the being alone, one with nature integrated .. and the beauty reminds you of the Genius Creator who made it all.




A short trek in to get to the inviting cascading descent of the waterfalls..









Many friends that i'd met on this trip who now remains active on my phone list and Facebook.




Pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye




Pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye




Pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye
Rafflesia is a genus of parasitic flowering plants. It is noted for producing the largest individual flower on earth. It occurs only in the rainforests and has a penetrating smell more repulsive than any buffalo carcass in an advanced stage of decomposition.





pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye


pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye


pic courtesy by Mr FC Khye


Cry me a river mama! .. I don't want this to end!



fl

36 comments:

Sunny said...

Oh my! Silver, I bet this journey has done wonders for your soul :)

((BigHugs)) I'm so happy for you!

Awesome pictures and made me feel like I was right there!! :)

I like how we can 'click on them' and the photos get big! Awesome!

Loved your entry and pictures! Thankyou for taking us along!!

~Judy

Lois Christensen said...

What beautiful pictures! I love the ones of the sunset! Looks like you had a great time!

Rikkij said...

Hey Silver! nice post-great pics! I must have (2) email addresses for you, thus my confusion the other day. I did mean that for you. How did I get two different emails? oh well. Glad the trip was wonderful.~rick

SILVER said...

Oh my Rick..

Now you're starting to worry me.. i thought i was the only one affected by those nasty things that aging does to people..hehehe..

and yes.. i did stop for a moment and thought that, funny.. more than one friend of yours had the same problem.. ;P

SILVER said...

Judy-
It did! it really did. it's so good to be out in the sun and the people were all so nice, warm and approachable and fun!

Wish I could REALLY take you along too!!!!


Walking on Sunshine-
Great time? One of the best!

Linda S. Socha said...

So glad the trip was great! Love the photos
Linda

miruspeg said...

Well this is a delightful post Silver and beautiful photo of your snorkeling holiday.

Spending time away is so wonderful for the soul. And you stepped outside your comfort zone and confronted your fears....way to do girl.

Namaste
Peggy

Marie Reed said...

Oh Silver! I'm so delighted that you are back, happier, and healthier! It looks like you enjoyed a little piece of heaven! All the photos are just breathtaking!

SILVER said...

Linda!
Just awesome! Nature is beautiful..! and the people- the coolest bunch ever!

Peggy!
yeah.. i was pretty nervous at trying new things especially taking the waters- but once i got my breathing techs right and going.. it was so fun, I just didn't want to come out, ever!

The feeling could be a close similar to yours on the mountain??


Marie!
Yeah.. got so many great pix..had a hard time deciding actually!! but staying away from my face pix could help narrow that down a little!!

I had missed visiting you..got some catching up to do!! Loved your latest postcard post!

laughingwolf said...

pretty awesome pics, sil... glad you had fun :)

sorry you were robbed :(

kevtcs182 said...

a good blog is back....!

SILVER said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SILVER said...

laughing wolf-
i did have so much fun!! Best ever!

robbed-- :( yeah..that. That's only half the story. (Will tell you more in the e mail.)


kev- :) thanks Kev. You're a wonderful friend!

miruspeg said...

Hello again
Answering your question about that mountain I climbed, it was a little bit exhausting physically but I was never fearful of anything happening to me. I have done alot of outdoor activities over the years and love challenges.

I am just so pleased you enjoyed your snorkeling experience. I have done quite a bit of snorkeling myself and think it is a magic world down there....so peaceful.

The next thing I would love to try is swimming with dolphins....that would be heaven.

Big hugs
Peggy

SILVER said...

Peg-
maybe we can do this together sometime!! Swimming with dolphins!

Australia.. here i come!

Deb said...

Silver,

sounds like you had a wonderful time, awesome photos! Glad your home safely!!

Tara said...

Hey friend! I have so missed you. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous. I am so jealous! So glad you had such a great trip.
Missed Ya!

Judanna said...

Beautiful pictures, looks like you had fun. Lucky girl. hugs.

SILVER said...

Deb-

So blessed-

Judanna-

Missed you girls too!! Did you spot Nemo ?? hehe..

Anonymous said...

wei great pics..somehow your sunrise pics turns out better than mine one!!;)

It was great fun and definitely great to have met you...;)

have a good time getting off your butt and joining the rest of us slaving away..heheh

have a good weekend..
leesah

SILVER said...

Lee Sah-
Huh? Seriously??

Yeah, come Monday.. my lazy bummin days are OVER! Time to get back to WORK!!

You too, have a great week-end!!

Loretta said...

Hello my dear friend! So good to see your comment on my site. It looks like you had the trip of a lifetime and memories to last you forever. You took some amazing pictures! I am so glad to know you are home safe and sound. We all missed you so much! Have a sweet day Silver. Hugs, Loretta

Judanna said...

Hi Silver Moon, I am still following your blog and I am still on your List. I changed my picture to horses. Hugs and kisses, Judanna ^j^

McMGrad89 said...

Great trip! I loved your photos. You did an amazing job documenting your adventure.

SILVER said...

Loretta-
hey girl..i'd missed you too!! feels just like home here.."poppin in" like sticking my head in you guys' "homes" (blogs) and saying "HOWDY!"

So good to be back and home, sweet!

SILVER said...

Judanna-
yeah. so I noticed! i like this one too. (the other one of you on the grass was nice too.) Hugs & kisses in return, girl!


Anne!
Oh you shd have seen the rest of the 100+ pics. It was easy to narrow down when i had to pick only those best ones(same place) and without a clear view of my face (!)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

What beautiful and stunning pics! Looks like a trip of a lifetime. Cindy

The Stylish House said...

Silver,
I am thrilled for you! What a wonderful experience, and I loved your great photos! Traveling really opens our eyes to different lifestyles and experiences.
Cathy

Jeannette StG said...

Waauw, this is an awesome trip - looks like you really enjoyed it, and refreshed you. Twin peaks , the water, the sunset...I want to go there!!!
thanks for sharing:)

SILVER said...

Cynthia-
uh, one of the best!

SILVER said...

Cathy-
now i know why so many people are hit with the travelling bug these days!

it can get infectious. ;P

SILVER said...

Jeannette-

Would be a shame not to!!

i think it can be really fun when it's with a group and this group that i had the privilege of meeting were such wonderful, wonderful people.

This had only been only my first trip with this group (or any big group like this one) So i don't know if they usually have this much fun usually! I should think it is.

Suzie Button said...

Silver, what a magnificent display of beauty were your depictions of your trip! It made me go AH! and ohhh... just such a calming visual. I'm glad you went too! Thanks for popping by the other day on my blog too! Suzie

Anonymous said...

Yup...time to upgrade and get one fo those canggih cam already...heheheh...

Hows first day?

leesah

SILVER said...

Suzie-
It is like a fantasy island, really. Quite magical. A great place to get away and be lost in the aquamarine waters and gorgeous beauty of nature!

Can't even beat the real thing had you been there, Suzie! You just got to be able to take a 360 (oops shucks- how do you do degrees here..?) in person!

SILVER said...

lee sah!

first day.. was a breeze. y'know how the FIRST WEEK usually is..

maybe i'll even get my fluffy pillow in ..hehe..(kidding!!!)

hope you didn't suffer Monday blues like some of our friends..;)